Olson’s Cheers & Jeers: Minnesota zoos give neglected SeaQuest animals a chance to thrive

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The wildlife neglected and abandoned by Roseville’s SeaQuest since its bankruptcy and closing have found new homes at the Lake Superior, Minnesota and Como zoos as well as the Great Lakes Aquarium. The zoos and sanctuaries have devoted countless hours to rescuing and saving some 1,200 animals. The wildlife, including Danny the capybara, have found second chances and the tender care they deserve with their new keepers. Kurt Heizmann, director of animal care at the Minnesota Zoo, said the rescue effort was huge and costly, but the keepers wanted to provide safe homes for the animals, many of whom were injured. Caring for neglected animals is difficult work. Thanks to the professionals who refused to look away.

One day the Minnesota Lynx were in the playoffs and looking strong. Then they squandered a late-game lead en route to elimination. One minute the Minnesota Vikings had an exciting young quarterback who had us wanting to believe, and the next he’s injured and watching from the sidelines as an aging former Green Bay Packers quarterback ran over the Vikings’ defense in Dublin. The only place we’ve been reliably seeing Viking celebrations is when receiver Justin Jefferson hits the Griddy as a TV commercial pitchman.

She bravely used her voice, talent and platform to deliver a broader message in support of her fellow players as they head into contract negotiations with the WNBA this offseason. Collier delivered a withering statement about the leadership of the WNBA the morning after the Lynx were eliminated from the playoffs, knowing she would likely face a hefty fine and/or punishment. Collier’s basketball skills and talent are dazzling, but her bravery and endurance for the larger battles off the court could see her become a transformational leader when her playing days are over. And who wouldn’t want Collier in their corner during contract negotiations?

Does he really think any reasonable Minnesotan would want him to move back here and run for governor next year? We have better options, Mike. Minnesotans have thrice rejected President Donald Trump’s MAGA-style politics, but Lindell seems to think we’re eager for more. These are unusual times, but Minnesotans can’t possibly be interested in electing a man who is eyeball-deep in an array of personal legal troubles and debt. And yet, Lindell recently told a Minnesota Star Tribune reporter, “If there was someone to win, it would be me.” That’s a mind-blowing level of delusion. Surely Minnesota Republicans will see a Lindell campaign for the folly that it is and nominate a candidate with a more realistic worldview to challenge Gov. Tim Walz.

Five of them are now operating in Minneapolis in a pilot program that could grow to placement at more than 40 positions in coming years. The cameras are expected to nab and cite drivers who speed or run red lights with the aim of reducing traffic fatalities. “Photo enforced” signs went up Tuesday at the first five sites where cameras are operating. But why bother looking for the signs? Just consistently obey the rules of the road, watch out for pedestrians and don’t touch that cellphone until you park.

The Ramsey Republican was honest during a news conference after special session talks fell apart Tuesday. Niska told reporters that not a single House Republican was willing to vote for an assault-weapons ban. It’s fair to disagree with the Republicans on their policy, but candor is the only starting point for negotiations. Both Niska and House Speaker Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, didn’t try to pull a sleight of hand about where their members stand. Contrast their honest policy position with how the Republican majority in D.C. is trying to blame the Democrats in the minority for the shutdown.

One hockey player, Kirill Kaprizov, may be paid $136 million in an eight-year contract extension while the young marquee players in the WNBA, including Minnesota native Paige Bueckers, earn less than $80,000 annually in salary. Yes, Bueckers and a few fellow stars make millions through endorsements, but something’s wildly amiss here. It’s all the more reason to get out and cheer the athletes running various Twin Cities Marathon races this weekend, because most of them squeeze the rigorous training needed into the grind of their 9-to-5 jobs. Go, runners.