Minnesota Zoo Celebrates the Autumn Season

Presented by Minnesota Zoo

PHOTO COURTESY OF MINNESOTA ZOO

The Minnesota Zoo comes alive in autumn and there is something for everyone to explore and enjoy. From the gorgeous fall colors along miles of scenic indoor and outdoor trails to the Zoo’s newest Amur tiger cub Vera, guests are connected with nature and amazing animals from around the world.

This fall, the Minnesota Zoo is the perfect place to bring family and friends for a variety of daytime and evening activities and events. Come enjoy the Zoo’s annual HallZooWeen weekend activities during the Zoo’s regular hours—October 14-15, 21-22, and 28-29. HallZooWeen activities will include themed animal enrichment, special zookeeper talks, facepainting and more. Trick-or-treat stations will be set up around the Zoo during the weekend of October 28-29.

You can’t have a HallZooWeen celebration without pumpkins! Starting October 14, “Pumpkins for Wildlife” will be available for purchase in the Zoo’s main parking lot. Pick up your family’s pumpkins this year at the Minnesota Zoo and help the Zoo continue its mission of connecting people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife.

Have you seen the Minnesota Zoo’s newest addition to Tiger Lair? Come see Vera, the Zoo’s new female Amur tiger cub, and her mother, Sundari. Vera was born at the Zoo earlier this spring and made her public debut at the end of August. Her curious and spunky personality comes through when she plays with piles of leave and pounces on mom. Her birth is a sign of hope for the dwindling species. The Minnesota Zoo is home to the Tiger Conservation Campaign and is working hard with zoos and organizations around the world to protect this incredible animal in the wild.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MINNESOTA ZOO

The Zoo isn’t just for kids! Join the Zoo for their upcoming Adult Night Out event on Friday, September 15 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Stroll through the Zoo with a group of friends or that special someone while enjoying a beer, glass of wine, or cocktail. This kid-free version of the Zoo is also perfect for wildlife photographers hoping to snap some great images of the 5,300+ animals during the golden hour. All areas of the Minnesota Zoo will be open during this evening event…just remember, you must be 18+ to enter and 21+ to purchase adult beverages.

And don’t forget the special bonus weekends for the Zoo’s must-see Kangaroo Crossing experience through Sunday, October 15. Experience the Australian Outback right here in Minnesota with kangaroos, wallabies, and emu. There are even several wallaby joeys that can be spotted hopping in and out of their mama’s pouch. Come check out the “Land Down Under” before it hops away.

Are you looking for a way to help the Minnesota Zoo’s mission and save wildlife around the world? Become a Minnesota Zoo volunteer and help connect guests to amazing animals and nature. Schedules are flexible and volunteers are needed in a variety of areas for a variety of projects. The Minnesota Zoo Volunteer Corps was recently recognized on a national level for reaching the incredible milestone of 3 million hours of services donated to the Zoo. Please visit mnzoo.org to learn more.

The Minnesota Zoo is a world-class, year-round destination located in Apple Valley, just minutes south of the Mall of America. The Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends during the month of September. Starting October 1, fall and winter hours will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Whether you’re ready to embrace autumn and bundle up for a walk outside in the crisp air, or looking to hold onto summer for a little while longer with a visit to the lush indoor Tropics Trail, the Zoo is a place for families and friends to gather for unforgettable close encounters with animals from around the world. To learn more about the Minnesota Zoo, the 5,300 animals in their care, and their immersive educational programs and upcoming events, visit mnzoo.org.

This post is presented by