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.

Not all of the animals that need a little extra help come to the Zoo from the outside world. Sometimes those who need some extra special care are born right here at the Minnesota Zoo. “Ming” is one of those animals. She was born here at the Zoo on May 16, 2006…one of three musk ox calves born that summer. Shortly after joining the Minnesota Zoo family, she was injured by another musk ox and sustained several injuries, mainly to her front left leg. Due to these injuries, she was hand-raised by her dedicated zookeepers where she was cared for around the clock. Several surgeries were required to ensure proper bone growth. In order to ensure she knew she was in fact a musk ox and not a human (always a possibility when hand-raising animals), she was cared for in a space where she could see and observe her fellow musk ox. Once she was strong enough, she was integrated into the herd.

Zoo guests can check out “Ming” and our musk ox herd along the Northern Trail near the Conservation Carousel and the Hanifl Family Wild Woods nature play area. Due to her injuries when she was young, she has arthritis, but continues to receive excellent daily care from zookeepers and our Zoo veterinarians. Fun fact, the three calves born at the Minnesota Zoo in the summer of 2006 are all named pieces of a native Alaskan phrase – “Oomingmak” which translates to “the bearded one.”

Did you Know? Musk oxen roamed the earth at the same time as the mammoth and woolly rhinoceros. In colder times they lived far south of their current range, with some even inhabiting the area that is now Kansas.

Looking for a way to help the Minnesota Zoo provide incredible care for the 4,700+ animals that call the Zoo home? Check out our Amazon.com Wish List for a variety of animal enrichment options to keep them mentally and physically strong.