Video & Transcript Research : 'Como Zoo'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Minnesota Zoo bonding request 3/5/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The Minnesota Zoo is a beloved zoo.
- new zoo.
- and how we run the zoo. and how we run the zoo.
- still refer to the zoo as the new zoo. still refer to the zoo as the new zoo.
- <00:10:30.280>
Um pretty regular basis at the zoo. Um pretty regular basis at the zoo.
Summary:
The Minnesota Zoo presented its infrastructure and animal health needs to the committee, beginning with an educational demonstration featuring Aspen, a North American porcupine. Staff used the animal to explain porcupine biology and correct common myths, including that porcupines cannot shoot their quills and that the quills are not poisonous. Members asked about the animal’s natural predators and care, and staff explained that porcupines are protected by their quills but can still be preyed on by animals such as bobcats, cougars, great horned owls, and fishers.
Zoo leadership then shifted to the facility request, describing the zoo as a major state attraction and education center with about 1.4 to 1.5 million annual visitors, nearly 100,000 students served, and significant economic impact. They said the 50-year-old campus is in poor condition, with a third of its 125 structures in poor or crisis condition and more than $78 million in deferred maintenance, creating safety risks for visitors, staff, and animals. The zoo said it is seeking to use the governor’s recommended $4 million for critical life-support and infrastructure needs.
The main funding request discussed was an additional $6 million for the zoo’s animal hospital project. Zoo officials explained that the original plan for a standalone new hospital was no longer affordable, so they are now proposing a new wing attached to the existing A Building hospital. The extra funds would renovate A Building for staff, storage, and support spaces, remove asbestos, meet code, and improve safety so the new hospital can function as intended. Members asked about incidents at the zoo, and staff described examples such as close calls with animal enclosures and injuries tied to aging facilities and outdated equipment. No vote or formal action was taken in the transcript.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- We're going to hear from the Minnesota Zoo and a visit from the zoo animals as well as, uh, we're going
- We're the fifth largest zoo in the country. Most zoos are less than 30 acres. We are a huge zoo.
- people don't know that we are free zoo people don't know that we are free zoo to<00:09:39.240>
- <00:09:55.360>
camp have the and host the largest zoo camp have the and host the largest zoo- like we said it's a we the Minnesota Zoo like we said it's a 50-year-old<00:20:31.200>
Zoo <00 - <00:09:55.360>
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 02/18/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm very proud to host the Minnesota Zoo in my district, but the Minnesota Zoo is our whole state zoo
- The New Zoo, as we are often called—we're not the new zoo anymore.
- The zoo is the fifth largest zoo in the country. We have a huge campus.
- The zoo is the fifth largest zoo in the country. We have a huge campus.
- Uber um the zoo is the fifth largest zoo Uber um the zoo is the fifth largest zoo in<00:37:15.000
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 04/09/26
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- Minnesota Zoo. Minnesota Zoo. Go<00:01:52.640>
ahead. Go ahead. Go ahead. - A little bit about the zoo, a reminder about the zoo: we are a state zoo.
- AZA-accredited zoo nationally. AZA-accredited zoo nationally.
- for the for the zoo. for the for the zoo.
- and the uniqueness of being a zoo. and the uniqueness of being a zoo.
AZ
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- And first up, we've got the Minnesota Zoo. We've got the Minnesota Zoo, and we've got Dr.
- Zoo 101.
- The zoo is a free zoo to those who need it to be free.
- > um visitors free the zoo is a free zoo um visitors free the zoo is a free zoo to<00:02:33.560>
those - from our main zoo campus.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The Minnesota Zoo is a beloved zoo.
- new zoo.
- <00:08:12.800>
It's Zoo is is a beloved zoo. It's Zoo is is a beloved zoo. - largest zoo in the country. largest zoo in the country.
- still refer to the zoo as the new zoo. still refer to the zoo as the new zoo.
