Como Zoo welcomes a baby puffin, the first ever tufted puffin chick to hatch in Como’s history of exhibiting puffins that dates back to 1987. The yet unnamed puffin chick was born to first time parents Bug and Rocky, hatching from an egg on July 31. The sex of the puffin is still unknown.

At the time of his birth the chick weighed 57 grams and is quickly growing, now weighing 171 grams thanks to a steady diet of smelt and tiny herring.

The baby puffin is burrowing off exhibit, as it would in the wild, for 5-6 weeks before making a public debut.

Como’s passion for the puffin runs deep. Como zookeeper Melanie recently traveled to Matinicus Rock, Maine to participate in conservation work with Project Puffin, through the National Audubon Society. Read about her conservation work HERE

Sponsor the baby puffin! Sponsoring an animal makes a great gift – that keeps giving back. Animal sponsorships are a unique way to help Como Park Zoo and Conservatory with its wildlife conservation efforts. They support enhanced habitats and efforts to maintain the best care possible for the animals, including the puffin, at Como Zoo. To purchase, visit Garden Safari Gifts at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, call 651-487-8229 or go online to comofriends.org.