Lake Superior Zoological Society

Zoo services:following its mission, the zoo continues to provide our guests with close-up animal encounters that inspire connections to wildlife and inspire action toward conservation in our region and around the world. One of the ways we do that, is by providing new engaging and educational animal exhibits throughout the zoo. In 2022 the zoo opened 8 new exhibits ranging from a red-eyed tree frog habitat to brand new parrot enclosures for our macaws. 2022 was also a historic year for the zoo as we broke ground on our new red panda habitat that will be opening in 2023, bringing red pandas to the northland for the first time in history. The zoo also welcomed many births in 2022 including, two female pygmy slow-loris, two male chinese goral, a female angolan colobus and a critically endangered cotton-top tamarin infant. We also were able to hatch mantella froglets that will be sent to be ambassadors for their species to zoos around the country. These animal births will play a critical role in species survival plans within Zoological institutions along with connecting visitors to conservation efforts that can directly affect these animals.

Member services:providing personalized services to our members and creating awareness among the general public regarding our member services, which include unlimited general admission, discounts on cafe and gift shop purchases, as well as generous discounts on camps and party rentals. We participate in the aza reciprocal program and the astc passport program allowing our members to enjoy free or discounted admissions to over 500 zoos, aquariums, museums, and science centers. Members receive exclusive updates on zoo events throughout the year, and special "members only" events are hosted in appreciation for their support.

Education:educational programming is one of the most effective ways our zoo fulfills its mission and fosters environmental conservation. We give participants close-up experiences with animals to help them feel empathy, respect, and concern for that animal and others like it. Emotional engagement combined with conservation messages help inspire our audiences to improve the world for animals and their natural habitats. In 2022, 3,257 people attended 149 onsite education programs and 5,696 people attended 200 outreach education programs.

Preschool:our nature-based preschool serves children ages 33 months-5 years old. We provided full-time care (m-f from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.) to 13 children and part-time care to 10 children during the 2021-2022 school year. In summer 2022, we provided full-time care to 11 children and part-time care to 13 children. During the 2022-2023 school year, we provided full-time care to 14 children and part-time care to 8 children. As a nature-based preschool, lszs brings together the tenants of high-quality early childhood education and environmental education, with a focus on connecting young children to animals and nature for the benefit of both the child and the natural world. The preschool follows an emergent, play-based curriculum with opportunities for project-based learning rooted in the children's interests and developmental needs. Daily walking field trips in the zoo offer the children rich experiences with animals, nature play, and the zoo community. Scholarships are available for families with financial need.