Zoo News Archives - Como Zoo Conservatory

We Are Open! Advanced Reservations Required

We Are Open! Advanced Reservations Required

Click for Somali language
Click for Español language
Click for Hmong language
Click for Karen language

Welcome back to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory! We have worked tirelessly to design a COVID-19 Safety Plan to prepare for our reopening. At this time, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory will be open as a one-way walking path from 10am – 4pm daily. The entrance will be on our new Cleveland Court which is located between the Carousel and Como Town.

Some important things you’ll want to know before your visit:

• Reservations are required for both members and nonmembers at this time. Reservations are currently available on this website only, below.

• Due to physical distancing guidelines we are currently limiting capacity to 250 people at a time. Advanced reservations are available on a first come, first serve basis.

• All staff and visitors are required to wear face coverings/masks while on the grounds of Como Park Zoo and Conservatory.

• This is a one-way walking path that includes the Zoo and Conservatory.

Click HERE to visit our FAQ page for more information you’ll want to know before your visit to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

**Click HERE to View Map**

Since Como Park Zoo & Conservatory temporarily closed on March 16, we have been planning and working to reopen the Zoo & the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in a responsible manner. We collaborated with our colleagues at other zoos & botanical gardens across the country to develop best practices. We have learned — what has worked and what has not — from others that have had the opportunity to reopen. We believe we are in the best possible position to welcome you back in a safe and responsible way for not only for you, but for our staff, and animals.

We want to thank you for being a supporter of Como Park Zoo & Conservatory during this challenging time and we hope you have enjoyed the daily Como Live segments and the social media posts while we have been closed. As you can imagine, we have lost a significant amount of revenue during this crisis. We depend on donations to care for the animals and plants. Please consider a donation to help with the care of the animals and plants by clicking HERE.

Where should you go for more information on COVID-19?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is the best resource for useful, factual, and up-to-date information on the virus.

Zoo & Conservatory Reopening FAQ

This FAQ covers Como Park Zoo & Conservatory’s enhanced reopening measures for visiting during phase one.

Are reservations required for admission to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory?

What if I have a group larger than four?

Can I walk up and get a reservation?

I’m not seeing the date I am interested in. Will new dates be added?

What are the hours?

Are you open rain or shine?

Where do I enter and what is the one-way path?

Can I check-in early for my reserved time?

Is there a cost to reserve a time?

I’m a Como Friends member. Do I need a reservation?

Do my young children need a reservation?

Does my reservation include Como Town?

Have you increased your cleaning/sanitizing schedule?

Are face coverings/masks required to be worn by visitors?

What will you be doing to ensure social distancing?

Do I need to print my reservation, or can you scan them from my phone?

What if I make a reservation and discover I’m unable to attend at the date/time I selected?

Can I get a raincheck in case of inclement weather?

What will be different with my visit?

Can I bring my own food and beverages?

Will there be food and beverages available to purchase?

Can we leave and come back during our visit?

What if I just want to visit the Conservatory

What if I just want to visit the zoo and not the Conservatory?

Will the Cafesjian’s Carousel or Como Town be open?

Can I rent a wheelchair, scooter, or stroller?

Will restrooms be available?

Will the giraffe feeding station be open? Will there be zookeeper talks or other programs?

When will volunteers be back?

Can I bring a pet?

Is there a printable map of the one-way path?

Check Out Our Amazing Water Gardens ~ No Reservation Required!

Check Out Our Amazing Water Gardens ~ No Reservation Required!

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

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

While we all #StaySafeMN and practice social distancing, check this space for challenging, fun learning opportunities. Then, tune in Mondays and Thursdays 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.

If you’ve watched a Como Live episode we’d appreciate your feedback! Please fill out a five question survey by clicking HERE.

Thursday, September 24: World Gorilla Day!

We are celebrating World Gorilla Day on today’s episode of Como Live. Spend some time with our western lowland gorillas at Como and learn more about their species, the threats the face in the wild and what humans can do to help.

How well do you know the gorillas at Como Zoo? See if you can find all of their names in this word search HERE. Can’t find them all? Click HERE for the answers.

Monday, September 21: Penguins!

Take an afternoon break with an African penguin! Join us for a LIVE zookeeper chat and get up close look on today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Do your kids love penguins? Follow these instructions HERE for this fun and easy penguin handprint craft.

Thursday, September 17: How well do you know your native flora?

Get a peek behind the scenes in our greenhouses and learn about some of the unusual types of plants that you can find in the upper Midwest—including cacti and carnivorous plants–on today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Are you curious what’s in the soil of your own backyard? Learn more LandPKS, a free app HERE. LandPKS was developed by the USDA Agricultural Research Service. You can download this App to your iPhone or Android device to help identify and learn more about the soil in your area.

Monday, September 14: Japanese Garden

There’s always something new to see in the Japanese Garden at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. Learn interesting tidbits about some of the features of our tranquil stroll garden on today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook.

You can learn more about the lantern features in the Japanese garden by checking out this lantern guide HERE. Next time you visit, bring this guide along and see if you can find all the lanterns!

Thursday, September 10: Soto’s Birthday!

Como Zoo’s youngest giraffe, Sota, is turning ONE year old today! Celebrate this milestone and join us for a birthday bash at 1:30pm on Facebook during today’s episode of Como Live. Be sure to share your birthday wishes with Sota!

How well do you know the giraffes at Como Zoo? Take this quiz and see if you can identify them HERE.

Tuesday, September 8: Sulcata Tortoise, Fred.

Watch Fred, our sulcata tortoise, enjoy a tasty snack on today’s episode of Como Live! Did you know? Sulcata tortoises are the third largest species of tortoise in the world! Find out more at 1:30pm on Facebook.

You can make your own tortoise at home using crinkled colored paper and THIS tortoise template. Follow the instructions HERE.

Thursday, September 3: Como’s Cougars: Ruby and Jasper!

Did you know? Como Zoo is home to Ruby and Jasper, two orphaned cougars that were rescued from the wild. Learn more about them and their stories by tuning into Facebook Live at 1:30pm for a Como Live zookeeper chat.

Cougar, puma, or mountain lion? This cat has many names! Learn more by unscrambling them in THIS activity. You can find the answers HERE.

Monday, August 31: What’s My Job

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a horticulturalist at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory? Learn more from one of our horticulture staff about their personal experiences on today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook!

Click HERE to get outside with a fun scavenger hunt activity to enjoy your own backyard or nearby green space.

Friday, August 28: Sssnakes!

For today’s Como Live, meet an ambassador snake and get an up close view with a zookeeper. Tune in at 1:30pm on Facebook Live to find out the surprise species!

Como is home to many different species of ambassador animals that support our additional programming and event opportunities. Can you ID the animals in THIS quiz? You may recognize some familiar faces from past Como Live episodes!

Thursday, August 27: 100th Episode of #ComoLive!

Today is our 100^th episode of Como Live! We are celebrating today by sharing a compilation of short clips from our most viewed videos from the zoo and the conservatory! Tune in at 1:30pm on Facebook to see some of the best of Como Live. You can also watch our full library of videos on our website or Facebook page.

Thank you for tuning in to Como Live over the past several months and supporting Como Park Zoo and Conservatory virtually. We hope these videos give you a new insight to the going-ons at the zoo and the conservatory.

How much do you know about Como Park Zoo and Conservatory? Take this short quiz HERE to learn more!

