Minnesota Zoo

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!

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

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.

01/07/2025

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

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

01/01/2025

Happy New Year!! 🪩
Psst…we’re open New Year’s Day from 10am - 4pm. Members have early access starting at 9am!

12/24/2024

Cross those last names off your list with a Gift of membership to the Zoo! 🎁

https://mnzoo.org/membershipnew/

📸: Animal Care Tech Sarah

12/23/2024

Help the Zoo finish the year strong! Make a gift to the Minnesota Zoo Foundation to support and expand critical conservation work for animals like bison. Once nearing extinction due to overhunting, conservation efforts brought this critical species back from the brink. Today, tens of thousands roam our prairies, including those in herds cared for by the Minnesota Zoo and our many partners across the state. Success stories like these are made possible by donors like you. Make your tax-deductible gift before December 31st and help save wildlife.

Everyone can contribute to furthering the Zoo’s mission in a way that’s right for them. Every type of donation makes an impact.

12/20/2024

psst... we heard some of the Zookeepers are planning winter-themed animal enrichment activities around the Zoo this weekend to celebrate the the Winter Solstice. Tell everyone. 🗣️

12/20/2024

‘Tis the season when our talented volunteers create the Minnesota Zoo collector ornament. 🎄 Volunteer-made ornaments are a Zoo tradition going back many decades. In 2024, volunteers are celebrating animals that are new to Zoo: California sea lions! Ornaments are $7 each. You can purchase them through December 24 at the Guest Services desk as you enter the Zoo or by sending in the order form. The supply of sea lion ornaments is limited—purchase soon to be sure you can bring one home for the holidays. https://bit.ly/3Dx9Vtb

12/19/2024

I mean…do we even need to explain why snow days are more fun at the Zoo? 💙❄️

12/18/2024

Dive deeper into the Winter Solstice this weekend when you join a special Moonlight Qigong class in Discovery Bay, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 21. This movement-based, meditative practice reduces stress, increases strength, and calms your body and mind. And, Mcgrouper will be there! 🐟 The program welcomes guests aged 13+. Learn more and register here: https://bit.ly/3VMOdb8

12/18/2024

Who's ready for Winter Solstice at the Zoo this weekend?? ☝️ Grab your boots and buddies and spend the shortest day of the year having the most fun at the Zoo! Visit during regular daytime hours on the 21st and stop by Penguin Cafe for a winter-themed specialty drink: The Snow Emergency. An icy drink made with espresso concentrate, caramel syrup, and smoked sea salt. Made with the milk of your choice and garnished with whipped cream and finely chopped smoked almonds. Yum! ❄️

12/18/2024

When you're waiting for your friend with a ring camera to open the door.
📸: Animal Care Tech Emily

12/07/2024

Soon the bears will be snoozing behind the scenes for the winter. The cold season triggers the bears to enter torpor, a natural part of their yearly cycle. When bears are in this state of sleepiness, their heartbeat, breathing, body temperature and metabolism slow down. They need fewer calories and sleep more but can still get up to snack. (Priorities!😤) We'll miss them this winter but look forward to their sleepy return in the spring! 🐻

12/06/2024

Look. At that. Face. 😍 We're excited to welcome Cedar, a 10-month-old river otter who recently joined us from the Henson Robinson Zoo. Visit her on the Minnesota Trail this weekend! 🦦
(Bonus behind-the-scenes pic of Cedar from Vet Tech Courtney! The nose. The fluff. The face. 10/10 ✨)