The Momentum is Building!

Heart of the Zoo Groundbreaking

One June 21, 2010, Governor Tim Pawlenty joined Zoo Director/CEO Lee Ehmke and many supporters in a groundbreaking celebration of the $20 million Heart of the Zoo - Phase One project, that includes a new penguin exhibit, Cargill Environmental Education Center, Target Learning Center and upgrades to the main entrance.

Minnesota Zoo Again Tops 1.3 Million in Attendance

For the second year in a row, the Minnesota Zoo attracted more than 1.3 million guests, exceeding its attendance goal by more than 11 percent. A total of 1,338,581 million guests visited the Minnesota Zoo this past fiscal year, which ended on June 30. This was the second highest yearly attendance in the Zoo’s 32-year history.

Making a Difference through Conservation

The May issue of Minnesota Monthly profiles the Minnesota Zoo and highlights recent efforts to enhance the Zoo – especially in the Zoo’s leading conservation efforts. Minnesota Zoo CEO Lee Ehmke explains how the Zoo has taken action already – such as in the hiring of leading conservation biologists – and will be taking action in the future – including new and exciting exhibits. Read the entire article here.

Heart of the Zoo in the Star Tribune

On March 25, the Star Tribune featured the Minnesota Zoo’s Heart of the Zoo project. Complete with graphics and illustrations, the article details upcoming improvements included in the project. The story also highlights the successful efforts of the Minnesota Zoo – and Minnesotans for a Great Zoo – to secure state funding for the project and other needed improvements. Read the entire article here.

Governor Pawlenty Signs Bonding Bill – Minnesota Zoo to Receive $21 Million  
Governor Pawlenty has signed a bonding bill that is great news for the Minnesota Zoo. Thanks in part to efforts by Minnesotans for a Great Zoo, the bonding bill includes $21 million for the Minnesota Zoo. Of this, $15 million will be used – along with private funding already raised – to complete Phase 1 of Heart of the Zoo. We hope to begin construction this summer. The remaining $6 million will be used for asset preservation/exhibit renewal at the Zoo. This means the Minnesota Zoo can continue its tradition as one of the state’s best gathering places, educational institutions and conservation leaders.

If you haven't done so, take a moment to thank Governor Pawlenty and the Minnesota Legislature for supporting the Minnesota Zoo.

Zoo Day at the Capitol a Great Success!

Snakes, owls, a chinchilla and an armadillo were just a few of the animals from the Minnesota Zoo that came to visit the Capitol on March 9 for Zoo Day at the Capitol. The animals visited a legislative hearing and the Governor's Office, but spent most of their time greeting the public and legislators in the Rotunda of the Capitol. This annual visit to the Capitol provides an opportunity to thank the Governor, legislators and the public for their on-going support of the Zoo's education, conservation and recreational programs. Click here to see some photos from the event.
Also, check out some of the media coverage.
Star Tribune
Watch video from The Uptake.

Zoo's Conservation Efforts Featured in Mankato Free Press
The Minnesota Zoo's partnership to save the endangered black rhino was the subject of a recent article in the Mankato Free-Press. Click here to read about this great example of the Zoo's conservation efforts – one piece of the important and unique work that Minnesotans for a Great Zoo support.

 

Don’t forget to check back here for updates.