Minnesota Zoo Announces Opening of Russia’s Grizzly Coast Exhibit
MINNEAPOLIS, June 4 /PRNewswire/ — On Saturday, June 7, 2008, the Minnesota Zoo will open a landmark multi-million dollar exhibit that is both unique in scope and is the largest in its history: Russia’s Grizzly Coast. Authentically replicating the landscape and animal communities of the Russian Far East, the exhibit featured grizzly bears, sea otters, wild boars and Amur leopards — the most endangered of all wild cats. The $30 million project includes a renovation of the Zoo’s Central Plaza.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080604/AQW524)
A multi-sensory exhibition, Russia’s Grizzly Coast represents a region that is known as one of the last great wilderness areas on earth. The Russian Far East is home to an amazing diversity of animals, including some of the world’s largest predators. But the environment and animals of this area are in danger. The Minnesota Zoo — and the new Russia’s Grizzly Coast exhibit — will play an important role in educating and promoting conservation of this little-known but extraordinary place.
"We are excited to offer our guests a series of marvelous new experiences, ranging from the fun of splashing in the water sculpture at our new Central Plaza, to the drama of watching grizzlies diving for fish," said Minnesota Zoo Director/CEO Lee Ehmke. "We anticipate Russia’s Grizzly Coast will take our Zoo to a new level of excellence."
Ehmke is an award-winning exhibit designer and committed conservationist. Under Ehmke’s leadership, the Zoo has developed a strategic plan with an overarching goal of becoming one of America’s top 10 zoos. "There are more than 200 zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in North America, and while no formal ranking system exists, there are a number of institutions that are widely acknowledged as the gold standard of the profession," states Ehmke.
Adds AZA Executive Director Jim Maddy: "Russia’s Grizzly Coast at the Minnesota Zoo will become one of the most popular wildlife encounters in the world. It’s beautiful, it’s powerful, it has it all. It’s a model of collaboration between scientists and designers who have captured every detail of this natural landscape. These grizzlies and otters should feel right at home."
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Minnesota Zoo
CONTACT: Kelly Lessard, Public Relations of Minnesota Zoo,+1-952-431-9217, kelly.lessard@state.mn.us
Web site: http://www.mnzoo.org/