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Minnesota Zoo’s Attendance Tops 1.3 Million; Sets All Time Record

Apple Valley, MN – July 2, 2012: The Minnesota Zoo is celebrating its most successful year ever, with fiscal year (July 1, 2011–June 30, 2012) attendance totaling 1,369,515 – the highest in the Zoo’s 34-year history. Zoo memberships also are at an all-time high of more than 45,000 households (representing over 175,000 individuals).

The Zoo’s strong attendance gains began last summer with the opening of the 3M Penguins of the African Coast exhibit, which immediately became a fan favorite, and continued into the spring with the ever-popular “Farm Babies” event, the re opening of an upgraded Tropical Reef exhibit, and beautiful weather. Since its opening in late May, the Zoo’s summer blockbuster exhibit – Dinosaurs! – has been a popular attraction for Zoo guests.

“Over the last five years, new and renovated exhibits and public spaces have transformed the Minnesota Zoo,” said Zoo Director/CEO Lee Ehmke. “We are gratified that our guests are responding to these changes in a big way: the three years of highest attendance in the Zoo’s history have all happened since 2009. And we are especially thrilled to report that fiscal year 2012 was our best year yet!”

The Minnesota Zoo’s attendance gains are consistent with many zoos across the country that have experienced record or near-record attendance this past year. According to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), accredited zoos and aquariums in North America welcome more than 175 million visitors each year.

New at the Zoo
Opening September 15, 2012 is the new “Black Bears” exhibit, located on the Medtronic Minnesota Trail. Returning to the Zoo next summer is a seasonal Africa exhibit which will feature a variety of animals including giraffes, ostriches, bongos and more.

The Minnesota Zoo is located in Apple Valley, just minutes south of Mall of America. For more information, call 952.431.9500 or visit mnzoo.org. The Minnesota Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and an institutional member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).