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
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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!

Llama Trek isn't just about the Llamas! Shout out to the volunteers who helped make these houses for the guineapigs (and...
06/24/2025

Llama Trek isn't just about the Llamas! Shout out to the volunteers who helped make these houses for the guineapigs (and also carpentry for slicing up logs for their fancy staircases). Stop by Llama Trek along the Northern Trail during your next Zoo visit; it's included with your daytime admission! https://bit.ly/44iVGCg
📸: Volunteer Coordinator Kestrel

Made a trip to the farm. Was not disappointed. 🥰 📸: Vet Tech Ashley
06/23/2025

Made a trip to the farm. Was not disappointed. 🥰
📸: Vet Tech Ashley

Hot Day? Cool Plan. ☀️🕶️Make the most of your Zoo visit with these three easy ways to enjoy a warm summer day:💦 Splash &...
06/22/2025

Hot Day? Cool Plan. ☀️🕶️
Make the most of your Zoo visit with these three easy ways to enjoy a warm summer day:

💦 Splash & Play – Pack swimwear and cool off at our splash pad.

🌸 Chill in the Tropics – Step into the Tropics Trail, where it’s a comfortable 78° year-round.

🍧Sweet Treats – Beat the heat with ice cream, Red Panda Punch, and other cool-down favorites throughout the Zoo.

Psst… it’s World Camel 🐪 Day!

Celebrating Summer Solstice 🥳
06/20/2025

Celebrating Summer Solstice 🥳

In honor of National American Eagle Day, we are excited to share more about our new eagle. Now named Waḣca (pronounced ...
06/20/2025

In honor of National American Eagle Day, we are excited to share more about our new eagle. Now named Waḣca (pronounced wah-CHA), —chosen by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community’s Youth Leadership Council—means “flower” in the Dakota language. 🌼

Waḣca was rescued near the Wapsipinicon River in Iowa after being found with a broken wing that, sadly, could not fully heal. Hog Capitol Wildlife Rescue & Rehab, a nonprofit organization located in northwestern Illinois, responded to a call about an eagle who couldn’t fly. Now about a year old, she’s made her forever home at the Minnesota Zoo, where she serves as a powerful ambassador for her species. While she can’t fly, she inspires thousands with her presence on the Minnesota Trail—and teaches us about resilience, cultural connection, and the importance of wildlife conservation.

Thank you to the young leaders of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community for giving Waḣca a name that beautifully honors her story.

Beat the heat at the Zoo! ☀️Cool down with a sweet treat, 🍦splash around at the play area 💦, or take a shady stroll alon...
06/19/2025

Beat the heat at the Zoo! ☀️Cool down with a sweet treat, 🍦splash around at the play area 💦, or take a shady stroll along Treetop Trail. Your chill Zoo day awaits! 🐧

Have you heard the buzz? This June, celebrate National Pollinators Month when you head over to Bachman's to purchase pla...
06/17/2025

Have you heard the buzz? This June, celebrate National Pollinators Month when you head over to Bachman's to purchase plants from the new Buzz & Bloom collection. Thoughtfully curated by Bachman's Floral, Home and Garden and the Minnesota Zoo, these hardy plants are designed to thrive in Minnesota landscapes while supporting backyard wildlife. Don't forget to round up at check out to support the Minnesota Zoo Foundation and the Zoo's wildlife-saving efforts. This summer, make a big difference for some of nature's tiniest animals and grow a garden that gives back! Learn more at https://mnzoo.org/buzzbloomgarden/

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service recently named the newest Recovery Champions: Minnesota Zoo conservationists Cale Nordm...
06/17/2025

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service recently named the newest Recovery Champions: Minnesota Zoo conservationists Cale Nordmeyer and Dr. Erik Runquist! This national award recognizes their contributions to the recovery of the endangered Poweshiek skipperling and threatened Dakota skipper. Significant milestones in prairie butterfly conservation have been reached thanks to Cale and Erik’s successful rearing and release programs here at the Minnesota Zoo.

Their year-round efforts have helped the Poweshiek skipperling recover from being functionally extinct in the United States just a few short years ago. The USFWS noted that Cale and Erik’s efforts resulted in an “astounding” population increase of Poweshiek skipperlings, from approximately 250 individuals in 2013 to about 1,500 individuals ready to be released in 2025.

The USFWS also praised Cale and Erik as “exemplary collaborators” with both U.S. and international partners. This includes serving as advisors to the John Ball Zoo in Michigan and the Assiniboine Park Zoo in Manitoba as they established butterfly rearing programs.

Congratulations, Cale and Erik, and our thanks to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for sharing this vital work for wildlife.

Learn more about Cale and Erik's work here: https://bit.ly/3Ttoenq

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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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.