Minnesota Zoo

Minnesota Zoo Welcome to the official page for the Minnesota Zoo, where we are connecting people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife! AZA-accredited
(19835)

Founded in 1978, the Minnesota Zoo exists to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. Cutting-edge exhibits provide exciting experiences with animals and their habitats introducing guests to species from around the globe. Education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout the region, and around world. Conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve cri

tical ecosystems. For more about the Minnesota Zoo, visit www.mnzoo.org. We love all of our fans! We do ask you to remember that this is a fan page. We are excited about a dialogue with our fans, and are open to everyone's comments and opinions. However, we ask you not to ruin our fans’ experience here by using inappropriate or offensive language, or by posting information that is factually incorrect or even violent in nature. If through your words or actions you demonstrate that you are clearly not a fan of the Minnesota Zoo and do not support our mission of education, conservation, recreation and research, and you deliberately create an environment which damages the fan experience, then your comments will be deleted and you will be denied participation on this page. Thanks for your cooperation!

❄️Snow in the weekend forecast brings out the animal in all of us. ❄️Come see which winter-loving animals get the snow z...
02/07/2025

❄️Snow in the weekend forecast brings out the animal in all of us. ❄️

Come see which winter-loving animals get the snow zoomies! 🐯

❄️See you this weekend at the Minne”Snow”ta Zoo!❄️

02/07/2025

Valentine’s Day is only a week away! This year, let them know you’re thinking of them when you name a bug after someone you love … or someone that just bugs you.

Make a $15 donation to the Minnesota Zoo Foundation by midnight on February 14 to name a bug in someone’s honor and help feed Minnesota Zoo animals. Name a bug at mnzoofoundation.org/bug

💗Valentines Day is just around the corner, and so is the next Zoo After Hours! Coincidence?🧐 I think not! Get your ticke...
02/04/2025

💗Valentines Day is just around the corner, and so is the next Zoo After Hours! Coincidence?🧐 I think not! Get your tickets to the February 15th event here: https://bit.ly/40Us6lZ

02/03/2025

Would you still love them if they were a worm? Finally, you can prove your devotion this Valentine’s Day when you name a bug after a friend (or foe)! Make a $15 donation to the Minnesota Zoo Foundation before midnight on February 14 and name a bug in someone’s honor. Whether they give you butterflies or make your stomach squirm, their bug will become part of a balanced diet and help feed Minnesota Zoo animals like chameleons, owls, tamanduas, and more. Recipients will receive an ecard and a personalized message informing them that a bug has been named in their honor. To name a bug, visit http://mnzoofoundation.org/bug

The ZOOMS STEM Design Challenge presented by Flint Hills Resources offers students a chance to develop a solution to a ‘...
02/02/2025

The ZOOMS STEM Design Challenge presented by Flint Hills Resources offers students a chance to develop a solution to a ‘real’ problem faced by Zookeepers and staff at the Minnesota Zoo. From designing an enrichment, to building a model of a renovated animal exhibit, the problem will challenge students to use their science and math knowledge, creativity, problem solving, and research skills during the engineering design process in order to best solve the problem and present a solution.

"When someone you just met tries to hug you....😬" 📸: Zookeeper Angela
01/29/2025

"When someone you just met tries to hug you....😬"
📸: Zookeeper Angela

🦎📸: Zookeeper Maria
01/27/2025

🦎
📸: Zookeeper Maria

Minnesotans love the landscapes and species that make our great state unique — but invasive species like zebra mussels a...
01/26/2025

Minnesotans love the landscapes and species that make our great state unique — but invasive species like zebra mussels and buckthorn pose a dangerous threat to our wildlife and their ecosystems. On April 10, join the Minnesota Zoo Foundation at the second annual Wildlife Conservation Benefit, a fundraising event benefiting the Minnesota Zoo and wildlife-saving projects. Through interactive showcases and a deep-diving program, Minnesota Zoo’s team and other leading experts will share how they’re deploying revolutionary conservation efforts to address the impact of invasive species right here in Minnesota. Purchase tickets or learn more at https://bit.ly/3E9Kcri

Ice Bar ✅Winter Weather ✅S'mores ✅Firepits ✅|We're ready to go for Winterfest and Zoo After Hours tomorrow, are you? ❄️G...
01/24/2025

Ice Bar ✅
Winter Weather ✅
S'mores ✅
Firepits ✅
|
We're ready to go for Winterfest and Zoo After Hours tomorrow, are you? ❄️Get your tickets at the link in our bio.
Zoo After Hours is presented by Minnesota Lottery.

