Minnesota Zoo

Happy Thanksgiving from Flynn! ???? (And the rest of the Minnesota Zoo!) We're thankful for our awesome staff, amazing members, and spectacular supporters. ??: Curator Christoph . . The Zoo is closed today but will reopen for regular business hours tomorrow at 10 am. (Members can start their Zoo day early at 9 am!)

Thanks to all the wildlife champions who participated, this year's Give to the Max Day campaign was wildly successful! The Minnesota Zoo Foundation exceeded their $100,000 goal. ? In total, 470 supporters from our community raised more than $138,000 to save endangered species like the Amur tiger and African penguin and to provide world-class care to the nearly 5,000 animals who call the Minnesota Zoo home. This generosity makes efforts like these possible. To all our supporters that help protect wildlife and their habitats, thank you!!

Ever wonder what it takes to run a Zoo? December 3rd - 6th and 10th - 13th from 10 am – 1 pm, the Education team will be hosting interactive Field Trip Stations for visiting schools where you can explore a variety of Zoo Careers. Explore careers in Animal Care, Exhibit Design, Graphic design…and more! December is a great time to visit the Zoo! Learn more about our education programs and how to book a Field Trip for your class here: https://bit.ly/4erl1g9

Did you know the Minnesota Zoo is the state’s biggest environmental educator? Students discover the wonders of wildlife through innovative Zoo education programs that include field trips, virtual classes, camps, traveling programs, and the Nature Preschool. A talented team of educators guides them—and we’re celebrating them today on International Day of Zoo and Aquarium Educators! The Zoo’s Education department includes preschool teachers, naturalists, animal handlers, Zoomobile staff, and STEM specialists. But across the Zoo, there are staff helping people of all ages learn about the natural world. Zookeepers, animal ambassador staff, presenters of Wings & Things and World of Birds show—and they all wow us with their knowledge. Thank you, Educators!!

Host your holiday event at the Zoo! Looking for a naturally wild experience for your next holiday party? The Minnesota Zoo provides a one-of-a-kind backdrop to make your next event roar! Learn more: https://bit.ly/4fCgd8H

Thanks for following along this week and celebrating our Vet Techs with us! And thank you to our Vet Techs Jenny, Bob, Ashley, Olivia and Vet Tech Assistant Courtney for your big hearts and hard work for the health of animals. We appreciate all that you do!!

Vet Tech Assistant Courtney’s specialty is sneaking animal medications into almost any food. Her favorite was formerly the prairie dogs – but now she’s grown fond of a new face at the Zoo. Marcie the pronghorn fawn has stolen many hearts with her rescue story and sweet nature. Courtney has the pleasure of playing tag with Marcie every day and having her “help” clean up by nibbling on the broom and hose. ?? | Every day of the year, the Minnesota Zoo Veterinary Technicians give their expert care and huge hearts to nearly 5,000 animals. (Representing almost 500 species!) Each of them has superpowers — and an animal that’s the apple of their eye. We hope you’ll continue to follow along this week as we introduce you to the MN Zoo Vet Techs!

Vet Tech Olivia says medical behavior training is a very rewarding part of her job. She’s successfully trained the big cats to participate in blood draws, blood pressure checks, injections, and vaccinations while they’re awake. But it’s cold-blooded creatures that really warm her heart. She enjoys working with the Komodo dragons and dwarf crocodiles.???? | Every day of the year, the Minnesota Zoo Veterinary Technicians give their expert care and huge hearts to nearly 5,000 animals. (Representing almost 500 species!) Each of them has superpowers — and an animal that’s the apple of their eye. We hope you’ll continue to follow along this week as we introduce you to the MN Zoo Vet Techs!

With a can-do attitude, Vet Tech Ashley fixes stubborn equipment, coaxes porcupines who are picky eaters, and color-codes calendars and spreadsheets. She enjoys building relationships with animals to ensure their medical management is low-stress. She had a hard time picking only one favorite animal, so she said both sea otters and moose for their expressive faces and strong personalities. Ashley’s family nickname is Moose and she has a moose antler tattoo! ???? | Every day of the year, the Minnesota Zoo Veterinary Technicians give their expert care and huge hearts to nearly 5,000 animals. (Representing almost 500 species!) Each of them has superpowers — and an animal that’s the apple of their eye. We hope you’ll continue to follow along this week as we introduce you to the MN Zoo Vet Techs!

This morning's moon — setting in the trees at the Zoo. ????