Video & Transcript Research : 'zoo'
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MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Agriculture Committee Meeting - 2026-04-08
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- In 2025, lawmakers created a pathway for accredited zoos to import live cervids with appropriate safeguards
- lawmakers created a pathway for In 2025, lawmakers created a pathway for accredited<00:59:36.000>
zoos
Keywords:
energy, renewable energy, ammonia, hydrogen, certificate tracking, funding, environment, elk, cervidae, cervid importation, chronic wasting disease, CWD, animal health, livestock, wildlife disease, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, state veterinarian, zoo, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, AZA
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee 3/5/25
Agriculture Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- zaa those are two different types of zoo zaa those are two different types of zoo accreditation<
- zoo zoo is<01:03:18.440>
that <01:03:18.559>is <01:03:18.680>being <01:03:18.839 - In addition, one of the co-owners of Hemker Park and Zoo is a member of AZA.
- Hemker Park and Zoo fully supports and urges the amendment to Minnesota Statute 35.155.
- Hemker Park and Zoo is a member of AZA.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 3/18/25
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Hollins said the Como Zoo is one of the areas that uses the most energy in the city of
- She added that she loves the Como Zoo, even though it is not in her district anymore, and noted that
- it is the only free zoo in the state of Minnesota.
- gas emissions and also helping the zoo gas emissions and also helping the zoo and<00:40:16.079><
- <00:40:42.760>
stuff testifiers that are experts in zoo stuff testifiers that are experts
Keywords:
energy, economic development, funding, renewable resources, Clean Energy Economy Minnesota, air ventilation, geothermal, school financing, Minnesota Climate Innovative Finance Authority, geothermal energy, renewable energy, construction funding, Como Zoo, energy efficiency, HF2162, Minnesota, planning grants, renewable development account, clean energy, Department of Commerce
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Tim Morrow: Tim Morrow, President, Tim Morrow: CEO San Antonio Zoo. I am for the bill.
- San Tim Morrow: Antonio Zoo, a 501c3 nonprofit institution of education and conservation, is home to
- In some cases, San Antonio Zoo is the only place these animals exist.
- My name is Diana Warden, and I'm the Senior Director of Safety and Security at the Dallas Zoo.
- On the night of January 29th, 2023, Daveon once again entered the Dallas Zoo by jumping over a fence,
Keywords:
HB 48, oilfield theft, organized theft, petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, DPS, Department of Public Safety, Texas, Railroad Commission, criminal justice, energy resources, theft prevention, organized crime, border region, El Paso, law enforcement task force, asset recovery, pipeline theft, drilling equipment, equipment theft
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- But first off, we're going to start with the Lake Superior Zoo.
- And that's kind of the history of the Lake Superior Zoo.
- And that's kind of the history of the Lake Superior Zoo.
- , road right there in front of the zoo, road right there in front of the zoo, um,<00:07:21.039>
- <00:08:01.759>
bring Hobbs and the staff from the zoo bring Hobbs and the staff from the zoo - <00:08:01.759>
Keywords:
Duluth, Lake Superior Zoo, capital improvements, funding, bonds, appropriations, capital investment, port development, grant caps, state assistance, navigation facilities, Dakota County, state bonds, park improvements, infrastructure, transportation, safety, congestion, water infrastructure, bond issuance
AL
Alabama 2026 1st Special Session
Alabama Senate Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee Jan 28th, 2026
Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Keywords:
oyster shell, tax credit, recycling, restaurant, state revenue, environmental benefit, sales tax exemption, seafood, fishing industry, local government, municipal exemption, seagrass restoration, environmental policy, water quality, marine ecosystems, conservation efforts, marine conservation, environmental remediation, coastal ecosystems, state waters
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Tim Morrow, President and CEO, San Antonio Zoo. I am for the bill.
- , and guests when Davion Irvin repeatedly and illegally entered zoo property after hours.
- On the night of January 29th, 2023, Davion once again entered the Dallas Zoo by jumping over a fence,
- Irvin told detectives he would... come back to the zoo and try to take more animals if he could.
- Today we have the most advanced security system in the zoo, but having the additional support of this
Keywords:
HB 48, oilfield theft, organized theft, petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, DPS, Department of Public Safety, Texas, Railroad Commission, criminal justice, energy resources, theft prevention, organized crime, border region, El Paso, law enforcement task force, asset recovery, pipeline theft, drilling equipment, equipment theft
LA
Bills:
SCR54, SCR59, HCR5, HCR62, HCR78, HCR86, HB595, HB688, HB802, HB841, HB1161, HB1171, HB1189, HB1248, HB1258
Keywords:
Mississippi River Basin, fishery commission, invasive species, sustainability, economic impact, red drum, fishing regulations, tournament permits, wildlife management, recreational fishing, flood management, FEMA, floodplain maps, environmental risks, Louisiana, flood insurance, risk assessment, community planning, seafood, commercial fishing
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee Apr 30th, 2025
Ways and Means Education
Transcript Highlights:
- clinic, blood bank, public health clinic, public libraries, services for the disabled, health center, or zoo
- House Bill 546 has to do with the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.
- This zoo was initially given tax-free status in 2018, but that status expired in September of 2022.
- So it sunset, mirroring the Birmingham Zoo. It does fall into your zoo category.
Keywords:
entertainment, film, music, production incentives, Alabama Film Office, tax rebates, media industry, economic development, Baptist convention, tax exemption, sales and use tax, Alabama, nonprofit, HB203, High Socks for Hope, nonprofit tax exemption, sales tax, use tax, state tax exemption, local option tax exemption
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
MN Zoo officials present bonding request to Capital Investment Committee 2/25/25
Transcript Highlights:
- We're the fifth largest zoo in the country. Most zoos are less than 30 acres. We are a huge zoo.
- We're the fifth largest zoo in the country. Most zoos are less than 30 acres. We are a huge zoo.
- We're the fifth largest zoo in the country. Most zoos are less than 30 acres. We are a huge zoo.
- We're the fifth largest zoo in the country. Most zoos are less than 30 acres. We are a huge zoo.
- We're the fifth largest zoo in the country. Most zoos are less than 30 acres. We are a huge zoo.
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 1st Special Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/20/25
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- the zoo.
- Good examples, Como Zoo and Lake Beulah Zoo, are both 15- to 16-acre zoos.
- The Minnesota Zoo is 500 acres, so we are a large zoo.
- c><00:10:36.800>
are good example KO zoo and lak be Zoo are good example KO zoo and lak be Zoo - zoos the Minnesota Zoo both 15 16 acre zoos the Minnesota Zoo is<00:10:40.079>
500 <00:10:40.440
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.
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.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 03/04/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- they rotate around habitats at the zoo they rotate around habitats at the zoo um<00:07:58.199>
- partnered with the association of zoos partnered with the association of zoos and<00:08:49.720><
- <00:10:35.079>
and zoo and zoo and Conservatory<00:10:36.959>uh <00:10:37.120>where - zoo zoo prer<00:17:00.360>
uh <00:17:01.000>Senator <00:17:01.440>her <00:17:02.240- there it is standard practice for zoos there it is standard practice for zoos that<00:17:17.839>
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.
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