Programsand Events

2017 FALL | WINTER

ATTHEZOO

TabLE oF CONTeN

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MEMBER ONLY — PAGE 4 Giving Opportunities Donor Events Member Appreciation Mondays Snack with SantaEARLY CHILDHOOD — PAGE 5 Toddler Time Preschool Pals Wild Wonders PreschoolYOUTH — PAGE 6 Scout and Group Overnights Career Day Zoo Crew Jr.SCHOOL’S OUT CAMP — PAGE 7 Fall Camp Early Childhood Grades 1–3 Grades 4–6 Black Friday Camp Early Childhood Grades 1–3 Winter Camp Early Childhood Grades 1–3 Grades 4–6FAMILY — PAGE 10 Family Overnights Family Zoo Adventures Family Nature ClubHOMESCHOOL — PAGE 11 Homeschool Academy Homeschool DayADULT — PAGE 12 Horticulture Tour Guided Tours Zoo Camp for Adults Photography Classes Adult Night Out Adults-Only OvernightBACKSTAGE PASS — PAGE 14TRAVEL — PAGE 15 High School College Family Adult

The Minnesota Zoo’s Programs and Events

Guide is your gateway to the Minnesota Zoo

and all we have to offer. As a valued guest

and member of our family, we’ve created this

publication to give you ways to learn, play,

and connect with animals and with each other

while you explore the natural world! There

are so many ways to enjoy the Zoo, from our

Family Nature Club and School’s Out Camps

to our popular Adult Nights Out and Backstage

Passes. And there’s not a more magical place

to experience the beauty of autumn than the

Minnesota Zoo. Thank you for your support and

your commitment to saving wildlife.

Membership has its benefits...don’t forget to

enjoy them!

• Free Zoo admission and parking during regular Zoo hours and Adult Night Out events

• Half price admission to more than 100-plus zoos across the country

• Your guests receive $2 off adult and $1 off child and senior admission prices

• Discounts on education classes, camps, birthday parties and overnights for named members

• Ten percent discount at Zoo stores on regularly priced merchandise (some exclusions may apply)

• Complimentary IMAX® Director’s Club membership, providing ticket, food, and retail discounts

Dear minnesota ZOO PATRON

membershipBENEFITS

PRICING KEYZM=Zoo MemberNM=Non-Member

It’s the most beautiful time to explore the trails, connect with the wildlife and soak up the fall colors at the Minnesota Zoo. And check out all the fun HallZooWeen weekend activities in store:

Live Music | Hay Maze | Skeleton Dive Show | Creepy Crawly Animal Encounters | And Much More!

Complete Schedule at MNZOO.org

AND AUTUMN COMES ALIVE.

HALLZOOWEEN WEEKENDS:Oct 14-15,

21-22, 28-29

FALL FOR THE ZOO!FALL FOR THE ZOO!OCTOBER 1-31

Sponsored By:

MEMBERS ONLYMembers OnlyMembership has its benefits! Don’t miss these special members-only opportunities.

MEMBER APPRECIATION MONDAYS11/6/17, 11/13/17, 12/4/17, 12/11/17Enjoy the quietest days of the Zoo the first and second Mondays of each month (November–March). Enjoy the perks of a 20 percent discount on food and gift shop purchases. Don’t forget to share the Zoo with your friends and family. Your guests always receive a discount off their admission tickets ($2 off adults, $1 off child and senior admission prices).

MEMBERS ONLY—SNACK WITH SANTA12/2/17, 12/3/17, 12/9/17, 12/10/17, 12/16/17, 12/17/178:30 or 9:30 am$11 PP Adults & Children 3+$4 PP Children 2 and youngerEnjoy an early morning snack in the Call of the Wild restaurant and a personal visit with Santa! There will be fun activities and a special gift for the kids. Online registration begins November 6 at 9am at mnzoo.org. Seating is limited and will fill quickly.

