Zoo News

Welcome to Como Live! Digital Legacy Learning – Como Style!

While we all #StayAtHomeMN and practice social distancing, check this space for challenging, fun learning opportunities. Then, tune in Monday – Friday at 1:30pm on our Facebook page for special LIVE zookeeper talks and gardener talks. Check back later in the day where we will post the video here.

Thursday, April 9: “Plants That Care”…did you know?

At 1:30pm Thursday on Facebook we will bring you “Plants that Care”, one of our award winning fee based classes usually offered for 2nd-3rd graders. This class teaches how we use plants and what plants need to survive. Many of the plants are grown in our North Garden of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory.

Take the quiz from that class HERE to test your knowledge, and then tune in to Como Live on Facebook at 1:30pm (CDT) for more trivia and a peak at the North Garden, our living grocery, pharmacy and building supply store!

Wednesday, April 8: Como Releases Critically Endangered Amphibians Back into the Wild!

Como Zoo is taking the leap to help wild amphibians by breeding and releasing Wyoming Toads back into the wild. These toads are one of the most critically endangered species in North America.

How can you help native toads here in Minnesota? Toads play an important part in the food chain by eating insects and slugs. Invite toads to your backyard this spring by creating a toad house! Click HERE to make your own Toad Abode! Share your design with us by posting on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter using the hashtag #ComoLive

Tuesday, April 7: Behind-the-scenes in our Orchid House!

Let’s learn about orchids today! Join us on Facebook at 1:30 (CDT) for a LIVE Gardener Talk about these fascinating plants, or check back later this afternoon and we’ll have the video here. To get prepared, see how you do with our orchid crossword puzzle HERE. Stumped? The answer key can be found HERE.

The extensive orchid collection at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory consists of approximately 1,200 plants altogether. Most of the orchids are Central and South American species, but sometimes donations are received from other parts of the world. Some orchids are on display for visitors in the Palm Dome, but a majority of the collection is behind-the-scenes in the Orchid House.

Monday, April 6: Zookeeper Adam introduces us to Como’s Giraffes! (the video straightens out after a minute)

Test your knowledge and see if you can correctly answer the questions about giraffes. Click HERE for your quiz.

Video: Tour the 2020 Spring Flower Show Here!

If you missed our Facebook Live tour of this year’s Spring Flower Show, fear not! You can tip-toe through the tulips here!

Video: Zookeepers taking care of animals after shut down due to COVID-19 pandemic

We want you all to know that the animals are all cared for, and that the level of animal care and welfare won’t change while we are closed. Our animal care professionals will continue to provide vital nutritional, medical, emotional and physical care to all our animal residents. #StayHomeMN

Our Response to COVID-19

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is temporarily closed to the public following the lead and directive of our state health and government officials as a measure to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus in our community.

We want to assure you that the animals and plants are all cared for. The level of animal care and welfare won’t change while we are closed. Our animal care professionals will continue to provide vital nutritional, medical, emotional and physical care to all our animal residents.

Thank you for your patience during this evolving situation. For updates to our hours please continue to visit our website.

**Postponed**For our 55 & better visitors, join us for Senior Strolls & SUNSET Senior Strolls!

Join Us Sunday Afternoons For Music Under Glass!

Join us in the tropical gardens, and beat the “winter-blahs” as live, local musicians play blues, bluegrass and ballads from 4:30-6:30pm. This is a free event and beer and wine will be available to purchase.

2020 DATES:

January 5 – Fellow Pynins – Contemporary folk duo

January 12 – Miss Myra Duo – Swingin’ mix of vintage jazz and blues

January 19 – The Fattenin’ Frogs Trio – Electric Country Blues

February 2 – The UkuLadies – Ukuleles accompanied by sweet harmonies

February 9 – Cafe Accordion Orchestra – Swing, Ballads, Tango, Cha-Cha, & Rumbas

February 16 – The Jorgensens – Americana Soul

February 23 – Annie Mack – Roots, Soul, Acoustic, Blues

March 1 – Ian George – Fanciful folk troubadour with a rhythmic flow

A PolarPalooza Weekend! February 15, 16 & 17

Como’s the cool place to be this Presidents’ Day weekend for “PolarPalooza”, 10am – 4pm February 15, 16, & 17.

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Poinsettias Galore! Holiday Flower Show Now Open!

The Holiday Flower Show is now open in the Sunken Garden of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. It is a visual sensation to behold featuring hundreds of poinsettias. This year’s Holiday Show will feature the Ice Punch poinsettia which entered the commercial market in 2009 and has been the top rated novelty cultivar throughout North America every year since. To add to the cool cranberry red color and icy theme, Eucalyptus was chosen with its wonderful cool fragrance and silver blue foliage. Persian shield is added as a nice purple complement to the cool red and silver blue tones, along with the star power of Cher Kalanchoe. 

Admission to the Holiday Flower Show is free, and is open everyday 10am – 4pm from December 6, 2019 to January 12, 2020.

