Pine Grove Zoo, the second oldest in Minnesota

This is the first of three articles about the Pine Grove Zoo in Little Falls. Next: Pine Grove Zoo takes great measures to improve animal welfare.

Founded in 1913, the Pine Grove Zoo in Little Falls is the second oldest zoo in Minnesota. The oldest zoo is Como Zoo in St. Paul, which was established in 1897, said Pine Grove Zoo Director Marnita Van Hoecke.

Prior to the Pine Grove Zoo being established, the land was deeded to the City of Little Falls, Sept. 13, 1907. The idea of the 55-acre Pine Grove Park property was initially to preserve old growth forest for the enjoyment of future generations. At the time, many forests were completely harvested for its pine.

According to the Pine Grove Zoo website, the land was originally owned by Frank Foster, who in accordance with the U.S. Homesteaders Act, received the first homesteaders deed in Little Falls in 1879. Ownership of the property was later transferred to L.M. Roberts and E.F. Shaw, which sold it to the City of Little Falls for $4,100. Of that amount, the city paid $270, $730 was raised through donations from the public and the remaining $3,100 was covered by businessmen M. Williams, A. Davidson, C. Weyerhaeuser and R. Musser.

Read the full article from the Morrison County Record here.