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About Us
The Minnesota Zoo Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to supporting the Zoo’s mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. We provide critical funding and resources to support and scale the impact of important Zoo initiatives. But it all starts with you: donors who care for the well-being of humans, animals, and the planet and want to make a lasting difference in Minnesota, and around the world.
Supporting and Scaling Important Initiatives
Funding and resources from our organization help make the Zoo’s wide-ranging efforts to connect people, animals, and the natural world possible.
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Connecting With Nature
Immersive nature experiences and innovative environmental education programs.
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Breaking Barriers
Programs that reduce barriers to visiting and increase access to all the Zoo has to offer.
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Protecting Wildlife
Industry-leading conservation work in Minnesota and across the globe.
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Ensuring Excellence
Raising the bar in animal care, Zoo operations, exhibits, and professional training.
Impact Stories
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Dream Night
Giving children with significant healthcare needs a private, inclusive, and accessible evening at the Zoo.
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The Treetop Trail
Providing visitors a whole new perspective of the Zoo has created stronger bonds to wildlife and the natural world.
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Conservation In Action
The Ulysses S. Seal grant program supports conservation around the world one grant at a time.
Meet Our Board of Directors
Our board of directors is a dedicated group committed to putting their love of the Minnesota Zoo into action.
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Blake Grams
Chair
Retired VP of Global Operations, The Toro Company -
Suzanne Gappa
Vice Chair
Community Volunteer -
Mark Larsen
Treasurer
Senior Director – Investments, Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. -
Chet Ellingson
Secretary
CFO, Reese Enterprises, Inc. -
Peggy Burnet
Community Volunteer
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Jane Cady Pirtle
Community Volunteer
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Eleanor R. Crosby
Community Volunteer
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Jessica Davis
Real Estate Advisor, Engel & Volkers Lake Minnetonka
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Aimee D. Dayhoff
Shareholder, Winthrop & Weinstine P.A
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Louis Doth
Senior Manager, Financial Accounting Advisory Services, Ernst & Young
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Phil Gaarder
EVP, Operations, Flint Hills Resources
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Charlene Jundt
Community Volunteer
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Dale Kivimaki
President, Freestyle Productions
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Julie Kunkel
Independent Director, Bloomin’ Brands
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Nancy Nordmeyer
Community Volunteer
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Joe Ravens
Region Bank President, Wells Fargo
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Jennifer Shomenta Maki
Global Managing Director, Cargill Malt
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Jean Taylor
President & CEO, American Public Media Group
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John Frawley
Ex-officio
Zoo Director, Foundation President, Minnesota Zoo
Minnesota Zoo Foundation Career Opportunities
Please visit our careers page to learn more about opportunities at the Minnesota Zoo Foundation.
Donor Resources
Supporting the critical mission of the Zoo should be easy and accessible for everyone. We’ve created these handy resources to assist you on your donor journey.
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Donor Benefits & FAQ’s
Find answers to common inquiries you may have about making a contribution to support the Zoo.
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Planned Giving
Access free resources to help you with important estate planning decisions.
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Donor Advised Funds
Learn about making a gift through your DAF to help support the Minnesota Zoo’s mission.
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Corporate Sponsorship
Drive brand awareness and engage potential customers by sponsoring an event or experience.
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Stock or Mutual Fund Transfer
Find forms and information that help you explore donating stocks or mutual funds to support the Zoo.