Press Releases
A Summer of Dr. Seuss, Penguins and Much More at the Minnesota Zoo
Apple Valley, MINN – May 16, 2011– Another eventful summer is in full swing at the Minnesota Zoo. With the debut of Dr. Seuss is on the Loose, the new 3M Penguins of the African Coast exhibit, the completion of Heart of the Zoo – Phase One and more, there is something to be enjoyed by everyone.
NEW! “Dr. Seuss is on the Loose”
Now – July 4, 2011
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. Seuss-inspired scavenger hunt and enjoy story time on select dates in the new Target® Learning Center. 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.
NEW! Odessa’s Magical Menagerie
May 28-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-year-old 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.
Military Family Week
June 27-July 4, 2011
The Minnesota Zoo will again be 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 Boulder’s Beach. Microphones allow guests to hear the penguins’ loud braying calls, the origin of their nickname, “jackass” penguins.
NEW! Completion of Heart of the Zoo – Phase One project
July 9, 2011
The long-anticipated completion of the Heart of the Zoo – Phase One project is scheduled for this summer. Guests will be welcomed by a new and fully upgraded South Entrance, just seconds away from the new 3M Penguins of the African Coast exhibit. With the addition of the Target® Learning Center, guests will be able to fully enjoy the ever-popular indoor KAYTEE World of Birds free-flight show (fall & winter), along with other educational programs and events in comfort. The new Cargill Environmental Education Center will provide school groups and zoo camps the designated space and tools they need to get the most out of their visit to the Zoo.
Family Farm Festival
August 6-7, 2011
Come one, come all to the Minnesota Zoo’s Family Farm festival at the Wells Fargo Family Farm. The event comes complete with tractor rides, blacksmith demonstrations, cow milking demonstrations, live music, and much more. This year’s Family Farm Festival is sponsored by Wells Fargo and Midwest Dairy.
Brew at the Zoo
August 12, 2011
Join the Minnesota Zoo for the third annual Brew at the Zoo. Guests are able to taste a variety of local domestic/microbrews and an assortment of complimentary appetizers while enjoying live music. This year’s headliner is Martin Zellar and the Hardways. All funds raised will benefit the Minnesota Zoo’s conservation efforts. This is a 21 and older event.
Tiger Tracks 5K
August 27, 2011
Lace up those running shoes for the annual Tiger Tracks 5K run at the Minnesota Zoo. Wrap up the summer with the family on a brisk run around the zoo or slow down your pace and enjoy the scenery as you make your way to the finish line. This 5K will begin at the Puma Picnic Pavilion and work its way through the zoo and around the Northern Trail (including the Wells Fargo Family Farm). There will also be a Kid’s Run following the main event for any youngsters who want to run for conservation too.
Don’t forget, the 2011 Subway Music in the Zoo series runs from June 14 through August 26, with more than 30 concerts featured throughout the summer. It all kicks off with an evening with the GoGo’s on June 14.
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).