On December 7th, 8th, and 15th from 8am-10am, the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory will be open for individuals and families to use the beautiful setting of any of the indoor gardens as a backdrop for photos before opening to the public. For $5.00 per person, guests are welcome to bring in their own camera and find the perfect spot for their holiday photo.

The Holiday Flower Show tradition began in 1925 and continues to be the most anticipated and visited flower attraction at the Conservatory today. 

To inquire about reserving a garden in the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory for anything from a wedding proposal to a corporate holiday party please call 651-487-8250. 

Chloe The Sloth on The Jason Show!

November & December Activities & Adventures For All Ages At Como!

“Go Ape!” Weekend Sponsored by Xcel Energy
November 9-10
Swing in to Como this weekend to celebrate Como’s primates!  It will be a weekend of fun, games and crafts all while learning how you can make a difference for great apes in the wild. We will also feature special Storytime & Zookeeper talks!

Fall Flower Show
Now – December 1
While many Minnesota gardens are winding down for the winter season, the Sunken Garden at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory will be in full bloom! The Fall Flower Show features a variety of chrysanthemums. The colors for the show are red,maroon, gold, yellow and purple. Swiss chard and chilly chili peppers will serve to accentuate the red and yellow chrysanthemums.

Ikebana Show
Now – Sunday, November 10 
Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. These unique flower arrangements that utilize the flowers, foliage and berries of autumn will be created by artists from Ikebana International’s Minneapolis St Paul Chapter which celebrates its 50^th Anniversary in 2019!  Ikebana is more than simply putting flowers in a container. It is a disciplined art form in which nature and humanity are brought together. It is steeped in the philosophy of developing closeness with nature.

Holiday Flower Show
December 7 – January 12, 2020
The Holiday Flower Show tradition began in 1925 and continues to be the most anticipated and visited flower attraction at the Conservatory today. The Holiday Show will feature Ice Punch Poinsettia along with Kalanchoe Cher, Eucalyptus and Persian Shield.

Breakfast Under Glass & Behind-The-Scenes Tour
December 13 Two Seatings: 7AM & 8:30AM
Leave the cool weather outside and delight in a hearty, plated breakfast in the beautiful, lush, warm North Garden inside the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. Guests will also be treated to a rare behind-the-scenes tour of the Conservatory. Tickets $40 per person. Space is limited and reservations are required. 651-487-8250.

Artist, Photographer & Family Photo Mornings
November 17 and December 7, 8, & 15  8AM – 10AM $5 per person
Whether you choose the lush greenery of the North Garden or the flowers in the Sunken Garden, this is the perfect opportunity to use the beautiful setting of the many gardens inside the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory as a backdrop for holiday family photos. Guests are welcome to bring in their own camera and find the perfect spot for their photo. This is also a great opportunity for artists and photographers to bring in their easels and tripods before hours.

Noon Year’s Confetti Dance Party
December 31 and January 1  10:00AM-1:00PM
A family event to ring in the “Zoo” year that is so fun, we’re doing it twice! On December 31 and January 1 Como Park Zoo & Conservatory will be filled with dancing, games, special animal enrichment, a DJ, and a countdown to noon when we rain down from above hundreds of thousands of pieces of colorful biodegradable confetti.

Classes & Programs for All!

Family Adventures: Enrichment: From Penguins to Pugs! November 17, 9:30- 11:30AM
Enrichment brings out the wild side in zoo animals as well as your pets! Meet a few of Como’s animal ambassadors, design and build enrichment items, and watch as they interact with your creations. Leave with new ideas on how to build enrichment for your animal friends at home.

Child & Adult Adventure:Fancy Feet! December 18, 9:30 -10:45AM
Whether you have two feet, four feet, more feet, or happy feet, there’s a lot to learn about animal feet! We will see climbing feet, sticky feet, swimming feet, and feet with thumbs as we explore the zoo in search of neat feet.

Adventures just for Adults: Como: An Insider’s Look December 14, 8:30-10AM
Unlock a bit of mystery as we tour the greenhouse, gardens, and a zoo exhibit without the crowds. Chat with a zookeeper and gardener as they work to get ready for guests, and meet a few of Como’s education animals. You’ll discover what makes Como such a magical place!

Legacy Amendment Programs
The following free programs are funded in part or in whole with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008 which dedicated funding to preserve Minnesota’s art and cultural heritage.

Senior Strolls, and introducing Sunset Senior Strolls!
November 12, November 26, 4pm – 5pm in the Conservatory
November 19, December 3, December 17 9am – 10am in the Conservatory
Senior Strolls take place on select Tuesdays throughout the year. This is a special time set aside just for our 55-and-up aged friends.  Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll before or after the crowds. as well as special activities and guests.  This event is a great opportunity for Seniors to enjoy a free event that encourages being active and social…with some adult learning to spice it up!

Sensory Friendly Mornings
November 10 and 13 December 8 and 11
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is an energetic, colorful place full of sensory stimuli, and we know this environment can be overwhelming for some guests. Join us from 9-10 a.m. on select dates for an inclusive experience at Como created in collaboration with the Autism Society of Minnesota. Spend time exploring exhibits, and activities designed for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Use the “social narrative” and the “create your own visual schedule” to help prepare you for your Autism Friendly Early Entry day.

