A WINTER GETAWAY IN APPLE VALLEY?

CELEBRATE A TROPICAL BEACH PARTY AT THE MINNESOTA ZOO

FEBRUARY 14-16, 2015

Apple Valley, MINN February 13, 2015 It may be cold outside during the upcoming holiday weekend, but its hot in here! Indulge yourself and your family in a mini-escape from the cold winter during the Minnesota Zoos Tropical Beach Party, February 14-16, 2015.

People of all ages will warm up in the Zoos exotic Tropics Trail; kids will enjoy playing in a large indoor sandbox, making sand art and face painting while adults listen to calypso music. Zoo staff and volunteers will also share fun facts about tropical animals during the event. Dont forget to Bring Your Own Pail (BYOP) or sand toy to the event as well!

Tropical Beach Party Activities:

? Large indoor sand box/scavenger hunt: 9 a.m. 4 p.m. (BYOP! open through March 2)

? Meet an aquarist 10:45 a.m.

? Family education activity: 11 a.m. 2 p.m.

? Face painting: 11 a.m. 2 p.m.

? Keeper talks/ Tropics Trail: 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.

o Saturday 11 a.m. (South American Aviary) & 1 p.m.

(Tamarins)

o Sunday 11 a.m. (South American Aviary) & 1 p.m. (Dwarf

crocodiles)

o Monday 11 a.m. (South American Aviary) & 1 p.m.

(Hornbills)

? Animal Encounters 11 a.m., 1 p.m., & 2:30 p.m.

? Close Encounter Photo Opp 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Contact:

Kelly Lessard

Public Relations Manager

952.431.9217

kelly.lessard@state.mn.us

13000 ZOO BOULEVARD APPLE VALLEY, MN 55124 952.431.9200 800.366.7811 mnzoo.org

The Minnesota Zoo is a year-round destination located in Apple Valley, just minutes south of Mall of America. Its 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).