Minnesota Zoo Foundation

Beastly Bash Weekend is back, and the Zoo is metamorphosing into something even more amazing! Have you gotten your tickets yet? Join us at the Beastly Bash Weekend and experience the Zoo like never before at this extraordinary two-day event benefitting an extraordinary cause. The Gala: A benefit event under the stars at the Zoo the evening of September 20. Presented by Flint Hills Resources. The Gathering: A full, fun-filled day out at the Zoo on September 21, free with a donation of any amount. Whether you join us for The Gala, The Gathering, or both, you'll enjoy local food and drink, dancing, exciting animal encounters, and so much more, all while helping the Zoo achieve its mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. You don't want to miss out on this extraordinary weekend! Book your experience at MNZoo.org/BeastlyBash.

Hoo hoo would make great new additions to our team? We're #hiring! Join the Minnesota Zoo Foundation as our Event Manager or Director of Annual Giving and make a difference for people, animals, and our planet. Click below to learn more and apply. https://bit.ly/3W4ET2G

Misha the Przewalski’s horse is allergic to the typical horse diet of grass and hay. To help her get the nutrients she needs, she was trained to accept bi-weekly allergy shots. Now, Misha is itch-free and back to horsing around with the rest of the herd! Help animals like Misha get the specialized care they need by making a gift today.

Please join us in welcoming our new Minnesota Zoo Foundation Board members, Jessica Davis and Julie Kunkel! Both Jessica and Julie are long time supporters of the Minnesota Zoo and its mission. Their individual knowledge, skillsets, and professional expertise will be incredible assets as we continue our work. We are thrilled to have them on our team! Jessica is an accomplished real estate advisor for Engel & Volkers with over a decade of experience in the industry. She has a passion for nature-based community service and has long considered the Zoo a special place for her and her entire family. Jessica shared her excitement at joining the Board, stating, “It’s fulfilling to be involved in an organization dedicated to making a positive impact on both local and global scales.” She “looks forward to collaborating with passionate individuals to shape the policies and initiatives that promote the Zoo’s mission of connecting people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife.” Julie is a seasoned executive with over 35 years of experience in consumer businesses. A former senior partner with EY, she brings ample financial and governance experience to her role as a Board member, combined with a strong passion for giving back to the community and developing the next generation of leaders. Julie has always resonated with the Minnesota Zoo’s mission. Speaking on the Zoo’s programming, she shared, “The Zoo’s focus on nature experiences and environmental education increases our understanding and awareness of what must be done to responsibly care for the Earth—‘our common home.’”

Today is Endangered Species Day! Celebrate by lending one of the Minnesota Zoo's cutest resident endangered species a helping flipper with the purchase of an African penguin animal sponsorship. Your purchase helps the Foundation and Zoo protect endangered species (like penguins!) both here in Minnesota and all over the world!  

Get a taste of the Minnesota Zoo Foundation's new collaborative drink with Northern Soda. Introducing: Root Bear. The bubbly classic with hints of vanilla and molasses you know and love, donned with a classic Zoo animal, the brown bear! Even sweeter, a portion of every sale of Root Bear goes toward the Minnesota Zoo Foundation and benefits the Minnesota Zoo's mission. Find it at Bears and Brews this weekend, at the Zoo in cans or as a Root Bear Float, or buy it from your local grocery store and sip to save wildlife!

The Wildlife Conservation Benefit was a roaring success! The Machine Shop was bustling with more than 200 wildlife advocates and five seasoned conservationists. Between the one-on-one conversations and the in-depth panel discussion focused on wildlife trafficking, it was a night to remember. The Minnesota Zoo Foundation would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all who attended, supported, and participated in this event. Special thank you to our panel moderator, Seth Stapleton and panelists Dave Garshelis, Tricia Markle, Jeff Muntifering, and J. L. David Smith for sharing their expertise. Through events like these and support from generous donors, the Minnesota Zoo Foundation helps accelerate the Zoo's mission and brings forth more conservation efforts that help save wildlife here in Minnesota and around the world. Stay tuned for next year's event!

THAR SHE BLOWS! A MATCHING GIFT ON THE HORIZON! Today, your donation to Zoo Lovers Giving Day will be doubled, dollar for dollar, by the Minnesota Zoo Foundation's generous donors. Help us feed our growing sea otter pups and hungry sea otter seniors with your gift today. 🦐 MNZoo.org/ZooLovers Link in comments. 🔗

Did you know an otter’s jaw strength is the same as a black bear?? 🤯 💪 Their specialized skull and teeth help them bite through the exoskeletons of prey and pry open shells. And while you and I might toss our fish bones and clam shells, sea otters enjoy every last crunchy bite! The Zoo’s youngest and smallest sea otter, Nuka, shows off her pearly white chompers while enjoying a frozen fishsicle. You can help feed Nuka and the rest of the Zoo’s sea otters this Zoo Lovers Giving Day, coming up on April 4!

Did you see Minnesota Zoo's Chris Ness on Fox 9 this week? She brought some wild biofacts like tiger pelts, rhino horn pills, and tiger bone wine to help bring awareness to the issue of wildlife trafficking. Learn more about one of wildlife's biggest threats and make a difference at the Wildlife Conservation Benefit on April 11 at the Machine Shop. Tickets available at https://lnkd.in/gms4pwgD.