Como Earns AZA Accreditation, Recognizing Excellence in Animal Care

We’re proud to announce that Como Park Zoo & Conservatory has once again earned accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)! This recognition reflects the dedication of our staff and Como’s ongoing commitment to animal wellbeing, conservation, education, and our community.

Accreditation follows a comprehensive review by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission, including a detailed application, a multiple-day inspection by zoological professionals, and a formal hearing with Como’s leadership. The process examines everything from animal and veterinary care to staff training, conservation programs, education, safety, and guest services.

“This accreditation reflects the dedication our staff brings to Como every day, from providing exceptional animal care to creating meaningful connections between our visitors and the natural world,” said Erica Prosser, Director of Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. “We are proud to meet AZA’s rigorous standards and remain committed to continually advancing animal wellbeing, conservation, and education while keeping Como free and accessible to everyone.”

“Como Park Zoo & Conservatory represents what it means to invest in public spaces and experiences that belong to everyone. As one of Minnesota’s most beloved and most-visited cultural attractions, Como connects people of all ages with nature, wildlife and learning. This accreditation recognizes the dedication of the staff who make that experience possible, and we are committed to ensuring Como remains free and accessible for generations to come.” said Mayor Kaohly Her.

AZA-accredited facilities must complete this rigorous process every five years, meeting standards that continue to evolve as knowledge of animal care and wellbeing advances. For visitors, accreditation offers reassurance that the animals they connect with at Como receive care that meets these demanding standards.

This achievement belongs to the people who make Como possible: our dedicated staff, volunteers, partners, and the community that supports our work. Thank you for helping Como remain a place where everyone can connect with animals, plants, and the natural world.

Learn more about AZA accreditation at aza.org.

Como’s Browse Donation Program (and how you can help)!

Como Zoo is now accepting fresh browse donations to support the health and enrichment of our animals. Here’s how you can help:

What We Cannot Accept

• Any material treated with pesticides, herbicides, or chemical sprays.
• Toxic or unknown plant species.
• Large tree trunks, hollow logs, or oversized branches that cannot be safely handled.
• Wilted or dried material during the growing season (leafless is fine in winter).

Why Donations Matter

• Enrichment: Promotes natural foraging and chewing behaviors.
• Nutrition: Provides variety and healthy nutrients.
• Cost Savings: Reduces feed costs and supports sustainability.
• Community Engagement: Connects you directly to animal care at Como Zoo.

Questions? Email jill.erzar@ci.stpaul.mn.us

Frequently Asked Questions

More Time to Explore the Conservatory on Mondays

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory has moved into its Fall/Winter/Spring schedule and is now open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day.

But your Monday visit doesn’t have to end at 4 p.m. The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory will stay open until 6 p.m. on Mondays, offering two extra hours to wander through the gardens, unwind after work or brighten a winter afternoon.

There are four exceptions to the extended Monday hours. Due to event rentals, the Conservatory will close at 4 p.m. on:

• October 5, 2026
• November 9, 2026
• December 21, 2026
• February 22, 2027

Our daily summer hours return on May 1, 2027, when Como will once again be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission is always free, and donations are appreciated.

“Gorillas on the Line” Weekend ~ September 26 & 27 | 10 am–4 pm

Bring your old cell phones and small electronics to Como and help protect gorillas in the wild!

Read More

Meet Kamba and Nora: Como’s New Gorillas

Two new personalities begin an exciting chapter at Gorilla Forest

There are two new faces at Gorilla Forest, and we are thrilled to finally introduce them to you.

Kamba and Nora, female western lowland gorillas who recently arrived from Brookfield Zoo Chicago, are making their public debut at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. Beginning today, they will have access to the outdoor yard at Gorilla Forest, giving visitors their first opportunity to meet them.

As always, the choice to venture outside belongs to the gorillas. Kamba and Nora may explore the yard, remain indoors or move between spaces throughout the day. A sighting is never guaranteed, but that freedom of choice is an important part of their care.