Summary:
The committee first approved the March 3, 2026 minutes by voice vote. It then heard a presentation from the Minnesota Zoo on its aging facilities and bonding needs. Zoo staff highlighted the zoo’s economic and educational role, its 1.4 to 1.5 million annual visitors, and its Free to Explore program, while stressing that many of its 50-year-old buildings are in poor condition, with more than $78 million in backlog and safety concerns for visitors, staff, and animals. The zoo said the governor recommended $4 million for critical life-support systems and asked for an additional $6 million in asset preservation to renovate the original animal hospital building so a new hospital wing can function properly. Testimony emphasized that the renovation is necessary for staff space, storage, code compliance, asbestos removal, and safe animal care, and described recent injuries and close calls tied to outdated facilities.
Members asked questions about porcupine quills, natural predators, and the meaning of the zoo’s incident rate. Zoo staff explained that quills are not poisonous but are barbed and can be difficult to remove, and that predators include larger cats, owls, and fishers. On incidents, staff said they include close calls and injuries linked to aging infrastructure, such as a tiger reaching farther through a wall after fencing shifted over time, and staff injuries during animal procedures in older spaces. Members also confirmed that the hospital project has shifted from a standalone building to a wing attached to the existing hospital because of rising construction costs.
The committee then heard from Perpich Center for Arts Education. Perpich described its statewide role as both a public high school and an arts education resource center, serving students and educators across Minnesota. It said it hosted 313 events last year for nearly 2,000 educators and administrators and worked with 275 school districts across all 67 Senate districts. Perpich emphasized that nearly seven in 10 students rely on its residential programs because there are no comparable arts high school options in greater Minnesota, and noted strong student outcomes including a 100% graduation rate and national recognition as an exemplary school. For capital needs, Perpich said it received $1.26 million last year for HVAC and building automation work, is grateful for the governor’s recommended $1.3 million this year, and requested $6 million to create a secure, accessible main entrance and upgrade outdated restrooms to ADA compliance.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Criminal Jurisprudence SC New Offenses and Changed Penalties Apr 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- This young man has admitted to stealing multiple animals from the zoo. because of his love for animals
- Think about an animal that's being raised in a zoo. They come from the wild.
- You know, those animals cost a lot of money for the zoo, number one.
- Just San Antonio Zoo. Just for the zoo? Yes, sir. Thank you.
- In January of 2023, the Dallas Zoo went through an unprecedented series of events that terrorized our
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- the Minnesota Zoo.
- Um, so a lot of people look at the zoo and remember the zoo.
- Um, so a lot of people look at the zoo and remember the zoo.
- Um, so a lot of people look at the zoo and remember the zoo.
- Um, so a lot of people look at the zoo and remember the zoo.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Conference Committee on SF2077 5/9/25
Transcript Highlights:
- The next agency is the Minnesota Zoo.
- Um the Senate has an operating Zoo.
- Um, we director of the Minnesota Zoo.
- recommendation for the Minnesota Zoo recommendation for the Minnesota Zoo creates<00:49:04.400><
- need to be part of and the Minnesota Zoo need to be part of and the Minnesota Zoo needs<00:49:15.520
Summary:
The conference committee on the Environment budget for Senate File 2077 met to introduce members and staff, then walked through the Senate and House budget spreadsheets side by side. Nonpartisan staff explained that the Senate budget was built around a smaller general fund increase and more use of environmental and dedicated funds, while the House met its target through several reductions, including cuts to DNR, PCA, and Board of Water and Soil Resources appropriations. The committee reviewed major agency items for the Pollution Control Agency, DNR, the Metropolitan Council, the Minnesota Zoo, and other accounts, including operating adjustments, permit-related funding, and transfers between funds.
Several major differences were highlighted. For the PCA, the Senate included operating adjustments, permitting efficiency funding, composting grants, outreach funding, and a closed landfill investment fund approach that repeals an expiring statutory appropriation, while the House instead extends that appropriation for four more years. For the DNR, the Senate included operating adjustments, groundwater and AIS fee increases, aquatic invasive species funding, trail grants, outdoor schools for all, abandoned watercraft enforcement, and a sustainable foraging task force; the House had fewer of these fee and policy items and used reductions to meet its target. The committee also noted Senate-only policy provisions on outreach to diverse communities, field citations and mercury certification for skin-lightening products, disabled veteran license fee changes, and a moratorium on foraging rulemaking until July 1, 2027.
