About UsContact UsNewsroomMembershipJobs/Volunteer   Search
Minnesota Zoo
Guests
General Info
Show Times
Monorail
Party Planner
Sponsor an Animal
Membership
Donations
Events
Events
Travel
Education
Animals
Conservation
 
         
 

Prairie Dogs

 

   

Hole up with a Black-tailed Prairie Dog Today!

Sponsor Now

The Minnesota Zoo’s Northern Trail is home to a coterie of black-tailed prairie dogs. These social animals have a complex communication system and dig more elaborate burrows than any other rodent. Prairie dogs help keep prairie ecosystems healthy by aerating the soil and moving new soil to the surface.

Loss of prairie habitat to agriculture and other human encroachment has caused a drastic decline in the numbers of prairie dogs. This population decline has had a devastating effect on the North American black-footed ferret, which preys almost totally on prairie dogs and lives in their abandoned burrows. Unable to adapt to a different lifestyle, the black-footed ferret has become North America's most endangered mammal.

Your gift will help us provide the best possible care for our prairie dogs and for all of the animals at the Minnesota Zoo, while also continuing our conservation efforts both here at home and around the world.

Your $50 sponsorship includes:

  • TWO 3” plush prairie dogs OR Peeking Prairie Dogs by Christine Zuchora-Walske. Written for ages 5-7 but with adorable color photographs and interesting facts that will be appreciated by all ages, this nonfiction book is a great introduction for young naturalists and animal lovers. (You will be sent the plush unless you indicate otherwise).
  • An animal sponsorship certificate
  • A prairie dog trading card with a photo and fun facts
  • The satisfaction of knowing you are making a difference at the Minnesota Zoo!

Your $100 sponsorship also includes:

  • The World That We Want by Kim Michelle Toft, a children’s book about conservation.

Your $250 sponsorship also includes:

  • A personalized plaque with a prairie dog photo.

Make your sponsorship donation online, or for more information contact Shannon at 952.431.9447, 1.800.366.7811 extension 447, or Shannon.Rhatigan@mnzoo.org.

Get more information about prairie dogs.