Kamba on the left and Nora on the right

Meet Kamba

Meet Nora

A New Chapter at Gorilla Forest

For now, Kamba and Nora will have access to the outdoor yard as a pair, separate from Como’s established family troop. That troop includes Schroeder, the adult silverback, and females Nne (pronounced ee-knee) and Arlene.

Kamba and Nora have had individual introductions with members of the family troop behind the scenes, but bringing everyone together as a full group will take more time. There is no set date or predetermined schedule for that next step.

“This is an exciting milestone for Kamba and Nora, but they are still in charge of the pace,” said Senior Zookeeper Jill Erzar. “They have been settling in, building relationships with their care team and becoming familiar with their new surroundings. We will continue watching their behavior closely and following their cues as they take each new step.”

Introductions at Their Pace

Gorillas have complex personalities and social relationships. Introducing them is a thoughtful, gradual process that can move forward, pause or change depending on how each gorilla responds.

Como’s zookeepers will continue to closely observe their behavior and follow the cues of all six gorillas. Some may be ready for additional interaction sooner than others. The goal is not to meet a deadline, but to build comfortable and positive relationships at a pace determined by the gorillas themselves.

This means visitors may see different gorillas in the outdoor yard at different times as the introduction process continues.

Working Together for Gorilla Conservation

Kamba and Nora’s move to Como was recommended through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Gorilla Species Survival Plan. This cooperative program helps accredited zoos maintain healthy, genetically diverse populations and create appropriate social groupings for gorillas in human care.

Western lowland gorillas are classified as Critically Endangered. Habitat loss, poaching and disease continue to threaten populations in the wild. By meeting Kamba, Nora and the rest of Como’s gorillas, visitors have an opportunity to learn about their intelligence, complex social lives and the importance of protecting their wild counterparts.

“Our visitors have shared many meaningful connections with Como’s gorillas over the years, and we are thrilled to introduce them to Kamba and Nora,” said Erica Prosser, director of Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. “Their arrival begins an exciting new chapter for Gorilla Forest and gives us another opportunity to inspire people to learn about and care for this critically endangered species.”

Come Welcome Kamba and Nora

We are excited for our visitors to get to know Kamba’s calm, easygoing nature and Nora’s bold personality in the weeks and months ahead. Like every relationship, becoming part of a new gorilla family takes time, and we look forward to sharing their journey with you.

Stop by Gorilla Forest and help us give Kamba and Nora a warm Como welcome.

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is open every day, and admission is always free. Donations help make exceptional animal care, conservation and education possible.

***Top four photos please credit Brookfield Zoo Chicago

***Video and two bottom photos credit Como Zoo

Behind the Scenes at Como: Nearly 3,000 Critically Endangered Wyoming Toad Tadpoles Head Home

While most visitors come to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory to see tigers, giraffes, polar bears, and orangutans, some of our most important conservation work happens quietly behind the scenes.

This summer, Como Zoo celebrated another major milestone in the recovery of one of North America’s most endangered amphibians. Nearly 3,000 Wyoming toad tadpoles, raised by Como’s animal care staff, were carefully packed into oxygenated containers and shipped by FedEx to Laramie, Wyoming, where they will be released into protected habitat as part of an ongoing effort to restore the species.

It’s a small amphibian making a big comeback. Hear Zookeeper Allison Pizel on MPR Radio!

A Species Once Lost

Native only to the Laramie Basin of Wyoming, the Wyoming toad experienced a catastrophic population decline during the late twentieth century. By the 1980s, the species had nearly disappeared, and despite intensive searches, only a handful of individuals remained.

Today, the Wyoming toad is classified as extinct in the wild. Every Wyoming toad alive today exists because of carefully managed conservation breeding programs led by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and accredited zoological institutions across the country.

The Wyoming toad is also recognized as an SAFE species, a collaborative conservation initiative led by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums that focuses the expertise and resources of accredited zoos and aquariums on saving the world’s most vulnerable wildlife.

