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State Representative Leon Lillie
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-1188
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
NEWS COLUMN
THE LEGISLATURE IS A ZOO
I always like going to the zoo. Although sometimes smelly and mysterious, animals are kooky, fun, and extremely interesting. While I enjoy going to the zoo, what's even better is when the zoo comes to you. In my wildest dreams I never could have imagined zoo animals coming to visit me at work – especially in the Capitol Rotunda.
But that is just what happened this week when I met with representatives of the Minnesota Zoo and a host of zoo animals during Zoo Day at the Capitol Tuesday. Representatives from the Minnesota Zoo including the Zoomobile staff, volunteers and a variety of zoo animals such as the slow loris, a bald eagle, chinchilla and a variety of snakes were at the Capitol to educate legislators and the public about zoo programs and to advocate for program funding.
Zoo Day at the Capitol proved to be an invaluable opportunity for legislators and the public to speak with zoo officials and volunteers, get up close and personal with some interesting animals, and come to a better overall understanding of the importance of Minnesota Zoo for our state's economy, the education of all Minnesota children and the public at large, and conservation efforts throughout the state.
The Minnesota Zoo is one of the nation's top zoos and a vital part of our Minnesota heritage. It's award winning recreational, educational and conservation programs have made the Zoo an important part of the lives of many Minnesota families, including my own.
Funding for zoo programs and operations will be considered this session as part of the two-year budget passed by the Legislature this year. I'm optimistic we can try to find a way to reverse some of the budget cuts that the Zoo has struggled with over the last few years. We can't take a local treasure like the Minnesota Zoo for granted any longer.
I encourage you and your families to make a visit to the Minnesota Zoo this year. And in the spirit of philanthropy I also encourage you to consider a monetary donation to the Zoo. You can do so by logging on to the Minnesota Zoo website at www.mnzoo.com. Your contribution will ensure that children, families, and visitors from all corners of the state will be able to enjoy the Zoo for years to come.
I hope to see you at the Zoo sometime soon. Until then, you can find me in another wild place – the Legislature. I encourage you to contact me anytime with any questions, concerns, or suggestions on any subject, from aardvarks to zebras. You can reach me by phone at (651) 296-1188 or by email at rep.leon.lillie@house.mn. I look forward to hearing from you.
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