What are the opening hours?

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

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
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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 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!

09/16/2024

Hear me out...is Morticia not the cutest Chilean rose tarantula you've ever seen?? 🥹♥️🕷️
📸: Animal Care Tech Camille

09/15/2024

Your child can learn and grow within the world of wildlife at the Nature Preschool at the Minnesota Zoo! Every day, in every season, preschoolers spend more than half their day outdoors. They explore the woods and trails of the Zoo, meet animal experts, and make new discoveries in nature. The school offers part-time, half-day programs licensed by the State of Minnesota to serve children ages 3 - 5. Registrations are accepted on a rolling basis! https://bit.ly/3N0HSn3

09/14/2024

Andrei and Amaliya's first Caturday at Tiger Lair. 😻 Stop by for a chance to spot them!
📸: Zookeeper Maggie

09/09/2024

Whether you're attending the Gala, the Gathering, or both, get ready for one extraordinary weekend benefitting an extraordinary cause! At the Gala, sip craft cocktails while you explore the Minnesota Trail, learn more about your favorite animals during keeper chats, and bid on some wildly fun packages in the silent and live auctions. Return on Saturday for the Gathering and enjoy exclusive animal demonstrations, games, local food trucks, and more, all for free with a donation of any amount.
Tickets are selling fast! Get yours at https://aesbid.com/ELP/MNZOO24.

09/06/2024

Dreaming of salt and sea? Enjoy a week-long retreat and bask in the beauty and warmth of Mexico at Palacio de Cristal when you bid and win this luxurious vacation package during the Beastly Bash Gala's live auction! Unable to attend the Gala but still want a chance to win? No problem. Contact Jeff at [email protected] or 651.539.6511 to set up proxy bidding.

Plus, bid on more exclusive experiences like these from anywhere in the Minnesota Zoo Foundation's silent auction. Visit https://aesbid.com/MNZOO24 to learn more.

09/05/2024

The clock is ticking—buy your tickets to Beastly Bash Gala before sales end on Friday, September 10. Join us for an extraordinary evening full of roaring fun. Find your groove under the stars, visit your favorite animals on the Minnesota Trail, and bid on some incredible auction items, all while making a difference for wildlife. Get your tickets today at the link in our bio!

Thank you to , , and the for sponsoring the Beastly Bash Gala.

09/05/2024

The clock is ticking—buy your tickets to Beastly Bash Gala before time runs out! On Friday, September 20, join us for an extraordinary evening full of roaring fun. Find your groove under the stars, visit your favorite animals on the Minnesota Trail, and bid on some incredible auction items, all while making a difference for wildlife. Get your tickets today at https://aesbid.com/ELP/MNZOO24.

Thank you to MSP Magazine, KS95 - St. Paul / MinneapolisKSTP-TV, and the Star Tribune for sponsoring the Beastly Bash Gala.

09/02/2024

We ARE open today! Get your tickets at the link in our bio!

08/31/2024

Catuuurrrrdaayyy 😻
📸: Zookeeper Shelby

08/27/2024

If you are looking for a new hobby this fall or hoping to contribute to conservation, get out a pair of binoculars and try out birding with the help of the eBird and Merlin Bird ID apps. Fall is a great time to start birding as its fiery fall canopies are filled with millions of birds migrating from their northern breeding grounds down to their southern wintering site! Head to your backyard, local park, or the Treetop Trail right here at the Zoo and see what you can spot today!

08/26/2024

Will we see you at the Minneapolis Monarch Festival-Festival de la Monarca on Saturday, September 7 at the Lake Nokomis Community Center? The free festival celebrates the monarch butterfly’s 2,300-mile migration from Minnesota to Mexico. Come by the Minnesota Zoo’s booth! Our naturalists and conservation scientists will share how you can support endangered pollinators, including prairie butterfly species that the Zoo is helping to save.

08/25/2024

You may have noticed the newest snow monkey to join the troop! Born to mom Azento and dad Obu on July 23, The infant is sticking close to family, including 2-year-old sister Nani, who you might see holding or carrying her youngest sibling. You can identify mom Azento by her lush fur—she’s always well-groomed. She’s the sister of the alpha female, Yuki. Snow monkeys, also known as Japanese macaques, form matrilineal societies and maintain close relationships through behaviors like grooming.

08/23/2024

Through a program called SAFE – Saving Animals From Extinction – the Minnesota Zoo and our partners are conducting a shark census to help advance animal care and conservation efforts. And the census is just one way that our aquarists contribute to SAFE Shark and Ray. Read our blog to learn how we’re helping our fellow zoos and aquariums, scientists studying sharks, and sustainable fisheries: https://bit.ly/4dPmH3i

08/22/2024

At the Nature Preschool at the Minnesota Zoo, your child can learn and grow within the world of wildlife. Every day, preschoolers explore the Zoo, meet Zookeepers and animal experts, and make discoveries in nature. Learning about language, science, math, and art are all tied naturally to the seasons of the year and the lives of animals. The school offers part-time, half-day programs licensed by the State of Minnesota to serve children ages 3 - 5. Registrations are accepted on a rolling basis for the coming school year that starts September 3. You're invited to an Open House at the Nature Preschool on Friday, August 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Get your tickets to the Zoo, then head to the Farm to meet preschool educators! Learn more: https://bit.ly/3N0HSn3

08/21/2024

Every summer, biologists at the Zoo prepare the yearling wood turtles raised in our care for their release back into the wild. These young turtles will hopefully help increase Minnesota's threatened and dwindling wood turtle population. Pictured here are the release of a yearling turtle, and turtle conservationist Dr. Tricia Markle and intern Zayd A. examining a turtle fitted with a transponder on its back so they can track its movements.