Como’s Role in Saving the Species

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is proud to be one of the select institutions participating in the Wyoming Toad recovery program.

Behind secure biosecurity measures in a specialized containment room beneath the Visitor Center, animal care staff maintain adult breeding toads in carefully controlled conditions that mimic their natural environment. Every aspect of their care, from temperature and humidity to seasonal cycles, is designed to encourage successful breeding and healthy offspring.

This year’s breeding season resulted in nearly 3,000 tadpoles that will now begin the next stage of their journey in Wyoming.

In the future, Como hopes to relocate the Wyoming toad program to the Aquatics Building, allowing guests to learn more about this remarkable conservation success story firsthand.

More Than Just Raising Tadpoles

For Zookeeper Allison Pizel, the work doesn’t end once the tadpoles leave Como.

Later this August, Allison will travel to Laramie, Wyoming, to assist with field surveys alongside conservation partners working to monitor Wyoming toad populations and evaluate ongoing recovery efforts. The annual gathering also provides an opportunity for participating institutions to share research, husbandry techniques, and conservation strategies that continue improving the species’ chances for survival.

Conservation is about far more than breeding animals. It also requires collaboration, science, field research, and a long-term commitment from dedicated professionals across the country.

Conservation Happens Every Day

Although visitors may never see the Wyoming toads during a visit to Como, their story represents the heart of the zoo’s mission.

From caring for endangered species and participating in international breeding programs to supporting field conservation efforts, Como is helping ensure that some of the world’s rarest animals have a future.

“Much of our most important conservation work happens behind the scenes,” says Erica Prosser, Director of Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. “Projects like the Wyoming toad recovery effort demonstrate how accredited zoos can work together to make a real difference for species on the brink of extinction. We’re incredibly proud of Allison and our animal care team for the dedication and expertise they bring to this important work.”

Nearly 3,000 tiny tadpoles may not seem like much, but for one of North America’s rarest amphibians, they represent hope.

And that’s something worth celebrating.

“Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea” Now on display through October 5

A powerful new traveling exhibit has arrived at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, and it is hard to miss.

Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea features massive, colorful sculptures of marine and coastal wildlife made entirely from plastic pollution and marine debris collected from beaches and waterways.

These dramatic works of art are beautiful, surprising, and a little heartbreaking. Look closely and you will see bottle caps, toothbrushes, flip flops, tires, fishing gear, toys, disposable lighters, and other everyday items transformed into unforgettable sculptures with an important message.

Art with a mission

Created by the nonprofit organization Washed Ashore, the exhibit uses art to show the impact plastic pollution has on oceans, waterways, and wildlife.

Thousands of volunteers have helped collect debris from beaches and transform it into powerful sculptures under the direction of artist and educator Angela Haseltine Pozzi. Each piece is paired with educational signage that helps guests learn more about ocean stewardship, responsible consumer habits, and how every action counts.

See 10 sculptures on Como’s zoo grounds

Como is home to 10 Washed Ashore sculptures this summer, including:

• Chompers Bull Shark
• Gertrude African Penguin
• Hugo Humpback Whale Tail
• Sea Jelly Bloom
• Scrappy the Sea Lion Pup
• Priscilla Rainbow Parrotfish
• Rosa Bald Eagle
• Nora Salmon
• Natasha Sea Turtle
• Sebastian James the Puffin

One of the exhibit’s many eye catching sculptures is Natasha the Sea Turtle, measuring 11 feet long and weighing approximately 1,200 pounds.

Rosa Bald Eagle is another powerful highlight. Standing 9.5 feet tall and stretching 17 feet long, Rosa depicts a Bald Eagle pulling a fish from the water, a reminder that plastic pollution does not stay in one place. It can move through waterways, enter the food chain, and affect wildlife far beyond the shoreline.

Sebastian James the Puffin helps tell the story of ocean birds that may mistake plastic for food or become entangled in abandoned fishing gear. Like every sculpture in the exhibit, Sebastian James is made from real debris collected from beaches.

