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Zoo News William David Romans Golf Classic The proceeds from this event will go to the Minnesota Zoo’s William David Romans Endowment Fund which provides economically- challenged, culturally-diverse K-2 students with free admission to the Minnesota Zoo through a Zoo Safari experience, as well as Zoomobile visits to area hospitals. Learn More.
Special Delivery! Dolphin calf born at the Minnesota Zoo Pioneer Press article
Minnesota Zoo's attendance in the News Minnesota Zoo breaks 1.3 million visitors in back-to-back years Star Tribune article
Owatonna seventh-grader helps breaks ground at the Minnesota Zoo
Minnesota Zoo's newest exhibit featured in the news.
Star Tribune article
Besides faces, you'll also find plants, flowers and other greenery in the exhibit. Garden Guy Dale K. takes us on a tour.
Minnesota Monthly article about Minnesota Zoo newest exhibit Faces of the African Forest and the future of the Zoo. Read the Minnesota Monthly Article
Minnesota Zoo Dolphin Begins New Adventure After making a new group of friends, the Minnesota Zoo’s youngest Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, “Spree,” has relocated to the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago with their three female dolphins, “Tapeko,” “Noelani,” and “Allison.” The Brookfield Zoo trio had been temporarily residing at the Minnesota Zoo since the summer of 2009 while their Seven Seas Dolphinarium underwent renovations. The Minnesota Zoo moved Spree, 8, to provide her with a better social setting. Spree had a difficult time fitting into the dolphin pod since her mother “Rio’s” passing. Dolphins are very social animals; part of their social development involves learning how to behave with other dolphins. In Rio’s absence, Spree lacked the maternal influence necessary to teach her dolphin “social etiquette.” Her role models during this time – two adult males who treated her as an adult and two adult females who didn’t bond with her – did not welcome her into their pod. To continue providing the best care for Spree, the Minnesota Zoo and Brookfield Zoo worked cooperatively to design a multi-step plan that, over time, progressed Spree, Tapeko, Noelani and Allison toward living together. “It was difficult to see Spree go, but it was the right thing to do for her,” said Minnesota Zoo Marine Mammal Supervisor Diane Fusco. “This was an opportunity to integrate Spree into a new, solid group where she could experience positive interactions with different animals and learn from them. She’ll be a wonderful addition to Brookfield, and their guests will be able to see some of her favorite behaviors as we have for the past several years.” Adds Rita Stacey, curator of marine mammals for the Chicago Zoological Society: “We are very pleased with the renovations and the dolphins’ stay at Minnesota Zoo. The cooperative effort between the Brookfield Zoo and one of its partner institutions made this entire project go extremely well.” The four dolphins were flown to Illinois on a privately-chartered airplane by FedEx. On the return flight home, they were closely monitored by their trainers and veterinarians, and successfully made the trip in about five hours. FedEx, a Chicago Zoological Society partner in this move, worked closely with zoo staff to provide a well-executed air transport. For the next month, the female dolphins will not be on exhibit while they acclimate to their newly- renovated facility: the Seven Seas Dolphinarium will reopen Memorial Day weekend. Zoo guests will be able to enjoy an updated presentation that focuses on dolphin conservation and spotlights the animals and Brookfield Zoo’s 50th year of having this species in its care.
The Zoo kicks off the 10th anniversary of the Wells Fargo Family Farm with the Farm Babies exhibit.
Minnesota Zoo Receives Awards The Minnesota Zoo's "Who Pooped?" video and 2009 Annual Report both won Minnesota PRSA Classics Awards at the International Market Square, March 25, 2010. Minnesota Zoo’s extreme makeover The Star Tribune article on the Minnesota Zoo's plans for the future. Jenny Prom Named Minnesota Zoo's "Zookeeper of the Year"
A Zoo employee for 12 years, veterinary technology is a second career for Prom. Growing up on a Farm, she earned a B.A. but missed working with animals so she later earned a 2-year A.A.S. Veterinary Technology degree and now works with both domestic and exotic species at the Zoo. KARE 11's Simply Science previewing the Zoo's newest exhibit The Minnesota Zoo new exhibit, Faces of the African Forest opening May 29, was featured on KARE 11's Simply Science.
