On May 22, 1978, the Minnesota Zoo opened its doors for the first time to the eager public. Kids and adults alike walk around the grounds, indoor and outdoor, upstairs and downstairs, in awe of all the animals and plants available for appreciation. The zoo has worked every day to “Connect People, animals and the natural world to save wildlife.”
Minnesota Zoo turns 40 in 2018
The Minnesota Zoo will be celebrating its 40th anniversary with a plethora of special events and activities at the zoo, and throughout the state of Minnesota, over the course of 2018.
Zoo director and president John Frawley had this to say about the zoo’s current legacy: “Since we opened our doors, the Minnesota Zoo has been a state treasure. As we commemorate 40 years as the state’s largest environmental learning center and the home of critical world-wide wildlife conservation efforts, we want to celebrate with all Minnesotans and thank them for their 40 years of visiting and supporting the Minnesota Zoo.”
The celebration will include activities both at the zoo and at locations offsite. In May, we can all look forward to a 40th Birthday Party, taking place on the zoo grounds, as well as pop-up birthday parties throughout the state featuring Zoomobile animals, children’s activities, birthday cake, and more. Did I mention there will be cake? There will be cake, just so you know. Zoo-inspired cake. The best kind of cake.
Throughout the year there will also be memorable stories shared from not only zoo staff and volunteers, but also zoo guests like you and me. These stories and unique memories will span the entire current lifetime of the zoo; the most important part of the zoo, perhaps is not only the inspiration and joy it has brought to visitors, but also the good it as done for the community at large.
As Frawley says, “There are stories about animals, educational programs, conservation successes, donors, volunteers – there are so many stories that demonstrate how our Zoo has made a difference and how it continues to make a positive impact.”
Keep an eye on all the Minnesota Zoo’s website and social media platforms for more information and updates: mnzoo.org
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