Press Releases
It's a Summer of Dinosaurs, camel Rides, Butterflies, and More at the Minnesota Zoo
Apple Valley, MINN – May 23, 2012 – Another eventful summer is unfolding at the Minnesota Zoo. With the upcoming opening of the blockbuster Dinosaurs! exhibit and the return of the Aveda Butterfly Garden, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Dinosaurs!
May 26 – September 3
9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Explore the pre-historic world when Dinosaurs! roars back to the Minnesota Zoo. This exhibit, sponsored by Think Mutual Bank, features fifteen larger-than-life animatronic dinosaurs including the Tyrannosaurus Rex, Giganotosaurus, and Brachiosaurus. In addition, there will be unique horticultural components, kid-friendly photo opportunities, and a Stegosaurus robot, providing a look at the internal working of the structure for a one-of-a-kind experience. This limited engagement is a separate fee attraction of $4.00 ($3.50 for Zoo members) and general Zoo admission is required.
To complement the Dinosaurs! exhibit, the Great Clips ® IMAX® Theatre at the Minnesota Zoo is featuring Flying Monsters 3D. When dinosaurs walked the Earth, monsters ruled the skies. Opens May 25. Complete details at imax.com/minnesota.
Camel Rides
May 26 – September 3
9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily*
Enjoy the unique experience of riding on a dromedary camel along the Northern Trail. Camel rides are a separate fee attraction of $6.00 ($5.00 for Zoo members), and an additional fee of $6.00 for a photo (*weather permitting).
Odessa’s Amazing Animal Adventure!
May 26 – September 2
Saturdays & Sundays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., & 2 p.m.
Odessa’s Amazing Animal Adventure! is a fast-paced, funny puppet show featuring a variety of characters from around the Minnesota Zoo. Follow Odessa, a young girl, and her
wisecracking guide “Reddy,” the red river hog, as they escape the confines of her room and discover a variety of environments that showcase the wonders of biodiversity. The show takes place in the Target® Learning Center and runs approximately 20 minutes long. A special activities guide is included. Funding is made possible by the Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment.
World of Birds Show
May 26 – September 3
11 a.m., 1 p.m., & 3 p.m. daily*
Soaring hawks, talking parrots, majestic owls, and many more rare and beautiful feathered creatures delight and educate Zoo guests at the World of Birds Show. This show features birds from all over the world demonstrating free-flight natural behavior. The show takes place in the Outdoor Amphitheater and emphasizes the abilities and diversity of birds as well as the importance of their natural habitats (*weather permitting. 3 p.m. shows will be canceled on Music in the Zoo concert days).
Dinos & Donuts
June 9, 23 & 30; July 7 & 14 (Adult Only – 18+); August 11 & 18
7:45 – 9:30 a.m.
Avoid the crowds and experience Dinosaurs! in the early morning. Take the “Dino Train” back in time to explore the pre-historic exhibit before it opens to the public. In addition to fifteen animatronic dinosaurs, there will be food, activities, a fossil dig, and a visit with our resident paleontologist, Dr. Bone-a-Part. Pre-registration is required at mnzoo.org.
Dino Nites
June 14 & 26; July 12 (Date Night – 18+) & 24
6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
See Dinosaurs! in a different light. For four nights this summer, the Dinosaurs! exhibit will be open for a special experience. Along with the exhibit, Dino Nites will feature some extra fun including music and face painting. (Only the Dinosaurs! exhibit will be open during this event). Admission ranges from $8 for children and $12 for adults. Register online at mnzoo.org to receive an admission discount.
Farmers’ Market at the Minnesota Zoo
June 13 – October 3
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Wednesdays
In Partnership with the St. Paul Farmers’ Market, the Minnesota Zoo is excited to host its first weekly Farmers’ Market this summer and fall. Zoo guests and local residents will be able to
purchase fresh produce and other goods while supporting the community. These events will
also include food demonstrations, seafood throw-down competitions, and live performances.
The Farmers’ Market will be set up in the Zoo’s East parking lot. Zoo admission is not required. Funding is made possible by the Clean Water, land & Legacy Amendment.
Aveda Butterfly Garden
June 16 – September 3
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily*
Enjoy the spectacular sight of hundreds of butterflies at the end of the Tropics Trail. The “Aveda Butterfly Garden” features over 40 species of North American butterflies and moths. Walk amongst the butterflies and listen to demonstrations on the butterfly life cycle and butterfly duties including pollination, mating, and egg-laying (*weather permitting). Funding is made possible by the Clean Water, land & Legacy Amendment.
Military Family Week
July 2 – July 8, 2012
9:00 – 6:00
To salute our troops the Minnesota Zoo will be offering free admission for military personnel (active, retired, and civilian) and half-priced admission for their family members. Military personnel will also receive food and retail discounts within the Zoo. (Proof of military service is required). Military Family Week is made possible with support from BMO Harris Bank.
Brew at the Zoo
August 10, 2012
7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Join the Minnesota Zoo for its fourth annual suds sipping safari Brew at the Zoo. Guests will enjoy a wide variety of local domestic/microbrews, complimentary appetizers, and live music. This year’s headliner is Rocket Club. All funds raised will benefit the Minnesota Zoo’s conservation efforts. (This is a 21and older event). Tickets available at mnzoo.org.
Tiger Tracks 5K & Kids’ Run
August 25, 2012
8:00 a.m. race (7:00 a.m. registration)
Lace-up those running shoes and get ready to make tracks around the Minnesota Zoo. This wild run will start at the Puma Pavilion and weave into the Zoo and out around the Northern Trail. Bring the family for a brisk morning run and then slow down the pace and enjoy a day at the Zoo. All proceeds from the run will help support the Minnesota Zoo’s conservation efforts. Register online at mnzoo.org. Tiger Tracks is sponsored by General Mills.
This summer marks the 20th Anniversary for the Subway Music in the Zoo concert series. The
2012 series runs from June 2 through September 2, with more than 30 concerts featured throughout the summer. Artists include Barenaked Ladies, Colbie Caillat, Brandi Carlile, and Gavin DeGraw. Visit mnzoo.org for more information.
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).
