Minnesota Zoo Minnesota Zoo News 2024

wild boar said:
The Minnesota Zoo is requesting approximately fourty-five-million dollars from the state to build the new veterinary building that was designed with the funds from last year's approved requests and for general infrastructure repairs. Thirty-five-million of that fourty-five-million would be for the animal hospital and the additional ten-million would be "for asset preservation to repair and replace masonry, roofs, roads, pathways, parking lots, bridge decking and safety railings."

Minnesota Zoo officials present 'mission critical' bonding request to House lawmakers - Session Daily - Minnesota House of Representatives

some details for the proposed building:
"The hospital would have features found in human hospitals such as ambulance bays, a surgical suite and intensive care unit, but built for the needs of animals large and small.

There would also be programming space for students, zoo guests and visiting veterinarians. The goal is to benefit animal welfare at the Minnesota Zoo and offer training and education opportunities for other veterinarians."
"[Director John] Frawley anticipates the hospital would have statewide impact, and the funding request has support from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth, and the North American Bear Center in Ely among others."
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That is quite a large sum of money! I wouldn't have expected the new animal hospital to cost that much, but I sure do hope the zoo secures the funding for this project. I'm also glad to hear about the extra infrastructure improvements, as many areas are in dire need of some major maintenance.
 
Quite a lot of updates from Todays visit:

- The Skunk Cleaner Shrimp have moved into the old Pined-Prawn Shrimp tank in Discovery Bay, and are also joined by a single Ocellaris Clownfish.

- Three White-Spotted Bamboo Shark pups were born recently and are now on exhibit in the nursery tank in the Discovery Bay

- The Asian Forest Tortoises have been brought behind the scenes for the summer and a Leopard Tortoise has been temporarily placed in their exhibit

- The signage for the Tropical Reef is finally back up! I made sure to take pictures, although there wasn't much change and the electronic signage is quite frustrating (as it tends to be).

- A new sign has been added to the front of the Tree Kangaroo enclosure stating that Hewam, the zoo's Tree Kangaroo, has been off-exhibit for a "routine checkup". Seeing as it's been months since Hewam was on exhibit, I would have to assume there's been some sort of health complications that have prevented him from being on exhibit. If this is indeed the case, I sure hope he makes a full recovery and goes back on exhibit soon!

- The former Burmese Python exhibit now holds a Hog-Islands Boa. The exhibit is huge for the snake, making it pretty difficult to spot, but probably great from a welfare perspective. I'm definitely glad to see the zoo take quick action to replace an empty exhibit!

- I can confirm that the zoo is attempting to re-acquire Wild Boar! I know that regulations around importing Wild Boar are very strict, which is probably why The exhibit has been empty for so long and why they haven't made any concrete plans yet. I'm glad to hear they want to maintain this species and I hope they are successful in bringing them back to the zoo!

- Construction on the renovated Prairie Dog exhibit has begun. I don't really know what modifications are being made to the habitat, or why they are being made, but I did see them removing the back walls of the enclosure.

- The Coyote that was staying in the Dhole exhibit has moved back to the Minnesota Trail, and the zoo has started construction on the old Dhole exhibit & cabin, with a sign stating "exciting and new" animals are going to be added to this area. I'm eager to learn what the construction is for and what the new inhabitants are going to be!

- There are no longer Domestic Rabbits on the Family Farm.

- The zoo now has a Maribou Stork, which is a part of the Bird Show.

- The new Ambassador holding cages by the Treetop Trail seem to have been completed, with one of them holding an American Porcupine, and the other possibly holding a Virginia Opossum (Although I couldn't get a good enough look to confirm).


Overall, I hade a quite a good visit. It's exciting to finally see some development after years of little to no change. The Prairie Dog Renovations, Former Dhole Renovations, New Animal hospital, and Lower Plaza/Japanese Macaque restoration are all supposed to or have already started construction this year, and I don't think I've ever seen this much construction at the zoo before! There are also less empty or repeat exhibits, with the only ones being the former Nocturnal Trail (closed since 2010) and the former Arctic Fox exhibit (Abandoned since at least 2008, if not earlier). It seems like the zoo has been on an upward trajectory this past year, and I am, for the first time in a long time, excited to see where the zoo goes next!
 
Dhole dude said:
- I can confirm that the zoo is attempting to re-acquire Wild Boar! I know that regulations around importing Wild Boar are very strict, which is probably why The exhibit has been empty for so long and why they haven't made any concrete plans yet. I'm glad to hear they want to maintain this species and I hope they are successful in bringing them back to the zoo!
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I'm glad to hear it! How did you hear about this?

I wonder if they're from European zoos, Canadian zoos, or wild populations in the United States of America. It might be easier to get them from Europe or Canada.

