MINNESOTA ZOO: “...furthering connections to nature and animals...”
With the opening of the world’s longest elevated pedestrian loop, the Treetop Trail, at the Minnesota Zoo, visitors will soon be able to soar to new heights. The 1.25-mile Treetop Trail, which opens on Friday, July 28, 2023, will transport visitors 32 feet above the earth and provide them with an accessible and engaging naturistic trip.
World Nature Conservation Day is the perfect occasion for the new Walk to Nature at the Zoo to open. In order to provide visitors with year-round access to hundreds of acres of hardwood forest, ponds, and marshes, and the unique species that call Minnesota home, the Minnesota Zoo, a global pioneer in wildlife conservation, built the Treetop Trail. Several Zoo animals, such as tigers, moose, and bison, as well as a bird’s-eye view for bird watchers during each of Minnesota’s four seasons, will be visible from new angles thanks to the Treetop Trail.
The Minnesota Zoo was founded in 1978 with the goal of preserving biodiversity by fostering relationships between people, animals, and the environment. The Treetop Path is an extension of the function that zoos play around the world and will enhance the Zoo’s standing as a dependable natural destination.
“The Treetop Trail marks a new chapter for the Minnesota Zoo,” said Minnesota Zoo Director and Foundation President John Frawley. “As we look ahead to the Zoo’s next 45 years, the Treetop Trail is a major step in furthering connections to nature and animals in an accessible and immersive way.”
The Treetop Walk is the pinnacle of construction projects that reuse materials because it integrates with the Zoo’s original monorail track, which was discontinued in 2013. Award-winning Snow Kreilich Architects, engineering company Buro Happold (famous for its work on the High Line in New York City), and construction company PCL were all hired by the Zoo. Before, during, and after construction, they have all been devoted to minimising the impact on the animals and visitors of the Zoo.
The Zoo’s new habitat for its animal ambassadors will be displayed at the entrance to the Treetop Trail. Many Minnesota native animals, including the ambassador for the Treetop Trail, Quillber, a North American porcupine, will welcome visitors here.
Planning for the Minnesota Zoo Treetop Trail began in June 2018, and a ceremonial groundbreaking was held in April 2022. “Thanks to the full support from our Boards, legislative and government champions, as well as the philanthropic community, we have secured $39 million in public and private partnership to support this transformational project,” said Frawley.
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