2010 ANNUAL REPORT Minnesota Zoo

and birds are known to eat figs. Some species of figs native to
Africa can bear hundreds of thousands of fruits at maturity
and grow so large that it would take up to ten people, holding
hands, to circle the base of a single tree. Many fig trees,
in turn, can be propagated only after being consumed and
dispersed by animals. The animals need the forest, and the
forest needs the animals.
The unusual but ecologically-appropriate combination of
animals—together with the complex, beautiful and interactive
environment created for the animals and guests—have made
Faces of the African Forest a popular and effective addition to
the Zoo.
“ We are very pleased with the new exhibit.
The animals continue to impress us. The
colobus monkeys stole the show right from the
beginning, giving our guests an up-close view of
their playful behaviors.”
Tom Ness, Minnesota Zoo Tropics Trail Supervisor
Minnesota Zoo 2010 ANNUAL REPORT
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