THANK YOU, MEMBERSThe Minnesota Zoo is truly where amazing lives, and we thank you for making it amazing every day in so many ways. We hope that you continue to enjoy what the Zoo has to offer and experience nature and wildlife in your backyard and beyond.We love hearing from you and are happy to help! Call us at 952.431.9339 or email zoo.members@state.mn.us. Memberships are available online at mnzoo.org.

Fall Donor EventsSupport the amazing animals and programs at the Minnesota Zoo with a gift to the Minnesota Zoo Foundation. Donors are invited to many special events throughtout the year, including:

DIRECTOR’S RECEPTION$1,000+ Donors (Director’s Circle)9/21/17 6–8:30 pmAdults onlyDinner, drinks and conversation. This year, the panel will discuss how the Minnesota Zoo and others are connecting people with nature.

DONOR APPRECIATION DAY$100+ Donors11/4/17 9 am–4 pmAll AgesHelp us celebrate YOU and your fellow donors, who make the Minnesota Zoo great. Enjoy free Zoo admission plus special treats, activities, and recognition just for Zoo donors.

BIRD SHOW EXTRAVAGANZA$250+ Donors (Friends)1/26/18 5:30–7:30 pmAll AgesEnjoy a special Wings Financial World of Birds Show just for Friends of the Minnesota Zoo donors! You’ll learn some tricks of the trade and get some great photo ops, so don’t forget your camera. You may even meet some of the Bird Show’s undiscovered stars and help them prepare for their big debut!

Join us at these events (and others) by becoming a Minnesota Zoo donor at mnzoo.org/donate

Give the gift of the

Zoo!This season, give the gift

that lasts all year… a Minnesota Zoo

membership! mnzoo.org/giftmembership

4

EARLY CHILDHOOD

Preschool PalsRegister at mnzoo.org/preschool-palsThese children-only classes are designed specifically with your preschooler in mind as they transition from toddlers to kindergartners! Through child-directed exploration, play, and age-appropriate activities, we will discover the Zoo’s amazing animals and their habitats.

OTTER PALS9/8/17 9:30–11:30 amZM $20 NM $25You “otter” join us for some fun! We’ll be slip-sliding through the Zoo to visit our otter friends from Minnesota, Asia and the Pacific Ocean.

CROCODILE PALS9/22/17 9:30–11:30 amZM $20 NM $25Sink your teeth into the amazing world of crocodiles. Come meet our West African dwarf crocodiles and other cool creatures from West Africa.

BAT PALS10/6/17 9:30–11:30 amZM $20 NM $25Watch bats fly and find out what makes them different from birds. Learn to appreciate these beneficial animals that have a bad reputation they don’t deserve.

OWL PALS10/27/17 9:30–11:30 amZM $20 NM $25See for yourself why owls come in different shapes, sizes and colors.

BEAR PALS11/3/17 9:30–11:30 amZM $20 NM $25Meet our black bears and the brown bears of Russia’s Grizzly Coast as we discover their “bear” necessities!

MONKEY PALS11/17/17 9:30–11:30 amZM $20 NM $25Observe the antics of the DeBrazza’s and Colobus monkeys on our Tropics Trail and discover their similarities and differences with other primates.

PENGUIN PALS12/1/17 9:30–11:30 amZM $20 NM $25Plunge into the watery world of these energetic black and white birds. We’ll discover what they eat, how they hunt and other amazing adaptations.

HOLIDAY PALS12/15/17 9:30–11:30 amZM $20 NM $25What animals help you to celebrate holidays throughout the year? Come discover some of the unique qualities of festive animals.

Toddler TimeRegister at mnzoo.org/toddler-timeSpend some quality time with your toddler at the Minnesota Zoo! Sessions begin with ten minutes of child-directed exploratory play. A Zoo naturalist then leads movement and arts activities, an interactive story, and a hands-on animal encounter (featuring a live, friendly animal)!

