Five years ago, the transformation began.  The Minnesota Zoo launched Heart of the Zoo, a comprehensive campaign that combines support from the State of Minnesota and the private sector to create a world-leading Zoo.  To date, this extraordinary partnership has exemplified the very best of what can be accomplished when our State and our communities work together.  Since the campaign launched, we have secured and invested more than $72 million, creating an institution that can be a point of pride for all Minnesotans.

Summer 2011: Opened 3M Penguins of the African Coast, Cargill Environmental Education Center, Target^® Learning Center (indoor theatre) and new South Entry.
Click on an image to enlarge

3M Penguins of the African Coast

Cargill Environmental Education Center

Target® Learning Center

Summer 2009: Opened Woodland Adventure
Click on an image to enlarge

Woodland Adventure

Woodland Adventure

Summer 2008: Opened award-winning Russia’s Grizzly Coast
Click on an image to enlarge

 

 

 

 

Summer 2007: Opened renovated Medtronic Minnesota Trail
Click on an image to enlarge

 

 

 

 

New projects include:

Dholes (Asian Wild Dog) exhibit: Scheduled to open in December 2011 on the Northern Trail
Click on an image to enlarge

Dhole

Coral Reef renovation:  Scheduled to reopen in Spring 2012
Click on an image to enlarge

Coral Reef

Black bear exhibit: Scheduled to open in Fall 2012 on the Medtronic Minnesota Trail
Click on an image to enlarge

Black bear exhibit

The transformed Minnesota Zoo provides opportunities for guests to experience emotional connections with wildlife, learn about science and conservation, and gain a greater appreciation for the wild places that sustain animals – and people -around the world.