Wednesday, August 26: Ferns

What’s in a name? What makes a fern, a fern? Learn more about some of the unique and interesting fern species in our conservatory’s fern room on today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Test your fern knowledge beforehand by taking this short quiz HERE.

Tuesday, August 25: Kudu!

Lesser kudu are a species of antelope known for their unique horns. Learn more about these hoofed animals and their unique adaptations on today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Test yourself beforehand by doing this kudu crossword puzzle HERE. Can’t figure out the answers? Click HERE for the key.

Monday, August 24: Palm Dome

Join us for a talk on some of our tallest trees in the 64-foot tall Palm Dome on today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook. Find out what makes certain species of palms unique and learn about their conservation status.

Make a palm tree of your own using recycled materials found around your house! Follow the instructions HERE.

Friday, August 21: Bromeliads

Have you ever wanted to know the process of repotting a bromeliad, and maybe get some tips for your plants at home? Join us on today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook to see a repotting demonstration done behind-the-scenes by one of our horticulture staff.

Bromeliads are tropical plants and help maintain a healthy ecosystem. Make your own bromeliad craft by following the instructions from the Rainforest Alliance HERE. You can also check out a completed example of this craft by clicking HERE

Thursday, August 20: We “Heart” Orangutans!

We “Heart” Orangutans, so are continuing the celebration of yesterday’s International Orangutan Day!

Haven’t had a chance to visit Como Park Zoo and Conservatory since we’ve reopened? Or, are you simply curious about what your favorite orangutans are up to? Join us for a silent, LIVE look into the orangutan exhibit today during Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Feeling crafty? You can make your own paper durian fruit, one of the favorites of wild orangutans, following the instructions HERE. Show us by taking a selfie with your creation with the hashtag #iheartorangutans!

You can also check out another Facebook photo frame and show your love for orangutans HERE:

Wednesday, August 19: We Celebrate International Orangutan Day

Today is International Orangutan Day! Join us for Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook to learn from one of Como’s primate zookeepers about these critically endangered primates, including the threats that they face in the wild, and what zoos and other institutions across the world are doing to help wild orangutan conservation efforts.

Continue learning about orangutan conservation at home! Try these activities below:

Take this trivia quiz to test your knowledge, HERE.

Add an orangutan frame to your Facebook profile picture to show that you HEART orangutans HERE.

Make a fun orangutan mask using materials found at home by following the instructions HERE. Show us your mask by posting on Facebook with the hashtag #iheartorangutans!

Tuesday, August 18: Chloe’s Birthday!

We are hosting a special birthday on today’s episode of Como Live. Chloe, our resident sloth, celebrates her sweet sixteen today! Tune in to Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook for a LIVE sloth birthday party! Be sure to share your birthday wishes with Chloe!

Did you know? Sloths and algae have a symbiotic relationship where both species benefit from each other! Learn more about symbiotic relationships between other animal species by taking this quiz HERE.

Monday, August 17: Bonsai

Bonsai is a Japanese art form where trees and plants in containers mimic the shape of their full-sized counterparts. Learn more about bonsai from one of our horticulture staff on today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook.

There are many different trees that can be bonsai. Can you identify these common trees? Take this quiz HERE:

Friday, August 14: The Caecilian in our Tropical Encounters Exhibit

Did you know we have a caecilian in our Tropical Encounters exhibit? Learn more about this unique, elusive amphibian on today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Prepare by testing your knowledge with a short quiz HERE.

Thursday, August 13: Tortoise Thursday Trivia!

Get ready for Tortoise Thursday Trivia, and meet one of our ambassador tortoises on today’s episode of Como Live. Get your questions ready for a Q and A!

Tortoises are reptiles with unique adaptations. Do this word scramble HERE containing words that are all about tortoises. Unsure of the answers? Click HERE for the key.

Wednesday, August 12: North Garden!

Today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook will feature some of the plants of the North Garden—including citrus and other familiar plants like coffee and sugarcane. Tune in to learn more about their important uses and get an up-close view!

Prepare by doing this North Garden plant crossword HERE. Stumped? Get the answers HERE.

You can check out a video all about other fruits and spices of the North Garden that premiered last month HERE.

Tuesday, August 11: Behind-The-Scenes of the Greenhouse

We are already starting to think about fall and winter at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory! Learn about the production of the Fall and Holiday Sunken Garden Flower Shows on today’s episode of Como Live, and get a behind-the-scenes look a the beginnings of the chrysanthemums and poinsettias.

How well do you know the Sunken Garden Flower Shows at Como? See if you can identify the five seasonal flower shows by taking this quiz HERE.

Monday, August 10: World Lion Day!

Do you hear that? We’re roaring into Monday—it’s World Lion Day! Join us for a zookeeper chat and Q and A on today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook to celebrate these big cats! Get your questions ready!

Test your knowledge on lions with this short quiz HERE

Friday, August 7: Wyoming Toads

Today on #ComoLive, get a sneak peek at behind the scenes footage on the progress of the Wyoming toad project. Learn more about the breeding process and see first-hand the hormone injections that encourage toads to breed, all the way up of the shipment of these critically endangered species to Laramie Basin in Wyoming for release. This year we shipped close to 1,200 tadpoles!

Learn more about the Wyoming toad project HERE:

Try this frog life cycle activity with your kids HERE to prepare! Find the answer key HERE.

Thursday, August 6: Rabbits

Join one of our zookeepers as they talk more about the difference between domesticated and wild rabbits and get an up-close view of this ambassador animal today at 1:30pm on Facebook during Como Live!

You can make a fun paper rabbit craft using just your handprint HERE.

Wednesday, August 5: Tea Garden

The tea garden is a unique and special place. Learn more about the purpose of the tea garden and reason behind its features with our Japanese Garden specialist on today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook.

What makes your garden unique? Get outside and spend some time in your backyard or nearby park and do this scavenger hunt HERE to notice what features are a part of your own green space!

Tuesday, August 4: Flamingos!

Our flamingos always dazzle at Como Zoo! Learn more about these colorful birds during a zookeeper talk on today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook. Get your questions ready!

How much do you already know about flamingos? Test your knowledge with this short quiz HERE

Monday, August 3: Lanterns and Ornaments

Want to know more about the lanterns and other ornamental features of the Japanese Garden? Our Japanese Garden specialist and consultant will guide you and give you their stories on today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook.

While watching the video, follow along by doing this word search HERE and see how many terms you can find. Can’t find all the words? Click HERE for the answers.

Friday, July 31: Meet our Ostriches!

Learn more about our two resident ostriches on today’s episode of Como Live! Get your questions answered about the world’s largest bird by tuning in at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Birds are found on every continent on the globe. Learn more about their different habitats by taking this quiz HERE

Thursday, July 30: Meet a Guineafowl!

Meet a guineafowl on today’s episode of Como Live! Join one of our educators as they talk more about this ambassador animal and get an up-close view today at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Looking for something crafty to do? Try your hand at egg painting! Follow these instructions HERE.

Wednesday, July 29: International Tiger Day!

Happy International Tiger Day! Join us for a zookeeper talk all about these fantastic felines on today’s episode of #ComoLive at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Our Big Cats enjoy a variety of enrichment to mix up their day. You can make some enrichment for you cat at home using something as simple as a plastic bottle! Follow the instructions HERE.

Tuesday, July 28: Flamingo Moving Day!

For today’s episode of Como Live, you’ll get a chance to see behind the scenes footage from when our flamingos, ducks and geese moved out to the bird yard exhibit! Check out how it’s done at 1:30pm on Facebook.