The Minnesota Zoo visited the State Capitol to thank legislators for their support, introduce them to animals and educate guests about the environment, and talk to them about its future plans.
Ron Tilson, director of conservation at Minnesota Zoo, co-author of a new edition of the encyclopedic Tigers of the World, talks about the reintroduction of the South China tiger, the rarest of the world's five surviving subspecies, back into its natural habitat.
Jason Matheson trades his cozy Buzz couch and laptop for waders and a bucket of chum to feed some hungry sharks at the Minnesota Zoo Aquarium.
MPR Interview; Jeff Muntifering hopes to save black rhinos from extinction by using economic development to keep poachers at bay. Read and listen to MPR interview or Listen here
The Minnesota Zoo brought rainforest animals to Harltey Elementary Friday
Looking up at crocs and playing where the monkeys play: That's the Minnesota Zoo's newest attraction, opening in May. Read article on StarTribune.com Learn more about our new exhibit
Creatures From DR. Suess? Arguably the most mysterious and visually interesting creatures of the sea, two species of sea dragons now have a brand new home inside Discovery Bay at the Minnesota Zoo. It is approximated that between just 5–15 zoos/aquariums in the United States currently have sea dragons on exhibit. The Minnesota Zoo hasn’t exhibited sea dragons since 2008 in order to design and create a much larger and more decorative exhibit than the previous one – an exhibit where both weedy and leafy sea dragons could be exhibited together. 
Sea dragons are classified as “near threatened” and might become threatened in the near future. They are only found in a small region of the world located in the temperate waters off southern Australia, where the habitat is similar to the kelp forests off the California coast. The two species of sea dragons are close relatives of seahorses, with extra decorative fins that help them blend with the floating seaweed in which they live. They swim slowly with nearly invisible movements of their fins but mostly go with the flow of the water among the plants they resemble. Interesting Sea Dragon Facts:
Minnesota Zoo Announces Birth of a White-Cheeked Gibbon The Minnesota Zoo is excited to announce the birth of a white-cheeked gibbon, born in the early morning on December 27. This is the second offspring for mom, “Tia.” Zookeepers are bottle-feeding the infant and they hope to reunite her with either mom or dad “Bailey” in the future. She appears healthy and seems to have a good appetite. Since her birth, the animal care staff has been providing 24-hour care to ensure her health. Read article on StarTribune.com 
Gibbon babies, like human babies, are completely dependent on mom in the early months of life. For that reason, the new baby gibbon will not be on exhibit for several months to ensure proper feeding, rest, and care. The Minnesota Zoo is a participating member of the white-cheeked gibbon Species Survival Plan (SSP). This is our 10th Gibbon born here. She is the first female white-cheeked gibbon born in North America since 2006 and the fourth since 2002. White-cheeked gibbons are one of eleven species of gibbon and critically endangered. These long-armed apes are made for life in the trees, suspending their bodies and swinging easily from one hold to another. Instead of grasping, their hands form a loose hook around branches, allowing them to move swiftly through the canopy.
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) has awarded the Minnesota Zoo Brass Ring Awards for its marketing efforts promoting this past summer’s seasonal exhibit, Africa! The awards were given at the annual convention in Las Vegas this week. In the attractions category with attendance between one and two million visitors, the Zoo received Brass Ring Awards for integrated marketing campaign of the year as well as online advertising. The Brass Ring Awards highlight originality, creativity and excellence in marketing among professionals in the attractions industry. “It’s a great honor to be recognized by your peers,” noted Bill Von Bank, Minnesota Zoo director of sales and marketing. “These awards complement the positive feedback from our guests.” Creative elements for the Zoo’s Africa! marketing campaign were developed by Minneapolis-based ad agency Preston Kelly. Since 2007, the Minnesota Zoo has received 10 Brass Ring Awards. IAAPA is the premier trade association for the attractions industry worldwide, representing zoos, aquariums, museums, family entertainment centers and amusement parks.
