Dear Zoo Members and Guests:

There is no doubt that this is an extraordinarily challenging time globally. People have many questions and concerns and our hearts are with the communities and people who have been directly impacted by the coronavirus. As always, the health and safety of our guests, staff, volunteers, and animals is our top priority, and we continue to actively monitor the developments of the global spread of the virus.

We have received many inquiries and messages of support and want to assure you that as a state agency the Zoo continues to collaborate closely with other state and federal agencies. Given the executive order announced by Governor Walz and in collaboration with the State, we have made the decision to temporarily close the Zoo to the public effective, Saturday, March 14, 2020.

We remain in daily communication with the State of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Health as well as actively monitoring the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and consulting our network of zoo colleagues around the world. We have not had any cases of coronavirus reported among staff or guests at this time.

Our animals are behaving normally and they will continue to be provided world-class care by our dedicated team of animal care professionals. The Zoo will remain accessible to staff at this time as we manage our critical internal operations.

Every day, we work hard to make the Minnesota Zoo a safe and welcoming place for all. During this temporary closure, we continue to encourage visits to our website and social media platforms, where you can find information on animals and our acclaimed local and international conservation programs. As the state’s largest environmental education center, our mission remains steadfast—to connect people, animals and the natural world to save wildlife.

We will continue to proactively monitor the situation and work closely with the State of Minnesota. As this is ever-evolving, we will communicate predominately via our website and social media so please check often for up-to-date information.

If you have questions regarding ticketed events and programs, please call the Zoo or email us at [email protected]

Thank you for your continued and ongoing support of the Minnesota Zoo.