You probably already know the Lakeville, Minnesota area is a serene and supportive place to raise a family. One reason is the wealth of enriching education and entertainment opportunities in the surrounding community, like the Minnesota Zoo in the nearby Apple Valley. Jeff Belzer Dodge Ram Lakeville put together this guide to help you take advantage of the Minnesota Zoo this year.
An Overview of the Minnesota Zoo
The Minnesota Zoo has been a mainstay of the Saint Paul metropolitan area since its origin in 1978. The state of Minnesota launched the zoo to give residents and visitors the opportunity to connect with wildlife and to promote conservation and sustainability to protect the precious wildlife that populates our planet. This 485-acre property hosts over 4,500 animals from 505 species. The Zoo regularly works to improve the health outcomes of animals native to the area and even partners with government organizations like the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Recent projects include efforts to reduce mortality rates for endangered turtles, promote safe breeding programs to grow horse and tiger populations, help bison safely return to Minnesota state parks, release native mussels into local waterways, and develop breeding programs for endangered butterflies. The Minnesota Zoo also plays an active role in wildlife nature conservancy education. It’s the largest environmental learning center in Minnesota, and the Zoo frequently hosts field trips, gives traveling educational presentations across the state, and enrolls science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students in developmental programs.
Exhibits to Visit at the Minnesota Zoo
Venture under the sea with Discovery Bay: United Healthcare Marine Education Center, the aquatic home to the Zoo’s marine creatures. Here, you’ll find majestic and powerful creatures, like the leopard shark, sand tiger shark, and southern stingray. There are playful critters, too, like seahorses and seals. You can also marvel at the Atlantic coral reef that these marine creatures call home.
If you’re feeling courageous, you can even pet a shark. Maybe you’re hoping for an interactive experience that requires a little less bravery. Pet a sea anemone or sea star. There are plenty of safety measures in place, so the attentive and knowledgeable staff will ensure you feel comfortable and know how to interact with any of these stunning creatures.
Tropics Trail Exhibit
Head outside and discover the wild beauty of the rainforest at Tropics Trail. Not only does this zone feature some of the animal kingdom’s silliest and most visually stunning creatures, but it’s also home to a rich landscape of vibrant plant life. Expect lively greenery and colorful flowers, like bright purple orchids. Birds like cranes, ducks, pigeons, and the Sri Lanka Junglefowl flutter between trees, while land-dwelling creatures like flamingos, hogs, and chinchillas also call this habitat home.
You’ll also catch other beloved creatures hanging out in the trees, like sloths, bats, and monkeys. Reptiles and amphibians also live in the Tropics Trail, a high-moisture environment that helps them transition from warm sun to cool water. The Tropics Trail also represents some of the planet’s hot spots, which are areas that have dense native vegetation and wildlife that are in grave danger of destruction.
Wells Fargo Family Farm Exhibit
For an exhibit that helps adults and little ones alike understand how plants and wildlife impact our everyday lives, head to the Wells Fargo Family Farm. As you might expect, there are farm animals to observe and interact with, like pigs, but there’s also plenty of fascinating information about agriculture and farming. Learn more about the process of harvesting plants and animal meat to create food products and discover the practices farmers take to protect our environment and natural resources.
Medtronic Minnesota Trail Exhibit
Medtronic Minnesota Trail is an exhibit that focuses on the natural world that exists right in our backyard. This area pays tribute to the plants and animals who call Minnesota home, featuring furry friends like raccoons, coyotes, wolves, pumas, and wolverines. You’ll also see a nod to our wintry northern climate in the exhibit’s focal point, a constructed log cabin and lodge with a fireplace.
Explore the Minnesota waterways with beaver ponds and wetlands. There’s also a peaceful spot for birdwatchers to camp out and catch the songs of local birds. Plus, native greenery surrounds the wild bird deck, recreating the serenity of a peaceful morning with the birds on a Minnesota patio, no matter the season. Other exhibits include:
- Russia’s Grizzly Coast: a new exhibit that captures the diverse landscape of Russia, with volcanoes, woodlands, geysers, and rocky terrain and features otters and bears.
- Northern Trail: a .75-mile trail that offers hearty creatures, like caribou and tigers, a cool place to roam in the winter.
- South Entry: a small habitat populated by penguins and monkeys, situated near one of the Zoo’s main entrances.
- Wings Financial World of Birds Show: an educational live bird show featuring high-flying birds with spectacular feathers and incredible capabilities.
Things to Know When Planning Your Visit
You may go for the animals, but there are plenty of activities to occupy your or your little ones’ attention during a day at the Minnesota Zoo. There are snack carts throughout the Zoo, and you’re also able to bring your own snacks if you have dietary needs to consider. There’s also a gift shop where you can purchase one-of-a-kind souvenirs from your trip, like toys and clothing items.
The Minnesota Zoo requires guests to reserve online tickets before their visit. Tickets cost $19.95 for adults, $13.95 for children under 12, and seniors over 65. Guests under two get in for free. If you plan on becoming frequent Minnesota Zoo guests, you could purchase a membership. Memberships are annual and range in price from $65 to $300. Members receive perks like free entry, discounted rates for additional guests, and a members-only hour before the Zoo opens to all guests.
The Minnesota Zoo is a cultural staple that helps Lakeville-area adults and kids come face-to-face with nature and learn more about protecting our planet. Schedule your visit to take advantage of this all-ages community institution. If you’re looking for a family-friendly vehicle to enable your weekend excursions, visit us at Jeff Belzer Dodge Ram Lakeville. Our welcoming and knowledgeable team can help you find a stylish, rugged, or eco-friendly car, truck, or SUV at a price you love, so contact us today to connect with a representative.
Snow monkey, Minnesota Zoo by number7cloud is licensed with CC BY 2.0
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