beastly bash the gathering Minnesota Zoo Foundation

Community Can Advance Conservation Efforts at The Gathering

August 1, 2024

The Minnesota Zoo's mission has an even greater impact when it’s championed and supported by the broader community. That’s why the Minnesota Zoo Foundation is inviting the community to “Beastly Bash: The Gathering” on Saturday, Sept. 21, to learn more about the Zoo, the Zoo Foundation, and the collective impact we have on the greater world around us.

treetop trail at the Minnesota Zoo in fall. fall colors in trees frame the trail

Treetop Trail Raises Minnesota Zoo to a New Level

July 28, 2023

The Minnesota Zoo Treetop Trail, the world’s longest elevated pedestrian loop, is now officially open to the public. The 1.25-mile Treetop Trail takes guests to new heights – up to 32 feet above the ground - as they travel into the trees and gain new perspectives of many Zoo animals, including tigers, moose, bison, and camels. The Treetop Trail will be open year-round for guests to experience Minnesota’s four seasons in all their glory.

Minnesota Zoo Foundation Welcomes New Director of Major Gifts

October 13, 2023

The Minnesota Zoo Foundation is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jeff Sulzbach as the new Director of Major Gifts at the Minnesota Zoo Foundation. In this pivotal role, Sulzbach will play a crucial part in supporting the Minnesota Zoo's mission, vision, and growth by cultivating meaningful donor relationships that advance the Zoo's strategic plan.

Minnesota Zoo Sets All-Time Annual Attendance Record

August 13, 2024

Minnesota Zoo Director John Frawley always thought the Treetop Trail – a project that turned the zoo’s old monorail track into an elevated walking trail – was a great idea.

A record number of zoo visitors seem to agree with him.

“It’s been so fun,” said Frawley. “After 47 years serving the state, to have a record year is kind of a big deal.”

The Minnesota Zoo’s Treetop Trail Opens

July 28. 2023

After much talk, it’s finally open. Six years ago, Minnesota Zoo leadership showed lieutenant governor Peggy Flanagan and Gov. Tim Walz video of a proposed elevated path by which guests might one day walk over the wetlands and forests of the zoo. “When is the ribbon cutting?” Flanagan remembers asking.

It happened today. The 1.25-mile trail rises 32 feet over the Apple Valley zoo in places. It is advertised as the longest elevated pedestrian loop in the world.

World's Longest Elevated Pedestrian Loop Officially Opens

July 31, 2023

The scheme’s design was led by Minneapolis-based Snow Kreilich Architects, alongside engineering firm Buro Happold (known for its work on the High Line in New York City) and landscape architecture and urban design practice TEN x TEN. The construction leader was PCL. Together, the team was committed to minimizing disruptions to the zoo’s animals and guests before, during, and after construction.