Miracle Of Birth Center: 1 Of The Most Popular State Fair Attractions

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minnesota State Fair is all about tradition. Every year, you probably have Sweet Martha's Cookies, the cheese curds and swing by the Miracle of Birth Center.

The Miracle of Birth Center is one of the most popular attractions at the State Fair. Along with the baby animals, you can check out a new element to the center this year.

Florian Ledermann, a veterinarian at the center this year, said as of Monday morning they've had 86 baby animals born and they expect about 200 total by the end of the State Fair. That number accounts for piglets, lambs and calves.

Ledermann said the warm and humid conditions that often come with the State Fair can affect the number of births that happen at the center as well as the time they happen. He said those conditions tend to slow down labor, but they have fans and water coolers to keep the animals as cool as they can.

It's as much about being educated on the animals, too, as it is about seeing the animals in their earliest stages.

"We want people to stay in touch with their farm, where the foods come from so they understand how these animals are taken care of," Ledermann said. "We're quite proud of our farmers here in Minnesota. They've done a really good job with them and their health."

A new twist this year is landscaping done by FFA members previously at the agriculture building has been moved to outside the Miracle of Birth Center.

What's New At The Miracle Of Birth Center?