Minnesota Zoo
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The Minnesota Zoo (formerly Minnesota Zoological Gardens ) is a zoological garden in Apple Valley in the US state of Minnesota . It was opened in 1978 and has around 1.35 million visitors a year (2008/09). The animal population consists of 2,700 individuals and consists of 450 species from all over the world.
The zoo was one of the pioneers in terms of animal husbandry when it opened in the late 1970s. Spacious enclosures were modeled on the natural living conditions and the often criticized display in narrow cages was avoided. The area of the zoo is divided into different sections in which the animals are classified according to their origin.
- The Minnesota Trail includes many species of animals native to Minnesota, such as raccoons , wolves, and coyotes . After long-term renovations, the section was reopened to visitors in July 2007.
- The Northern Trail shows animal species from areas north of the 45th parallel. Well-known animal species here are the endangered Siberian tigers , Mexican wolves and reindeer .
- The Tropical Trail includes a house in which the landscape of the tropical latitudes was modeled and in which native animal species are kept.
- The Discovery Bay contains several aquariums with more than 4.1 million liters of water, in which, for example, to sharks , rays and sea stars are. This also includes a dolphin stadium with 800 seats, where various shows take place every day.
- The Wells Fargo Family Farm is a family friendly zoo .
The state of Minnesota is responsible for the Minnesota Zoo. He is a member of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) and participates in its Species Survival Plan, a conservation and breeding program that the organization uses to save endangered species from extinction. The zoo also has a monorail , with which tours around the area are possible.
Web links
- Website of the Minnesota Zoo (Engl.)
Coordinates: 44 ° 46 ′ 7.4 " N , 93 ° 11 ′ 56.5" W.