Small actions can make a big difference

Washed Ashore encourages guests to think about the everyday choices that can help protect wildlife and waterways. Reducing single use plastics, reusing what we can, recycling properly, and keeping trash out of storm drains and natural spaces are all simple steps that add up.

The exhibit is a fun, family friendly way to explore conservation through art, creativity, and curiosity.

Plan your visit

Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea is now on display on Como’s zoo grounds through October 5.

Admission to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is free. Voluntary donations are appreciated and help keep Como free and accessible for everyone.

Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through legislative appropriation from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Peace and Blessing Arrive at Como

Como Zoo is celebrating a historic first with the successful hatching of two grey crowned crane chicks.

The chicks have been named Amani (pronounced ah-MAH-nee), meaning “peace,” and Baraka (pronounced bah-RAH-kah), meaning “blessing.” Supporters of Como Friends had the honor of selecting the Swahili names, which reflect the beauty of these remarkable birds and carry a hopeful message for their future.

Como’s First Successful Crowned Crane Chicks

Amani and Baraka hatched in a behind-the-scenes holding area in the giraffe building, where their parents selected the nest site.

Their father, Houdini, arrived at Como in April 2023. Their mother, Mutambi, followed in June 2023. The pair was matched through a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan.

Although Houdini and Mutambi produced eggs during the previous two years, Amani and Baraka are the first grey crowned crane chicks to be successfully raised at Como Zoo.

With their arrival, four grey crowned cranes now live at Como.

Long Legs, Long Necks and Growing Fast

Senior Zookeeper Jill Erzar reports that both chicks are doing great and changing quickly.

Newly hatched grey crowned cranes are tan and brown, with long legs, very long necks and a slightly awkward appearance. Over time, Amani and Baraka will begin to look more like their elegant parents, developing grey bodies, colorful wings and the distinctive golden crown that gives the species its name.

The chicks’ sexes are not yet known.

Already Chasing Their Own Meals

Amani and Baraka are offered a crumbled diet and insects. Houdini and Mutambi show the chicks where to find food and will feed insects directly to them.

The chicks are also beginning to demonstrate their own hunting skills. Animal care staff have already watched them chasing down mealworms and crickets.

For growing crane chicks, every insect is an opportunity to practice.

A Protective Father with a Gentle Side

Houdini is known by his animal care team for being territorial and protective. Around his chicks, however, staff have seen a much softer side.

“For me, the cutest thing has been seeing what a good dad Houdini is,” said Senior Zookeeper Jill Erzar. “With us, he is very territorial and protective, but with the chicks, he will snuggle into the nest with them and take the time to feed them worms.”

Both parents continue to care for the chicks as they grow, explore and become more independent.

When Can Visitors See Them?

For now, Amani and Baraka need to remain safely indoors until they are large enough to be protected from hawks and other potential predators.

Lucky visitors may occasionally catch a glimpse of the family through the mesh door of their holding area in the giraffe building. Their wellbeing and the comfort of the parents will determine when the chicks are ready to spend time outdoors and make a more visible public debut.

Helping Save an Endangered Species

Native to eastern and southern Africa, grey crowned cranes are especially abundant in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. They are known for their golden crowns, grey bodies, white-and-gold wings and bright red throat pouches.

Grey crowned cranes are endangered, with an estimated wild population of only 29,500 to 36,000 birds. Their population continues to decline because of wetland loss, habitat degradation, illegal capture, egg collection, poisoning, power line collisions and land development.

Como Zoo recently became a sponsor of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Crowned Crane SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction program. Como partnered with the International Crane Foundation and a small group of other zoos to help lead the creation of this collaborative conservation program.

SAFE programs bring together the expertise and resources of accredited zoos, aquariums and conservation organizations to protect threatened species and their habitats.

Learn more about grey crowned cranes and the efforts underway to protect them through the International Crane Foundation.

A Hopeful New Beginning

The arrival of Amani and Baraka is an important milestone for Como Zoo and for the conservation story their species represents.

