Minnesota Zoo and Como Zoo Partner to Break the Internet with Round Two of a “Cute-Off”

Apple Valley, MINN – November 14, 2016 – On Tuesday, November 15 between 1pm – 2pm the Minnesota Zoo and Como Zoo will team up to flood the Twitter feeds of their followers with pictures and videos of adorable animals from each of their zoos in what they have dubbed a “Cute-Off.” For that one hour tomorrow, followers of the @mnzoo and @comozoo Twitter accounts will be treated to a barrage of images of adorable animals during the social media frenzy.

This “cute-off” precedes Thursday’s “Give to the Max Day”. The two accredited organization’s non-profit partners, the Minnesota Zoo Foundation and Como Friends, participate in the GiveMN “Give To the Max Day”, a 24-hour day of giving that rallies and inspires giving to charities, schools and non-profits. The two zoos expect the “cute-off” will raise awareness and showcase the amazing work both organizations are doing to help save wildlife throughout Minnesota and around the world.

This will actually be the second time (or “round two”) that the two zoos have battled for cyber cuteness supremacy. The first “cute off” occurred in October of 2015 when a Twitter follower of both zoo’s suggested the cuteness campaign. The zoos graciously accepted the challenge and competed for 45 minutes by posting baby animal photos from each organization. The event was incredibly popular and ended in a (surprise!) tie.

“It’s great that our social media followers are so engaged, and these ‘cute-offs’ are a fun way to bring our communities together. We are so excited for round two,” says Josh Le, Communications and Media Relations Manager for the Minnesota Zoo. “Plus, who doesn’t want to see adorable photos of tiger cubs, sea otter pups, and giraffe babies?!”

“We look at our social media fans and followers as everyday cyber guests; checking in to find out the latest news or perhaps sharing their stories and photos on our social media sites” commented Matt Reinartz, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory Marketing Director. “This is just another fun way to connect with the public and if this helps to stand out from the pack on ‘Give To the Max Day’ then all the better.”

The two Twin Cities zoos are both accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and are committed to connecting people with animals to help save wildlife.

Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
For over 100 years, Marjorie McNeely Conservatory and Como Zoo in Saint Paul, Minnesota has charmed, educated and entertained millions of children and adults while fostering an appreciation of the natural world, helping to make Saint Paul the Most Livable City in America.  The Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is open 365 days; 10am-4pm from October 1-March 31, and 10am-6pm from April 1-September 30. Admission to both the Como Zoo and Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is always free and a voluntary donation is appreciated. For more information, visit www.comozooconservatory.org

The Minnesota Zoo
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).