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Judge: MN Zoo To Remain Open During Shutdown

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Minnesota Zoo officials say the zoo plans to reopen over the weekend after a judge ruled Saturday in favor of the zoo's petition to remain open during the government shutdown.

Judge Kathleen Gearin ruled in favor of the zoo's petition to remain open at 4 p.m., issuing an order that says money the zoo earns may be used for non-essential zoo maintenance.

Minnesota Zoo CEO and Director, Lee Ehmke, said that he was grateful for the judge's ruling.

"She recognized in her order that we were not arguing that public operation of the zoo was a core, critical service, but instead correctly interprets the statue which provides that revenue earned by the zoo be appropriated to the zoo for its operations," Ehmke said.

Zoo officials say it will reopen at 9 a.m. Sunday.

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