FISH, FROGS AND POLLIWOGS9/9/17 or 9/11/179:30–10:30 am or 11 am–12 pmZM $15 NM $20

FROLIC WITH FOREST FRIENDS10/7/17 or 10/9/179:30–10:30 am or 11 am–12 pmZM $15 NM $20

ARCTIC ANIMAL ANTICS11/4/17 or 11/6/179:30–10:30 am or 11 am–12 pmZM $15 NM $20

RAINBOWS AND RAIN FORESTS12/2/17 or 12/4/179:30–10:30 am or 11 am–12 pmZM $15 NM $20

Wild wonders PreschoolRegister at mnzoo.org/wild-wondersMondays, September 18–November 20 9:30 am–12 pm or 1–3:30 pmZM $220 NM $260Wild Wonders Preschool is a unique program that brings the natural world alive! Offered for ten consecutive Mondays, Wild Wonders connects children with nature by encouraging their innate affinity for the outdoors. Throughout this exciting program, children will explore its many wonders first-hand through dramatic play, art, stories, songs and animal encounters! The fall session will focus on the many ways animals get ready for winter.

Early Childhood — FALL | WINTER PROGRAMS AND EVENTS 5

SEE PAGES 7–9 FOR SCHOOL’S OUT CAMPS FOR PRESCHOOLERS

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Animals After Dark:Scout and group OvernightsRegister at mnzoo.org/groups-programsSelect Dates Throughout the Year6:30 pm Friday to 9 am SaturdayALL $47When the rest of the guests have gone home, your group will enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Minnesota Zoo, as you find out just what happens deep in the ocean, far into the northern forests, or on the family farm after dark. Programs include evening snack, breakfast, a Minnesota Zoo patch and a program t-shirt.

Career DayRegister at mnzoo.org/career-day11/18/17 9 am–3:30 pmZM $35 NM $40Geared toward 10th grade and older, students learn about zoo-related careers such as zookeeping, animal handling and training, zoo education, marine science, and veterinary work. Zoo professionals will recommend college fields of study, emphasize how volunteering and related work experiences can have an impact, and describe what they do in their day-to-day activities.

Zoo Crew Jr.Register at mnzoo.org/zoo-crew-jr10/7/17, 11/4/17, 12/2/17 9 am–12 pmZM $100 NM $120Learn about the Minnesota Zoo’s animals and the care that goes into keeping them happy and healthy during this popular class designed especially for 4th–7th grades. Each session features a different area at the Zoo with hands-on activities, a behind the scenes tour and a close up encounter of an animal. The fall session features the Northern Trail, Wells Fargo Family Farm and aquariums.

BirthdayParties

Themed parties, premium overnights, seasonal pony parties and more.

Celebrate your child’s next birthday at the Minnesota Zoo!

mnzoo.org/birthdayparties

YOUTH

SEE PAGES 7–9 FOR SCHOOL’S OUT CAMPS FOR YOUTH

School’sOut Camp

Register at mnzoo.org/schools-out-camps

school’s out camp — FALL | WINTER PROGRAMS AND EVENTS 7

FALL CAMPRegister at mnzoo.org/schools-out-camps

EARLY CHILDHOODSILLY SNAKES10/19/17 9:30–11:30 amZM $20 NM $25Slither into the world of snakes to discover their unique senses. Meet a snake, and enjoy stories that highlight why these animals are so important.

SIX-LEGGED SAFARI10/20/17 9:30–11:30 amZM $20 NM $25Explore the wonderful world of insects! Discover why we can’t live without these wonderful critters. We’ll flutter like a butterfly, buzz like a bee, and march like ants.

GRADES 1–3ICKY, STICKY, AND STINKY: THE NOSE KNOWS10/19/17 9 am–3 pmZM $45 NM $55Not all animals are cute and fluffy, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t fascinating or important! Join us on a smelly scavenger hunt and learn what makes stinky animals special.

ICKY, STICKY AND STINKY: FROM GROSS TO WEIRD10/20/17 9 am–3 pmZM $45 NM $55Have you ever wondered why llamas spit or how sea stars eat? Learn about the gross diets and weird behaviors of some incredible animals at the Zoo.