For now, these two youngsters are busy doing what growing crane chicks do best: eating, exploring, chasing insects and keeping their devoted parents close by.

Peace and blessing have arrived at Como Zoo, and they are growing fast.

Como Showcases the “Queen of the Water Lilies” and Competes in Global Waterlily Weigh-Off

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is inviting visitors to marvel at one of the most extraordinary plants on Earth: the Victoria Water Lily, commonly called the “Water Platter.” Floating dramatically in Como’s water gardens, these South American giants are unlike anything else grown and displayed in Minnesota. At the same time, Como is joining nearly 50 public gardens and zoos across nine countries in the Waterlily Weigh-Off, a playful global competition led by Denver Botanic Gardens that has taken social media by storm.

Known as the “Queen of the Water Lilies,” Victoria leaves can grow over six feet across and support the weight of a child. Their beauty extends beyond their platter-sized leaves: their blooms open at night in a rare and dazzling three-night performance. The first evening, the flower is female—pure white, fragrant with pineapple-cake sweetness, and irresistible to pollinators. By the second night, it transforms into a vivid pink male flower, dusting trapped insects with pollen before releasing them to complete nature’s cycle. After a final encore bloom on the third night, the flower disappears back beneath the water.

While breathtaking to see, Victorias are notoriously challenging to grow. Como’s gardeners begin nurturing them from seeds the size of peas each spring, carefully adjusting water temperatures, fertilization, and repotting schedules to mimic the warm climate of their South American origins. “The water gardens at Como are both unique and spectacular,” said Ray Watson, Horticulture Curator. “Few institutions are able to create such a stunning outdoor display, particularly with our weather. It is a true testament to the skill and hard work of the horticulture team.”

The plants also carry a fascinating history at Como. First introduced in the 1880s, they became a centerpiece of the park’s Lily Pond in the early 20th century before disappearing for decades. Reintroduced in 2005, the lilies are once again a cherished summer tradition, drawing visitors much like they did a century ago.

This summer, Como’s waterlilies aren’t just captivating guests, they’re competing on the global stage. From August 17 through 26, participating institutions will test the strength of their largest Victoria leaves and share the results on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. Thanks to their air-filled veins, sturdy rims and sharp spines, these enormous leaves can sometimes support the weight of an adult.

Como’s weigh-off video will debut August 21, revealing the final weight and leaf measurement. Follow along and root for Como using #WaterlilyWeighOff26. The winner will be announced August 28. Fan voting and updates will be on Instagram via @waterlilyweighoff

With their enormous leaves, dazzling blooms, rich history and place on the international stage, Como’s Victoria Water Lilies continue to show why they are known as the Queens of the Water Lilies.

CHECK OUT OUR 2025 SUBMISSION VIDEO BELOW!
Can you guess how many pounds Como’s Waterlily held?

Flamin’ Oh’s to play the last “Groovin’ In The Garden” concert Wednesday, August 12!

Join us for one last Groovin’ In The Garden concert on August 12, from 6-8pm! The Flamin’ Oh’s have been a staple of the Minnesota music scene for more than four decades, delivering their signature blend of power pop, rock, and new wave with infectious energy. Known for catchy hooks, driving guitars, and unforgettable live performances, the band has built a loyal following with favorites like “I Remember Romance” and “Stop” Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering them for the first time, a Flamin’ Oh’s show is packed with timeless songs, high-energy musicianship, and the kind of hometown rock ‘n’ roll spirit that keeps audiences singing along from the first note to the last.

Beer, wine, pop, & ice cream treats will be available to purchase. Sizzling Wagon food truck will be here serving up tasty food. Climbing wall for the adventure seekers!

Spread out a blanket & join us for these FREE outdoor concerts & activities in front of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory Wednesdays from 6pm–8pm. We will also have a climbing wall, some bouncy balls, and hula-hoops for the young and old alike!

Meet Cusi: Como’s Baby Sloth Has a Name!