Agency testimony followed. The MPCA commissioner praised both chambers for recognizing core agency work and urged adoption of operating adjustments, the closed landfill fund access, and the air appropriation increase. The DNR assistant commissioner supported operating adjustments, groundwater and AIS fee increases, and the veteran license proposal, but raised concerns about the Senate’s foraging task force language, saying it overweights consumptive users and could limit the agency’s ability to manage foraging without clear data. He also noted support for the land transfer funding and said the agency would continue working with the committee on unresolved issues. No votes were taken in this portion of the meeting.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- The petting zoo has a very small number of animals which have The petting zoo has a very small number
- So just petting zoos.
- The state fair or petting zoo cannot be sued because they have a liability law to protect them.
- Please vote yes for... ...all petting zoos and animal encounter exhibits.
- Petting zoos, which for me I oppose, because that's not their habitat.
Keywords:
petting zoos, animal encounters, public health, handwashing, supervision, sanitization, safety regulations, civil penalties, water supply, groundwater, Phoenix, certificates, long-term storage credits, water conservation, municipal provider, replenishment obligation, water banking, annual report, Arizona Water Banking Authority, water supply management
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 052 Mar 7th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, please stand here to my left.
- On this zoo day, Colorado's oldest wildlife conservation organization, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
- On this zoo day, we celebrate Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance's 130-year anniversary and its tireless
- <00:49:32.079>
connects school field trips, the zoo connects school field trips, the zoo connects - :46.640>
reminds Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance reminds Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance reminds
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement - 04/21/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Paul Public Schools, teaching at Como Park High School for the past 26 years.
- Paul Public Schools, teaching at Como Park High School for the past 26 years.
- Cherokee Heights, Open School, Captain Capital Hill, JJ Hill, Washington when it was a junior high, Como
- 31:58.000>
high, Washington when it was a junior high, Washington when it was a junior high, Como - Como and they ended up all at Central. Como and they ended up all at Central.
Summary:
The committee first approved the April 14, 2026 meeting minutes without objection. It then took up Senate File 4860 / House File 4812, the St. Paul Teachers Retirement Fund Association bill, which would reduce the employee contribution rate for coordinated members from 9% to 8% starting after June 30, 2026, raise the retiree COLA from 1% to 1.5% beginning January 1, 2027, and increase the state-funded employer contribution by 2.7%. Staff said the bill’s cost is just over $12 million per year over 15 years. Representative Lilly said the bill was intended to bring parity to St. Paul teachers after prior work in this area left some behind.
Several St. Paul teachers testified in support, describing financial strain, burnout, and the difficulty of balancing teaching with family responsibilities. Hannah Geimer said the 1% contribution change would make a meaningful difference in her budget as a single parent. Eric Erickson said he and his wife have spent decades working extra hours and coaching, and argued that St. Paul educators pay more and receive less in retirement than other teachers. Arzoo Faroozan Yazdani, a Central High teacher, said the higher contribution rate and lower COLA make it hard to stay in the district and raise a family. Lisa Hodek said teachers are undercompensated for the demands of the job and that the pension disparity has created frustration and a sense of betrayal. Phil Tensic, the SPTRFA director, summarized the request as seeking an 8% contribution and 1.5% COLA to match TRA, and noted that the plan’s members are spread across legislative districts, not just in St. Paul.
