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For Immediate Release,February 26, 2008
Contact: Kelly Lessard (952) 431-9217
Russia’s Grizzly Coast to open June 7
Apple Valley, MINN –In just 100 days, the Minnesota Zoo will open its biggest project to date: Russia’s Grizzly Coast.
“We started planning this new exhibit back in 2002, and construction has been underway for 20 months,” said Minnesota Zoo Director/CEO Lee Ehmke. “Over the years, we've built a great team of zoo staff, project managers, designers and a talented group of contractors under the direction of MA Mortenson Company–all focused on delivering a fantastic experience for our guests and a beautiful and comfortable home for the many new animals who will call Russia’s Grizzly Coast home.”
As the centerpiece of a $30 million improvement program now under way, Russia’s Grizzly Coast will take guests on an exploration of three main areas of Russia’s Far East. Along the coast, guests will experience sea otters playing in the water among unique dramatic formations. Next is the volcanic land of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula where geysers, mud pots, and lava tubes provide a spectacular backdrop for massive grizzly bears. The journey continues to a place that is reminiscent of the forests of Minnesota. Heavily wooded, the southern tip of Russia is home to wild boar and two of the world’s largest and most endangered cats: the Amur leopard and the Amur tiger. The exhibition then connects with the Zoo’s Northern Trail featuring additional animals from northern biomes like the Asian steppe, tundra, and taiga.
The Russian Far East is one of the last great wilderness areas on earth, home to an amazing diversity of animals including some of the world's largest predators. But the environment and animals of this area are in danger. The Minnesota Zoo—and the new Russia’s Grizzly Coast exhibit—will play an important role in educating and promoting conservation of this little-known but extraordinary place. This part of the world is a great fit for Minnesota because both regions are located along the 45th parallel. This will be the first exhibit of its kind featuring the region, landscapes, and animal combinations of the area.
The program also includes a family-friendly renovation of the Zoo’s Central Plaza.
The Minnesota Zoo is open 363 days a year and is just minutes south of Mall of America. For more information, call 952.431.9500 . The Minnesota Zoo is located in Apple Valley, just minutes south of Mall of America. For more information call the Zoo information line at 952.431.9500 or visit mnzoo.org. The Minnesota Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA).
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