In July, conservation photographer Devon Matthews / Photographer joined the team to capture the event and the impact of this project. Devon is a visual storyteller based out of Minnesota. He aims to tell stories with photos that will leave you feeling a deeper connection to wildlife and the outdoors, strengthening human and wildlife relations. We are grateful for his time and talent in helping us tell the story and raise awareness of this imperiled species.

Learn more about the work being done for freshwater turtles: https://bit.ly/3oBWU6f
Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund

08/19/2024

Put on your dancing shoes and help save wildlife at the Beastly Bash Weekend on September 20 and 21. Experience two days of surprise and delight as you enjoy live music, animal encounters, roaming performers, and more at this year’s wildest event yet. Tickets are selling fast! Get yours at https://aesbid.com/ELP/MNZOO24

08/18/2024

Naturalist Donnie met us on the Treetop Trail to teach us about hognose snakes. Can you tell how they got their name? 🤔

08/17/2024

We're just gonna leave this on your feed right here.
📸: Zookeeper Jess

08/16/2024

The best view at the Zoo! 🤗 ...but also the bison, Reflections Pond, the bird show, the flamingos, Tropical Reef, beavs on the MN Trail, horse pasture at the farm, and the rest of our very, very, VERY long list! 😅

08/13/2024

Meet Marcie! A rescued pronghorn fawn who came from Washington and quickly found a home in our hearts at the Minnesota Zoo. WSU College of Veterinary Medicine associate professor, Dr. Marcie Logsdon DVM (Pronghorn Maricie's namesake 🤗) provided the initial care before seeking out a permanent home for the female fawn after it was determined she could not successfully return to the wild. Dr. Logsdon sought a home with experienced pronghorn caregivers. That's where we come in! Our team has over four decades of experience and nationally recognized expertise in caring for and hand-raising pronghorn. Over the next months, she’ll grow by leaps and bounds and be weaned as would naturally occur with a mother. Later, she will be introduced to the pronghorn herd on the Northern Trail. In the meantime, Marcie is receiving lots of care and attention as she grows. 🥰

08/12/2024

We're SO excited to share that we've been voted best by Minnesota’s Best, the premier Readers’ Choice Award program in multiple categories this year! (Including Gold for Best Summer Fun/Events!! ☀️) Thank you for voting and supporting the Minnesota Zoo! Find us, and more winners at VotedMinnesotasBest.com.

08/11/2024

"I bet he's never had to open outlook on a Sunday morning. 🥲"
You're right. He hasn't. But neither do you, at least not this Sunday. Because you'll be on the Treetop Trail where slack is just a word, and teams are for sports. Disconnect from the network and reconnect with nature at the Zoo. 🌳😌🌲

08/11/2024

If you have a passion for animals and conservation and enjoy being around others who share your interests, consider volunteering with the Minnesota Zoo! Applications are now open for Zoo Volunteers (18+). Learn more and apply today! https://bit.ly/3QUk99K

08/10/2024

This month is the last month to take advantage of our summer hours. ⌚ Through Labor Day weekend, we're open until 6 pm, which means 2 extra hours to explore the trails! (and enjoy the summer weather ☀️) Plan your visit today: https://bit.ly/3B2CMl5

08/10/2024

You never know who (or what!) you might encounter when you visit the Zoo. 🦎 I guess you could check the Daytime Experiences schedule for some hints...and to know when and where to be! 😆 https://bit.ly/3Kdmien

08/09/2024

Hudson and Flynn arrived at the beginning of the summer—and boy, they’ve made themselves at home! If you've visited recently, you may already know how much they love interacting with guests. When their care staff are nearby, the boys like to impress them by turning upside down in the water and doing “headstands.” They're learning lots of behaviors that help them participate in their health care, stay physically fit, and feed their natural curiosity. On your next visit, head to Discovery Bay and walk right up to the viewing windows of the main pool. You may get eye-to-eye with these two happy-go-lucky guys!

08/09/2024

‼️Tonight's THE night to be at the Zoo‼️ It's the finale event of Wild Nights!! It's your last chance to experience this totally Zoo-nique event. 🦩 Adults only, special food and drink options, games, live music, and of course, ANIMALS! Get your tickets before the sun sets on this summer series: https://bit.ly/3TB8JcS

08/09/2024

We've got a forecast of wonderful weekend weather ahead of us! There's only a handful of summer weekends left this year. (We know, we know. Friday is no place for negativity😤) But it's True!! So make the most of the season with us at the Zoo!

