Minnesota Zoo plans ambitious, costly makeover
Article by: DAVID PETERSON , Star Tribune
Updated: March 30, 2013 - 11:07 PM
The Minnesota Zoo is quietly preparing to launch a massive expansion campaign costing hundreds of millions of dollars, continuing the zoo’s shift from its original focus on conservation and education toward a future as a family entertainment destination.
The master plan approved by the zoo’s governing board late last year calls for a sprawling new Africa trail with lions, giraffes and hippos, as well as a high-end events center overlooking a domed orangutan forest. It would be phased in over the course of years as funding becomes available, with the first phase costing an estimated $50 million.
The plans, some of them still not sharply defined, also include features and activities ranging from camel rides to elevated zip lines to a high-end destination restaurant.
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Minnesota Zoo - Apple Valley
Minnesota Zoo - Apple Valley
http://www.startribune.com/local/south/ ... page=1&c=y
Nick Magrino
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[email protected]
Re: Minnesota Zoo - Apple Valley
I like what they are trying to do. Great interactive map with multiple renderings of each project.
Re: Minnesota Zoo - Apple Valley
I am not thrilled that they explicitly state that they are moving away from the mission of education and conservation to basically a theme park. Maybe that is what people expect from zoos now, but it is still kind of sad.
Also, sounds like the monorail is not long for this world...
Also, sounds like the monorail is not long for this world...
My flickr photos.
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- IDS Center
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Re: Minnesota Zoo - Apple Valley
No, they're building a new banquet center to rent for weddings.
Q. What, what? A. In da butt.
Re: Minnesota Zoo - Apple Valley
How much money just to add giraffes, lions, and hippos? I can see giraffes and lions free at Como (though they do look half dead). Want to impress me? Get a flipping elephant. Hippos would be cool, but only if I can see them from underwater. Otherwise, I don't care about campsites, corporate party suites, or event facilities. Costs too much for what we're getting.
Re: Minnesota Zoo - Apple Valley
This better be a tower. Supertall, preferably.
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- US Bank Plaza
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Re: Minnesota Zoo - Apple Valley
We used to be members but a couple of years ago we got rid of our membership because, quite frankly, my kids got bored there. It's nice to see them switch things up a bit. It's also nice to hear that they are talking about doing this in stages. I'd rather have that than a massive change, then nothing gets touched for a decade or more. I'll be sad to see the monorail go though, I liked the break from all the walking.
Re: Minnesota Zoo - Apple Valley
I gave up on the "New Zoo" back in 1992 because it was too boring (and expensive), and is sounds like nothing has changed. I want to see Lions and Tigers and Bears (and Giraffes), etc, not the same animal that was raiding my garbage cans last night that may or may not be hiding somewhere way in the back of the habitat. Even Como is more exciting, and it's free.
Re: Minnesota Zoo - Apple Valley
So you haven't been to the zoo in 22 years and lament the raccoon exhibit on the Northern Trail as a reason why?
You'd rather go to Como and see 12 animals in exhibits the size of your garage? That's fun to you.
You'd rather go to Como and see 12 animals in exhibits the size of your garage? That's fun to you.
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- Stone Arch Bridge
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Re: Minnesota Zoo - Apple Valley
Curious to find out how someone would buy one of the old abandoned monorail cars...
Re: Minnesota Zoo - Apple Valley
Offer them a dollar and say you'll pay to haul it away. I understand that when they tried to sell them they only were able to get rid of one and the rest have been sitting somewhere in storage.Curious to find out how someone would buy one of the old abandoned monorail cars...
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- Stone Arch Bridge
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Re: Minnesota Zoo - Apple Valley
Wouldn't that be the coolest remote cabin pod?
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