Minnesota Zoo Celebrates 40 Years of Amazing

Apple Valley, MINN – January 2, 2018 – The Minnesota Zoo will celebrate its 40^th anniversary in 2018, with a yearlong celebration of special events and activities at the Zoo and throughout the State. Since opening on May 22, 1978, the Minnesota Zoo has worked every day to connect people, animals and the natural world to save wildlife.

“Since we opened our doors, the Minnesota Zoo has been a state treasure,” says Zoo director and president, John Frawley. “As we commemorate 40 years as the state’s largest environmental learning center and the home of critical world-wide wildlife conservation efforts, we want to celebrate with all Minnesotans and thank them for their 40 years of visiting and supporting the Minnesota Zoo.”

The yearlong celebration will include both on and off-site activities, including a 40^th Birthday Party at the Zoo in May 2018.  The Zoo also will invite all Minnesotans to special festivities throughout state, such as pop-up birthday parties featuring Zoomobile animals, fun kids’ activities, birthday cake and more.

Along with special celebrations, the Minnesota Zoo’s social media platforms will share memorable stories from Zoo guests, staff and volunteers from the past 40 years. Frawley continues, “There are stories about animals, educational programs, conservation successes, donors, volunteers – there are so many stories that demonstrate how our Zoo has made a difference and how it continues to make a positive impact.”

The Minnesota Zoo is a year-round destination located in Apple Valley, just minutes south of Mall of America. The Zoo’s mission is to connect people, animals and the natural world to save wildlife. 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).