Minnesota Zoo

Through a program called SAFE – Saving Animals From Extinction – the Minnesota Zoo and our partners are conducting a shark census to help advance animal care and conservation efforts. And the census is just one way that our aquarists contribute to SAFE Shark and Ray. Read our blog to learn how we’re helping our fellow zoos and aquariums, scientists studying sharks, and sustainable fisheries: https://bit.ly/4dPmH3i

Every summer, biologists at the Zoo prepare the yearling wood turtles raised in our care for their release back into the wild. These young turtles will hopefully help increase Minnesota's threatened and dwindling wood turtle population. Pictured here are the release of a yearling turtle, and turtle conservationist Dr. Tricia Markle and intern Zayd A. examining a turtle fitted with a transponder on its back so they can track its movements. In July, conservation photographer Devon Matthews joined the team to capture the event and the impact of this project. Devon is a visual storyteller based out of Minnesota. He aims to tell stories with photos that will leave you feeling a deeper connection to wildlife and the outdoors, strengthening human and wildlife relations. We are grateful for his time and talent in helping us tell the story and raise awareness of this imperiled species. Learn more about the work being done for freshwater turtles: https://bit.ly/3oBWU6f

Meet Marcie! A rescued pronghorn fawn who came from Washington and quickly found a home in our hearts at the Minnesota Zoo. WSU College of Veterinary Medicine associate professor, Dr. Marcie Logsdon DVM (Pronghorn Maricie's namesake 🤗) provided the initial care before seeking out a permanent home for the female fawn after it was determined she could not successfully return to the wild. Dr. Logsdon sought a home with experienced pronghorn caregivers. That's where we come in! Our team has over four decades of experience and nationally recognized expertise in caring for and hand-raising pronghorn. Over the next months, she’ll grow by leaps and bounds and be weaned as would naturally occur with a mother. Later, she will be introduced to the pronghorn herd on the Northern Trail. In the meantime, Marcie is receiving lots of care and attention as she grows. 🥰

It's an active time of year for Minnesota turtles, like the imperiled Blanding's turtle. Adults are on the move as they search out nesting grounds and hatchlings will soon be emerging in search of safe habitat. You can be a wildlife hero by keeping an eye out for turtles crossing roads and leaving the turtles you come across in their natural habitat. Taking a tiny turtle home may be tempting, but it can harm the turtle and negatively impact their natural environment. Leaving hatchlings in the wild allows the next generation of Minnesota turtles to grow and be part of the ongoing conservation efforts around the state, and right here at the Minnesota Zoo! 📸: Conservation Field Team

Each year, the Minnesota GreenCorps program places AmeriCorps members with host site organizations around the state (Like here at the Zoo!) to help preserve and protect Minnesota’s environment while training a new generation of environmental professionals. Learn more about how you can join the efforts and apply today! https://bit.ly/3VuDq3R

Today we're celebrating our Campus Planning and Management Team (CPM) for Facilities Management Day!! Wow. Where do we even begin?! From maintaining the Zoo grounds (inside and out!) to vehicle and fleet maintenance, animal habitat designs and builds to life support systems, to the everyday engineering and problem-solving solutions they provide, this extremely valuable and talented team truly does it all. We're so grateful for their innovations and creativity, and each of their unique individual skill sets. Guests, staff, and animals alike all benefit from their continuous efforts to keep the Minnesota Zoo a safe and accessible place for all. Thank you, CPM Team, for all that you do!

Happy Mother's Day! 🤗

Happy World Veterinary Day to all the veterinary professionals and extra special thanks to our amazing veterinarian team at the Minnesota Zoo! 🤗 Our talented team of passionate Animal Health staff goes above and beyond each day to offer the best individual care to each animal at the Zoo. They care for a wide range of species at the Zoo, each requiring a unique approach. But one thing remains constant, their high level of compassion and dedication to each animal. We're so proud of our team's demonstrated innovation, and the cross-department collaborations that help to ensure each animal is well cared for at the Zoo.

Another sure sign of spring’s arrival was spotted! The first bison calf of the year joined the herd last week at Blue Mounds State Park. These animals contribute to the legacy and conservation of the species as we work with our partners to ensure a vibrant future for the magnificent North American Plains bison. Keep an eye out for more arrivals at Minneopa State Park, Spring Lake Park Reserve, and the right here at the Zoo! 📸: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

It's time for a mid-afternoon break and another round of "Can You Spot It?!" Believe it or not, there IS a golden poison frog in this photo. Can you spot it?? 🧐 📸: Angela