GRADES 4–6ANIMAL PLANET: NORTH TO SOUTH10/19/17 9 am–3 pmZM $45 NM $55Embark on a learning adventure from the northern tundra to the southern wetlands, encountering forests and grasslands along the way. Explore animals that make these places their homes and why they’re a great fit.

ANIMAL PLANET: WET AND DRY10/20/17 9 am–3 pmZM $45 NM $55Explore the world’s rainforests, deserts, and oceans. Meet animals found in these habitats and discover the secrets to their survival.

When school is out, the Zoo is IN! The Minnesota Zoo’s camps are entertaining, educational and unforgettable.

8

BLACK FRIDAY CAMPRegister at mnzoo.org/schools-out-camps

EARLY CHILDHOODBUILDING BEAVERS11/24/17 9:30–11:30 amZM $20 NM $25Discover how beavers build their own lodges and dams and how they create homes for other pond animals too!

GRADES 1–3A FEROCIOUS FEAST OF FOOD AND FUN 11/24/17 9 am–3 pmZM $45 NM $55Do you think your family is tough to feed for Thanksgiving? Try feeding 5,300 animals every day like we do at the Minnesota Zoo! From the ocean to the rainforest, discover what animals all over the world like to eat.

School’s Out Camp

school’s out camp — FALL | WINTER PROGRAMS AND EVENTS 9

WINTER CAMPRegister at mnzoo.org/schools-out-camps

EARLY CHILDHOODANIMAL SUPER POWERS: SENSE-SATIONAL SIGHTS AND SOUNDS 12/27/17 9:30–11:30 amZM $20 NM $25Discover the world through animal eyes and ears. Learn how one animal “sees” with its ears, while another animal “hears” with its legs!

ANIMAL SUPER POWERS: TASTY, TOUCHY, SMELLY, FEELY12/28/17 9:30–11:30 amZM $20 NM $25Figure out who’s who at the Zoo and discover animals that taste with their tentacles, feel with their feathers, and smell with their tongues.

ANIMAL SUPER POWERS: SIXTH SENSE12/29/17 9:30–11:30 amZM $20 NM $25Some animals—like sharks, sea turtles, spiders, and some snakes—have a sixth sense. Discover what super powers these animals possess and how they help them stay alive!

GRADES 1–3FROSTY FRIENDS: SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO?12/27/17 9 am–3 pmZM $45 NM $55Some animals go on a trip to escape cold temperatures, find better food, and give their babies a great start in life. Meet some of our birds, and learn about animals that migrate long and short distances.

FROSTY FRIENDS: SAVERS AND SNORERS12/28/17 9 am–3 pmZM $45 NM $55Animal savers and snorers spend summer and fall preparing for the cold, snowy, winter months. Explore how these animals “squirrel” away food or fatten up before they settle down for a long winter nap.

FROSTY FRIENDS: SNOW WON’T SLOW US DOWN 12/29/17 9 am–3 pmZM $45 NM $55Some hardy animals withstand the cold winter days and nights searching for food and even raising young. Search for some of our cold loving critters, inside and out, as we learn about animals who won’t let the snow slow them down.

GRADES 4–6WOLF MYTH BUSTERS12/27/17 9 am–3 pmZM $45 NM $55Do wolves howl at the moon? Are wolves really big and bad? Decipher the truth about how wolves live, hunt, communicate, and care for their young without blowing down houses.

DOG SLEDDING FUN!12/28/17 or 12/29/17 9 am–3 pmZM $65 NM $75 (includes dog sledding fee)Tails are wagging as the Diamond Drift Samoyed Dog Sled team members eagerly stand ready to pull campers on a dogsled. Join professional mushers who will share the history of dog sledding and talk about equipment, care, and use of dogs in this unique sport. You’ll find yourself using terms like gangline, tug, bootie, haw, and gee. You’ll also learn about skijoring and bikejoring. Your friends will be so jealous when you tell them you went dog sledding at the Minnesota Zoo!

