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For Immediate Release, May 13, 2008
Contact: Kelly Lessard (952) 431-9217
Cargill Foundation, Medtronic Foundation provide $1 million for Zoo improvements and expansion
Apple Valley, MN – May 13, 2008: The Minnesota Zoo announced today that it has received gifts and pledges totaling more than $2.7 million in the past year in support of the Zoo’s 2005 Strategic Plan. The plan lays out a vision to become one of America’s top 10 zoos and calls for major improvements and expansion of current facilities and programs.
The Cargill Foundation and the Medtronic Foundation both made pledges of $1 million each–the largest corporate gifts given to the Minnesota Zoo since the opening of the UnitedHealthcare Marine Education Center which houses the Zoo's dolphin show. Cargill’s gift will support a new Environmental Learning Center, a major component of a planned new zoo entry and visitor center. “Cargill is pleased to support one of Minnesota's leading cultural institutions and environmental education centers," said Mark Murphy, Executive Director of Cargill Foundation. "We believe that the Zoo's new Environmental Learning Center will be a valuable resource for students, teachers and families throughout the state. The Zoo's strong conservation programs also make this gift a good fit for Cargill's longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship."
Medtronic’s gift will support the significantly-renovated and updated Medtronic Minnesota Trail, which celebrates the state’s animals and their environment. “The Minnesota Zoo is not only a great place to experience wildlife from all around the world,” said David Etzwiler, Executive Director of the Medtronic Foundation. “It’s a living, breathing, educational resource for families and schools from all over the state. By supporting programs that help provide access to all students, we hope to introduce young Minnesotans to the science of living things.”
In addition, the Medtronic Foundation is providing $150,000 over the next three years to support Zoo education programs including an expanded Zoo Mentor Program, Zoomobile and Science Education Scholarship Fund.
“We are honored to be in such good company as that of Cargill and Medtronic,” said Minnesota Zoo Director/CEO Lee Ehmke. “Clearly, these corporate partners value the importance of protecting our world’s wildlife and wild lands by providing direct experiences with animals and highlighting the threats facing these marvelous creatures. They also support the Zoo’s goal of providing unique educational opportunities to students throughout Minnesota and beyond. The educational mission of the Zoo will be greatly enhanced through their generous support.”
Other significant gifts have been received from Ecolab, Faegre & Benson LLP, KPMG LLP, The Toro Company, Piper Jaffray, and TCF Bank. Ecolab’s gift of $300,000 supports the Science Conservation Cabin in Russia’s Grizzly Coast, the new state-of-the-art exhibit that opens June 7, 2008. Faegre & Benson’s gift supports Sea Otter Holding and Care, while KPMG’s gift supports Sea Otter Viewing. Toro’s in-kind gift provided over $150,000 in in-kind services, to design and install a complex irrigation system, which will support the establishment and maintenance of a lush re-created Russian Far East habitat.
Piper Jaffray’s gift was earmarked for the Medtronic Minnesota Trail’s new Interpretive Center, where Zoo guests can learn where and how to see wildlife throughout the year in Minnesota’s state parks, nature centers, national wildlife refuges, and national forests. TCF Bank’s gift provided support for a northwoods stone fireplace in The Maritz Family Lodge at the entry to the Minnesota Trail.
“These corporate investments in the Minnesota Zoo underscore the importance of the Minnesota Zoo as a state, national and international leader in environmental education and conservation,” continues Ehmke. “Their gifts also affirm our community’s commitment to build and sustain one of Minnesota’s leading cultural institutions. We are deeply grateful for their support as we strive to become one of America’s top 10 zoos.”
The Minnesota Zoo is located in Apple Valley, just minutes south of Mall of America. For more information, call 952.431.9500 or visit mnzoo.org. The Minnesota Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and an institutional member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).
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