Restoring Riverways: Mussels Return to Minnesota Waters

Freshwater mussels, what many people often refer to as ‘clams’ here in Minnesota, are some of the most imperiled animals on the planet. And the Read More


  • Permalink Minnesota Zoo veterinary intern Dr. Maya Iyer DVM and veterinary technician Bob Korman draw blood from a wood turtle for a genetic analysis of wild populations.Gallery

    Drawing on Expertise: Vet Techs Contribute to Turtle Conservation

Drawing on Expertise: Vet Techs Contribute to Turtle Conservation

Tromping through thick brush. Sloshing through ankle-deep water and over slippery river rocks. Mastering a tricky procedure on a small subject. All in a special Read More

Thursday, October 19, 2023|Animal Health, Minnesota Conservation, Turtles|

Indispensable Interns: In the Field, Wetlands, and Lab

Brendan Lewis has been sitting in the dark and damp of a forest for six hours. He’s wrapped in bug netting, swarmed by mosquitoes, and Read More


  • Permalink Zoo's Dr. Erik Runquist at HIMPP conducting butterfly survey.Gallery

    Working for Wildlife: Zoo Scientists Prepare for 2023 Field Season

Working for Wildlife: Zoo Scientists Prepare for 2023 Field Season

The days are lengthening, the temps are rising (slowly), and the Minnesota Zoo’s Conservation Department is busily preparing for an active field season ahead. The Read More


Partner Spotlight: Dakota County Parks

The Minnesota Zoo has been conducting wildlife conservation and research for decades, and partnerships have been key to the success of these programs from the Read More


Releasing Threatened Wood Turtles

Minnesota is home to nine native species of turtle, from the more commonly found snapping and painted turtles, to the relatively elusive smooth softshell turtle Read More


Freshwater Mussel and River Restoration

Freshwater mussels are some of the most at-risk animals in the world. In North America, a mussel biodiversity hotspot, three quarters of the 300+ species Read More


Critical Season to Save Endangered Butterflies

It’s likely that you have never seen, or maybe even heard of, two of Minnesota’s vanishing wildlife species. Small in size and increasingly less easy Read More