After winning the hearts of Como staff, volunteers, and guests over the past two months, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory’s baby Hoffman’s two-toed sloth finally has a name!

Following a campus-wide vote involving zoo and conservatory staff, volunteers, and Como Friends employees, our newest Hoffman’s two-toed sloth has been named Cusi (pronounced KOO-see), a Quechua word meaning “joy.”

The name received overwhelming support, earning nearly 70% of the vote over the other finalists: Tucuma (15%), Areca (10%), and Cohune (4%). Staff from across the Como campus, including animal care, horticulture, visitor services, education, maintenance, administration, volunteers, and Como Friends, all helped choose the winning name.

“Cusi felt like the perfect name for this little one,” said Senior Zookeeper Jill Erzar. “From the very beginning, this baby has brought so much joy to our animal care team and to everyone across the Como campus. It’s been wonderful to see so many people become invested in Cusi’s story, and watching this little one grow stronger and more adventurous every day has been incredibly rewarding.”

Why “Cusi”?

Like mom Sago, whose name comes from the sago palm, many of the finalist names were inspired by palm species native to Central and South America, where Hoffman’s two-toed sloths are found.

The name Cusi was chosen to reflect another part of the sloth’s native range. Two-toed sloths also inhabit parts of the Peruvian rainforest, where Quechua is spoken by many Indigenous communities. In Quechua, Cusi means “joy,” a fitting name for a baby that has brought smiles to so many people.

Growing Stronger Every Day

Cusi was born on May 6 to parents Sago and Ziggy as part of an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) breeding recommendation. The SSP helps maintain healthy, genetically diverse populations of animals in accredited zoos while supporting the long-term conservation of species.

Many guests followed Sago’s first pregnancy last year, when she gave birth prematurely to a baby that sadly did not survive. While that loss was difficult for our animal care team and many guests who followed the story, everyone is thrilled to see Cusi thriving.

Today, both mom and baby are doing exceptionally well.

“Cusi has been extremely active, as far as sloths go,” said Zookeeper Em Brunmeier. “Cusi has become interested in solid foods at a remarkably young age and is constantly trying to sample whatever Sago is eating. One day it’s cherry tomatoes, the next it’s green beans. Every day seems to bring a new favorite.”

While Cusi still spends nearly all of the day riding securely on Sago’s chest, the youngster occasionally ventures around the nesting area during feedings, eagerly exploring before climbing back onto mom.

Animal care staff continue to take a hands-off approach to Cusi’s care. Rather than separating the baby from Sago for routine handling, keepers visually monitor both animals and offer small food items while allowing the pair to remain together, minimizing unnecessary stress.

“We joke that Sago is enjoying ‘breakfast in bed’ every morning,” Em said. “While we’re checking on Cusi, we bring food right to her, and she’s been an incredible mom throughout the process.”

Boy or Girl? We Still Don’t Know!

Although Cusi now has a name, one question still remains: Is Cusi a boy or a girl?

Animal care staff still don’t know. Determining the sex of young Hoffman’s two-toed sloths can take quite some time because they show very subtle external differences and do not exhibit obvious sexual dimorphism at this age.

“Cusi is looking very healthy and makes us smile every single day,” Em added. “Cusi is bold, curious, a little goofy, and becoming more adventurous all the time. We can’t wait for our guests to watch Cusi continue to grow.”

Come Meet Cusi

Guests can see Cusi and Sago in the Primate Building, where they share their habitat with Como’s saki monkeys. Stop by during your next visit and see if you can catch Cusi exploring, sampling new foods, or snuggled up with mom.

---

About Hoffman’s Two-toed Sloths

Native to the tropical forests of Central and South America, Hoffman’s two-toed sloths spend nearly their entire lives in the trees. Their slow movements help them conserve energy while feeding primarily on leaves, fruits, and other vegetation. Young sloths remain closely attached to their mothers for several months as they grow, learn, and gradually become more independent.

Groovin’ In The Garden Free Summer Music Series + added Flamin’ Oh’s concert!

Read More