You kids can make their own flamingo using their hand print and colored paper. Follow the instructions HERE.

Monday, July 27: What to Expect When We Open On Wednesday

It’s official! Como Zoo opens on Wednesday, July 29^th.

Today’s episode of Como Live is a little different—we will go through what a visit to Como Zoo looks like under our reopening guidelines. Tune in at 1:30pm on Facebook for a walking tour of our one way path, and some fun tidbits of information along the way!

Advanced reservations are required. Book your time HERE.

And, be sure to review our FAQs about visiting HERE.

Como Live Episodes from April, May, June & July

Como Live Episodes from April, May, June & July

Friday, July 31: Meet our Ostriches!

Learn more about our two resident ostriches on today’s episode of Como Live! Get your questions answered about the world’s largest bird by tuning in at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Birds are found on every continent on the globe. Learn more about their different habitats by taking this quiz HERE

Thursday, July 30: Meet a Guineafowl!

Meet a guineafowl on today’s episode of Como Live! Join one of our educators as they talk more about this ambassador animal and get an up-close view today at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Looking for something crafty to do? Try your hand at egg painting! Follow these instructions HERE.

Wednesday, July 29: International Tiger Day!

Happy International Tiger Day! Join us for a zookeeper talk all about these fantastic felines on today’s episode of #ComoLive at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Our Big Cats enjoy a variety of enrichment to mix up their day. You can make some enrichment for you cat at home using something as simple as a plastic bottle! Follow the instructions HERE.

Tuesday, July 28: Flamingo Moving Day!

You kids can make their own flamingo using their hand print and colored paper. Follow the instructions HERE.

Monday, July 27: What to Expect When We Open On Wednesday

It’s official! Como Zoo opens on Wednesday, July 29^th.

Advanced reservations are required. Book your time HERE.

And, be sure to review our FAQs about visiting HERE.

Friday, July 22: National Zookeeper Week! A Q & A with Zookeeper Jill!

It’s National Zookeeper Week! We appreciate all of our hardworking zookeepers here at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory who provide the highest quality of care to all of our animals.

What’s it like to be a zookeeper? Join us for a live Q and A on our Facebook page at 1:30 today. Get your questions ready!

Check out the video below to learn more about some of the awesome work that our zookeepers are doing for conservation.

Thursday, July 21: Water Features in the Gardens

Today you will get a behind the scenes look at how the pools in the garden of the conservatory are maintained. Learn about maintenance that is done on our art pieces and how the water is dyed to get its beautiful appearance.

Have fun with dye at home! This recipe lets your kids make and play with tie dye dough. Click HERE to find out how to do it!

Wednesday, July 20: Japanese Garden Trees

How do the pines in the Japanese Garden stay their size and get their shape? During today’s episode of Como Live we will hear from our Japanese garden specialist and consultant on the process of pruning the pines in the Japanese garden.

You can do a simple activity at home to attract birds to your yard with a pinecone bird feeder. Click HERE for the instructions.

Tuesday, July 19: Leafcutter Ants!

Did you know? We have a leafcutter colony in our Tropical Encounters exhibit! Learn more about these amazing engineers and their intricate lifestyles on today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm.

Become familiar with leafcutter ants by taking this short quiz first HERE.

Monday, July 18: Koi Moving Day!

It was recently moving day here at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory for the koi, and these fish have moved from the North Garden out to the Japanese Garden with the help of our zookeeping and horticulture staff! Don’t miss this behind the scenes footage of the koi move during today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook.

You can make your own fish craft by reusing paper materials. Check out the instructions HERE.

Friday, July 17: Six Banded Armadillos!

We’re checking back in with our lively six-banded armadillos on today’s episode of Como Live! Join us for a zookeeper chat to learn more about the lives of Dilla and Marty. Be sure to get your questions ready for a Q & A!

Prepare by testing your armadillo knowledge and taking this four-question quiz HERE.

Thursday, July 16: Celebrating World Sssssnake Day!

Today is World Snake Day! We will have a special snake ambassador on today’s Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook to celebrate our slithering friends. Learn more about these legless reptiles by tuning in!

Want to make your own snake? This easy craft HERE gives you instructions on how to make a snake out of a paper plate.

Wednesday, July 15: Arctic Sea Ice Day

Today we a celebrating Arctic Sea Ice Day, founded by Polar Bears International, to draw attention to the sea ice loss in the Arctic that animals like polar bears depend on for survival. This afternoon during Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook, we will feature our polar bears to bring awareness to their species and be ambassadors for the wild counterparts that need our help.

Wild polar bears rely on the sea ice for their livelihood. Learn more about the importance of sea ice and how you can help by visiting the Polar Bear International’s Arctic Sea Ice Day website HERE

Want to learn more about polar bears? Watch this video HERE that’s all about polar bear adaptations, presented by Polar Bears International.

Tuesday, July 14: Stingrays in Tropical Encounters!

Today is Shark and Ray Awareness day! For today’s episode of Como Live, we will be highlighting the freshwater stingrays that live in our Tropical Encounters exhibit. Tune in at 1:30pm on Facebook to learn more about these interesting fish.

Test your stingray vocabulary by doing a stingray word shuffle HERE. Feeling stumped? Click HERE for the answer key.

Monday, July 13: Epiphytic Orchids!

Last week one of our horticulture staff demonstrated how we re-pot orchids in the Conservatory. During today’s episode of Como Live, another member of or horticulture team will be behind-the-scenes to explain and demonstrate how to mount an epiphytic orchid, or an orchid that grows on another plant, on different types of materials like cork board. Tune in at 1:30pm on Facebook to see how it’s done!

In the meantime, click HERE for a craft you can do with your kids to make a flower out of paper and popsicle sticks.

Friday, July 10: Turtles of TE!

During today’s episode of Como Live, we will be visiting our Tropical Encounters rainforest exhibit to learn more about the freshwater turtles that live there.

Turtle or tortoise, can you spot the difference? Test yourself by clicking HERE

Thursday, July 9: Breeding & Releasing Wyoming Toads, a critically endangered amphibian

Zookeeper Mike takes over Como Live today on Facebook at 1:30pm! He will talk more about the care of our Wyoming Toads behind-the-scenes and give us a first-person view of preparing them for the hibernation process, and their diet. Hibernation helps get the toads ready for breeding by assisting in egg maturation.

Each year, Como Zoo participates the Wyoming Toad species recovery efforts, through breeding and successful release of these critically endangered amphibians. Read more about it by clicking HERE.

Frog or toad? Can you correctly identify these Minnesota native amphibians? Try it by clicking HERE .

Wednesday, July 8: Behind-the-Scenes with Orchids

On today’s episode of Como Live, learn about how the horticulture staff of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory care for the orchids in our collection. This episode, at 1:30pm on our Facebook page, will specifically be about how to re-pot an orchid, and you will get to see firsthand how a re-potting is done behind the scenes.

Do you know the parts of a flower? You can follow THIS activity to dissect a flower with your kids and learn more.

Tuesday, July 7: Skeeter’s Birthday!

Happy birthday to Skeeter the giraffe, who turns 11 years old today! Come throw a giraffe birthday party with us, featuring some tasty treats for Skeeter, during today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Monday, July 6: Caring for the Flowers in the Sunken Garden

Learn about the care that goes into the ever changing Sunken Flower show on today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook. You will get a chance to see first-hand how a flower show is maintained.

What types of flowers and plants will you see today? Do THIS word scramble to find out! Stumped? Click HERE are the answers.