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

http://mnzoo.org/

Alerts

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Videos

Smile with a llama this weekend at the #MNZoo 🦙 They’re only here through Labor Day! . . Llama Trek is presented by @expedition.cu

Can you tell they’re related?? 😆❤️ . . #Caturday #MNZoo 📸: Zookeeper Jess

Zookeeper Chat: Hognose Snakes!

Naturalist Donnie met us on the Treetop Trail to teach us about hognose snakes. Can you tell how they got their name? 🤔

Nothing more refreshing than an ice cold drink from a hose on a beautiful Minnesota summer day. 🐄 . . #MNZoo #Summer 📸: Zookeeper Emily

It’s #Caturday!! The cubs are getting bigger and so is their pool! They’ve graduated to a slightly deeper level and, just like their dad, seem to be big fans of spending their time in the water. 🐯 . . #MNZoo #AmurTiger #PoolParty 📸: Zookeeper Jess

This Friday, August 9th, NUR-D will be at Wild Nights, will you? It's the last night of the summer concert series, but certainly not least! 🎉 Tickets are going fast, don't miss out on the series finale event!

Goodbye rain… Hellooo sunshine☀️ Yana agrees, it’s a beautiful week to visit the #MNZoo.

It’s #InternationalTigerDay! 😻 And we noticed our insta fam missed Saturday’s #Caturday post!! So we’re sharing it today! (Sorry friends! 😅) The tiger cubs have started swimming lessons! Well, kind of. 😅 Amur Tigers (Especially Luka) are known to be very interested in water. The Amur River runs through their natural habitat in Russia, so it’s no surprise they’ve adapted some swimming skills as a species. The cubs have jumped right in to their “kitty pool” to start their newest learning adventure, with mom keeping an eye close by. 🥰 . . 📸: Zookeepers Jess

Today's the day! Exactly one year ago we cut the ribbon to open the Treetop Trail, the world's longest elevated pedestrian loop! Join us at the Zoo today as we celebrate with ambassador animal programs, music, and some tasty Treetop Trail mix!

It’s #Caturday! 😻 The tiger cubs have started swimming lessons! Well, kind of. 😅 Amur Tigers (Especially Luka) are known to be especially interested in water. The Amur River runs through their natural habitat in Russia, so it’s no surprise they’ve adapted some swimming skills as a species. The cubs have jumped right in to their “kitty pool” to start their newest learning adventure, with mom keeping an eye close by. 🥰 . . 🎥: Zookeeper Jess

We're celebrating the Treetop Trail turning ONE YEAR OLD this weekend! 🥳 To capture this exciting milestone, we asked some Treetop Trail goers a few staple questions about their Treetop Trail experience. 🌳

Make your way to the Zoo for Wild Nights on Friday, July 26th for a night unlike any other. 🎶 Rock the night away with Kiss the Tiger and Mallrats, at one of the biggest nights of our summer series event! Don't miss out on the fun!

How fast I’m running to the Zoo this morning because it’s Friday, the trails are open, and it’s a beautiful day. ☀️ 📸: Zookeeper Elizabeth

Sustainable Seafood: And African Penguins Diet!

The African Penguin SAFE Program utilizes the knowledge and resources of the zoos and aquariums that are in the partnership and does things like promoting sustainable seafood. "Sustainable" means it has been harvested or raised in a way that doesn't harm the environment and leaves plenty of fish to repopulate for next year's harvest and for all the animals that eat that fish in the wild. 🐟

Shark Feeding in Discovery Bay

It's Shark Awareness Day. Are you aware you can see a shark feeding in Discovery Bay at 11:30am every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday? 🦈 Sharks play an important role in our oceans by maintaining a balance in populations of the fish they prey on. Without them, species further down on the food chain could experience population growth that could become unsustainable within the food chain, like a falling domino effect!

MN Zoo Moment with the bison 🦬

Sunshine, bison, and the perfect MN Zoo Moment on the Northern Trail. 🦬

Happy Birthday, Kissha!

Happy 20th Birthday to Kissha! Macaques have strong social hierarchies that form their troops. Kissha is known within the Zoo's troop as the Alpha male with his main role being the peacemaker between his troopmates. We hope you and your troop enjoyed the special birthday popsicles, Kissha! 🍓🥳

Wild Nights at the Minnesota Zoo (18+)

Live Music, drinks, food, and of course, animals! 🐯 Take a walk on the wild side of summer with us at Wild Nights this Friday. Enjoy an adult-only atmosphere while making the most of Minnesota's beautiful (but short!) summer season. Tickets are selling fast, get yours before they're gone! https://bit.ly/3TB8JcS

That little face at the end 😍 Naturalist Donnie shares how three-banded armadillos are pretty tough, but also fast! 🏃

MNZoo Moment - Chestnut Teal Duck

Starting this Wednesday morning with an #MNZooMoment on the Tropics Trail and a chestnut teal duck. This Australian native duck species is dimorphic, which means it presents in two forms. A male chestnut teal duck's plumage is more saturated in color, with a green head, while the females have muted plumage of brown shades all over. . . p.s. We're open from 10am to 6pm tomorrow for the Fourth of July! 🎉