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 Minnesota Zoo, we thank you.
John Frawley
Minnesota Zoo Director
Minnesota Zoo Foundation President
Blake Grams
Minnesota Zoo Foundation Board Chair
Retired VP of Global Operations, The Toro Company
Supporting & Scaling Important Zoo Initiatives
Increasing Nature Access
In 2025, the Minnesota Zoo welcomed more than 8,600 guests for its second annual Nature Wellness Day, a unique program designed to explore the connection between nature and human well-being. Thanks to generous sponsorships from Children’s Minnesota and The Mother Baby Center, this immersive experience was free with standard Zoo admission and offered a wide range of activities for guests of all ages.
Amplifying Impact
This summer, the Minnesota Zoo opened one of its most highly anticipated new habitats — Red Panda Forest. Funded through the generosity of Circle of Life Society donors to the Minnesota Zoo Foundation, this multispecies habitat has quickly become a guest favorite, bringing more and new visitors to the Zoo where they’ve connected with the habitat’s threatened and endangered animals.
Redefining the Modern Zoo
From butterflies and bison to rhinos and coral, the Minnesota Zoo is redefining the role of the modern zoo through our vast and growing conservation work, driven in part by the generous support of Minnesota Zoo Foundation donors. As an active participant in Saving Animals From Extinction programs, the Zoo works hand in hand with experts around the world to protect vulnerable species and ecosystems.
Ensuring Excellence
From Minnesota’s native mussels to red pandas in Nepal, the Minnesota Zoo’s conservation efforts span the globe, powered by an unwavering commitment to the care and protection of wildlife and the natural world. One key driver of this work is the Ulysses S. Seal grant program, an industry-leading conservation initiative funded by the Minnesota Zoo Foundation and its donors.
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 Donors
724 Volunteers
1,352,283 Zoo Visitors
Saving Wildlife
Saving Wildlife: Conservation
Saving Wildlife: Funding
Animals & the Natural World
4,732 Animals at the Zoo
550 Global Species
A Night to Remember
“The speakers were fantastic, I loved the stations, and the venue was beautiful.”
Wildlife Conservation Benefit
The 2024 Wildlife Conservation Benefit brought in new donors and new partners to highlight and gain support for the Minnesota Zoo’s critical conservation work that is making a difference for wildlife in our state.
235 participants
Over $90,000 raised
One-of-a-kind look at invasive species mitigation
Beastly Bash
The 2024 Beastly Bash gala was a roaring success for wildlife. Featuring an incredible story of collaboration and excellence, the event shined a light on the Zoo’s important work in breeding endangered Amur tigers.
More than 900 participants
Over $790,000 raised
Emmy-winning documentary on tiger cub birth released (watch here)
Minnesota Zoo Foundation Financials
Statement of Revenue and Expenses for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2025.
Note: The Minnesota Zoo Foundation , and as such both Revenue and Expenses are significantly impacted by the variability of a multi-year capital campaign.
Revenue
⬤ Individual $12,113,812
⬤ Corporations $652,723
⬤ Foundations $347,981
⬤ Groups, Schools and Governments $224,498
⬤ Event, Net of Direct Benefit $826,649
⬤ Other Income $1,273,933
TOTAL $15,439,596
Expenses
⬤ Grants to the Zoo* $5,883,089
⬤ Other Grants $331,049
⬤ Other Program Expenses $317,518
⬤ General Operations $4,537,464
TOTAL $11,069,120
Net assets: Beginning of Year
$14,216,605
Net assets: End of Year
$18,975,242
Change in Net Assets: $4,758,637
*Includes In-Kind Contributions and Capital Grants
****Substantial grants were made to the Zoo in FY25 from funds raised in prior fiscal years, while large new capital contributions were received in FY25 to be granted in future years, leading to high variability in net assets year over year. 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.
Explore More
-
Make a Gift
Help make our next fiscal year just as successful.
-
Board of Directors
View our board of directors.
-
Report Summary
View our condensed report.