We’ll return with more Como Live on June 6. Enjoy the Holiday Weekend!

Thursday, July 2: Blue Tongued Skink

Join us for another edition of trivia Thursday, this time with one of our blue-tongued skink animal ambassadors! Get an up-close view and learn more about them today on Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Click HERE to do a little pre-trivia quiz.

Wednesday, July 1: Discovering the North Garden!

Join us on Facebook for a Como Live episode at 1:30pm. Today’s episode will feature a show and tell of some of the fruits and spices growing in our North Garden. You will get chance to have an up-close view of some of the flowers and fruits!

What is your families favorite fruit? Paint a fruit tree by doing THIS activity!

Tuesday, June 30: Chloe the Sloth!

We are checking back in with Chloe the sloth today, to watch her enjoy some snacks and learn more about sloths! Be sure to get your questions ready for a LIVE zookeeper Q and A on Facebook at 1:30pm for today’s episode of Como Live.

Learn some interesting sloth knowledge by taking THIS quiz.

Monday, June 29: Water Lilies!

On today’s episode of Como Live we are checking back in on the water lilies that are now all grown up! Join us in the water gardens to learn more about the tropical and native species that are planted right outside of the visitor center. You can check out an earlier video back in April that we posted all about the production of these lilies.

Click HERE for a fun experiment you can do with your kids that shows how wilted flowers come back after watering by using paper water lilies.

Friday, June 26: Hedgehogs!

Happy Friday! On today’s episode of Como Live, you will get a chance to meet one of the spiny mammals in our collection: the hedgehog! Learn more about these interesting critters by tuning in at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Give a hedgehog their spines by doing THIS fun painting activity with your kids.

Thursday, June 25: Chinchillas!

Meet one of our furry rodent ambassadors, the chinchilla, on today’s episode of Como Live! Click HERE for a word search that’s all about chinchillas!

Wednesday, June 24: Feed Me Seymour! Carnivorous plants

Did you know? The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory has a collection of carnivorous plants! Come learn more about the interesting adaptations these plants have to survive on today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Carnivore, herbivore or omnivore? Can you categorize these plants and animals correctly? Click HERE to give it a shot.

Tuesday, June 23: Zebras!

Today’s episode of Como Live will highlight zebras! Learn all about these equines with black-and-white striped coats and what makes them unique.

Click HERE to test your knowledge about zebras with a word scramble. Stumped? Click HERE for the answers.

Monday, June 22: Reopening The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory!

We have missed you, and are excited to welcome visitors back to the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory!

Today’s episode of Como Live will be a little bit different. We will explain what a visit to the Japanese garden and conservatory looks like under our new reopening guidelines, but also point out some fun and interesting tidbits about what you will see.

Please review our reopening FAQs, and book a time to visit HERE.

Friday, June 19: World Giraffe Day is Sunday!

Thank you for celebrating #WorldGiraffeDay all this week on Como Live!
To close out the week, we have a special giraffe enrichment compilation video, along with some footage and photos of the animals of Como Zoo celebration from last year! Tune in at 1:30pm on Facebook to check it out.

Test your giraffe knowledge with what you’ve learned this week by doing a crossword puzzle! Click HERE for the puzzle, and HERE if you’re stumped.

Thursday, June 18: #WorldGiraffeDay Celebration Continues!

Why protect giraffes? Learn more about giraffe conservation from one of Como’s zookeepers who worked in the field on today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook. We are celebrating giraffes all this week leading up to #WorldGiraffeDay on June 21^st!

What do you know about giraffes and their unique adaptations? Click HERE to test your knowledge with a true or false quiz!

Wednesday, June 17: Giraffe Training

We our continuing our World Giraffe Day celebration week on Como Live. Today one of our zookeepers will talk about training and how it helps the giraffes participate in their own health care.

We invite you to watch and listen to the video book “Juma the Giraffe” below. This children’s story book talks about giraffes and teaches kids how everyone is special. This story is produced by the Wild Nature Institute, a science, education and advocacy group that is working to save the giraffes and other species.

Tuesday, June 16: Behind -The-Scenes!

Our World Giraffe Day Celebration continues all this week on Como Live. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our hoofstock barn and learn about how the zookeepers care for these animals on Facebook today at 1:30pm.

Click HERE for a fun word scramble to learn more about the animals that live in our African hoofstock barn. Stumped? Click HERE for the answers.

Monday, June 15: Celebrating Giraffes!

Happy Monday! World Giraffe Day is Sunday, June 21^st, and all this week we are celebrating by highlighting our giraffes. We will start off this week by giving you a live look at our giraffes! Take a break with them and get a look into their exhibit during today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Kick-off the world celebration of giraffes by creating a paper giraffe headband with your kids. Click HERE for the template and HERE for the Instructions.

Friday, June 12: Primates!

What have our primates been up to during our closure? Enjoy a video featuring them and a variety of enrichment during today’s episode of Como Live.

Before you tune in, take this short quiz to see what you know about Como Zoo’s primates.

Thursday, June 11: Up Close With An Armadillo!

Get up close to one of our special ambassador animals on today’s episode of Como Live – the six-banded armadillo! Learn more about these armored mammals and what makes them unique.

Try your hand at a word search that is all about armadillos by clicking HERE. Stumped? Click HERE for the answers.

Wednesday, June 10: Going Green!

For today’s episode of Como Live on Facebook at 1:30pm, learn more about the energy use of the greenhouses and the conservatory, from how the Fern Room utilizes solar power, to coverings for the greenhouse.

The days are getting longer, and the sun is out more! Click HERE for a trace shadow activity you can do with your kids.

Tuesday, June 9: Poison Dart Frogs!

The Tropical Encounters exhibit is a living rainforest at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, It’s also home to several different species of free-roaming animals, including poison dart frogs! Come learn more about these brightly-colored amphibians on today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Do you know your frogs that are found at Como Zoo? Click HERE for a quiz to see where their wild counterparts are found.

Monday, June 8: Gardener Talk!

The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory horticulture staff provides the highest quality of care to our variety of gardens, from our tall palms to our delicate orchids. Learn more about the specifics of plant care and see some of the tools used on today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Have you ever seen a seed sprout into a plant? Click HERE for an activity you can do with your kids that explains how to watch a seed grow.

Friday, June 5: Behind-the-scenes with our Arctic Foxes!

Join us at 1:30pm on Facebook for today’s episode of Como Live highlighting our Arctic foxes. We will be behind-the-scenes of their exhibit, where zookeepers will tell you more about the foxes and their care.

How much do you know about Arctic foxes? Complete our crossword puzzle found HERE to find out! Stumped? Click HERE for the answers.

Thursday, June 4: Meet Turkey, the Parrot!

Turkey is a yellow-headed Amazon parrot, and one of our ambassador animals here at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. Join us on Facebook Live at 1:30 to meet Turkey, learn more about him by participating in some live trivia, and perhaps hear what he has to say on today’s Como Live!

Click HERE to learn how to make a bird feeder out of pipe cleaners with your kids to attract different birds in your own backyard

Wednesday, June 3: Discover the Teahouse in the Charlotte Partridge Ordway Gardens

Today’s episode of Como Live is all about the Teahouse in the Charlotte Partridge Ordway Gardens. The teahouse was completed in 1991, and many tea ceremonies have taken place there over the years.. Learn more about the history of the teahouse, it’s structure and the surrounding garden at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Prepare for this afternoon’s Como Live by testing your knowledge with a short quiz. Click HERE for the quiz.

