IMAX theater closing at Minnesota Zoo this month

A popular attraction will soon be leaving the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley.

Officials notified zoo members Friday that IMAX will be closing the theater at the zoo on January 27. Those members benefits will also end on the same date.

"This decision was made void of any input from Minnesota Zoo leadership," read the statement in part. "The Zoo has valued their IMAX partnership and willingness to provide Zoo member benefits. Zoo leadership will be communicating the intent of the space once decided."

Officials are directing those who have gift cards to use them before the theater closes.

The IMAX theater has been at the zoo since 1997.