My family and I had an exciting day in the south metro at the end of April. One of our stops was the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley. It was a beautiful day to view the animals and learn more about them.
The Minnesota Zoo is located on almost 500 wooded acres and is a 100% smoke-free campus. It features a marine center, tropical rain forest, northern tundra, Northwoods, and the Wells Fargo Farm, a seasonal family farm. There are many amenities for food and beverages, gifts, and even the Great Clips IMAX Theatre. There are many picnic tables to enjoy food you have brought with too.
Many beautiful and unique creatures can be found beyond the zoo entrance. The Minnesota Zoo is home to more than 4,300 animals from 542 different species.
The bald eagle seemed to act like he wanted to show us how majestic it was with stretching out it’s wings.
This is a beautiful big cat. This picture does not capture how stunning it is.
These little prairie dogs were always on the go to amuse those of all ages.
The Minnesota Zoo opened in 1978 with a mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. They offer a variety of educational and conservation programs throughout the year. Over 306,000 individuals served by Minnesota Zoo education and outreach programs, including more than 92,000 school program participants.
With the beautiful day, may were out enjoying the exhibits. If you have small children, I would strongly recommend bringing a stroller or wagon. All three of my kids needed a break from walking when we got back by the Wells Fargo Family Farm. Single and double strollers are available to rent on-site. The buildings and facilities at the Minnesota Zoo are wheelchair accessible.
Since we went the last week in April, farm babies were featured and hugely popular at the Wells Fargo Family Farm. Limited rides are available Saturdays and Sundays with this tractor and wagon. There is a walking trail to the farm too.
The goats were more than willing to be fed by hand.
Look at this cute little piglet. I almost thought it looked like it was smiling as it caught some of the warm spring sunlight.
The Minnesota Zoo is open 363 days a year. The only two days they are closed is Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The hours change throughout the year so be sure to check the website for hours when you plan your visit and view events of the day on their online calendar.
News at the Minnesota Zoo
- A sloth baby was born last month. It can be found along the Tropics Trail as well as some snow monkey babies.
- Renovations for 5 new Hawaiian monk seals are in progress for their arrival in the Discovery Bay aquarium. These cute, but endangered marine mammals will be open to the general public on Memorial Day weekend. The new exhibit will include moon jellyfish, cuttlefish, octopus and more. Clubhouse Cove is also getting a face lift.
- May 9-10 is Macy’s Mother’s Day weekend. All moms get in free all weekend. Check out the events planned at http://mnzoo.org/events/macys-mothers-day-weekend-2015-05-10/ and learn how you can write why moms rule to win a $500 Macy’s gift card. 🙂
To Find the Minnesota Zoo:
Highway 77 South (Cedar) and 38 (McAndrews) in Apple Valley, Minnesota
Located only minutes south of the Mall of America
Zoo Information Line 952.431.9500 or 800.366.7811
Facebook – www.facebook.com/mnzoo
Twitter – www.twitter.com/mnzoo
Google+ – www.google.com/+mnzoo
Instagram – www.instagram.com/mnzoo
Pinterest – www.pinterest.com/mnzoo
Disclosure: I am a Minnesota Zoo Influencer and received complimentary tickets to visit the zoo. No other compensation was received for this post. The thoughts and feelings expressed are my own.
