Minnesota Zoo Celebrates 35th Year

The Minnesota Zoo is turning 35 years old.

Since its inception, more than 36 million people have visited the zoo. The facility has earned acknowledgement for its tiger conservation efforts, innovative exhibits and environmental learning center, zoo officials say.

The zoo's birthday is officially May 22.

But the facility will celebrate its birthday May 18-19. As part of the festivities, the zoo is hosting a Facebook contest and displaying a list of accomplishments in Discovery Bay.

This summer, the zoo plans to bring back its Africa and Dinosaurs exhibits, too. Below are facts about the Minnesota Zoo:

• More than 4,300 animals live at the Minnesota Zoo.
• 1,200 animals lived at the zoo in 1978 when it opened.
• The zoo's statewide annual economic impact is more than $146 million.
• More than 1.3 million guests visit the zoo annually.
• Attendance has increased by 40 percent since 2005.
• More than 1,100 people volunteered at the Zoo in 2012.

Click here for details on the zoo's Facebook contest.

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