Purpose

Provide funding to support programs and development at the Minnesota Zoological Garden, with goals to expand public access, reach new audiences, and educate people about Minnesota’s cultural heritage.

Main Provisions

• Appropriates $4,000,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $4,000,000 in fiscal year 2027 from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
• Funds go to the Minnesota Zoological Board for programs at the Minnesota Zoological Garden and for development of the zoo.
• Aims to expand access, engage new audiences, and provide education related to the cultural heritage of Minnesota.

Funding Details

• Source: Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
• Recipient: Minnesota Zoological Board.
• Use: Programs at the Minnesota Zoological Garden and development of the zoo, including outreach and educational activities about Minnesota’s cultural heritage.
• Fiscal timing: Money provided in FY2026 and FY2027.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Creates/authorizes an appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund to support the Minnesota Zoological Board’s activities at the Minnesota Zoological Garden.
• No other statutory changes are described in the summary.

Relevant Terms

arts and cultural heritage fund; Minnesota Zoological Board; Minnesota Zoological Garden; programs; development; expand access; engage new audiences; education; cultural heritage of Minnesota; fiscal year 2026; fiscal year 2027; appropriation