There's some information at these links about state law concerning wild boars:

https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/aboutdnr/reports/legislative/2024/2024-report-feral-pigs-mink.pdf

Restricted Species – Under Minnesota law, Eurasian wild pigs (boar) and wild pig hybrids (Sus scrofa subspecies and Sus scrofa hybrids, excluding Sus scrofa domesticus) are considered restricted species, which may not be imported, possessed, propagated, transported, or released unless permitted by the MDA Commissioner (Minnesota Statutes § 17.457). As of 2023, permits are only available for the purposes of
scientific, research, educational, or commercial purposes.
Prohibited Invasive Species – Minnesota law also recognizes Eurasian pigs and their hybrids as prohibited invasive species (Minnesota Statutes § 84D.05; Minnesota Administrative Rule 6216.0250). Similar to restricted species, prohibited invasive species “may not be possessed, imported, purchased, sold, propagated, transported, or introduced” unless permitted by the state. DNR may issue a permit for “propagation, importation, purchase, or transport of a prohibited invasive species for the purposes of disposal, decontamination, control, research or education” (Minnesota Statutes § 84D.11). Invasive species law also recognizes the authority of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) to permit possession of Eurasian wild pigs and their hybrids under the restricted species statute.

Sec. 97A.56 MN Statutes

97A.56 FERAL SWINE.
Subdivision 1. Definition. For purposes of this section, "feral swine" means a member of the genus and species Sus scrofa that lives in the wild.
Subd. 2. Prohibited actions; penalty. (a) A person may not possess or release feral swine or swine that were feral during any part of the swine's lifetime or allow feral swine to run at large.
(b) A person may not hunt or trap feral swine, except as authorized by the commissioner for feral swine control or eradication. It is not a violation of this section if a person shoots a feral swine and reports the taking to the commissioner within 24 hours. All swine taken in this manner must be surrendered to the commissioner. (c) A person who violates this subdivision is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Subd. 3. Authorized removal of feral swine. A person authorized under game and fish laws to take feral swine is not liable to the owner for the value of the animals.


Also, were the Mangalica pigs in their enclosure on your visit?
 
wild boar said:
I'm glad to hear it! How did you hear about this?

I wonder if they're from European zoos, Canadian zoos, or wild populations in the United States of America. It might be easier to get them from Europe or Canada.

There's some information at these links about state law concerning wild boars:

https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/aboutdnr/reports/legislative/2024/2024-report-feral-pigs-mink.pdf

Restricted Species – Under Minnesota law, Eurasian wild pigs (boar) and wild pig hybrids (Sus scrofa subspecies and Sus scrofa hybrids, excluding Sus scrofa domesticus) are considered restricted species, which may not be imported, possessed, propagated, transported, or released unless permitted by the MDA Commissioner (Minnesota Statutes § 17.457). As of 2023, permits are only available for the purposes of
scientific, research, educational, or commercial purposes.
Prohibited Invasive Species – Minnesota law also recognizes Eurasian pigs and their hybrids as prohibited invasive species (Minnesota Statutes § 84D.05; Minnesota Administrative Rule 6216.0250). Similar to restricted species, prohibited invasive species “may not be possessed, imported, purchased, sold, propagated, transported, or introduced” unless permitted by the state. DNR may issue a permit for “propagation, importation, purchase, or transport of a prohibited invasive species for the purposes of disposal, decontamination, control, research or education” (Minnesota Statutes § 84D.11). Invasive species law also recognizes the authority of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) to permit possession of Eurasian wild pigs and their hybrids under the restricted species statute.

Sec. 97A.56 MN Statutes

97A.56 FERAL SWINE.
Subdivision 1. Definition. For purposes of this section, "feral swine" means a member of the genus and species Sus scrofa that lives in the wild.
Subd. 2. Prohibited actions; penalty. (a) A person may not possess or release feral swine or swine that were feral during any part of the swine's lifetime or allow feral swine to run at large.
(b) A person may not hunt or trap feral swine, except as authorized by the commissioner for feral swine control or eradication. It is not a violation of this section if a person shoots a feral swine and reports the taking to the commissioner within 24 hours. All swine taken in this manner must be surrendered to the commissioner. (c) A person who violates this subdivision is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Subd. 3. Authorized removal of feral swine. A person authorized under game and fish laws to take feral swine is not liable to the owner for the value of the animals.


Also, were the Mangalica pigs in their enclosure on your visit?
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The first sentence on the signage for the Mangalista Pigs states “Mangalista Pigs are temporarily “hamming it up” while the zoo works to bring back Wild Boar”. I also talked to a keeper and I believe they are trying to import them via Canada.
I did indeed see the Mangalsta Pigs, and they look a lot more similar to the Wild Boar then I realized! Still not a perfect match, but close enough for now.

wild boar said:
Where is the Arctic fox enclosure?
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It’s across from where World Tacos and Margarita Island used to be. I actually never noticed it until the treetops trail opened, as it gives you a pretty good view of the old exhibit. Hopefully they eventually do something with this space, since it’s been empty and abandoned for so long
 
Dhole dude said:
The Coyote that was staying in the Dhole exhibit has moved back to the Minnesota Trail, and the zoo has started construction on the old Dhole exhibit & cabin, with a sign stating "exciting and new" animals are going to be added to this area. I'm eager to learn what the construction is for and what the new inhabitants are going to be!
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Is it the same exhibit or a new one being built?
 