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Animals After Dark: Family OvernightsRegister at mnzoo.org/animals-after-darkWhen the rest of the guests have gone home, your family will enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Minnesota Zoo, as you find out just what happens deep in the ocean, far into the northern forests, or on the family farm after dark. In our family overnights, kids age five and older and their families get a nose-to-nose encounter with our animals and learn exciting things about nature and wildlife. Program includes evening snack, breakfast, and a program t-shirt.

AUSTRALIA AFTER DARK9/8/17–9/9/17 6:30 pm–9 amZM: $47 NM: $55Sleep in tents in the camel ride exhibit overlooking Kangaroo Crossing, where kangaroos and wallabies rest and roam all night. Play fun Australian games, learn about Australian animals, meet a zookeeper, and walk with kangaroos, wallabies, and emus before the Zoo opens. The Zoo will provide tents and foam sleeping mats to all participants, along with guidance in setting up the tents.

FORESTS AFTER DARK9/29/17–9/30/17 6:30 pm–9 amZM $47 NM $55Explore creatures that roam the northern forests from Minnesota to Alaska at dusk and dawn. During this packed program, your family will see our enormous grizzly bears up close, prepare a special treat for them, and talk to zoo keepers that care for them. You’ll walk the Minnesota Trail after hours, and learn about life at the 48th parallel through fun activities and challenges.

OCEANS AFTER DARK10/27/17–10/28/17 6:30 pm–9 am11/17/17–11/18/17 6:30 pm–9 amZM $47 NM $55Go “below the surface” and explore the mysteries of ocean life, from monk seals to sharks to sea turtles. Visit cool places behind-the-scenes, meet a zookeeper or aquarist, and touch sharks and sea stars. Through exciting games and hands-on activities, learn about marine animals and their watery world, then fall asleep as sharks swim by.

FAMILYFamily Zoo AdventuresRegister at mnzoo.org/family-zoo-adventuresThese classes are especially designed for young people ages 4–9 and their favorite adults. Our activities, excursions, crafts and games will make learning fun for young and old alike. The whole Zoo is our classroom!

WILD ABOUT WOLVES9/9/17 1–3 pmZM $19 NM: $25Get ready for a “howlin” good time and learn about the wonders of the gray wolf. A zookeeper will help us take a closer look at the wolves on the Minnesota Trail, explain how wolves behave, and what pack life is like.

FALL ON THE FARM9/30/17 6–8 pmZM $19 NM $25Fall is here! ’Tis the season of crunchy leaves, sweet apples, and harvest time. Celebrate autumn on the family farm with a wagon ride, a bonfire, and a visit with our horses. We’ll even make some delicious homemade applesauce!

CREATURES OF THE NIGHT10/27/17 6–8 pmZM $19 NM $25Head out into the crisp night air to explore the Zoo after dark and learn about some of the fun (and surprisingly friendly) creatures who roam the woods at night.

BIRD SHOW AND BEYOND11/19/17 1–3 pmZM $19 NM $25Meet a Wings Financial World of Birds Show trainer and learn the answers to all the questions you’ve always wondered about, including how they train the birds to do so many amazing things!

HOLIDAY ANIMALS12/16/17 1–3 pm ZM $19 NM $25Learn about animals that have close ties to holiday and winter traditions (like reindeer), make edible “decorations” for our lemurs, hear a winter story from Mrs. Claus, decorate cookies, and more. Celebrate the holiday season in true Zoo fashion!

homeschoolmnzoo.org/homeschool

The Minnesota Zoo offers a variety of programs for homeschool students and families to enrich your teaching year.

