Minnesota Zoo

The Minnesota Zoo (formerly Minnesota Zoological Gardens ) is a Zoo in Apple Valley in the U.S. state of Minnesota. It was opened in 1978 and has approximately 1.35 million visitors per year (2008/ 09). The herd consists of 2,700 individuals and is composed of 450 species from around the world.

The zoo was opening late 1970s, one of the pioneers in terms of animal husbandry. So spacious enclosures were based on the natural conditions of life and avoided the often criticized ostentation in cramped cages. The area of the zoo is divided into different sections, in which the animals are classified according to their origin.

• The Minnesota Trail includes many native Minnesota species such as raccoons, wolves and coyotes. After long-term renovation of the section was re-opened to visitors in July 2007.
• The Northern Trail shows species from areas that are north of 45 degrees latitude home. Well-known animal species are the endangered Siberian tiger, the Mexican wolves and reindeer.
• For Tropical Trail has a house in which the landscape of the tropical latitudes was modeled and housed there animal species are kept.
• The Discovery Bay contains several aquariums with more than 4.1 million liters of water, in which, for example, sharks, rays and sea stars are. This also includes a Dolphin Stadium, which seats 800, take place in the different shows daily.
• The Wells Fargo Family Farm is a family-friendly petting zoo.

Support of the Minnesota Zoo is the state of Minnesota. He is a member of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association ( AZA), and participates in the Species Survival Plan, a conservation and breeding program, with which the organization is trying to preserve endangered species from extinction. In addition, the zoo has a monorail with which tours around the grounds are possible.