For Immediate Release: July 11, 2007
Contact: Kelly Lessard 952.431.9217

MINNESOTA ZOO REPORTS SUCCESSFUL YEAR
ATTENDANCE GOAL EXCEEDED

Apple Valley, MINN – The Minnesota Zoo today reports an attendance increase for its just completed 2007 fiscal year (July 1, 2006–June 30, 2007). The attendance figure of 1,030,414 guests exceeds the 1 million goal for 2007 and is an increase over the preceeding year of more than 38,000 guests. The Zoo’s membership base also reached an all-time high in 2007 with more than 33,000 households (3% over goal).

“The past year has been an extremely successful one for the Minnesota Zoo,” said Zoo Director/CEO Lee Ehmke. “Our steadily increasing attendance and membership are evidence of the growing community support for the Zoo's mission. With the opening of the new Minnesota Trail in July and next summer's long-awaited debut of Russia's Grizzly Coast, we expect these encouraging signs of growth to accelerate. We are well on our way to becoming one of North America's truly great zoos.”

During fiscal year 2007, the Minnesota Zoo also saw increased support from the State Legislature, much-needed improvements in the physical plant, increased participation in the Ulysses S. Seal Conservation Grant Program and increased participation in its education programs. The Zoo will also welcome its 30 millionth guest sometime this summer.

The new Minnesota Trail opened July 7, 2007 after a year-long renovation. It now includes exciting exhibits for raccoons, coyotes and gray wolves together with long-time residents like beaver, otter, puma and lynx. Smaller Minnesota favorites, like turtles, frogs and salamanders are featured in the exhibit’s “trailhead,” a warm and welcoming lodge. Along the Trail, guests experience a variety of Minnesota landscapes, ranging from views into a beaver pond, a walk alongside a northern forest glade and a bird-watching perch in the treetops.

Set to open in the summer of 2008, Russia’s Grizzly Coast will feature grizzly bears, sea otters, wild boar, Amur leopards, and a brand new Central Plaza. For a combined cost of $30 million, it’s the Zoo’s largest project since the opening of Discovery Bay in 1997.

The Minnesota Zoo is located in Apple Valley, just minutes south of Mall of America. For more information, call the Zoo’s Information Line at 952.431.9200. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).