Unexpected Rainforest Roommates
Stepping onto the Tropics Trail at the Minnesota Zoo, guests find themselves walking among lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Nestled along the Trail you’ll find the shared habitat of the Bolivian gray titi monkey and the red-rumped agouti. While these species don’t cross paths in the wild, their cohabitation presents guests with a unique opportunity to learn more about how the distinct layers of the rainforest, the most diverse biome on Earth, support different kinds of life.
Diving Deep in the Zoo’s Estuary
Discovery Bay gives Zoo guests the chance to dive deep into a world of underwater wonder. For many, the Zoo’s estuary, also known as the touch pool, is a key part of this exploration and is home to a variety of unique species. But what makes certain species good candidates for underwater cohabitation? And what makes them good choices for a hands-on learning experience?
Panda-monium arrives at the Zoo!
Have you heard? Red pandas are coming to the Minnesota Zoo! Thanks to funding provided by generous donors to the Minnesota Zoo Foundation, Red Panda Forest, an exciting, new habitat along the Minnesota Zoo’s Northern Trail, will open to guests this summer, 2025.
A Vibrant Future for Coral Reefs
The Zoo’s Tropical Reef is one of the most iconic exhibits on the Tropics Trail. Thanks to a grant from the Ulysses S. Seal program, which is directly funded by donors like you, Minnesota Zoo Aquarist, Abby Tatreau, was able to participate in an exciting project focused on saving and restoring coral reefs.
Helping a Hornbill Chick Take Flight
In May 2024, a breeding pair of rhinoceros hornbills hatched a chick. But when it was time to leave the nest, he was unable to fly. The animal care team acted quickly, calling a wide network of experts to help as the Zoo embarked on a groundbreaking procedure called feather imping.
Otis Swings Into His Senior Years
Funding from the Minnesota Zoo Foundation enables the Zoo to provide the highest level of care to all its animal residents at every stage of life. So when Otis, a senior De Brazza’s monkey on the Zoo's Tropics Trail, was found to be experiencing discomfort due to age-related changes in his spine and joints, his care team sprang into action.
Endangered Butterflies Find Their Wings
There has not been a confirmed sighting of a wild Poweshiek skipperling in Minnesota since 2008. The Minnesota Zoo’s conservation team is working hard to change that.
Giving Wood Turtles a Big Head Start!
Two of Minnesota’s freshwater turtles, Blanding’s and wood turtles, are now considered threatened species. The Minnesota Zoo’s conservation team has stepped in to help.
A Hunt for a Perfect Home
As the Zoo works to revive and reintroduce Poweshiek skipperlings and Dakota skipper butterflies across the region, the hunt for “clean” prairie lands is in full swing.