Minnesota Zoo To Open New Russia Exhibit
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A grizzly bear at the Minnesota Zoo. (Photo courtesy of Minnesota Zoo)
The Minnesota Zoo will debut a major new, permanent exhibit called Russia’s Grizzly Coast on June 7, 2008. This $23.6 million project re-creates the habitat of the little-known Kamchatka Peninsula, a wilderness area along Russia’s far eastern coast.
The exhibit depicts the peninsula’s three different environments, including the rocky Pacific coast, where visitors can view the playful antics of a trio of sea otters from both above and below the water surface. The next area of the exhibit represents the volcanic area of the Kamchatka, with geysers and mud pots like those found in Yellowstone National Park. Here, three massive grizzly bears roam a meadow and catch salmon from a stream. The third area is wooded, and is habitat for Amur leopards, among the world’s largest cats; there on fewer than 30 left in the wild.
The Kamchatka Peninsula, at the same latitude as Minnesota, has a similar climate to our state, and the Grizzly Coast exhibit connects with the zoo’s Northern Trail, featuring additional animals from the northern hemisphere.
The Minnesota Zoo is in Apple Valley on the south side of the Twin Cities area and is open daily. It is home to more than 380 animal species whose habitats range from Minnesota to the tropics. There are farm animals, dolphin and bird shows, and shark feedings. There’s an adjacent IMAX theater. For more information, including hours and admission fees, visit www.mnzoo.org or call 952-431-9200.
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Posted on Mar 17 2008 | Tagged as: Feature Articles, Spring/Summer