The Minnesota Zoo was opened in 1978 by the State of Minnesota to educate people about the nature around them and to preserve said nature/wildlife. In addition to the exhibits, they have educational programs and conservation programs to protect endangered species. It occupies 485 acres, and it has nearly 5000 animals of 533 species. There is a Zoomobile that travels around the state to bring the facts about nature to the people who might not be able to make it to the zoo. They have several different events including Adult Night Out, Tiger Tracks 5K Family Run/Walk/Roll, and guided tours.