duluth flooding

The Minnesota Legislature has sent a $167.5 million flood aid package to Gov. Mark Dayton, who pressed for the money to rebuild washed-out roads, repair flooded basements and restore ravaged state parks after severe floods and storms.

An 8-year-old boy who was sucked into a culvert during record-setting rain in Duluth says his six-block ride through the storm sewer felt like 100 miles.

The polar bear and seals that escaped their exhibits at the flooded Lake Superior Zoo are being moved to a St. Paul zoo. Animal care director Peter Pruett, in Duluth, says the move to Como Park Zoo is precautionary and in the best interest of the animals.

Duluth Mayor Don Ness has declared a state of emergency because of serious flooding in his northeastern Minnesota city.

The Lake Superior Zoo says it has lost several animals in the damaging flood waters. A zoo spokeswoman says a "beloved" donkey named Ashley died as well as sheep and goats in the zoo's barnyard area.

Major flooding in northeastern Minnesota has closed roads, Duluth city hall and a university campus and has authorities recommending emergency travel only.