HOMESCHOOL ACADEMYFALL SESSION—BIOLOGY OF BIRDSMondays, 9/25/17–10/30/17 (six sessions) 10 am–12 pmHomeschool Students Ages 9–12Individual Session ZM$20 NM$25 Whole Series ZM$100 NM$125It’s all about the birds! This hands-on, inquiry-based, six-week program will explore the science behind what makes birds so amazing. Students will study bird anatomy and morphology through activities, behind-the-scenes tours, and close encounters with our bird ambassadors.

HOMESCHOOL DAY10/4/17 10 am–1 pmPreK–5th Grades Students ZM$3 NM$96th–12th Grades Students ZM$3 NM$11One Free Adult Per Family Additional Adults ZMFree NM$12Visit the stars of Kangaroo Crossing before they head home for the winter! Explore the unique ecosystems of Australia and learn more about what makes kangaroos, emus, and wallabies unique in a variety of activity stations throughout the exhibit. You never know who might cross your path.

Family — FALL | WINTER PROGRAMS AND EVENTS 11

Family Nature ClubRegister at mnzoo.org/family-nature-clubHeld the second Sunday of the month, each two-hour session will encourage families to safely experience and explore the wonders of nature together.

FAMILY MORNING BIKE RIDE9/10/17 7:30–9:30 amZM $3 NM $4 Enjoy a new way to experience the Minnesota Zoo with your family—on bikes! Travel along the Northern Trail before the Zoo opens, looping and curving around the animal exhibits, with stops to see and learn about the animals and their morning routine.

APPLE CIDERING AND THE FALL MIGRATION10/8/17 10 am–12 pmZM $3 NM $4 The changing of the seasons brings an array of color to the trees and our eyes to the sky. Explore the nature of autumn by learning how to make apple cider and watching for migrating raptors.

WOODLAND FRIENDS11/12/17 2–4 pmZM $3 NM $4 Does your child have a big imagination for fantasy play? Go on a woodland adventure to find fairies and gnome homes. Battle the dragons, hide from those tricksters the sprites, and create forest protectors and nature crowns to help fit in among our woodland friends.

WINTER WONDERS12/10/17 10 am–12 pmZM $3 NM $4 Hot cocoa, snow forts, and Minnesota winters go hand-in-hand. Layer up and build new memories with snowball caterpillars, colorful snow creatures, andice-tastic fun!

Military Family

Winter PromotionNovember 11, 2017–January 2, 2018

Military personnel will receive free ad-

mission, free parking, and half-price

admission for family members.

Military ID or proof of military service

is required. No other discounts apply.

Learn more at mnzoo.org.

12

Adult

Horticulture TourRegister at mnzoo.org/horticulture-tourWe’re not just a zoo, we’re the Minnesota Zoological Garden. Botanists and plant-lovers, come on out to learn more about the amazing variety of plants along our Tropics Trail in this after-hours tour.10/23/17 5–6:30 pmZM $12 NM $15

Monthly Guided Trail ToursRegister at mnzoo.org/guided-toursEach month, one of our education naturalists leads a tour of one of the trails at the Zoo. While covering a wide variety of fun animal knowledge, they’ll also focus on a particular theme, relevant to that part of the Zoo and their own expertise. Tours also include a quick peek behind-the-scenes!10:30–11:30 amAges 18+ALL $8 plus applicable Zoo admission.

MEDTRONIC MINNESOTA TRAIL9/9/17

RUSSIA’S GRIZZLY COAST10/15/17

TROPICS TRAIL11/18/17

NORTHERN TRAIL12/10/17

Zoo Camp for Adults: Fall CampThese programs, for adults only, explore all kinds of Zoo-related topics with guest speakers, behind-the-scenes tours, hands-on projects, and other interactive experiences. We explain the science, the inner workings of the Zoo, and the stories of our animals in new ways.

NIGHT CREATURES: THE AMAZING ADAPTATIONS OF ANIMALS WHO COME OUT IN THE DARKRegister at mnzoo.org/adult-camp10/15/17 1–4 pmZM $27 NM $35Get ready to impress your friends with amazing stories about the animals who come out after night falls. Learn about nocturnal adaptations and how we can help animals at night, through talks, hands-on activities, an animal visitor, and even a craft to take home for Halloween!

make your next holiday party a

wildexperience!

