The Minnesota Zoo is planning a weekend of animal and nature appreciation activities for the first anniversary of its Treetop Trail on Saturday and Sunday.

“We are so excited that we’ve had Treetop Trail for one year,” communications manager Zach Nugent. “So many of our zoo members and guests have experienced it, but there are so many Minnesotans who’ve yet to come out and see what the trail is all about.”

The Treetop Trail turns one year old on Sunday, which also is World Nature Conservation Day. The Treetop Trail is the world’s longest elevated pedestrian loop at 1.25 miles, making it a special Minnesota attraction. Since the trail’s opening last summer, close to 1.5 million visitors have explored the Minnesota Zoo, a 21% increase from 2018.

“I expect a lot of fun energy, a lot of community and a lot of opportunities to learn,” Nugent said.

Saturday’s programs run from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and include “Animal Ambassadors” which examines reptiles, mammals and birds, “Music in the Trees” with Melissa Warhol and WorldBeat Duo at the Hanifl Nature Center and Bison Landing’s “Bison Keeper Chat,” where an expert zookeeper talks about the Minnesota Zoo’s aid in protecting and conserving the native animal.

On Sunday the Treetop Trail will be open for early walking hours from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Visitors can purchase a $5 single day pass, also offered on Tuesdays, and enjoy a quiet morning walk before the zoo is open. In honor of the celebration this Sunday, zoo naturalists will be stationed to educate about the different biomes and wildlife that can be seen on the accessible trail.

For more information and to purchase tickets visit, mnzoo.org/treetoptrail.

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