Minnesota Zoo seeks bonding for new veterinary hospital, asset preservation

The Minnesota Zoo requested state bonding to build a new veterinary hospital and to fund prioritized asset-preservation work, saying its current facility — built in 1975 — does not meet modern standards for animal and human safety.

John Frawley, director of the Minnesota Zoo, told the Capital Investment Committee on Feb. 25 that the zoo serves about 1.5 million visitors a year and cares for roughly 5,000 animals. “We only get 37% of our general funds from the state,” Frawley said, noting the zoo operates with a mix of state support and private revenue. He said the zoo’s request includes $17,675,000 specifically listed in materials presented to the committee and an asset-preservation request in the millions to address aging infrastructure.

Dr. Rivas, head of the zoo’s veterinary programs, described the…