Party with a purpose!

952.431.9585 or parties@mnzoo.org or

mnzoo.org/rent-the-zoo

Adult — FALL | WINTER PROGRAMS AND EVENTS 13

Photography ClassesRegister at mnzoo.org/photographyThe Minnesota Zoo’s photography programs includes sessions perfect for beginners and professionals alike. Learn tips and tricks-of-the-trade from a photography expert, and fun animal facts from a Zoo naturalist. Take advantage of the chance to see and photograph the Zoo’s animals after hours without the crowds.

TELLING A STORY WITH YOUR PHOTOS AT THE WELLS FARGO FAMILY FARM9/9/17 5:30–7:30 pmZM $49 NM $55Learn new ways to take photographs that tell a story, as we explore the farm’s many animal areas, orchard, barns, and pond, photographing everything from horses to chickens to the scarecrow standing watch over the garden!

ANIMALS IN MOTION ON THE MEDTRONIC MINNESOTA TRAIL10/29/17 3:30-5:30 pmZM $49 NM $55Photographing live animals can be challenging since they don’t always stay still and pose nicely! Learn tricks for capturing the agility and excitement of animals in motion and discover fascinating facts about their behavior.

Adult Nights OutRegister at mnzoo.org/adult-night-out9/15/17 4:30–7:30 pm11/9/17 4:30–7:30 pmZM Free NM $10*Experience a kid-free version of the Zoo while exploring indoor and outdoor trails. Grab a cocktail and enjoy an evening stroll through the Zoo. 18+ to attend, 21+ to drink (no exceptions)*prices subject to change

Animals After Dark: Adults-Only OvernightRegister at mnzoo.org/adult-overnight9/22/17–9/23/17 6:30 pm–9 amAges 21+ZM $90 NM $105Live out your childhood dream of spending the night in a zoo! Registration includes a full day of Zoo admission; dinner, snacks, and breakfast; a free drink and access to a cash bar; a fun Zoo t-shirt; and exclusive tours and fun activities. We’re capping this event at just sixty people to make it an extra-special experience for all! Sleep in Discovery Bay or the Minnesota Lodge.

Volunteers make a huge impact

at the Minnesota Zoo.

Opportunities abound for

teenagers through senior-agers

looking for fun, unique and

interesting volunteer positions.

Learn more at

mnzoo.org/get-involved/volunteer

Volunteerat the Zoo

we leadefforts to

savewildlife

...in Minnesota and around the world.

Donate $2 or more to get an animal wristband and show your support.

The Minnesota Zoo is a place where

memories are made.

Call 952.431.9363to start planning this

once-in-a-lifetime moment.

proposalsengaging

14

BACKSTAGE PASSRegister at mnzoo.org/backstage-pass

Each Backstage Pass is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience of getting up close and personal with a favorite Zoo critter.

BACKSTAGE WITH BEARSAges 8–adult (under 16 requires paying adult)ALL 8:30–10:15 amALL $1509/16/17Are you ready to get a little closer to our three bears? Come join Sadie, Kenai and Haines—the stars of our Russia’s Grizzly Coast exhibit!

BACKSTAGE WITH BIRDSAges 4–adult (under 16 requires paying adult)ALL 8–9 amALL $759/15/17 10/28/17 11/17/17Literally surround yourself with the stunning variety of birds along our Tropics Trail as you help feed them their morning diet.

BACKSTAGE WITH KANGAROOSAges 4–adult (under 16 requires paying adult)ALL 7:45–9:00 amALL $1009/16/17 9/17/17 9/23/17 9/24/179/30/17 10/1/17 10/7/17 10/8/1710/14/17 10/15/17Hop on over for an exclusive, small-group experience with our Kangaroo Crossing zookeepers, a Zoo naturalist, and the real stars of the show—the marsupials themselves.

