Minnesota Zoo Media Contact

If you need additional information or wish to request an interview with any Minnesota Zoo staff member, please contact:

Kelly Lessard
Public Relations
Minnesota Zoo
13000 Zoo Boulevard
Apple Valley, MN 55124
952.431.9217 direct
952.431.9300 fax
kelly.lessard@state.mn.us

 

 

Press Releases

The Minnesota Zoo Welcomes Twin Moose Calves
First moose born at Zoo in 10 years; making media debut today

Apple Valley, MINN – July 15, 2009: – The Minnesota Zoo has two exciting new additions to the Northern Trail that are making their media debut today. Twin moose calves, one boy and one girl, were born mid-morning on May 20. The calves are the first moose to be born at the Zoo in almost a decade.

The twins, which are unnamed at this time, have been off exhibit to bond with their mom and can now be seen on the Northern Trail. Mom Lilly, 9, was the last moose to be born at the Minnesota Zoo and is also one of the oldest first time moose mothers in a United States zoo.

Moose Fun Facts:

• Moose are the largest member of the deer family.
• They are known to bellow during mating season. Moose also have an alarm call, a distress call, and a call that brings the calf to the cow.
• Moose mate in September or October. After 242–250 days, one to three calves are born (usually late May or June).
• The young, called “calves,” are reddish-brown in color.
• Calves are weaned at 6-8 weeks but remain with their mother for up to two years.
• When feeding in a river or lake, moose will submerge their head under water but leave their ears out, listening for sounds.
• The plural form of moose is moose.

The Minnesota Zoo is located in Apple Valley, just minutes south of Mall of America. For more information, call 952.431.9500 or visit mnzoo.org. The Minnesota Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and an institutional member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).