Please note: As of December 16, 2025 the Education Outreach program no longer brings animal ambassadors offsite and into the community. We still offer virtual programs and in-person community programs with hand-on activities and educational materials *without* ambassador animals.
This page will continue to be updated with our offerings to the community. If you would like more information, please email us at educate @mnzoo.org. We appreciate your partnership in this time of transition.
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These programs are designed for:
- Seniors (group settings)
- Individuals in group settings needing support with:
- Disabilities
- Mental Health
- Special Needs
- Memory Care
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Minnesota Zoo’s Conservation Corner (in-person)
Can’t make it out to Apple Valley to see us? Let us bring the wonder of the Minnesota Zoo to you! Zoo Naturalists will lead participants through an interactive learning experience featuring varying topics and touchable specimens from our extensive collection of biological artifacts!
Duration: 45 minutes
Times: Preferred program start times are 9:30 am-3:00 pm
Number of participants per program: Limited by location (max of 35 people)
Days offered: Monday through Saturday
Cost: $125/program (up to 3 per visit)
Topics:
Conservation Corner: Zoo Spotlight
A naturalist guide will visit your facility to shine a spotlight on one special corner of our Zoo team’s everyday work, sharing exciting stories and milestones from our nearly fifty-year history or behind-the-scenes insights into the most current goings-on in our animal habitats on site and conservation research out in the field. THIS PROGRAM DOES NOT INCLIDE LIVE ANIMALS.
Conservation Corner: Naturalist Chat
As nature educators, our knowledgeable naturalists’ expertise extends far beyond the Minnesota Zoo’s gates! Indulge your curiosity and venture out into the wider world of the natural and zoological sciences through a lively conversation exploring branches of the animal family tree or how zoos and researchers help us better understand and care for wildlife around the world. THIS PROGRAM DOES NOT INCLIDE LIVE ANIMALS.
Conservation Corner: Wildlife Trafficking
Animal trafficking is the 4th largest crime in the world after drugs, guns, and human trafficking. Because of animal trafficking the rate of extinction for some of the worlds iconic species has sped up and is a very real possibility in our near future. This program informs participants about wildlife crime, talks about some of the species that are most at risk, and how you can make choices in your daily life to help be the solution to this worldwide problem. THIS PROGRAM DOES NOT INCLIDE LIVE ANIMALS.
Travel Restrictions
We offer programming up to 90 miles from the Minnesota Zoo within the state of Minnesota. Virtual programs are offered for locations near or further away.
Minnesota can experience extreme, and often unpredictable, weather. For the safety and welfare of our staff, we may need to cancel/reschedule your program due to extreme weather, air quality concerns and/or hazardous travel conditions.
For all outdoor events, a shaded and rain-protected area is required. An alternate indoor location is encouraged.
Cancellation Fees
Cancellations made more than two weeks prior to the program will receive a refund of 75% of the program fee. No refunds will be made less than two weeks prior to the program.
Scheduling a Program
To schedule a program, please complete the Outreach Request Form to submit a request. Please note: Programs must be requested more than 2 weeks in advance. Full payment is due 2 weeks in advance. If you have any other questions, email us at [email protected].