Apple Valley, Minnesota Wyland Whaling Wall 71

History of the Apple Valley, MN Wyland Whaling Wall 71

-Our Ocean Family

Whaling wall 71

The Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley Minnesota plays home to “Our Ocean Family”, an inspiring representation of marine life by Wyland. This mural brings the ocean to the Midwest and was dedicated by Mayor Gary Humphrey in an effort to highlight the importance of conserving our oceans, even in a state far away from its waters. Minnesota, the land of “10,000 lakes” connects to the Mississippi River watershed. In other words, what we do here will travel on to the Gulf of Mexico.

By 1997, the Mississippi River was experiencing a wide variety of agricultural runoff, habitat degradation, and industrial pollution. This mural showed viewers that everything is connected; every waterway and every coast. The Wyland Foundation seeks to serve our downstream ecosystems through educating the world on the effects of their upstream actions.

Did You know?

Touching 31 states and covering 1.2 square million miles, The Mississippi River Basin is the largest drain basin in North America. With a focus on protecting endangered species and encouraging people to learn about the environment, the Minnesota Zoo continues to be celebrated for its conservation efforts and programs.

Inland communities can play a part in saving our oceans, even if they are miles away. Wyland understood this fact and chose the Minnesota Zoo to be the backdrop for “Our Ocean Family”. With his efforts, and those of The Wyland Foundation, we can protect our oceans for years to come.

Minnesota Zoo
13000 Zoo Blvd.
Apple Valley, Minnesota
192 Feet Long x 22 Feet High
Dedicated September 8th, 1997
By Mayor Gary Humphrey, Director of the Minnesota Zoo

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