“Allie” due in summer 2010 The Minnesota Zoo’s Atlantic bottlenose dolphin “Allie” is expecting a calf in the summer of 2010. The pregnancy was confirmed during an ultrasound this morning.
2 men celebrate birthdays at zoo they've given thousands of hours to.
The Minnesota Zoo’s grizzly bears took less than ten minutes to destroy a 500-pound pumpkin that was presented to them today inside their exhibit as part of an early Halloween treat.  Learn more
Bears “Haines” and “Kenai” took an extra special interest in the pumpkin, clawing and ripping it apart while “Sadie” – content to let the boys do the hard work – showed up at the messy grand finale. 
“Pumpkins are just one example of ‘enrichment’ used at the Minnesota Zoo to stimulate animals’ senses while encouraging a wide range of natural behaviors,” said the Zoo’s Northern Trail Supervisor Diana Weinhardt. In the past, pumpkins presented to the bears were substantially smaller – allowing them to claw and smash them as their own unique way of “carving.” The large pumpkin, grown at the Zoo’s Wells Fargo Family Farm exhibit by Zoo Volunteer Bob Erickson for the past 5 months, was transported ahead of time via a bobcat to the bears’ exhibit inside Russia’s Grizzly Coast. A pumpkin’s weight is estimated by its measurements.
The Minnesota Zoo has teamed up with seven restaurants in the Twin Cities to educate people about sustainable fish and seafood.
The Minnesota Zoo is excited to announce that its new, multi million dollar exhibit – Russia’s Grizzly Coast – has received top honors in the exhibit design and marketing excellence categories from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Learn more
“Russia’s Grizzly Coast and the Central Plaza have transformed the Minnesota Zoo,” said Zoo Director/CEO Lee Ehmke. “Not only is it the first major exhibit ever developed with a specific focus on the Russian Far East, but it has set a new bar for our Zoo in terms of drama, beauty, educational impact and conservation relevance. We are pleased that our professional peers have recognized this project’s excellence.” Russia’s Grizzly Coast has led to record-setting attendance and positive ‘buzz’ surrounding the Minnesota Zoo since it opened last year. It is the Zoo’s largest exhibit initiative since it opened in 1978. The $24 million exhibit features state-of-the-art technology that creates an authentically immersive experience, one reflective of the Russian Far East region with grizzly bears, sea otters, Amur leopards and wild boars. Additionally, the Zoo’s marketing campaign for Russia’s Grizzly Coast also received top honors. Read article on StarTribune.com
The Minnesota Zoo's director plots a new course on the heels of record success with "Grizzly Coast." Read article on StarTribune.com Zoo's healing touch on TV Program provides comfort to children in hospital Minnesota Zoo staging animal escape drill The Minnesota Zoo, with September being National Preparedness Month, will join with law enforcement for the first time and conduct an animal escape drill. Read article on StarTribune.com
Three dolphins from Chicago's Brookfield Zoo arrived in Apple Valley Sunday to stay until their 20-year-old enclosure in Chicago is refurbished. Read article on StarTribune.com
Newborn twin moose went on exhibit Wednesday at the Minnesota Zoo. Will be on exhibit Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Read article and watch video on StarTribune.com
The Minnesota Zoo's 4,800-square-foot nature-based playground, Woodland Adventure, opens to the public July 11. Read article on TwinCities.com
Asia's wild tigers are in big trouble -- their numbers are dwindling faster than ever. Halfway around the world, two Minnesotans are separately trying to help turn that trend around.
