Become a Friend of the Minnesota Zoo Foundation
Friends Benefits
With gratitude for your support, the Minnesota Zoo Foundation offers a number of exclusive benefits for Friends.
For more information, contact Shannon Rhatigan at 952.431.9447 or Sha[email protected]
I’m already a Zoo member—will I lose out on anything if I upgrade to a Friends Plus membership? How many guests can I bring as a Friends Plus member?
Can the children on my Friends Plus membership come without me? Can they bring our two free guests?
You may also name a “nanny” on your membership. His or her name will be added to our database, and (with a photo ID) they will be able to bring your children and one additional guest to the Zoo without you. The nanny will not be allowed admission if your children are not present.
These options are not available for grandchildren on your membership. They must attend with one of the named grandparents on the membership.
Can I make my Friends Plus donation in automatic monthly installments instead of in one lump sum?
This page (https://mnzoo.org/get-involved/donate/friends-minnesota-zoo/) has links to sign up online for monthly giving. If you have additional questions, would like help getting started, or need to change an existing monthly donation, contact 952.431.9447 or [email protected]
What are the donor events?
The current donor event schedule is available here (https://mnzoo.org/get-involved/donate/friends-minnesota-zoo/friends-minnesota-zoo-events/). A printed version of the schedule is mailed to all qualifying donors with their thank you letters for their gifts, and each summer when the coming year’s schedule is announced. Emailed invitations are typically sent one month prior to each event, to those at the applicable donation level.
Each year we try to offer some of the perpetual favorites, and some new experiences. Events with a more limited capacity will, by necessity, be restricted to higher-level donors.
Do I have to pay extra to attend a Friends of the Minnesota Zoo donor event?
For some events you may have the option of paying an additional fee for boxed meals or other extras, but it’s never required. In those instances, you’re welcome to bring your own food.
In most cases, you may bring anyone who is covered by your Friends Plus membership and meets the listed age requirement, including your two free guests. If there is exceptionally limited capacity, we may not allow the two free guests; if that is the case it will be listed on the evite and the online registration page.
How do I register for donor events?
There is no additional fee to attend, but space is sometimes limited and pre-registration is required for planning purposes. If the event has filled, you can add your name to the waiting list by calling 952.431.9447 or emailing [email protected]. If there is a long waiting list we’ll do our best to accommodate with logistics changes or an overflow event, but in some cases that isn’t possible.
Usually you may bring anyone who is covered by your Friends Plus membership and meets the listed age requirement, including your two free guests. If the event has an exceptionally limited capacity, we may not include the two free guests; if that is the case it will be listed on the evite and the online registration page.
If you’ve registered and we have your email address, we’ll email you a reminder with logistical information a few days prior to the event.
What if I want to bring more than my two free guests for a regular Zoo visit?
Is parking covered by my Friends Plus membership?
How does the Zoo use my Friends of the Minnesota Zoo donation?
If you request a specific allocation when you make your donation, we will honor your request. If we cannot accommodate your wishes, we’ll discuss it with you to determine if we can find a use that you can approve. If we cannot reach an agreement, your donation will be refused or returned.
What is the difference between the Minnesota Zoo and the Minnesota Zoo Foundation?
The Minnesota Zoo Foundation primarily raises donations to provide funds for the Minnesota Zoo. The Foundation also funds conservation projects around the world (per the advice of the Minnesota Zoo’s conservation professionals), maintains a Wildlife Reserve Fund as an emergency fund for the Zoo, and administers several endowment funds. And of course, the Foundation must cover its own expenses.
The Minnesota Zoo and Minnesota Zoo Foundation each have their own Board of Trustees. The two boards work cooperatively to best meet the Zoo’s overall needs.
Basic membership, admission, and education fees are paid directly to the Zoo. Friends of the Minnesota Zoo, Animal Sponsorships, and other donations go through the Foundation.
In previous years, the Zoo and Foundation have produced one Annual Report including financial data for both organizations (available here). Beginning with fiscal year 2018 (7/1/17 – 6/30/18), the Zoo and Foundation will issue separate Annual Reports.