The bald eagle who lived on the Minnesota Trail passed away in July. Although I suspect this was a long time coming because she has been off-exhibit "due to the weather" for so long, it is still very saddening to me.

The zoo announced her death via newsletter.
"She was found in Wisconsin in 1997 suffering from a fracture of her left wing, an injury to her right wing, and lead poisoning. At the University of Minnesota Raptor Center, she had two surgeries and chelation, a treatment to remove lead from the blood. Unfortunately, she was not able to regain her ability to fly and could not be returned to the wild.

She came to the Minnesota Zoo the following year"
"Due to health concerns, she was humanely euthanized on July 3. She was at least 28 years old, though because she was found as an adult, we cannot be certain of her age. Notably, she never lost the partially brown feathers on her crown. It typically takes four years for a juvenile bald eagle to develop the white head feathers that are a hallmark of the species.

Her care team remembers her as a very special raptor who was responsive and easy to work with. She was very vocal, recognizing and calling out to her caregivers even when they were out of uniform. Though non-flighted, she was active throughout her life at the Minnesota Zoo. Guests may have seen her sunbathing in her habitat or hopping along the ground."
 
Absolutely horrific news:
A Eurasian eagle owl in the beginning stages of free-flight training sadly landed in one of the tiger enclosures and was eaten.

Owl at Minnesota Zoo eaten by tiger after it flies away from handler

"The United States Department of Agriculture inspection report also noted that the camel enclosure was in disrepair and the feed supply garbage bay was contaminated by pests. The camel enclosure was fixed during the inspection."
 
wild boar said:
Absolutely horrific news:
A Eurasian eagle owl in the beginning stages of free-flight training sadly landed in one of the tiger enclosures and was eaten.

Owl at Minnesota Zoo eaten by tiger after it flies away from handler

"The United States Department of Agriculture inspection report also noted that the camel enclosure was in disrepair and the feed supply garbage bay was contaminated by pests. The camel enclosure was fixed during the inspection."
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How horrible :(. The zoo seems to have horrendous luck with Eurasian Eagle Owls, and I doubt they will continue with the species after two high-profile deaths. The issue with the Camel exhibit is concerning, although I'm glad the zoo was able to fix the problem during the inspection. I wonder how long the exhibit was in disrepair for, and why the zoo didn't address the problems until the inspection.
 
wild boar said:
Absolutely horrific news:
A Eurasian eagle owl in the beginning stages of free-flight training sadly landed in one of the tiger enclosures and was eaten.

Owl at Minnesota Zoo eaten by tiger after it flies away from handler

"The United States Department of Agriculture inspection report also noted that the camel enclosure was in disrepair and the feed supply garbage bay was contaminated by pests. The camel enclosure was fixed during the inspection."
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Very sad, but it should also be noted that this happened back in April.
“The incident, outlined in an inspection report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, happened in April of this year.”
Dhole dude said:
How horrible :(. The zoo seems to have horrendous luck with Eurasian Eagle Owls, and I doubt they will continue with the species after two high-profile deaths. The issue with the Camel exhibit is concerning, although I'm glad the zoo was able to fix the problem during the inspection. I wonder how long the exhibit was in disrepair for, and why the zoo didn't address the problems until the inspection.
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Completely agree, they sure do have such awful luck with eagle owls and the disrepair of the camel exhibit is completely concerning.

Aside from that, this reminds me about the incident at the Greater Vancouver Zoo back in 2008 involving a Golden Eagle flying into the lion enclosure and getting mauled to death.
Zoo's lion kills captive eagle - UPI.com
 
A female pronghorn fawn was rescued in late June from a backyard in Washington, weighing six pounds, a typical birth weight of the species. Now called Marcie, she is still being bottle-fed and has not been introduced to the zoo's herd yet.

The newsletter also states:
"We named Marcie in honor of Dr. Marcie Logsdon DVM, an associate professor at Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine and a licensed wild deer rehabilitator. Dr. Logsdon provided initial care to the fawn. She and state wildlife officials determined that as a lone female – and with only a small population of pronghorn in Washington – the fawn could not successfully return to the wild.

Dr. Logsdon sought a home with experienced pronghorn caregivers. The Minnesota Zoo offered that. Our team has more than four decades of experience and nationally recognized expertise in caring for and hand-raising pronghorn."
 
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