Dakota County donates nearly 500 acres of county owned land in Apple Valley, Minnesota, for purposes of building a state zoo. 1975 - The Minnesota Zoological Garden Foundation is incorporated. The first buildings are completed and the Minnesota Zoo staff move to the site. One millionth visitor. First volunteer to reach 1000 hours of service.
Skytrail monorail opens to the public.
Minnesota Zoo Goer Association membership program begins. The legislature begins to review the MZG's relationship with the private sector and changes its method of funding, lifting some of the restrictions of the state system so that the MZG can operate more efficiently. The new system eliminates direct review by the legislative auditor. The investors for the monorail schedule to close it permanently on March 15th. The Minnesota Department of Finance does a study to determine the highest price that the state can pay for the monorail and have it be self-supporting.