THE MINNESOTA ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN

This has been a spectacular fall in Minneapolis.  We aren’t always this fortunate, as cold temperatures and snow can arrive early in Minnesota.  Not losing sight of what’s to come, I've been taking advantage of this glorious weather, so when my friend Alan invited me to accompany him and his family on a visit to the Minnesota Zoological Garden (the Minnesota Zoo) I jumped at the opportunity.   It had been a number of years since I had been there.

Statues of animals, cute . . . 

. . . And not so cute, greeted us at the entrance.

The penguins are always fun to watch.

Visioning for the zoo began in the 1960’s, but planning really began to take off when Dakota County donated a parcel of land near Apple Valley in 1970.  Space was now available to build the large, expanded, outdoor exhibits that they had envisioned – complete with an overhead monorail.  This was a radical concept to say the least, but the experience worked so well, that many zoos have since followed suit.

Can you find Nemo and Dory?

Busy beavers.

Conservation has been at the core of the zoo’s vision from the beginning, and they are internationally know for their work, not only in helping to maintain populations in their natural environment, but also for the care they take with their own collection.  As we know, zoos are often the last line of defense in preserving species.

"Hakuna Matata."

A trip to the Minnesota Zoological garden was the perfect way to spend a sunny, fall afternoon.  If you have the chance I encourage you to check them out.

***Where is your favorite Zoo located?