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

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed facilisis nisi et eros mattis rhoncus. Vivamus id nisl a arcu laoreet dignissim. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia curae; Cras sed varius mi, sit amet pretium arcu.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
— Quote Source

Breaking Barriers

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed facilisis nisi et eros mattis rhoncus. Vivamus id nisl a arcu laoreet dignissim. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia curae; Cras sed varius mi, sit amet pretium arcu.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
— Quote Source

Protecting Wildlife

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed facilisis nisi et eros mattis rhoncus. Vivamus id nisl a arcu laoreet dignissim. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia curae; Cras sed varius mi, sit amet pretium arcu.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
— Quote Source

Ensuring Excellence

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed facilisis nisi et eros mattis rhoncus. Vivamus id nisl a arcu laoreet dignissim. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia curae; Cras sed varius mi, sit amet pretium arcu.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
— Quote Source

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

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet est tincidunt venenatis scelerisque etiam mi. Diam do praesent elementum luctus leo laoreet ullamcorper eros hac quam.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet est tincidunt venenatis scelerisque etiam mi. Diam do praesent elementum luctus leo laoreet ullamcorper eros hac quam.

  • 1,500 Attendees

  • $100,525 in Donations

  • 1,500 New Members

Saving Wildlife: Conservation

32
headstart wood turtles released
1,100
Poweshiek skipperlings released
400
Dakota skippers released

Saving Wildlife: Funding

22,462
Donations received
$6.5M
Amount of funds distributed
74+
Projects funded at the Minnesota Zoo
??
Collaborative conservation programs funded and participated in

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.

Explore More

  • Make a Gift

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet tellus lobortis donec congue feugiat integer proin non mauris tristique

  • Board of Director's

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet tellus lobortis donec congue feugiat integer proin non mauris tristique

  • Report Summary

    Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet tellus lobortis donec congue feugiat integer proin non mauris tristique

Animals & the Natural World

4,389 Animals at the Zoo


550 Global Species


  • 2024 Donors

    Review our donors from fiscal year 2024.

    View Donors

  • Make a Gift

    Make a gift to make a difference.

    View Story

  • Board of Directors

    Review our board of directors.

    View Board