Tuesday, June 2: California Sea Lions

Our California sea lions receive daily training session and a variety of enrichment. Check out this sea lion training and enrichment video!

Monday, June 1: Join us in the Sunken Garden!

We are back in the Sunken Garden to enjoy more of the summer flower show for today’s episode of Como Live. Come see some of the new plants and changes that have taken place since it was first installed.

Click HERE for an activity to do with your kids using things you can find in your kitchen to learn more about plants and how they “drink” water.

Friday, May 29: Spend some time with our Galápagos tortoises!

Spend some time with our Galápagos tortoises for today’s episode of Como Live on Facebook at 1:30! Get an up-close look at the largest species of tortoise and learn about their care.

Make a turtle with your kids by doing this easy craft project using things you can find at home! Click HERE for instructions and click HERE for the turtle template.

Thursday, May 28: Peaceful Walk In The North Garden

We are back in the North Garden again today at 1:30 on Facebook Live for another episode of Como Live. Take a quiet, live virtual tour of the garden! Many of the plants in the room are used for economic purposes around the world. Enjoy looking at the variety of recognizable plants and trees.

See if you can identify some of the fruits and plants found in the North Garden beforehand. Click HERE and take the quiz

Wednesday, May 27: Pollinating the Vanilla Orchid ~ A Fascinating Process

green leaves all around a branch holding round fruit

For today’s Como Live segment, one of our horticulture staff will be talking about the structure and pollination process of our vanilla orchid in the North Garden. You’ll also see an up-close video clip of her intricately hand-pollinating the vanilla plant!

Did you know? The North Garden at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory consists of plants used for economic purposes. How much do you know about the vegetables you eat? Click HERE to match the vegetable to the part of the plant it comes from. Stumped? Click HERE for the answers.

Tuesday, May 26: Kudu For You!

For today’s episode of Como Live, we are back in the hoofstock barn to learn more about how the zookeepers care for these animals at Como Zoo. The zookeepers will specifically talk about the care for the kudu.

At Como Zoo, zookeepers use different types of enrichment, or physical and mental stimulation for our animals. Enrichment can come in the form of puzzle feeders. Enrichment isn’t just for zoo animals, make a puzzle feeder for your dog or cat at home using toilet paper tubes. Click HERE to learn how!

Monday, May 25: Enjoy your Memorial Day!

We’re taking the day off today and we honor those who gave their lives for our country. Our warmest wishes on Memorial Day and deepest gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice of our fallen heroes.

Friday, May 22: Live Fish Feeding in Tropical Encounters! This is a don’t miss!

Happy Friday! Today’s Como Live is all about fish! Join us in our Tropical Encounters exhibit for a talk and live fish feeding at 1:30pm on Facebook.

How much do you know about the fish in the Tropical Encounter exhibit? See if you can identify them by clicking HERE and take our quiz!

Thursday, May 21: Lizard!

During today’s Como Live, meet one of our ambassador animals, the black and white Argentine tegu, at 1:30pm on Facebook.

This lizard would normally visit our education classes, summer camps and other special events.

Lizards are reptiles, which means they are cold blooded, or ectothermic animals. Demonstrate what it means to be cold-blooded by clicking HERE to do an easy activity with your kids!

Wednesday, May 20: The Art You See At Como!

Have you ever wondered about the stories behind the art pieces in the conservatory? Learn more about their unique history today during Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Create your own art at home with your kids using nature! Click HERE for a painting with leaves activity!

Tuesday, May 19: Polar Bears!

Today’s Como Live is all about polar bears! Tune it at 1:30pm on Facebook to see our two twin brothers and learn more about their care.

How much do you know about these cold weather carnivores? Click HERE to test your knowledge by taking a short quiz.

Monday, May 18: BONSAI…And We’re Headed Outside!

Bonsai is a Japanese term that means “container planting”. It is an art form, with the goal being to create a realistic representation of nature. Learn more specifics from our horticulture staff on how this is done during today’s Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Today is a great day to get outside! Click HERE for a photo scavenger hunt with your kids to see how many of the listed objects you can find around nature, in your own backyard or neighborhood.

Friday, May 15: Go Behind-the-Scenes!

Happy Friday!

To close out our #NationalPublicGardensWeek celebration, we will take you behind-the-scenes of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory to the growing range during the 1:30pm episode of Como Live on Facebook. Learn about the types of plants we grow in the growing range and how they are cared for.

Celebrate plants and flowers by making a paper flower mask with your kids! You can find it by clicking HERE!

Thursday, May 14: Behind-the-Scenes!

#NationalPublicGardensWeek continues today during Como Live on Facebook. Go behind-the-scenes with us to the dormant house, and learn about the Marjorie McNeely conservatory’s largest bonsai. Spend some time taking a virtual look at the other bonsai housed there.

Bonsai are trees or shrubs that mimic shape and size of their full-size counterparts. Many trees can be identified by looking at their leaves. Try your hand at matching these common trees and their leaves HERE. Stumped? Click HERE for the answers

Wednesday, May 13: A Little Bit of History

Happy Wednesday of #NationalPublicGardensWeek!

The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory has a rich history dating back over 100 years. Learn some insider information about how the structure and gardens have changed over time during today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Click HERE to test your knowledge and go back in time with some historic photos in this four question quiz .

Tuesday, May 12: Virtual Walk Through The Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden

#NationalPublicGardensWeek continues today on Facebook at 1:30pm for another episode of Como Live.

The Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden is a quiet place where visitors can relax and take in the tranquil scenery.

Come enjoy the garden in real-time during our closure on a quiet, virtual walk today.

Here’s another way to enjoy plants found in your own backyard: Click HERE to create art with nature by trying your hand at dandelion painting with your kids.

Monday, May 11: Virtual Tour of the Summer Flower Show!

Happy National Public Gardens week! All this week we will be highlighting the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory during Como Live on Facebook at 1:30pm.

We’re kicking off this week with a virtual tour of the Sunken Garden Summer Flower show. This never-before-seen show was installed just last week, and we want to give everyone the opportunity to view the beauty of the garden, from the comfort of your own home!

The Sunken Garden is known for the five, ever-changing seasonal flower shows. Search from some of the highlights of these five shows by doing this word search found HERE. Stumped? Click HERE for the answers.

Friday, May 8: “Dear Como” We reveal the baby Dall’s sheep name!

It is “Dear Como” week on Como Live! We will share letters each day submitted by those who wished to share their memories of Como during this time of closure.

We have one more letter to read this week, and today we are returning to the Dall’s sheep exhibit live on Facebook at 1:30.

You aren’t going to want to miss this episode, as we are also announcing the name of the new lamb born on April 25th! Thanks to all the voters who helped us choose! Will he be named Nimbus, Lightning, or Cyclone?

Celebrate the Dall’s sheep by creating a lamb mask with your kids by clicking HERE.

Thursday, May 7: “Dear Como” Day Four ~ African Penguins!

The above video flips at 1:55. Also since they swam immediately after we stopped videoing, we took additional live video:

It is “Dear Como” week on Como Live! We will share letters each day submitted by those who wished to share their memories of Como during this time of closure.

The African penguins at Como Zoo are a favorite, from being ambassador animals and attending weddings, to taking a stroll in the sunken garden during our closure. We received several letters addressed to them from our school-aged supporters, which we will read during today’s Como Live!

