2025
Annual Report
Providing critical funding and resources that support the Minnesota Zoo’s initiatives and expand its impact.
You Help Champion the Zoo’s Success
Thanks to you, the Minnesota Zoo continues to be a critical asset to Minnesotans, the diverse ecosystems within our state, and wildlife around the world. Your support of the Minnesota Zoo Foundation has accelerated Zoo initiatives that elevate the health and well-being of humans, animals, and the planet.
This past year, we’ve seen the generosity of our donors manifest in powerful, tangible ways across the Zoo’s campus. From opening the new Red Panda Forest habitat and launching the Royal Credit Union Sea Lion Discovery show, to the expansion of our ground-breaking conservation work and the rescue of more than 120 animals in need, our success has been enabled by your support.
Moving forward, we will continue to strengthen our mission with the completion of the Waterfront Restoration Project, which will bring people closer to the Zoo’s lakefront, increase guest accessibility, and give a long-awaited upgrade to the Zoo’s original Snow Monkey habitat. Additionally, we will break ground on the new, donor-funded animal hospital which will offer innovative equipment and treatments that allow us to best care for our nearly 5,000 animals and serve as a high-powered research center for zoological veterinarians and scientists from around the country.
By investing in ground-breaking projects such as these, the Zoo continues its work as a leader in extraordinary animal care, research, and conservation as it works to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife.
We thank you for choosing the Minnesota Zoo Foundation and investing in our mission. We are truly grateful for your efforts and those of our board members, state representatives, volunteers, and employees who advocate tirelessly to ensure wildlife thrives in Minnesota and beyond. On behalf of the Minnesota Zoo Foundation and the Minnesota Zoo, we thank you.
John Frawley
Minnesota Zoo Director
Minnesota Zoo Foundation President
Supporting & Scaling Important Zoo Initiatives
Connecting With Nature
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“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
Breaking Barriers
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“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
Protecting Wildlife
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“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
Ensuring Excellence
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“Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
A Night to Remember
1,500 Attendees
$100,525 in Donations
1,500 New Members
1,500 Attendees
$100,525 in Donations
1,500 New Members
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1,500 Attendees
$100,525 in Donations
1,500 New Members
Saving Wildlife: Conservation
Saving Wildlife: Funding
Donations By The Numbers
10,493 Total Donors
5,470 New Donors
2,980 Friends Donors
422 Director’s Circle Donors
59 President’s Club Donors
155 Circle of Life Donors
779 Monthly Givers
724 Volunteers
1,352,283 Zoo Visitors
Minnesota Zoo Foundation Financials
Statement of Revenue and Expenses for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2024.
Note: The Minnesota Zoo Foundation is in the final stages of the Step Into Nature Capital Campaign, and the beginning of an Animal Hospital Campaign, and as such both Revenue and Expenses are significantly impacted by the variability of a multi-year capital campaign.
Revenue
⬤ Individual $6,512,580
⬤ Corporations $1,031,103
⬤ Foundations $139,854
⬤ Groups, Schools and Governments $203,345
⬤ Event, Net of Direct Benefit $757,269
⬤ Other Income $651,849
TOTAL $9,296,000
Expenses
⬤ Grants at the Zoo* $4,755,968
⬤ Other Grants $207,883
⬤ Other Program Expenses $789,781
⬤ General Operations $3,690,244
TOTAL $9,296,000
Net assets: Beginning of Year
$13,932,489
Net assets: End of Year
$13,617,667
Change in Net Assets: $314,822
*Includes In-Kind Contributions and Capital Grants
**Substantial grants were made to the Zoo in FY24 from funds raised in prior fiscal years, leading to a decrease in net assets. Additionally substantial new capital campaign pledges were received in FY24, for both the Step Into Nature Campaign and the Animal Hospital Campaign. The Foundation has accumulated net assets due to the recognition of multi-year pledges, and payments against those pledges are not reflected as new revenue. Net assets are generally used within two fiscal years that gifts or pledge payments are received, and are expended for grants, program expenses, and operations. The exception to this is for Zoo Capital Projects, where funds are raised and kept at the Foundation until the Zoo requests those funds.
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Board of Director's
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Report Summary
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Animals & the Natural World
4,389 Animals at the Zoo
550 Global Species
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2024 Donors
Review our donors from fiscal year 2024.
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Make a Gift
Make a gift to make a difference.
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Board of Directors
Review our board of directors.