Zoological Society of Minnesota.

Incorporated in June 1961, the Minnesota Zoological Society grew out of the Como Zoo Volunteer Committee with the intention of supporting a zoological garden within the city of St. Paul. Foremost in the Society�s purposes was the recognition that zoo facilities at Como Park needed modernization and expansion. During its first five years the Society commissioned studies of both the existing Como Park site and a site in Maplewood.

In 1966 the Citizens League issued its Report on a Metropolitan Area Zoo . This report studied the educational, recreational, and fiscal benefits of major metropolitan zoos and recommended that facilities adequate for a major zoo in the Twin Cities area should be constructed outside of St. Paul. The report also made several specific recommendations regarding the role of the Minnesota Zoological Society in zoo planning. In response to the League�s recommendations, the Society amended its purposes to promote a new zoo situated in the greater metropolitan area, revised its board structure to incorporate civic leaders from the metropolitan region, and embarked on a campaign to increase its membership and promote public interest in a new zoo.

In 1969 the legislature passed a bill that established the State Zoological Board and appropriated $500,000 for the development of a master plan. Although the master plan was completed in 1971 funding to construct a new zoo was not passed until 1973. Construction began in May of 1974 and the zoo opened four years later in May of 1978. During this time the Society continued its membership campaign, lobbied for state bonding, amended its purposes to assist the Minnesota Zoological Board, and revised its bylaws to give the Zoological Board representation on the Society�s board.

While the zoo was being built the Society focused on raising private funds. Fund raising activities to benefit the zoo included three horse shows held between 1974 and 1976 and three walk-a-thons held between 1977 and 1979. Between 1978 and 1981, the Society commissioned artworks that were sold as printed posters and produced an annual calendar. The Society also started an animal sponsorship fund that gave donors the opportunity to contribute to an exhibit of their choice.

Benefits to Society members included a newsletter, free or discounted educational classes, and special events such as field trips and lectures by noted speakers. When the Minnesota Zoological Garden opened Society members also received free admission to the zoo through an agreement between the Zoological Board and the Society. In return, the Society subsidized the zoo�s continuing education program and sponsored a volunteer assistance program. When this arrangement was first negotiated the Society�s membership numbered around 1,500. By 1981 the Society�s membership had grown to more than five times the 1978 number.

In 1981 the Zoological Board decided not to provide free zoo admission to Society members and an increasing alienation between the two organizations followed. After the termination of this agreement the Society again amended its purposes and bylaws to eliminate any direct relationship with the Zoological Garden and its governing board. At this time the Society dedicated itself to the more general purpose of supporting public interest in zoology and in the development of zoological parks and gardens throughout the state of Minnesota.

In 1992, after further negotiations with the Zoological Board and after the state attorney general�s office inquired about financial assets the Society had raised for the benefit of the zoo, the Society changed its name in to the Zoological Society of Minnesota and divided its assets with the Zoological Board. In 1995 the Society dissolved and entrusted the remainder of its funds to the Bell Museum of Natural History for the purpose of awarding research grants.

Historical information was taken from the collection.

From the guide to the Zoological Society records., 1961-1995., (Minnesota Historical Society)