Ever dreamed of seeing a tiger up close? The Minnesota Zoo makes that dream a reality. It opened on May 22 1978. Back then it was called the “New Zoo”.
The Minnesota Zoo distinguished itself early on. It organized animals by habitat. This differed from the traditional species-based groupings. The Minnesota Zoo is owned by the State of Minnesota. Most other zoos are run by cities or private groups.
Let’s explore what makes the Minnesota Zoo special. It covers 485 acres. That is plenty of room for animals to roam. Over 4500 animals call this zoo home. They represent more than 500 species.
The Minnesota Zoo is divided into themed areas. The Medtronic Minnesota Trail showcases local wildlife. You can see black bears and gray wolves here. The Northern Trail features animals from above the 45th parallel. Amur tigers and Bactrian camels roam here.
Step inside the Tropics Trail for a rainforest experience. Komodo dragons and colorful birds await. Discovery Bay holds over one million gallons of water. Sharks and sea turtles swim in these tanks. You can even touch some marine animals.
The Wells Fargo Family Farm is a treat for all ages. Get up close with cows sheep and pigs. Russia’s Grizzly Coast is a unique exhibit. It features animals from the Russian Far East. See sea otters and Amur leopards.
The Minnesota Zoo once had a monorail. It gave a birds-eye view of the animals. It opened in 1979 but closed in 2013. Now the Treetop Trail stands in its place. It is a 1.25-mile elevated walkway. It brings you right into the treetops.
The Minnesota Zoo also had an IMAX theater. It closed in January 2019. It showed nature documentaries and mainstream movies.
The Minnesota Zoo is more than just a place to see animals. It is an environmental education center. It plays a key role in conservation. It has been instrumental in tiger conservation programs worldwide. The Minnesota Zoo also reintroduced trumpeter swans to the Midwest.
Keep an eye out for special events. The Minnesota Zoo hosts the Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular. This event features thousands of carved pumpkins.
The Minnesota Zoo continues to evolve. It offers new experiences. The Treetop Trail is a prime example. It repurposes old infrastructure in an innovative way. It will bring you closer to nature. So come explore the wild side of Minnesota.