The largest of all cats, the Amur tiger is a top predator of far eastern Asia. With thick fur and padded paws, this northern cat is well protected against the bone-chilling cold and icy winds of winter. The Minnesota Zoo has long been dedicated to tiger conservation in collaboration with zoos throughout the world.

Native to Minnesota, the three black bears living at the Zoo – Tiva, Syke, and Kuruk – were found orphaned in 2010 in the northcentral area of the state. Mostly solitary, bears can roam long distances. In prep for hibernation, they forage on the richest food, gaining 2-3 pounds a day to increase fat reserves for winter.

Several breeds of horses can be found at the Zoo’s Wells Fargo Family Farm, including Clydesdale, Pony of America, Haflinger, and American Paint. The Clydesdales are a fan-favorite, pulling a wagon in the daily parade at the Minnesota State Fair, and the riding horses participate in education programs, like Horse Zoo Camp.

The whitetip reef shark is threatened in the wild because it lives only in shallow ocean waters surrounding coral reefs, making it vulnerable to habitat degradation. Also, it doesn’t reproduce until it is relatively old and gives birth to small litters. Whitetip reef sharks typically have an easy-going disposition and small teeth.

The bald eagle who calls the Minnesota Trail home was found in Wisconsin in 1997, suffering from a broken wing and lead poisoning. Veterinarians discovered her wing injury was old and had healed in a way that made flight impossible. Because she would never be able to fly, she couldn’t be released back into the wild.

Have a specific species in mind? You are welcome to sponsor any of the animals that call the Minnesota Zoo home (explore them all here). Your sponsorship will include a personalized certificate and fact sheet specific to the species you select, and in lieu of a plush and trading card, you will receive a fun animal book!