Learn more
Apple Valley, MN – May 16, 2009: The Minnesota Zoo’s three grizzly bears demonstrated the
importance of bear-proofing campsites this morning as part of “Bear Awareness Week.” Zookeepers After bears “Sadie,” “Kenai,” and “Haines,” were let into the exhibit, they took a brief pause and then headed straight for the tent and a food-filled backpack that was hanging from a tree. The three year- old bears ripped the tent apart, ate the food inside – and later ripped the bottom of the backpack so all the food items dropped to the ground. Tips for Safe-Camping in Bear Country (source: MN DNR)
KARE 11 Simply Science Segment
The Minnesota Zoo is proud to participate in the Museum Adventure Pass program, a partnership between the Twin Cities metro public libraries and museums and other attractions in the Twin Cities. Sponsored by Macy’s Gives, this program provides library users the chance to “check-out” 20 different Twin Cities attractions. The Zoo is offering complimentary passes for two people through this program. Parking and additional admissions are extra.
The Zoo has become a permanent vehicle drop-off site for Courage Center’s Cars for Courage program. Learn more
The Zoo has become a permanent vehicle drop-off site for Courage Center’s Cars for Courage program. Cars can be dropped off from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily. To schedule a drop off, contact Cars for Courage at (763) 520-0540 or toll-free at 1-888-440-CARS, or e-mail at janinet@courage.org. Donating to Cars for Courage is easy, and eliminates the hassle and cost of trading or selling a used vehicle. Plus, donors can get a tax deduction for the fair market value of their vehicle. Cars for Courage is an essential source of income for Courage Center, a 75 year-old nationally-known rehabilitation and resource center for people with disabilities. Each year Courage services helps more than16,000 people with disabilities receive the tools, training, and services they need to become more independent. MORE INFORMATION : 763-520-0540, 1-888-440-CARS (2277), www.courage.org About Cars for Courage: About Courage Center:
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Minnesota Zoo's "Heart of the Zoo" groundbreaking in the News
Faces of the African Forest Opening in the News
Fox 9 Garden Guy Dale K: Faces of the African Forest Exhibit at MN Zoo 
Minnesota Zoo has been featured in the May issue of Minnesota Monthly magazine 
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Farm Babies in the News 
Animal Health Specialist Jenny Prom has been named the Minnesota Zoo's 2009 "Zookeeper of the Year." Prom has been a positive, valuable asset to the Zoo for many years. The job she does is very important to the health and wellness of all Minnesota Zoo animals. Prom works with staff in the Biological Programs department and keeps the veterinary staff supplied with whatever drug, glove, or chemical they need.
Minnesota Zoo Visits the State Capitol
Minnesota Zoo Director of Conservation Discusses South China Tigers in TIME Magazine 
Jason Matheson Feeds Sharks at the Minnesota Zoo
Minnesota Zoo biologist working to save rhinos from poaching, extinction
Minnesota Zoo visits Hartley Elementary 
New at the Minnesota Zoo 
The February, 2010 issue of Minnesota Business Magazine features Lee Ehmke on the main cover 
Minnesota Zoo Expecting Dolphin Calf
Minnesota zoo volunteers celebrate a shared birthday: one's 90, one's 100
Minnesota Zoo Grizzly Bears Destroy 500-Pound Pumpkin
Sustainable fish and seafood
Minnesota Zoo’s Multi Million Dollar Exhibit Receives National Awards
A Grand New Vision for the Zoo
Three dolphins from Chicago check in at the zoo
Double the moose cuteness at Minnesota Zoo
New Woodland Adventure Playground at Zoo
Minnesotans stalking the big cats.
Minnesota Zoo Bears Tackle Tent during “Bear Awareness Week”
setup a mock campsite inside their exhibit – and it didn’t stay neat for long!
The Comeback of the Trumpeter Swan.
Visit your Library and Check Out a Museum 
We are a Cars for Courage Drop-off Site 
