Become a Friend of the Minnesota Zoo Foundation

Friends Benefits

With gratitude for your support, the Minnesota Zoo Foundation offers a number of exclusive benefits for Friends.

For more information, contact Shannon Rhatigan at 952.431.9447 or Shannon.Rhatigan@mnzoo.org

No. A Friends Plus membership covers everything in an Individual/Individual Plus/Dual/Household/Grandparent/Household Plus/Grandparent Plus membership. In addition, Friends Plus members can bring TWO free guests every visit, are invited to donor-only events throughout the year, and receive additional benefits based on their giving level.

YES, they can!  Two things need to happen first: the child’s name and birthdate need to be in the Zoo’s database, and the child must have a photo ID with their address.  We understand that young children often don’t have official photo IDs, so in those cases we will accept homemade IDs.  Once that is set up, your child may attend the Zoo on their own and bring your two free guests.

You may also name a “nanny” on your membership.  His or her name will be added to our database, and (with a photo ID) they will be able to bring your children and one additional guest to the Zoo without you.  The nanny will not be allowed admission if your children are not present.

These options are not available for grandchildren on your membership. They must attend with one of the named grandparents on the membership.

YES, you can!  You can sign up using your savings account, checking account, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express.  The minimum monthly donation amount is $10, and Friends Plus membership benefits kick in at $21/month. Your Friends Plus membership benefits will begin with your first installment and continue until you tell us you’d like to cancel.  We’ll debit your account on the 1st or 15th of every month (whichever you choose) and send you a summary letter every January for tax purposes.  Your monthly giver membership cards will expire on June 30th, and you’ll receive updated cards for the coming year each June. We require 10 business days’ notice to guarantee we can cancel your installments, although we’ll do our best to make it happen more quickly when needed.

This page (https://mnzoo-test.state.mn.us/get-involved/donate/friends-minnesota-zoo/) has links to sign up online for monthly giving.  If you have additional questions, would like help getting started, or need to change an existing monthly donation, contact 952.431.9447 or Shannon.Rhatigan@mnzoo.org.

The Minnesota Zoo Foundation hosts several events for donors throughout the year.  They’re a great opportunity to experience the Zoo in a different way, learn more about the Zoo’s work, and meet with Zoo and Foundation staff.  Some are designed for the entire family to enjoy, others are meant just for adults.  There’s no need to feel awkward about attending solo—many donors do, and we’re always happy to see you!

No. If you already meet the donor level requirement for an event, you may attend without any additional cost. However, space is sometimes limited and pre-registration is required for planning purposes.

For some events you may have the option of paying an additional fee for boxed meals or other extras, but it’s never required.  In those instances, you’re welcome to bring your own food.

In most cases, you may bring anyone who is covered by your Friends Plus membership and meets the listed age requirement, including your two free guests.  If there is exceptionally limited capacity, we may not allow the two free guests; if that is the case it will be listed on the evite and the online registration page.

In most cases, registration opens exactly one month prior to the event.  You’ll receive a schedule of events  for the fiscal year (July – June) with your Friends Plus membership cards, and an updated schedule in the mail each summer.  If we have your email address, you will receive an evite the day registration opens with a link to online registration.  You must be logged into your Zoo account for the system to know that you qualify for the event.  If you prefer, you may also register by calling 952.431.9447 or emailing Shannon.Rhatigan@mnzoo.org.

There is no additional fee to attend, but space is sometimes limited and pre-registration is required for planning purposes.  If the event has filled, you can add your name to the waiting list by calling 952.431.9447 or emailing Shannon.Rhatigan@mnzoo.org.  If there is a long waiting list we’ll do our best to accommodate with logistics changes or an overflow event, but in some cases that isn’t possible.

Usually you may bring anyone who is covered by your Friends Plus membership and meets the listed age requirement, including your two free guests.  If the event has an exceptionally limited capacity, we may not include the two free guests; if that is the case it will be listed on the evite and the online registration page.

If you’ve registered and we have your email address, we’ll email you a reminder with logistical information a few days prior to the event.

Just like with all other Zoo memberships, any guests not covered in full by your membership receive a discount of $2 per adult and $1 per child/senior admission.  Only one vehicle is covered by your membership; additional vehicles would require the standard parking fee.

Yes! As with all Minnesota Zoo memberships, parking is included for one vehicle during regular Zoo hours.  If you bring guests who drive separately, they will need to pay for parking.  All members and donors are required to pay parking for the Music at the Zoo concert series.

Unless you indicate otherwise, your donation to the Minnesota Zoo Foundation will be used where the Minnesota Zoo and Minnesota Zoo Foundation feel it is needed most.

If you request a specific allocation when you make your donation, we will honor your request.  If we cannot accommodate your wishes, we’ll discuss it with you to determine if we can find a use that you can approve.  If we cannot reach an agreement, your donation will be refused or returned.

The Minnesota Zoo is state-owned, and all Zoo staff are state employees.  The Minnesota Zoo Foundation is a separate 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose primary purpose is to raise money for the Minnesota Zoo.  The Foundation has its own staff, who office on Minnesota Zoo grounds and receive some support from State employees (such as IT needs).  It’s a similar arrangement as the University of Minnesota/University of Minnesota Foundation, and as the arrangement of many zoos around the country in government/foundation partnerships.

The Minnesota Zoo Foundation primarily raises donations to provide funds for the Minnesota Zoo.  The Foundation also funds conservation projects around the world (per the advice of the Minnesota Zoo’s conservation professionals), maintains a Wildlife Reserve Fund as an emergency fund for the Zoo, and administers several endowment funds.  And of course, the Foundation must cover its own expenses.

The Minnesota Zoo and Minnesota Zoo Foundation each have their own Board of Trustees.  The two boards work cooperatively to best meet the Zoo’s overall needs.

Basic membership, admission, and education fees are paid directly to the Zoo.  Friends of the Minnesota Zoo, Animal Sponsorships, and other donations go through the Foundation.

In previous years, the Zoo and Foundation have produced one Annual Report including financial data for both organizations (available here).  Beginning with fiscal year 2018 (7/1/17 – 6/30/18), the Zoo and Foundation will issue separate Annual Reports.

If you have any questions or concerns about the Friends of the Minnesota Zoo or the Director’s Circle giving societies, please contact the Minnesota Zoo Foundation at 952.431.9447 or Shannon.Rhatigan@mnzoo.org.

Donor benefits are subject to change without notice, may not be exchanged, and have no monetary value. The COVID-19 pandemic may impact delivery of donor benefits.