Minnesota Zoo Foundation

Zoo support:the minnesota zoo foundation helps open doors to uniquely immersive nature experiences that benefit the well-being of all by sponsoring programs that bring the minnesota zoo experience to minnesota communities and reduce physical, financial, and cultural barriers to the zoo. We empower the zoo to continuously raise the bar for excellence in animal care and operations by funding the most advanced equipment, best-in-class facilities and industry-leading staff development opportunities. Efforts by the minnesota zoo foundation, including grants to the minnesota zoo and support of zoo programs and leading-edge ideas redefine the role and impact of modern zoos, including through the creation of innovative nature experiences, best-in-class education programs, and industry-leading conservation efforts. These efforts directly support developing a world-class nature zoo experience for nearly 1.5 million annual visitors to the zoo, delivering exceptional welfare for over 4,500 animals in the zoo's care (many of which are threatened or endangered in the wild), and stewardship of 485 acres of forest, prairie, and wetlands.

Conservation:the minnesota zoo is able to lead and participate in industry-leading conservation programs that are saving wildlife because of funding from the minnesota zoo foundation. From native mussel restoration work and turtle head-start programs here in minnesota to global efforts through the ulysses s. Seal conservation grant program and black rhino restoration in namibia, the foundation helps further the zoo's conservation footprint.the minnesota zoo foundation funds several saving animals from extinction (safe) programs and the zoo and foundation co-host the tiger conservation campaign, both programs with the national association of zoos and aquariums. Supporting these field conservation programs furthers our wildlife-saving impact around the world.the minnesota zoo foundation helps to fund four paid internships that support prairie butterfly, freshwater turtle, and freshwater mussel conservation programs at the zoo. The support from these interns allows our conservation biologists to focus on higher-level projects and priorities that help us raise the bar for excellence in our conservation work.