Minnesota Zoo Up for “Best Zoo in the United States” Distinction

Voting open through May 19 

Apple Valley, MN – April 25, 2014: The Minnesota Zoo is in the running to be recognized as the nation’s best zoo through USA Today’s “Best Zoo in the United States” contest.

Competing against 19 other top-notch zoos across the country, the Minnesota Zoo and other candidates were selected by USA Today based on data supplied by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation – and the accrediting body for top zoos and aquariums in the United States and beyond. Contest criteria for “Best Zoo in the United States” includes annual attendance, total acreage, admission, contribution to conservation efforts, number of supporting members, and recent awards won.

Voting is open to the public through 12 noon on May 19 at http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-us-zoo/

The Minnesota Zoo is located in Apple Valley, just minutes south of Mall of America. Open year round, the Zoo is one of the State’s premier cultural attractions serving 1.3 million visitors annually. With a mission to connect people, animals and the natural world, the Zoo is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). Learn more at mnzoo.org or by calling 952.431.9500.