Let's go to Winterfest at the Minnesota Zoo!🗓️ January 25th from 10a - 4p🌐 www.minnesotaparent.com/calendar/winterfest-a...
01/23/2025

Let's go to Winterfest at the Minnesota Zoo!

🗓️ January 25th from 10a - 4p
🌐 www.minnesotaparent.com/calendar/winterfest-at-minnesota-zoo
📍 Apple Valley, MN

Bundle up and celebrate the wonders of winter at the zoo!
❄️Cool Drinks at the 🧊Ice Bar🧊
❄️S'mores Outdoors! Get toasty by the fire.
❄️Warm Up With Hot Dish: Minnesota classic comfort food.
❄️See Animals Who Go With the Snow
❄️Cozy Up for Storytime: Meet children’s author Heather Boschke as she reads from her picture book “Little Birdie Buddies.”
❄️Thaw and Find Awe Inside: The warmth of Tropics Trail is fun to explore.

Each visit to the Zoo helps us support wildlife conservation efforts here and around the world, like the African Penguin...
01/20/2025

Each visit to the Zoo helps us support wildlife conservation efforts here and around the world, like the African Penguin SAFE. The MN Zoo participates in this program that aims to protect and restore wild African Penguin populations through research, education, and funding. By joining forces with other AZA-accredited facilities, we're able to help develop and support these efforts. You can learn more about this SAFE, and ways you can help, here: https://bit.ly/3PFFYu6

❄️Cedar is popping in to share about a fun addition to the Jan. 25th Winterfest!❄️ Encounter a Rare Sort of Bear — Paddi...
01/17/2025

❄️Cedar is popping in to share about a fun addition to the Jan. 25th Winterfest!❄️ Encounter a Rare Sort of Bear — Paddington in Peru! 🐻 In partnership with Sony Pictures, Winterfest welcomes you to learn about “Paddington in Peru,” the third installment in the beloved Paddington film series. From 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Jan 25th, pick up a Paddington poster, yo-yos, and free passes for an advance screening of the new movie. (While supplies last) Be sure to pop by for a photo op!

This weekend is all about penguins at the Zoo! 🐧 Visit the Zoo Saturday through Monday and head to the African Penguin h...
01/16/2025

This weekend is all about penguins at the Zoo! 🐧 Visit the Zoo Saturday through Monday and head to the African Penguin habitat to learn about these well-dressed birds from a Zoo Naturalist. Featuring interactive and hands-on learning opportunities for penguin pals of all ages! (Keep the penguin party going with a stop at Penguin Cafe, now serving Peace Coffee and other yummy treats!) Plan you visit today! https://bit.ly/3Wj5QQ0

Donors to the Minnesota Zoo Foundation make exceptional care possible for animals at every stage of life. When Otis, a s...
01/10/2025

Donors to the Minnesota Zoo Foundation make exceptional care possible for animals at every stage of life. When Otis, a senior De Brazza's monkey, faced discomfort from age-related spine and joint issues, his care team acted quickly. In 2021, Otis started medication for spondylosis and osteoarthritis, and in January 2024, a new laser therapy was added. Through training, and some help from his favorite treat (fig juice!), Otis learned to stay still for his treatments, which have continued to improve his mobility and comfort so he can age gracefully. Thanks to donor support, the Zoo can continue providing top-level animal care. You can help provide extraordinary care for more animals like Otis at MNZooFoundation.org/donate.

First off the yearrrrr 😝 ft. Snow, both the weather and the puma cub. 📸: Volunteer Steve
01/07/2025

First off the yearrrrr 😝 ft. Snow, both the weather and the puma cub.
📸: Volunteer Steve

Paws for breaking news! 🐾Winter weather in the forecast? Nope – but there’s a Blizzard and Snow at the Minnesota Zoo! Pl...
01/01/2025

Paws for breaking news! 🐾
Winter weather in the forecast? Nope – but there’s a Blizzard and Snow at the Minnesota Zoo! Please welcome two male puma cubs to the Minnesota Trail. Blizzard and Snow are approximately 6 months old and were found orphaned in the wild by the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife in November 2024. Because of their young age, they did not have the skills to hunt and care for themselves without their mother. After wildlife officials determined they could not successfully be rehabilitated and returned to the wild, they reached out the Minnesota Zoo about providing them a forever home.

Here’s the trick to telling them apart – Snow has a darker spot of fur on his forehead. As they settle into their new environment over the coming weeks, we look forward to seeing them explore and display the natural curiosity of cats! Be sure to stop and see them on your next Zoo visit.

