Minnesota Zoo | Long Range Facilities Plan

Designing for Decades of Discovery

The Minnesota Zoo is preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a bold vision for the future. A new strategic plan and comprehensive facility plan have been developed to build on the Zoo’s successes over the past five decades and position it for continued growth and impact.

HGA collaborated with a diverse design committee to establish the plan’s goals and vision, focusing on inclusivity, creating memorable and meaningful experiences, addressing current challenges, ensuring sustainable operations, and championing environmental sustainability. Project drivers also included building appreciation for the Zoo’s vast land area, and updating their existing campus with an emphasis on animal welfare and staff needs.

A key component of the long-range planning process was the development of Design Guidelines—a framework of recommendations to establish a cohesive and consistent design language for future projects.