Zoo Lovers Giving Day
Mussels and shrimp and squid, oh my! (But NOT shark!) Did you know that sea otters are the most expensive animal to feed at the Minnesota Zoo? Help us fill our clam bucket for these charming carnivores!
Rescued Sea Otters Make a Difference for Wildlife
Clams, shrimp, squid, capelin, sardines, crab, herring. Those aren't just options at a five-star restaurant, they're part of the sea otters' diets at the Minnesota Zoo. Clocking in at the most expensive animal to feed, the Zoo's five sea otters cost $75,000 to feed each year!
It's well worth it to provide these marine mammals a caring home. Capers, Jasper, Rocky, Nuka, and Denali were all rescued as orphaned pups by Alaska SeaLife. After the pups were deemed unreleasable, they found their permanent home here at the Minnesota Zoo.
Now it's our job to care for these amazing animals that make connections with Zoo visitors every day —and who inspire change in our communities that benefit their wild counterparts in the Pacific Ocean. And we can't do it without you.
Show your love for the Zoo and wildlife when you donate to the Minnesota Zoo Foundation this Zoo Lovers Giving Day. You'll help the Zoo provide animals with excellent care (including tasty seafood diets), further conservation efforts, and help our community build relationships with wildlife that lead to better outcomes for our natural world.
Meet Nuka and Denali
Welcome Nuka and Denali, the newest additions to the sea otter group!
Denali was found at 3 months old, alone and vulnerable in an unusual location for a sea otter — five miles inland from the ocean. But she's now thriving at the Zoo! She's very curious and loves a new toy when she sees one. In fact, she stops in her tracks — no matter what she's doing — to play with it.
Nuka was just one day old when she was orphaned following an orca attack in Alaska waters last fall. The Zoo's skilled team cared for her 24/7 since her arrival in October, and she's built a strong bond with her keepers. When playing with Denali, she will rush to a Zookeeper and tap the keepers' boots to "check in" — and then zoom off again to get back to Denali.
Frequently asked questions
Is my donation secure?
Do I get a receipt?
Do you sell or share my contact information?
Will I become a Friend of the Minnesota Zoo Foundation with a donation of $300+?
What are the benefits of becoming a Friend of the Minnesota Zoo Foundation?
When will my Friend of the Minnesota Zoo Foundation benefits be activated?
Can I donate in a different way?
Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
The Minnesota Zoo Foundation is committed to responsible financial management and stewardship of gifts. The Board of Trustees and staff work together to ensure that all financial matters are addressed with care and integrity. As recommended by best practices within the non-profit community, the Foundation makes the following documents available in electronic and paper format to promote transparency and openness in its activities within the public domain: mnzoo.org/us/accountability.
Donor benefits are subject to change without notice, may not be exchanged, and have no monetary value.