Minnesota has long been committed to preserving its natural heritage.
In partnership with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, US Fish and Wildlife Service, the University of Minnesota and other conservation organizations, the Minnesota Zoo plays a significant role in these preservation efforts by addressing pressing wildlife conservation issues important to our State.
Legacy funds allow the Minnesota Zoo to expand our field conservation and educational programs with a focus on animals and habitats closely aligned with Minnesota’s cultural identity.
Educating Minnesotans about conservation issues and how they can engage in conservation activities is critical to the stewardship of our state’s natural resources. Legacy funds have been used to create new programs and expand existing activities to bring zoo guests and citizens statewide in close contact with animals and demonstrate the ways people can participate in conservation in their own backyard. Program highlights include:
Educating Minnesotans about conservation issues and how they can engage in conservation activities is critical to the stewardship of our State’s natural resources. Legacy funds have been used to create new programs and expand existing activities to bring zoo guests and citizens statewide in close contact with animals and the ways in which people can participate in conservation in their own backyard. Program highlights include:
In partnership with the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Natural Resources Research Institute, scientists and veterinarians from the Zoo are tracking moose in northeastern Minnesota to better understand their habitat and habits. This project will result in management recommendations to enable Minnesota’s moose population to be sustained into the future.
In partnership with other conservation agencies and organizations, the Zoo aims to prevent the extinction of Minnesota’s native prairie butterflies.
Legacy funding has allowed the Zoo to expand our education programs, both at the Zoo and throughout the state. By expanding existing programs and developing new programs we are able to reach a broader audience. We are increasing offerings for all ages in many different ways. Public opportunities to interact with Zoo staff have increased, and continue to expand. We are able to offer new programing to our guests, taking advantage of the new Target Learning Center space. The arts are being used, including theater, sculpture, and other media.
The Minnesota Zoo will develop research-supported strategies to engage the public in specific conservation behaviors they can take in order to improve water quality and mussel health across the state.
