Sea dragons are classified as “near threatened” and might become threatened in the near future. They are only found in a small region of the world located in the temperate waters off southern Australia, where the habitat is similar to the kelp forests off the California coast.

The two species of sea dragons are close relatives of seahorses, with extra decorative fins that help them blend with the floating seaweed in which they live. They swim slowly with nearly invisible movements of their fins but mostly go with the flow of the water among the plants they resemble.

Interesting Sea Dragon Facts:

• They feed on small animals called mysid shrimp – they may suck in a few hundred per day!
• They have very simple digestive systems with no true stomachs, so they feed throughout the day to compensate.
• Female sea dragons don’t give birth – males do!
• Sea dragons came perilously close to disappearing in the 1990s due to pollution and habitat loss.

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Gibbon babies, like human babies, are completely dependent on mom in the early months of life. For that reason, the new baby gibbon will not be on exhibit for several months to ensure proper feeding, rest, and care.

The Minnesota Zoo is a participating member of the white-cheeked gibbon Species Survival Plan (SSP). This is our 10th Gibbon born here. She is the first female white-cheeked gibbon born in North America since 2006 and the fourth since 2002.

White-cheeked gibbons are one of eleven species of gibbon and critically endangered. These long-armed apes are made for life in the trees, suspending their bodies and swinging easily from one hold to another. Instead of grasping, their hands form a loose hook around branches, allowing them to move swiftly through the canopy.

Learn more about Gibbons

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In the attractions category with attendance between one and two million visitors, the Zoo received Brass Ring Awards for integrated marketing campaign of the year as well as online advertising.

See samples of our ads

The Brass Ring Awards highlight originality, creativity and excellence in marketing among professionals in the attractions industry.

“It’s a great honor to be recognized by your peers,” noted Bill Von Bank, Minnesota Zoo director of sales and marketing.  “These awards complement the positive feedback from our guests.”

Creative elements for the Zoo’s Africa! marketing campaign were developed by Minneapolis-based ad agency Preston Kelly.

Since 2007, the Minnesota Zoo has received 10 Brass Ring Awards.

IAAPA is the premier trade association for the attractions industry worldwide, representing zoos, aquariums, museums, family entertainment centers and amusement parks.

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Bears “Haines” and “Kenai” took an extra special interest in the pumpkin, clawing and ripping it apart while “Sadie” – content to let the boys do the hard work – showed up at the messy grand finale.

“Pumpkins are just one example of ‘enrichment’ used at the Minnesota Zoo to stimulate animals’ senses while encouraging a wide range of natural behaviors,” said the Zoo’s Northern Trail Supervisor Diana Weinhardt.

In the past, pumpkins presented to the bears were substantially smaller – allowing them to claw and smash them as their own unique way of “carving.”

The large pumpkin, grown at the Zoo’s Wells Fargo Family Farm exhibit by Zoo Volunteer Bob Erickson for the past 5 months, was transported ahead of time via a bobcat to the bears’ exhibit inside Russia’s Grizzly Coast. A pumpkin’s weight is estimated by its measurements.

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“Russia’s Grizzly Coast and the Central Plaza have transformed the Minnesota Zoo,” said Zoo Director/CEO Lee Ehmke. “Not only is it the first major exhibit ever developed with a specific focus on the Russian Far East, but it has set a new bar for our Zoo in terms of drama, beauty, educational impact and conservation relevance. We are pleased that our professional peers have recognized this project’s excellence.”

Russia’s Grizzly Coast has led to record-setting attendance and positive ‘buzz’ surrounding the Minnesota Zoo since it opened last year. It is the Zoo’s largest exhibit initiative since it opened in 1978. The $24 million exhibit features state-of-the-art technology that creates an authentically immersive experience, one reflective of the Russian Far East region with grizzly bears, sea otters, Amur leopards and wild boars.

Additionally, the Zoo’s marketing campaign for Russia’s Grizzly Coast also received top honors.

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Apple Valley, MN – May 16, 2009: The Minnesota Zoo’s three grizzly bears demonstrated the importance of bear-proofing campsites this morning as part of “Bear Awareness Week.” Zookeepers setup a mock campsite inside their exhibit – and it didn’t stay neat for long!

After bears “Sadie,” “Kenai,” and “Haines,” were let into the exhibit, they took a brief pause and then headed straight for the tent and a food-filled backpack that was hanging from a tree. The threeyear- old bears ripped the tent apart, ate the food inside – and later ripped the bottom of the backpack so all the food items dropped to the ground.

Tips for Safe-Camping in Bear Country (source: MN DNR)

• Use dehydrated and freeze-dried foods sealed in plastic (to reduce odors).
• Avoid burning unused food.
• Leave a clean camp, with no litter or food scraps around.

• Do not keep food or cooking equipment in the tent.
• Clean all dishes and utensils after each meal. Dispose of dishwater away from the site.
• Do not put food or food containers in latrines.
• Clean fish away from the campsite. Bury fish entrails or leave on a visibly exposed rock near the shoreline for scavenging birds to clean-up.
• Store food out of bears reach. (Note: Some bears have learned how to pull food packs out of trees).

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The Zoo has become a permanent vehicle drop-off site for Courage Center’s Cars for Courage program. Cars can be dropped off from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily. To schedule a drop off, contact Cars for Courage at (763) 520-0540 or toll-free at 1-888-440-CARS, or e-mail at janinet@courage.org.

Donating to Cars for Courage is easy, and eliminates the hassle and cost of trading or selling a used vehicle. Plus, donors can get a tax deduction for the fair market value of their vehicle. Cars for Courage is an essential source of income for Courage Center, a 75 year-old nationally-known rehabilitation and resource center for people with disabilities. Each year Courage services helps more than16,000 people with disabilities receive the tools, training, and services they need to become more independent.

MORE INFORMATION : 763-520-0540, 1-888-440-CARS (2277), www.courage.org

About Cars for Courage:
When you donate your vehicle to Cars for Courage, you are allowed a tax deduction for the fair market value, just as you would with a cash gift. Courage Center provides donation receipts and available book value information. Vehicles must be in good, sellable condition and are sold for the highest possible return. Proceeds support Courage Center’s services for people with disabilities to live more independently.

About Courage Center:
Courage Center is a nationally-known, not-for-profit rehabilitation and resource center for people with physical disabilities, brain injuries, speech or vision impairments, or hearing loss. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Courage Center offers comprehensive, life-long services to people of all ages. Courage Center’s wide-ranging services are designed to empower people with disabilities to reach their full potential in every aspect of life.

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