Guests Happy To Visit Re-Opened Minnesota Zoo

APPLE VALLEY, Minn. (WCCO) -- The Minnesota Zoo was open on Sunday after a court ruling allowed the zoo to fund itself. But the zoo did have its doors closed on Friday and Saturday as part of the state government shutdown.

The fact that the zoo was open for the Fourth of July holiday was good news for a lot of families.  Even when the bears are sleeping, there is still plenty to see and do here.

But while everyone is having a good time, many adults are not happy that the zoo ever had to close in the first place.

"It sort of stunk that the zoo had to court just to be re-opened, but we're really glad that they let them do this so we could come here as a family and spend the day," said Rayna Herman of New Hope.

"Government officials should have found a way for them to balance the budget, just like all the families in Minnesota. We're all working hard trying to live within our means, that's what the Minnesota government should be doing as well," said Ellen Tamarkin of Maple Grove.

While the kids are enjoying all the animals, like otters swimming and a big cat taking a cat nap, they are also glad the zoo is open again.

"I would have been bummed out, because we would have had to just sit at home," said one little new visitor.

"If its closed nobody comes and sees all these animals," said another kid visitor.

At the zoo's splash pad, kids and adults were glad they could spend such a nice day cooling off in the multiple fountains.

"We are very glad that it's open. This was our plan for the weekend, and if it had been shut down, we would have been running a little low on things to do with the family," said Monica Heil of Shakopee.

"This is really fun; nice that they have the water for the kids to play in when it's hot, so they're all excited about it," said Jennifer Martineau of Eagan.

The Minnesota Zoo is open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.