Minnesota Zoo Media Contact

If you are a member of the press, please contact:

Kelly Lessard
Public Relations
Minnesota Zoo
13000 Zoo Boulevard
Apple Valley, MN 55124
952.431.9217 direct
952.431.9300 fax
kelly.lessard@state.mn.us

 

 

Press Releases

Minnesota Zoo is Back in Business

Apple Valley, MINN – July 2, 2011 – The Minnesota Zoo is excited to announce that it is back in business after a favorable ruling from District Court Judge Gearin. The Zoo will re-open tomorrow – Sunday, July 3 – at 9 a.m.

Said Minnesota Zoo Director/CEO Lee Ehmke: "This afternoon, we received an order from Justice Kathleen Gearin that authorizes the Zoo to use our earned and contributed revenue to operate the Zoo. I cannot thank Judge Gearin enough for her thoughtful consideration and timely disposition of this case, particularly in the light of the enormous volume and complexity of cases before her. She recognized in her order that we were not arguing that public operation of the Zoo was a 'core, critical government service,' but instead correctly interprets the statute which provides that revenue earned by the Zoo be appropriated to the Zoo for its operations. The Zoo earns over 71% of our total operating budget, and during the busy summer months we earn a large portion of that total. By re-opening the Zoo, the strong public/private partnership and business model we have developed will be back on track. Minnesotans will again be able to enjoy one of the State's great cultural institutions. The state budget impasse has been difficult for all Minnesotans, and the Zoo appreciate the enormous responsibilities being borne by the Legislature, Governor Dayton, and his Commissioners. We look forward to continuing to work with all parties to help our state move forward in a positive way."

Beginning tomorrow, guests entering the Minnesota Zoo will enjoy a beautiful, brand-new entrance that was completed as part of "Heart of the Zoo – Phase One" and we are just days away from the July 9 opening of our 3M Penguins of the African Coast exhibit.

There is still a lot of summer left at the Minnesota Zoo! Come out and enjoy the beautiful weather, exotic and domestic animals, a Splash Pad for the kids to cool off in, and other events and activities throughout the summer.

Minnesota Zoo Exhibit/Event Information

Military Family Week – extended through July 8, 2011
The Minnesota Zoo is offering FREE admission for military personnel (active, retired and civilian) and discounted admission for their family members. In addition, military personnel will receive a $2 discount on all shows to the Great Clips IMAX Theater and 20% discount on all food purchases. (Proof of military service is required).

NEW! 3M Penguins of the African Coast
July 9, 2011
Waddle your way to the Minnesota Zoo for the grand opening of the new 3M Penguins of the African Coast exhibit. For the first time, guests will be able to experience these amazing aquatic birds eye-to-eye, above and below water, in a replica of their spectacular, wild habitat on South Africa's famed Boulders Beach. Microphones allow guests to hear the penguins' loud braying calls, the origin of their nickname, "jackass" penguins.

Dr. Seuss is on the Loose" – extended through Mid-August
The Zoo is the exclusive Minnesota home to several life-sized bronze sculptures of the characters made famous by Dr. Seuss. Look for them along with several storybook displays--great for family photo-ops. In addition, guests can participate in a Dr. Seussinspired scavenger hunt. Dr. Seuss is on the Loose is made possible with support from Target and Think Mutual Bank. The Dr. Seuss traveling exhibit is organized by Chase Art Companies and curator, William W. Dreyer. ™ & © Dr. Seuss Enterprises L.P. 2011. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.

Odessa's Magical Menagerie – through September 5, 2011 (Fridays–Sundays & Monday Holidays)
Explore the wonders of the world around us with Odessa's Magical Menagerie, a new puppet performance taking place in the Target® Learning Center. Follow eight-yearold Odessa and her many animal friends as they discover and learn all about biodiversity in the tropical rainforest, a coral reef, the Northwoods and even in her own backyard. This 25-minute show is free with paid Zoo admission on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday Mondays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. Odessa's Magical Menagerie was made possible by a generous grant from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment.

The Minnesota Zoo is located in Apple Valley, just minutes south of Mall of America. For more information, call 952.431.9500 or visit mnzoo.org. The Minnesota Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and an institutional member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).