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Minnesota Zoo Faces Budget Crisis

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Declining attendance and increased costs have the Minnesota Zoo facing a budget crisis.

Zoo officials in Apple Valley have asked the state for $1.5 million in emergency funds to help maintain operations.

The zoo laid off seven employees in October in a round of cuts to save about $500,000.

Zoo attendance fell by 4.5 percent last summer.

Officials say increased food costs and other expenses have added an extra $1 million to their budget.

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