While Como Zoo’s penguins are native to Africa, there are penguins, such as the Emperor penguin, that depend on sea ice. Click HERE for a fun ice fishing activity at home you can do at home with your kids, even during the summer months!

Wednesday, May 6: “Dear Como” Day Three ~ Behind-The-Scenes!

It is “Dear Como” week on Como Live! We will read one letter each day submitted by those who wished to share their memories of Como during this time of closure.

We will be behind-the-scenes in the orchid house for this segments, as today letter is addressed to our orchids! Want to hear the letter a little bit more about our orchid collection? Tune into Facebook at 1:30pm for Como Live!

Thinking about what to plant in your garden at home? Click HERE for a word scramble all about Minnesota garden flowers. Stumped? Click HERE for the answers.

Tuesday, May 5: “Dear Como” Day Two ~ Kudu!

It is “Dear Como” week on Como Live! We will read one letter each day submitted by those who wished to share their memories of Como during this time of closure.

Today’s letter is addressed to one of our lesser kudu! Want to hear the letter and learn more about kudu? Tune into Facebook at 1:30pm for Como Live!

Antlers or horns? Can you identify which is which? Take the quiz by clicking HERE. Learn more about horns during today’s Como Live!

Monday, May 4: “Dear Como” week!

Happy Monday! It is “Dear Como” week on Como Live! We will read one letter each day submitted by those who wished to share their memories of Como during this time of closure.

Today’s letter is addressed to our koi fish! Want to hear the letter and learn more about the koi? Tune into Facebook at 1:30pm for Como Live!

Koi are fish that have gills to breathe instead of lungs. Click HERE for an easy activity you can do with your kids demonstrating fish gills.

Friday, May 1: Meet Our Baby Dall’s Sheep!

Happy Friday! Have you heard? A new male Dall’s sheep was born on Saturday, April 25^th! We need your help naming him! Cast your vote HERE!

Get ready for today’s Como Live by making a cotton ball sheep with your kids. Click HERE to today’s activity.

Thursday, April 30: We’re Going Bananas!

For today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook, we’re going bananas! Did you know we have banana plants in our North Garden? Check them out and learn some interesting facts about this favorite fruit.

Banana plants are known for their distinct leaves. Can you identify these common fruit plants based on their leaves? Test your knowledge by taking a quiz HERE

Wednesday, April 29: We HEART Orangutans!

Spend this afternoon hanging out and enjoying some enrichment with Como’s orangutans, Amanda, Markisa, Jambu, and Kemala, for today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Which real-life orangutan are you most like? Take the orangutan personality quiz to find out! All of the orangutans that are part of the quiz live at AZA Zoos across the country. Plus, you personality may match to a certain familiar face at Como Zoo! Take the quiz by clicking HERE.

Want to continue the fun learning about orangutans? After the quiz, there are several links to other orangutan related activities, including selfie frames, puzzles, and a paper mask craft.

Tuesday, April 28: Behind-the-Scenes!

Have you ever wondered how our horticulturalists grow seeds for the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory? Tune in at 1:30pm on Facebook for an episode of Como Live to learn more about seed germination, as well as go behind-the-scenes of the greenhouse and get a sneak-peek at Como’s vacuum seeder.

Fruits and vegetables that we eat and enjoy start as seeds! How well do you know your fruit seeds? Click HERE to do a matching game with your kids to find out. Stumped? Click HERE for the answers.

Monday, April 27: Hop into this week with our frogs!

You may have seen Zookeeper Liz on TV before, well, we have her here today for an episode of Como Live that is all about Como’s collection of frogs (including the Panamanian golden frog that is critically endangered in the wild)!

Test what you know beforehand by doing a frog crossword puzzle found HERE. Stumped? Get the answers HERE.

Friday, April 24: Slow, Peaceful Stroll Through the Palm Dome

The people have spoken and we’ve listened! We’ve receive many requests for a peaceful stroll through the Palm Dome. We will bring it to you this afternoon on Facebook at 1:30pm, and later this afternoon in this space.

Happy Arbor Day! Get outside this Arbor Day by doing a family scavenger hunt! How many tree items can you find? Download your guide HERE!

Thursday, April 23: Behind-the-Scenes!

What role does Como play in plant conservation efforts? Learn about the plant rescue program on today’s episode of Como Live on Facebook at 1:30pm. You’ll get a behind -the-scenes peak at plants that are not normally visible to the public!

Many native plants are threatened due to invasive species. Click HERE to take a quiz and test your knowledge on Minnesota plants and determine what is invasive and what is native to this state.

Wednesday, April 22: Watch Como’s animals celebrate Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day! Celebrate Earth Day and enjoy some globe-themed enrichment with our reindeer, bison, arctic fox and polar bears during our Como Live segment today on Facebook at 1:30pm.

How are you celebrating Earth Day? Helping nature can be as simple as picking up litter and recycling. Get outside, enjoy the weather, and help the planet! Follow the activity by clicking HERE.

Live in Saint Paul and not sure what can be recycled? Find the 2019 Recycling Guide by clicking HERE

Tuesday, April 21: Waddle Waddle..It’s Penguins Today!

Tune into our Facebook page at 1:30 today and meet one of our penguins up-close for this afternoon’s episode of Como Live! Learn more about the penguins at Como Zoo and how we are helping their wild counterparts.

Before this episode, test your knowledge on penguins by taking the quiz found by clicking HERE.

Monday, April 20: Water Lilies!

With spring comes thawing ice, and soon water lilies will be popping up in wetlands across Minnesota.

Learn about how Como prepares and grows lilies for the seasonal water gardens, and also how we are helping with aquatic plant conservation efforts in Minnesota. Tune in to Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook to learn more!

Water lilies are aquatic plants that are easily recognized due to floating on the surface of the water. What causes things to sink or float? Click HERE for a fun, simple experiment at home with your kids to test buoyancy with other objects in nature!

FUN FACT: Como is the only public garden in Minnesota to grow and display Victoria Water Lilies!

Friday, April 17: Fun Fact Friday! Sssssnakes!

For this edition of Fun Fact Friday, we will be talking all about snakes at 1:30pm on Facebook. You will even get a chance to meet one of our snakes!

How much do you already know about these reptiles? Test out your knowledge beforehand by taking a quiz HERE!

Thursday, April 16: The Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden

The Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden is a symbol of peace and friendship between Saint Paul and its sister city Nagasaki, Japan. Take a break in this tranquil garden during today’s Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook. Learn about how the horticulture staff provides care for the garden and prepares it for the spring opening season.

You can also try your hand at today’s word search puzzle, containing elements and words relating to Japanese gardens. You can find it HERE. Stumped? Get the answers HERE.

Wednesday, April 15: BIRDIE BINGO!

Thousands of bird species call Central and South America their home. Did you know that Como exhibits several of these species in Tropical Encounters?

Join us on Facebook at 1:30 for an episode of Como Live that is all about birds. We will be showing you a cool canopy view from the top balcony—a space that is not accessible to the general public!

Did you know? Minnesota is home to over 400 different bird species. How many can you spot around your neighborhood or in your own backyard? Get your Backyard Bird Bingo scorecard HERE!

Tuesday, April 14: Behind-The-Scenes: The Greenhouse!

It’s where the magic happens! Have you ever wondered how we keep the many plants of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory thriving? Tune into Facebook Live today at 1:30pm for a special behind-the-scenes Como Live to learn about the maintenance and environment of our greenhouses.

In the meantime, you can make your own greenhouse at home using a recycled plastic bottle! Check out this simple craft HERE.

