YEAR
2000
PROJECT
Radio Campaigns
CLIENT
Minnesota Zoo
Hop on Over to the New Exhibit
The Minnesota Zoo opened its doors in 1978. Like any major tourist attraction, it creates special events to draw old customers back and appeal to new customers. In the summer of 2000, the Zoo invited DKY to help promote its new exhibit – The Wells Fargo Family Farm – with a radio campaign.
This working farm aimed to connect young and old guests with Minnesota’s rich farming heritage. There were live demonstrations of milking cows and opportunities for people to feed goats, plus engage with other barnyard animals like rabbits, pigs, chickens, horses and more. The playful grounds were designed with a variety of farm buildings for kids to explore as well.
DKY decided the best way to promote this family fun experience was to engage young kids in the radio spots with some lively music and animal sound effects.
Fun Fact
At the time, the cloning of animals had just recently begun. To attract adults as well, the Farm featured the world’s first cloned bull.
Bright Nights, Wild Sights
Later that same year, the Minnesota Zoo created an outdoor holiday light experience that was open from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve called “Walk the Wild Lights.” Families could walk a looped trail that featured holiday lights in the shape of various animals. Guests could also don cross-country skis if they preferred to ski the trail. To help promote this exhibit, DKY created a promotional banner and another radio campaign leveraging the spirit, music and tales of the holiday season.
Another Fun Fact
DKY was fortunate to engage the magical musical talents of Minnesota’s own Chan Poling for the soundtrack. Chan is a multi-talented musician and composer who founded The Suburbs, a Twin Cities-based punk/funk/new wave band. His music credits include work for film, television, and theater.
