|
Press Releases
Minnesota Zoo Sets Attendance Record Apple Valley, MINN – July 1, 2009: – The Minnesota Zoo has achieved its highest attendance level since it opened its doors over thirty years ago: 1,355,260 guests visited in the past fiscal year (July 1, 2008 – June 30, 2009). Memberships to the Minnesota Zoo, now totaling 44,229 households (175,000 individuals) are also at an all-time high. Attendance during the past year rose 16% while memberships increased 21%. Leading to this record-breaking year was the opening of the unique Russia’s Grizzly Coast exhibit and renovated Central Plaza, a combined $30 million effort. As with many zoos nationally, attendance has increased as families seek “close to home” activities, but the Minnesota Zoo’s double-digit growth is also the result of new exhibits and attractions supported by a strong marketing effort. "People are voting with their feet," said Minnesota Zoo Director/CEO Lee Ehmke. "The Minnesota Zoo's strategic goal has been to achieve excellence in all we do, and to be recognized for it by our audience, community and professional peers. Attendance and membership levels are at an all-time high, our conservation and education programs are thriving, and the positive ‘buzz’ around the Zoo has been underscored by a number of significant awards for our efforts in exhibit design, marketing, innovation in education and conservation impact. Years of hard work have begun coming to fruition, and we're excited about the opportunities ahead to do even more for Minnesota and for wildlife." Soaring attendance figures topped the Minnesota Zoo’s previous high, set in fiscal year 1994 when 1,294,183 guests visited. Over the past five years, the Zoo’s attendance has increased by more than 40%, while membership has increased 49%. The Zoo also expects the coming year to be a strong one. Its new outdoor nature-based play area, “Woodland Adventure,” will open on July 11, 2009. The Zoo will also open a new indoor African rainforest exhibit, featuring bats, crocodiles, monkeys, and Red River hogs in the summer of 2010. 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).
|