Monday, April 13: Get Up Close To Chloe!

Como’s resident two-toed sloth Chloe spends most of her time in the Tropical Encounters exhibit, but she is also known for crashing weddings and other special events as an ambassador animal. Get up close to Chloe on our Facebook page during Como Live at 1:30pm from the comfort of our own home!

Looking for a fun and easy craft to do with your kids who are spending their time distance learning? Make a paper sloth for their favorite writing utensil by following the instructions HERE

Friday, April 10: Fun Fact Friday! Get ready to go back 100+ years….

The beginnings of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory date back over 100 years. Gain some insight into how it all started by tuning into our FACEBOOK page at 1:30pm (CDT) as we go LIVE for today’s episode of Como Live: Fun Fact Friday edition!

But first, prepare and test your knowledge by taking this quick online quiz 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.

Pollinators! What’s The Buzz About?

Pollinators! What’s The Buzz About?

See what all the buzz is about in our Weekly Videos!

#Bee ready to find out what all the buzz is about during this 15-part virtual weekly series, courtesy of the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment! While we are currently closed to the public, we invite you to join us on Saturdays for informative, entertaining tours and talks from our Pollinator Exhibit! Tune in every week to find out how you can “bee” a pollinator-friendly neighbor!

Episode 15: Easy Tips for Helping Pollinators Near You!

All this season, we’ve had the chance to share amazing pollinator stories with you, but now we need your help in return! Como Park Zoo and Conservatory can’t save pollinators without you! Here are some ways YOU can be all the buzz in the pollinator community near you!

Want to find a fantastic, fall floral selection? Click HERE to see what flowers may be blooming this autumn and click HERE to see what works best in our growing zone!

Getting ready to prepare for the fall season in your backyard? Take it easy on the clean-up and you’ll help pollinators without doing extra work. THIS ARTICLE shows how we’re giving you an excuse to do less yardwork for a good cause! Win-win in my book!

Thinking about what to plant and how to manage your lawn next growing season? Consider THESE pollinator-friendly plants, or even planting with native plants which can be found at many greenhouses and local nurseries (or even look into PRAIRIE RESTORATION on your own or with the help of CONSERVATION ORGANIZATIONS), or even consider planting a BEE LAWN – grants are available to help you promote protected pollinators!

Get everyone involved! Make it a fun project to connect with family members, students, and more to plant and prepare a pollinator garden for the future by taking part in the MILLION POLLINATOR GARDEN CHALLENGE! There are lots of great resources, from entertaining educational resources like THE MAGIC SCHOOLBUS INSIDE A BEEHIVE, reading materials such as “Bea’s Bees” by Katherine Pryor, and even information to incorporate into a LESSON PLAN – if we all learn the value of pollinators, we can all take little actions – and together, those little actions can make a big difference.

So get out there, explore, and protect our pollinators and become the BEES KNEES!

Episode 14: Minnesota’s Endangered Pollinators

On this week’s episode we’re going to bring our worldwide tour of the weird and wonderful world of pollination to our own backyard. Learn about local pollinators and blooms that need your help, today!

Looking to learn more about these plants and animals and how YOU can help? There’s A LOT to learn, and even more each of us can do to contribute in small but meaningful ways in our own neighborhoods!

If you would like to learn more about floral conservation, you can read more about the Western Fringed Prairie Orchid HERE, or about Minnesota prairie conservation, in general, HERE! You can even go HERE to learn more about the Leedy’s Roseroot, a plant that is a relic of the Ice Age with only four known populations in the U.S. – and we have one here!

Want to help our beloved STATE BEE? This IUCN Red List Critically Endangered insect needs help from us here in the Twin Cities and beyond!

If you’re an instructor at school, home, or just eager to share pollinator knowledge, there are some excellent curriculum resources at the POLLINATOR PARTNERSHIP. Check it out, and share the knowledge, today! Track the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee on THIS MAP and then get outside! Confirm bee identities using THIS HANDY GUIDE, and report your sightings, HERE! Then, encourage bees to visit your neighborhood with LAWNS TO LEGUMES INITIATIVE – a grant that helps you plant bee-friendly yards (bonus – they are more sustainable and easier to maintain – that’s sweeter than honey!).

Click HERE for some additional reading about our special and sometimes rare pollinators!

Episode 13: Orchids

Sculptural petals, countless and colorful patterns, and brimming with incredible fragrances, orchids have captured the interest of humans for some time. But they’ve been enthralling pollinators for even longer! Find out how these beautiful blooms cooperate with, and sometimes trick, pollinators in this episode of Como’s Virtual Buzz. To help your mind blossom as well, check out some of these cool resources, such as the NOVA documentary, the ORCHID HUNTER! Of course, the beauty of orchids can be a blessing and a curse, as these hunts for coveted blooms has pushed many populations to the brink, as shown in THIS National Geographic piece. Scientists are always learning cool new things, such as the fairly recent confirmation of the GHOST ORCHID’S POLLINATOR. And, want to let your creativity bloom, too? Try your hand at making some orchids that never need water or sunlight – they’re made from paper! See the full tutorial, HERE!

Click HERE for some additional reading about how to cultivate orchids, and how orchids have been cultivated their own place in our culture!

Episode 12: Stop and Smell the…Rotting Meat?

On this week’s episode we’re going to learn about the reason for different fragrances in flowers, especially those that don’t smell as sweet. What could smelling like rotting meat do to help encourage pollinators? Join us to find out (don’t worry, your screen isn’t scratch and sniff!). Click HERE for your own scent and pollinator matching game, courtesy of the Chicago Botanical Gardens. Want to explore olfaction in more detail?

Click HERE to try exploring smell, taste, and our brains at home (if you don’t have one of these ingredients in your cupboard, try other safe food items, instead!). I recommend trying to see if you can recognize potato, apple, and onion by taste alone (plug your nose and try, yourself!), or even try to compare how smelling a food or smelling different foods (smelling oranges while eating an apple) can impact your perception. For those with even younger scientists, see if they can identify smells they do and don’t like, and encourage them to notice the world around them with all their senses!

And don’t forget to check out THIS LINK for more cool information about blooming Corpse Flowers at other public gardens around the U.S. and the articles they’ve inspired!

Click HERE for some excellent reading to learn more about aromatic blooms and other botanical oddities!

Episode 11: Water Lilies

Serenely floating on the surface, these beautiful blooms have a complicated pollination story! Join us as we explore the stories of water lily and lotus pollination, including the Victoria Water Platter on Como’s Virtual Buzz! Want to learn more about Victorias and their dramatic blooms? Check out VICTORIA THE SEDUCTRESS by Thomaz Anisko. Want to explore local aquatic flora? Hop over to the MINNESOTA DNR’S page to see the range of local flora, and look for a lake near you – just be sure to respect the local flowers and look with your eyes, not your hands! Want to plant your own water garden? MINNESOTA WATER GARDEN SOCIETY is here to help you out! Lastly, we can all make a difference for water lilies and aquatic ecosystems through everyday actions, including REDUCING OUR POLLUTION and PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES. If we all do our part, our beautiful water lilies and their homes will be around for all of us to enjoy for years to come!

Episode 10: Hive Mind

They may be all bees, but they would be straight “A” students! Find out how bees use math to navigate, are physics experts with their super-vision, and are geography whizzes with their navigation skills in this episode of Como’s Virtual Buzz! Want to learn more? Check out these cool resources, below!