Members discussed the history behind the pension disparity. Senator Nelson questioned whether “parity” was the right term given the plan’s funding problems and the legacy of the “big red box,” referring to past underfunding. Tensic and Senator Pappas explained that the state had previously allowed St. Paul schools not to contribute for a period of years, that supplemental district and state aid began in 2018, and that the plan is projected to be amortized by 2039 and must be paid off by 2048. Members also noted that the bill and related pension proposals depend on available funding; Representative O’Driscoll and others said no final financing agreement had been reached, though leadership was continuing discussions. The committee received letters of support from Education Minnesota, the St. Paul Federation of Educators, and 40 individual supporters. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 4/10/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Next, I have Director Farley from the Minnesota Zoo. Thanks for taking the time to be here.
- Uh, John Farley, director of the Minnesota Zoo. Mr.
- The Minnesota Zoo is a top destination in Minnesota, serving over 1.5 million visitors.
- So, a significant impact to the<00:15:31.519>
Minnesota <00:15:31.920>Zoo. - These types of the Minnesota Zoo.
Bills:
HF2439
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Environment Committee Meeting - 2025-04-10
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Next, I have Director Farley from the Minnesota Zoo. Thanks for taking the time to be here.
- The Minnesota Zoo is a top destination in Minnesota, serving over 1.5 million visitors.
- Minnesota Zoo. These types of changes would decrease our attendance and our earned revenue.
- Members working at the Pollution Control Agency, the Department of Natural Resources, the Minnesota Zoo
- are short by $12.1 million for the PCA, $16.8 million for the DNR, and $1 million for the Minnesota Zoo
Bills:
HF2439
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 05/18/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- been fortunate to visit the beautiful country of Italy, and I highly recommend that you visit Lake Como
- BEEN FORTUNATE TO VISIT THE BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY OF ITALY AND I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU VISIT LIKE COMO
Summary:
The Senate opened with routine proceedings, approved the prior day’s journal, and then took up a budget extender. Senator Serrano’s appropriation bill was recalled from the Assembly, reconsidered, amended, and sent through Rules to the floor. During debate, senators discussed the ongoing delay in finalizing the state budget, the 13th extender, school aid payments, the Yonkers school district payment, and unresolved issues such as Tier 6 retirement changes and other budget policy items. The extender was passed 57-2 after debate, with senators pressing for more transparency about the budget negotiations and the majority responding that those issues were not germane to the extender.
The chamber then recognized several resolutions and guests. Senators spoke in support of Resolution 1948 honoring New York State 4-H and its Capital Days participants, Resolution 2054 commemorating Italian American Day, and Resolution 1620 mourning Denis Michael Troy of Rockland County. The Italian American Day resolution drew extensive remarks from many senators about family histories, immigration, cultural contributions, scholarships, and community traditions, and the Senate welcomed honored guests from the Italian American community. The Rosalyn Yalow Charter School fencing team was also introduced, along with the family of Denis Troy.
The Senate then moved through a long calendar of bills, passing measures on public service, city administrative code, municipal law, correction law, criminal procedure, real property tax, education, social services, public health, executive law, parks, judiciary, and alcoholic beverage control, among others. Several members explained votes on bills related to ratepayer protection, hip-hop lyrics in criminal cases, sovereign nations and gaming compacts, and the Traveling with Dignity Act requiring adult changing stations in public facilities. Most bills passed with broad support, though some drew notable negative votes. The Senate completed the calendar and adjourned until Tuesday, May 19, at 3:00 p.m.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Environment Committee Meeting - 2026-04-09
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- It's not the new zoo anymore.
- the zoo of 3.8 million. the zoo of 3.8 million.
- with still keeping the zoo accessible. with still keeping the zoo accessible.
- workforces for zoo size in the country. workforces for zoo size in the country.
- not the new zoo anymore. not the new zoo anymore.
Keywords:
financial assurance, feedlot permits, manure storage, environmental compliance, agriculture regulation, abandoned infrastructure, pollution control, environmental impact, animal feedlot, livestock, regulations, Minnesota Rules
Summary:
The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes and then heard House File 4740, authored by Rep. Hansen, which would require feedlots with at least 1,000 animal units to provide financial assurance for closure costs. Hansen argued the bill would shift cleanup responsibility from taxpayers to owners, citing abandoned feedlots, changing ownership structures, and the 2024 Pure Prairie Poultry bankruptcy as examples of why public funds should not be used for closures and cleanup. He also said the bill would apply to new or renewed permits and suggested a statutory definition of abandoned feedlot storage units may be needed.
