Commentary; Posted: 12/10/03

Minnesota Zoo deserving of support

By Don Heinzman

The Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley, which attracts an average of one million visitors a year is facing a difficult time, due primarily to the economy and the Minnesota Legislatureís reduction in state operating and bonding funds.

Zoo attendance is slipping because of reduction in staff, programs and the inability to have new exhibits, while private operations such as the Mall of America and Valleyfair keep adding attractions.

Nervous Zoo board members and patrons are focusing much attention and lobbying on Gov. Tim Pawlenty and the Minnesota Legislature.

Last session the Legislature appropriated $6.7 million in operating funds for each year of the biennium. That funding level, plus other one-time and permanent cuts, amounted to $1 million in lost revenue. (Of the $17 million operating budget, the state provides 39 percent and except for a $1 million from the Zooís foundation, the rest of the operating funds has to come from attendance revenues.

In 1985, the state supported 60 percent of the operating budget.)

Because of the stateís budget cuts, 19 staff members were let go, parking fees were increased, the popular zoo lab was closed permanently and the Wells Fargo Family Farm exhibit was changed to a seasonal operation. No new state money for operating the zoo is expected for the 04-05 fiscal year.

All this changing and cutting is making the Zoo less attractive to admission-paying customers.

Interest and attendance also would increase if the Zoo could modernize and expand its facilities. Thatís the basis for a $48 million bonding request of the Legislature in 2004.

If that were granted, $29.5 million would fund renovation of the main building to include more classrooms, more exhibit space and better sales and public reception area.

Another $19.5 million would fund a new Gateway to the North Exhibit, featuring animals from Russia such as otters, grizzly bears, amur leopards and wild boar.

The Zoo Board also is asking for $10 million to take care of maintenance which has been postponed.

During the last bonding year of the Jesse Ventura Administration, the Legislature passed a bill authorizing $8.2 million for capital zoo improvements, but Ventura vetoed the appropriation and the zoo got nothing.

The last unconditional state capital support for the Minnesota Zoo was for $750,000 for the Coral Reef exhibit in 1989.

Without the new facilities and repair of existing walks and buildings, the Minnesota Zoo could lose even more ground. Twenty-five years ago, the Legislature authorized $28 million to build the zoo.

Since then, the state has given $18 million in bonding money to improve the 485-acre facility.

Compare that to St. Paulís Como Park Zoo which has received $23 million in bonding money during the last six years.

During recent visits to the Minnesota Zoo, Gov. Tim Pawlenty and House Speaker Steve Sviggum said they will support some level of bonding funds for the Zoo. The Senate is more favorable to the Zooís plight than the more conservative House.

The Dakota County legislative delegation supports the Minnesota Zoo and Rep. Dennis Ozment of Rosemount and Sen. Dave Knutson of Burnsville are leading the effort to get more bonding money.

Minnesota is one of two states that sponsors a zoo. In most zoos, the average public funding support is 50 percent, compared to the 39 percent in Minnesota. Of the million visitors each year, 200,000 come from out-state Minnesota.

This is another case of the people taking a valuable state asset for granted. Visitors are delighted with the Minnesota Zoo and its educational and conservation programs but most have no clue it needs help.

As in any funding effort aimed at the Legislature, legislators need to hear from their constituents. In particular, the 29,000 members of the Minnesota Zoo Foundation should call and write letters and e-mails to support this effort. This is an asset all legislators, particularly those in the suburban area should protect.

These are difficult economic times, but those who cherish the Minnesota Zoo should act now to preserve it.

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