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Jessica Mador
St. Paul, Minn.

Minnesota Zoo officials hope to stay open in shutdown

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Minnesota Zoo officials are hoping to keep the zoo open despite a state government shutdown.

Zoo officials say they have enough revenue to operate for at least two months without any additional state funding. Zoo Director Lee Ehmke wants to make this argument before a special master appointed by the court.

Ehmke said $21 million, more than 70 percent of the zoo's budget, comes from earned revenue and contributions.

He said if the zoo is forced to close, the animals will be well taken care of.

"Regardless of any of the outcomes [at the Capitol] the animals in our care will continue to be cared for at very high levels," Ehmke said. "People don't need to worry about the animals at the zoo."

Ehmke said the zoo filed a lawsuit seeking to remain open during a shutdown.