MINNESOTA ZOO TO BRING THE “LAND DOWN UNDER” TO THE UPPER MIDWEST WITH SUMMER KANGAROO CROSSING EXPERIENCE

Apple Valley, MINN – January 26, 2017 – This summer, the Minnesota Zoo brings the land down under up north with a special Australian animal exhibit. Kangaroo Crossing will offer an up-close look at the outback, featuring red kangaroos, wallabies, and emus. This seasonal experience along the outdoor Northern Trail will open to the general public on May 6 for weekend sneak peeks. The special seasonal exhibit will be open daily from May 27 through Labor Day, with bonus weekend opportunities through October 15.

Zoo guests be able to view this multi-species habitat from the main pathway, as well as experience these outback ambassadors up close as they walk through the space with minimal separation from the animals. “We are excited to immerse our guests this summer with an extremely interactive and authentic experience,” says John Frawley, Minnesota Zoo director and president. “Kangaroo Crossing is going to be a Midwest ‘must-see’ this summer.”

Special themed food and beverage areas will enhance the authentic Australian experience at the Zoo this summer, as will additional live animals encounters, including a laughing kookaburra and guest-favorite Sulphur-crested cockatoo named ‘Coconut’ in the daily Wings Financial World of Birds Show.

Fast Animal Facts:

• Red Kangaroos (Macropus rufus) are the largest marsupials in the world. Mature males are extremely muscular, measuring 5 feet tall and weighing nearly 200 pounds!
• Just like other members of the Kangaroo Family, Bennett's wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus) are strict plant eaters that primarily feed on grasses. They will also eat herbs, flowers, seed heads and some leaves.
• With an adult height of up to 6 feet tall, emus (Dromaius novauhollandiae) are the second largest bird in the world!

The Kangaroo Crossing experience is presented by Think Mutual Bank and is included in Zoo admission.

The Minnesota Zoo is a year-round destination located in Apple Valley, just minutes south of Mall of America. The Zoo’s mission is to connect people, animals and the natural world to save wildlife. For more information, call 952.431.9500 or visit mnzoo.org. The Minnesota Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and an institutional member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).