During the entire month of November, the Minnesota Zoo​ will be sharing stories of the many rescued and rehabilitated animals that we care for. All of our animals receive amazing care from zoo staff, volunteers and community members. All of this work is made possible because of YOUR amazing support – thank you! Check back daily as we feature a new story from around the Zoo.

Every day at the Minnesota Zoo, we receive gifts from donors who want to join us in our efforts to save wildlife. They give for many reasons such as supporting conservation projects in Namibia, Mongolia and Minnesota. They fund education programs like Zoo Camp and Zoomobile that help children and those living throughout our state learn about wild animals. And of course, our donors care about the animals that live at our Zoo – giving gifts that provide animal enrichment and veterinary services. Just look what donors made possible this past year:

  • Hanifl Family Wild Woods, the new nature play area that invites kids to explore and connect with the natural world
  • New Zoomobile van which helped us reach a record 57,903 people throughout the state
  • “Animal You Betcha,” a new Close Encounters program that connects children with Minnesota wildlife
  • A new Close Encounters space at the old monorail station (happening now!)
  • Dreamnight, a magical evening at the Zoo attended by a record 3,200 children with disabilities or special health care needs
  • Five critically endangered and non-releasable Hawaiian monk seals who now reside in Discovery Bay
  • Zoo Safari Scholarship Fund for schools having greater than 55% federal free and reduced lunch program. Last year, the Zoo served more than 10,000 students — 53% were enrolled in the free/reduced lunch program and 20% were English language learners
  • Research and field conservation for Asian wild horses, bison, prairie butterflies, black rhinos, Amur tigers, and more 

Last year, 5,300 donors donated almost $5,000,000 to the Minnesota Zoo Foundation. Thank you for your generosity.

Did you know? Today is Give to the Max Day? When we come together, we CAN save wildlife. All gifts, of any amount, are important and greatly appreciated. Today your gift will have double the impact because it is being matched (up to $65,000). A great big bear hug to all Zoo donors, and thank you for considering a gift today.