BACKSTAGE WITH PENGUINSAges 8–adult (under 16 requires paying adult)ALL 10–11:15 amALL $1259/10/17 9/23/17Waddle in and get a little closer to our penguins from the 3M Penguins of the African Coast exhibit.

BACKSTAGE WITH SEA OTTERSAges 8–adult (under 16 requires paying adult)ALL 12:30–1:45 pmALL $15010/14/17 10/28/17 11/18/17 12/10/17Join a sea otter trainer and get a little closer while feeding one of our sea otters behind the scenes of our award-winning Russia’s Grizzly Coast exhibit.

BACKSTAGE WITH SHARKS AND RAYSAges 8–adults (under 16 requires paying adult)ALL 11–12:15 pmALL $1009/16/17 9/30/17 10/14/17 11/4/1712/2/17Join an aquarist for a rare opportunity to feed our 7-foot stingrays from above the Shark Reef tank in Discovery Bay, and visit ocean animals in multiple behind-the-scenes areas.

Reserve your own customized experience your group will remember forever. mnzoo.org/backstage-pass

backstage

PASS

mnzoo.org/weddings

say i do atthe Zoo

travel — FALL | WINTER PROGRAMS AND EVENTS 15

Travel to unique and beautiful places of the world with a Zoo professional at your side. The Minnesota Zoo’s travel programs combine adventure and education. Explore amazing places locally and globally while learning about wildlife, conservation, and local culture.

AdultSOUTHWESTERN MN—BISON, BUTTERFLIES, & BELAYS10/5/17–10/8/17ALL $950Explore one of Minnesota’s iconic ecosystems in a way you never have before. In this new and unique partnership with Voyageur Outward Bound School, explore the wild beauty of the prairie while learning new outdoor skills including camping, outdoor cooking, and rock climbing! Climb at Blue Mounds State Park, and get an exclusive trip “beyond the fence” to see the new wild bison up close, participate in conservation work, and learn about prairie butterflies and the plants they depend upon.

NORTHERN MN—WILD WOLF EDVENTURE3/2/17–3/4/17ZM $550 NM $575Start your journey at the Minnesota Zoo with a wolf zookeeper visiting the Zoo’s wolves. Continue your three-day adventure traveling to Ely, MN, for dog sledding, plane flights to search for wolves from above, snowy hikes, visits to the International Wolf Center, and two cozy nights in cabins in the woods.

AUSTRALIAN EDVENTURE4/4/18–4/16/18ALL $3,700+airfareThe massive island of Australia is full of endemic species—plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. Join a Zoo naturalist and fellow adults as we adventure throughout multiple ecosystems, learning more about the unique wildlife of the world’s largest island, from wallabies to emus to koalas, and the conservation issues facing them.

high schoolALASKA—A WILDLIFE KAYAK EDVENTURE7/15/18–7/22/2018ALL $2,500+airfareAre you interested in animals and conservation? Do you love traveling and itch for adventure? Would you like to get some hands-on experience in ecology field research? Join a group of fellow high school students, a Zoo professional, and guides from Wilderness Inquiry for an adventure in the fjords and glaciers of Alaska.

CollegeTANZANIA—WILDLIFE SAFARI12/28/17–1/8/18ALL $3,700+airfareFor those who love wildlife, study its conservation, and crave exploration, travel to Africa is the ultimate adventure. Along with our partner, Summit Expeditions and Nomadic Experiences (SENE), we’ve developed a unique itinerary that combines exciting game drives and hikes through the home of lions, elephants, and zebras, with hands-on conservation work and visits to museums, farms, and villages.

TravelRegister at mnzoo.org/travel

permitsstatepark

Minnesota State Park permits available from the Zoo.Regular Price $25/Minnesota Zoo Members $20.

Purchase your pass at mnzoo.org/state-park-passes

Non Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDTwin Cities, MN

Permit No. 4076

Minnesota Zoo13000 Zoo BoulevardApple Valley, MN 55124mnzoo.org

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