Farm and livestock groups testified in opposition. Minnesota Farmers Union, Minnesota Milk Producers Association, Minnesota Pork Producers Association, and Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation said existing MPCA and county permit rules already require closure planning and reporting, and that the bill would add unnecessary costs and barriers for family farms, beginning farmers, and expansion. They warned the financial assurance requirement could function like an animal-unit cap, encourage fragmentation or out-of-state relocation, and impose annual costs that would not improve environmental outcomes. Several testified that true abandonment is rare and that current permitting and closure processes already address it.
MPCA staff said the agency has concerns with the bill, noted there is currently no formal fiscal note, and said the agency would need to ensure any appropriations cover ongoing staffing needs. MPCA officials explained that permitted feedlots already must notify the agency before closure, follow a checklist of closure requirements, and undergo follow-up inspection; they said abandonment notifications are uncommon and they are not aware of any currently permitted facilities in abandonment process. Members questioned whether the bill was needed, what form financial assurance would take, how other states handle similar requirements, and whether the proposal would unfairly burden smaller or family operations. No vote on HF 4740 was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- The Minnesota Zoo is receiving $2.35 The Minnesota Zoo is receiving $2.35 million<00:11:53.200>
on - Sir, you get the zoo first. Oh, we got the zoo first. The good people of the zoo.
- the zoo first. Oh, we got the zoo first. the zoo first. Oh, we got the zoo first.
- I don't know anyone you do at the zoo.
- that's not a fan of the Minnesota Zoo. that's not a fan of the Minnesota Zoo.
Bills:
HF2563
Keywords:
HF2563, legacy finance bill, Legacy Amendment, outdoor heritage fund, clean water fund, parks and trails fund, arts and cultural heritage fund, Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, Clean Water Council, Minnesota legacy funds, habitat conservation, prairie restoration, wetland restoration, forest conservation, riparian buffers, water quality, groundwater protection, drinking water, septic systems, watershed planning
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee 2/6/25
Rules and Legislative Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- I represent Northeast Minneapolis and Southeast Como as part of our restaurant scene in our community
- I represent Northeast Minneapolis and Southeast Como as part of our restaurant scene in our community
Summary:
The Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration met with a quorum present and began with member introductions, during which members identified their districts and, informally, their favorite restaurants. The committee then turned to a housekeeping resolution, 2025-P100, covering House policies and administrative procedures. The chair explained that the resolution consolidated routine rules updates prepared by House Research.
The committee adopted two amendments to the resolution. The A1 amendment gave members more flexibility in how they receive their postage and digital constituent communications allotment. The A2 amendment corrected titles in the resolution. Staff then reviewed the resolution’s contents, including service awards, donated leave, comp time and time cards, remote work, member business services payments, leadership compensation, expense reimbursement, stationery, postage and digital communications, member communication expenses, alcohol and drug policies, legal fee provisions, photographs and digital images, chaplain pay, the high school page program, and the undergraduate internship program.
Members asked several questions during discussion. Representative Long confirmed there were no changes to the legal-fee policy. Representative Hollins asked about the high school page stipend, and staff said it was proposed to increase from $10 to $15 per day. Representative Pursell asked about the 50-mile reimbursement threshold for members’ expenses; the chair said it is derived from IRS tax regulations. She also suggested reviewing how other states handle reimbursement. No members of the public testified.
After discussion, the committee renewed the motion and adopted the 2025 resolution as amended. The meeting then adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 03/25/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- last empty exhibit at the zoo to be a new home for caribou.
- The Lake Superior Zoo cultural heritage.
- This year, the zoo new home for caribou.
- programming here at the zoo for years. programming here at the zoo for years.
- Thank you very the Lake Superior Zoo.