Minnesota Zoo Faces Budget Crisis
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Declining attendance and increased costs have the Minnesota Zoo facing a budget crisis.
Zoo officials in Apple Valley have asked the state for $1.5 million in emergency funds to help maintain operations.
The zoo laid off seven employees in October in a round of cuts to save about $500,000.
Zoo attendance fell by 4.5 percent last summer.
Officials say increased food costs and other expenses have added an extra $1 million to their budget.