S.A.F.E. Sundays
Sundays from 1:00-3:00PM
Saving Animals From Extinction. Chat with Jessie, a 2019 Minnesota Association for Environmental Education award winner, about the endangered and threatened animals we have at Como, and what people can do to help them thrive in the wild. Each week will feature a different animal.

American Sign Language Interpretive Day
December 1  11AM – 2PM
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is excited to present our new American Sign Language Interpretive Days. The first Sunday of every month Como will have an American Sign Language interpreter on-site interpreting our public Zoo and Conservatory talks. These ten-minute talks will be interpreted between the hours of 11:00am-2pm!

And for those looking for unique gifts this upcoming Holiday Season….

Holiday Shopping in Garden Safari Gifts  
Como’s Garden Safari Gifts is open 365 days a year and combines the best of both the zoo and conservatory by featuring botanical soaps and lotions, distinctive jewelry, adorable stuffed animals, fun interactive children’s gifts, live plants, bonsai, apparel items and more! Buy that perfect holiday gift for that someone special.

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Meet Sota, Como Zoo’s Baby Giraffe

Como Zoo’s baby giraffe now has a name: Sota. Over the MEA weekend guests visiting from International Falls to Magnolia, Minnesota had the opportunity to stop at ballot boxes placed around the zoo to cast their vote for one of three names: Elliott, Fonzie, and Sota. With over 2,300 ballots cast, Sota was the winner with 43% of the vote, followed by Elliott with 37% and Fonzie with 20% of the votes.

Sota is a nod to the great state of Minnesota, and that the baby giraffe is likely the only 6’ 4”, 160lbs baby ever to be born in Minnesota.

The new baby male, born Tuesday, September 10th, is the 8th calf born to Clover and the 23rd giraffe birth at Como Zoo in the last 25 years. Sota weighed 160 pounds at birth (Clover’s largest to date) and stands 6’ 4” tall. Como’s current herd currently consists of Clover, Daisy, Skeeter (father), Penelope, and Sota. This is Skeeter’s 7th offspring, 5 of which have been female.

The giraffe is the tallest of all land-living animal species. They can be as tall as 18 feet tall and have a prehensile (used for grasping) tongue as long as 18 inches. During the first two years of a giraffe’s life, it doubles in height, often standing over 12-feet tall. Giraffe gestation lasts between 14 and 15 months, after which a single calf is born. Like human fingerprints, the markings or spots of a giraffe’s coat are unique to each individual. Reticulated giraffes are native to the dry savannahs and open woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa.

Como Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). AZA is America’s leading accrediting organization for zoos and aquariums, and accredits only those institutions that have achieved rigorous, professional standards for animal welfare and management, veterinary care, wildlife conservation and research, education, safety, staffing and more. With only 200 accredited members, AZA is building North America’s largest wildlife conservation movement and is your link to helping animals in their native habitats.

The giraffe is available for sponsorship. Sponsoring an animal is a unique way to help Como Zoo with its wildlife conservation efforts. Donations support enhanced habitats and efforts to maintain the best care possible for the animals at Como Zoo. For more information visit: https://comofriends.org/give/sponsor-an-animal/

Como Zoo Welcomes *gulp* 6′ 4″ Baby Giraffe!

Como Zoo is excited to welcome a new baby giraffe to its herd. Coming into the world at over six feet, the baby is standing tall with mother Clover shadowing over him.

The new baby male, born Tuesday, September 10th at 7:30pm, is the 8th calf born to Clover and the 23rd giraffe birth at Como Zoo in the last 25 years. The yet-to-be named male weighs 160 pounds (Clover’s largest to date) and stands 6’ 4” tall. Como’s current herd currently consists of Clover, Daisy, Skeeter (father), Penelope, and the new male. This is Skeeter’s 7th offspring, 5 of which have been female.

The photo of Clover giving birth was quite the social media sensation as many visitors gathered around the exhibit late in the afternoon on September 10th snapping photos of the hoofs starting to emerge from Clover. A few hours later, with Clover inside her bedroom, she gave birth onto a special straw bed that zookeepers prepared for the birth.

The baby will likely make his public debut next week, allowing time for Clover and her baby to bond behind-the-scenes.

The giraffe is the tallest of all land-living animal species. They can be as tall as 18 feet tall and have a prehensile (used for grasping) tongue as long as 18 inches. During the first two years of a giraffe’s life, it doubles in height, often standing over 12-feet tall. Giraffe gestation lasts between 14 and 15 months, after which a single calf is born. Like human fingerprints, the markings or spots of a giraffe’s coat are unique to each individual. Reticulated giraffes are native to the dry savannahs and open woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa.

Como Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). AZA is America’s leading accrediting organization for zoos and aquariums, and accredits only those institutions that have achieved rigorous, professional standards for animal welfare and management, veterinary care, wildlife conservation and research, education, safety, staffing and more. With only 200 accredited members, AZA is building North America’s largest wildlife conservation movement and is your link to helping animals in their native habitats.

A First For Como!

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.