Courtesy of Minnesota Zoo
The first flurries of the season have come and gone, but we all know more is coming in the months ahead. Whether you’re the type who’s counting down the days until the first major snowfall or already counting down the days until next summer, the Minnesota Zoo is a go-to destination that can offer the best of both worlds during the cold season ahead.
Many may think of the zoo as a spring or summer destination, but the Minnesota Zoo is a great spot to spend time with your family and friends all year long. Winter lovers will feel right at home with the Zoo’s moose, musk ox, brown bears, and sea otters—who can often be seen enjoying the cooler climate and romping in the snow. Tigers, leopards, caribou, and bison can be admired along the miles of outdoor trails, providing the perfect setting to marvel in the natural beauty of winter.
For those who fancy a warmer climate, there is nothing more soothing than a stroll through the Zoo’s Tropics Trail. Set at 78 degrees all year long, the Tropics Trail is teeming with plants, birds, and animals from rainforests around the world. The sounds, sights, and warmth are a sure way to shake off any cold-weather blues.
Courtesy of Dave Hamman Photography
Set amongst 485 forested acres in Apple Valley, the Minnesota Zoo offers a window into the natural world. And its conservation efforts can be felt across the world. Here in Minnesota, zoo biologists are leading efforts to save moose, bison, and endangered prairie butterflies. Internationally, the zoo has a field biologist stationed in Namibia, and its work with Save the Rhino Trust organization has led to one of the world’s most successful efforts to save the endangered desert black rhino.
Let’s not forget about tigers. After all, a tiger adorns the Zoo’s logo. The Minnesota Zoo is home to five Amur tigers—including mother-daughter duo Dari and Vera—and has long been a leader in tiger conservation. The Zoo is part of the Tiger Conservation Campaign, which works with zoos across North America to raise awareness about wild tigers and funding for their survival.
Courtesy of Minnesota Zoo
Each visit to the Minnesota Zoo helps support these conservation efforts and helps support its mission of connecting people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. Zoo memberships are a great way to support and experience the zoo and make for a great gift. Open 363 days each year, the Minnesota Zoo is a must-see destination all year long.