The Minnesota Zoo has four decades of experience caring for pumas. Most recently, we had the honor of being the home of another pair of male pumas, also rescued in the state of Washington. Sequim and Landslide were beloved ambassadors since arriving at the Zoo in 2017. (Last photo) Earlier this year, we lost both to ongoing health issues. As we continue to mourn their loss, it holds very special meaning to again join the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife in saving two orphaned pumas.

Learn more about Blizzard, Snow, and the legacy of Landslide and Sequim on the blog >>> https://bit.ly/3W1rQyM

First and last photo 📷: Zookeeper Adam

Address

13000 Zoo Boulevard
Apple Valley, MN
55124

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 6pm
Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm
Saturday 10am - 6pm
Sunday 10am - 6pm

Telephone

+19524319200

Website

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Valentine’s Day is only a week away! This year, let them know you’re thinking of them when you name a bug after someone you love … or someone that just bugs you. Make a $15 donation to the Minnesota Zoo Foundation by midnight on February 14 to name a bug in someone’s honor and help feed Minnesota Zoo animals. Name a bug at mnzoofoundation.org/bug

Would you still love them if they were a worm? Finally, you can prove your devotion this Valentine’s Day when you name a bug after a friend (or foe)! Make a $15 donation to the Minnesota Zoo Foundation before midnight on February 14 and name a bug in someone’s honor. Whether they give you butterflies or make your stomach squirm, their bug will become part of a balanced diet and help feed Minnesota Zoo animals like chameleons, owls, tamanduas, and more. Recipients will receive an ecard and a personalized message informing them that a bug has been named in their honor. To name a bug, visit http://mnzoofoundation.org/bug

Still in a holiday food trance? 😴🍽️ This Cyber Monday, give a gift that gives back to animals like Linneaus's two-toed sloths!🦥 This holiday season, treat you or someone you love to an animal sponsorship, and give a gift that makes a difference, one that will be appreciated long after the holiday season is over: https://bit.ly/3Vc9DxT 🎥: Zookeeper Cathy

Boop! Just checking in--have you given today? Give to The Max day isn't over yet and there's still time to make a difference for animals like Amur tiger cubs Amaliya and Andrei. Make a gift by the end of the day and help create hope for endangered species: https://bit.ly/3u28nCR

Happy #SeaStarDay! Aquarist Nicky knows quite a bit about these echinoderms, like why they are called sea stars and not star fish. (Because they don’t have gills, scales, or swim!) ⭐️

We heard the weather will be great (for a visit to the Zoo) this weekend. 🌤️ We hope you find some time to get out in nature and enjoy it!

Born to Roar - GTMD 2024
Born to Roar - GTMD 2024

This Give to the Max Day, join us as the Minnesota Zoo Foundation creates hope for endangered species like Amur tigers. Earlier this year, Amur tiger mom Dari birthed two cubs, Amaliya and Andrei. This fall, guests watched as the cubs took their first steps out onto habitat, marking the first of many connections that visitors will make between these animal ambassadors and their wild counterparts.But you don’t have to wait to make a difference. Make a gift before midnight on November 14 and receive exclusive, early access to our new documentary, "Born to Roar: The Birth of Tiger Cubs". Follow along behind the scenes with Dari and Zoo staff from birth planning to the cubs' first day on habitat!Donate or learn more at https://www.givemn.org/organization/Mnzoo

Snack time 🥬 🎥: Animal Care Tech Sarah

POV: You decided today is a Zoo Day and joined Nuka for her lunch 🦦 🎥: Animal Care Tech Sam

Early giving has begun! This Give to the Max Day, help the Minnesota Zoo Foundation create hope for endangered species! Earlier this year, Amur tiger mom Dari birthed two cubs under the care of Zoo staff. With just 400 Amur tigers left in the world, Dari’s cubs are a huge conservation victory. When you make a gift before midnight on November 14 you’ll receive exclusive, early access to our new documentary — "Born to Roar: The Birth of Tiger Cubs". Follow along behind the scenes with Dari and Zoo staff from birth planning to the cubs' first day on habitat! Make an impact today at https://bit.ly/3u28nCR

Every day, artists create new gourd-geous works of art for the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular trail. 🎃 The event runs through Nov. 2nd, get your tickets before they vanish!

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Founded in 1978, the Minnesota Zoo exists to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. Cutting-edge exhibits provide exciting experiences with animals and their habitats introducing guests to species from around the globe. Education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout the region, and around world. Conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems. For more about the Minnesota Zoo, visit www.mnzoo.org.