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Minnesota Zoo officials present 'mission critical' bonding request to House lawmakers

Donnie Crook, a Minnesota Zoo naturalist, and Director John Frawley introduce Leia, a 9-year-old striped skunk, to the House Capital Investment Committee March 18. (Photo by Andrew VonBank)

Legislators are often wary of a skunk in their midst, but the House Capital Investment Committee was absolutely charmed by Leia, a de-scented skunk who visited the Capitol Complex Monday. 

After munching on vegetables, Leia (born on Star Wars Day, May 4) returned to her cage, and her cohorts from the Minnesota Zoo got to business with a $45 million capital funding request.

The request includes $35 million to build a new animal hospital, called a mission critical project by Zoo Director John Frawley. Built in 1975, three years before the zoo opened, the current hospital is woefully out-of-date and in some cases may not comply with federal animal welfare standards, officials say.

The Legislature approved $1.3 million for planning and predesign of the animal hospital in last year’s bonding package.


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