Click HERE for your very own WHAT A BEE SEES activity.
Want to watch bees communicate? Check out this BBC CLIP of a waggle dance in action!
Did you know scientists have even trained a bee to “play fetch”? Check it out, HERE! You can also see the bee-havior in action in this VIDEO!
Eager to share more about bee cognition and navigation as a teacher? Check out THIS cool resource, courtesy of NOVA, to share with students grades 6-12!
Want to try your own hand at bee communication? Older kids and adults can test their skills in the BEE DANCE ACTIVITY. This WAGGLE DANCE activity is a great fit for younger kids, and can be modified to fit wherever you are!
Photographers, want to your own way to explore UV photography? Check out THIS amazing work for some inspiration and recommended kit!

Episode 9: Go FIG-ure! Fig Pollination

Some stories of pollination are far more complex than what we initially learned about the stories of pollination. On this week’s episode, we’ll explore the drama between figs, their pollinators, and how each party is out to get the best for themselves! Click HERE to find out more about how conserving figs can conserve biodiversity on a larger scale!

To find out more about how figs are connected to our culture and their environment, check out the book “Gods, Wasps, and Stranglers: The Secret History and Redemptive Future of Fig Trees” by Mike Shanahan.

Looking to experience figs up-close? Try a FIG RECIPE at home or come and visit our three fig species in the North Garden by making an appointment to visit the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, today!

Episode 8: Vanilla and the Value of Pollinators

On this week’s episode we’re going to learn the value of pollinators to the food we eat, staring the Vanilla Orchids of the North Garden of Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. Vanilla is one of the world’s most expensive spices, and today we will find out why, and what could happen if other plants need pollinated this way.

Looking to learn more? Click HERE for some resources to learn more about Vanilla!

Episode 7: Meet Our Pollinators!

On this week’s episode we’re going to learn about the adaptations and unique role of our bee species residing in the Pollinator Exhibit. We will learn about how bees help us, and how we can help them, including making your very own pollinator house. Click HERE for instructions on how to build a home fit for a queen (bee, that is)! Our example was larger and used toilet paper tubes to keep the rolls of paper in manageable groups but use the containers you have and “bee” creative! Hoping to up your pollinator housing game? Check out THESE DIY recommendations for encouraging bees in a safe and healthy manner (remember, bee houses need cleaned every year!). Looking to go further and buy a fancy bee house? HERE are some excellent resources for the house that’s right for you!

Click HERE for some excellent books to learn more about bees!

Episode 6: Cacao’s Pollination Story

On this week’s episode we’re exploring the relationship of cacao with its pollinators. Also exploring how helping both pollinators and people can help both the communities growing cacao as well as the long-term success of growing and producing chocolate. If you are looking to help further, click HERE for a quick guide to selecting sustainable and ethical chocolate! Looking for some specific brands? Look for some of THESE when searching for a sweet treat!

Seeking additional reading? Click HERE for more resources!

Episode 5: The Complicated Pollination of Carnivorous Plants

Using insect pollinators has its own set of challenges, and the challenge of attracting pollinators to visit your flower and pollinate for you are complicated when you also rely on attracting insects to consume for the nutrients you need. On this week’s episode we’re going to learn about how carnivorous plants meet their need to feed without eating their pollinators! To explore local carnivorous plants, click HERE for a brief Minnesota guide! If you are looking to get more actively involved in carnivorous plants, consider a trip to BIG BOG STATE RECREATION AREA where you can see examples in their native habitat, or a membership in the UPPER MIDWEST CARNIVOROUS PLANT SOCIETY to even cultivate your own!

Click HERE for some excellent books to learn more about carnivorous plants

Episode 4: Unusual Pollinators – The Good, the Weird, and the Weirder

When we think of pollinators, we often imagine bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, but pollinators can come in all sorts of shapes and sizes! Take a tour or the strange and spectacular pollinators and the plants they have formed relationships with during this week’s episode and go beyond Bumblebees and butterflies! Put your pollinator knowledge to the test with Nova’s PICK THE POLLINATOR game! Then, get creative with our CREATIVIBEE challenge. Fill in the prompts about your animal and flower, then draw them! You can be as creative or silly as your imagination wants to be! Share your results using the hashtag #CreativiBEE

Click HERE for some excellent books to learn more about unusual pollinators!

Episode 3: Cultivating Pollinator Gardens

This week we’re getting our green thumbs in gear with a conversation about how we cultivate and care for our own pollinator plants. Get gardening tips and recommendations for large and small spaces on how we can all make a positive impact for our local pollinator populations in our own homes! Want to encourage pollinators to visit? Big or small, any plantings help! You can make a POLLINATOR GARDEN, or even turn some or all of your yard into a BEE LAWN! You can incorporate POLLINATOR-FRIENDLY PLANTS into your garden beds, or community garden! You can even plant some pollinator-friendly plants, such as Echinacea, Bee Balm, or OTHER PLANTS in a container on a balcony or porch and give pollinators a reason to buzz by and visit! Looking for a place to buy your plants? Check for plant sales at Garden Safari Gifts with us (supplies limited) or look for a great NURSERY or LANDSCAPER near you.

Click HERE for some excellent books to learn more about gardening, pollinators, and how we can all take part!

Episode 2: Cool Facts About Pollinators..Did you know….?

On this week’s episode we’re going to learn about the important role animals play in pollination for many plants, how plants can encourage preferred pollinators, and what kind of pollinators you can find in your backyard! Click HERE for your very own PASS THE POLLEN activity to try at home!

Click HERE for some excellent books to learn more about flowers, pollination, and how plants grow!

Episode 1: Sneak Peak of this Year’s Pollinator Exhibit

This week, take a sneak peak of this year’s Pollinator Exhibit during planting, and learn about the basics behind pollination. When did flowers first appear, how they are put together, and how pollination has helped flowering plants become the most diverse group of land plants! Click HERE for a fun BUILD A FLOWER craft at home!

Click HERE for some excellent books to learn more about flowers, pollination, and how plants grow!

This seasonal exhibit highlights pollinators from all around the world with signage, statues and live bees in an indoor 2,500 square foot greenhouse garden environment filled with pollinator plants. The wide variety of plants come from the world class Marjorie McNeely Conservatory collection and will showcase the different pollinator syndromes, as well as how different flowers attract their own pollinators.

Blue Orchard Mason Bees, Alfalfa Leafcutter Bees and Eastern Bumblebees will be in covered enclosures to observe them through their lifecycles. Over 80% of the plants today rely on bees and other animals for pollination so that they can produce seeds, including one third of crop species. Bees alone are responsible for many commercial crops such as alfalfa, tomatoes, pumpkins, apples, cherries and many more. Como hopes to inspire the public with this exhibit to take notice of the pollinators all around them and see what all the buzz is about when it comes to pollination.

A Drone’s Eye View of Como Harbor!

A Drone’s Eye View of Como Harbor!

Amazing progress is being made!

Click HERE to see and read more!

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory way furantahay – laakiin waxay ubaahantahay boos celin hore – (Somali)

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory way furantahay – laakiin waxay ubaahantahay boos celin hore – (Somali)

Muhiim: Fadlan dib u eeg dhammaan macluumaadka lagama maarmaanka ah ee hoose ka hor intaadan booqan!

* Boos celis ayaa shaqeynaya illaa iyo afar qof. Ku dar dhallaanka iyo carruurta meelayntaada.

* Kuraas-curyaameedka, kuraasta curyaamiinta, iyo ilaha cabitaanka lama heli karo waqtigan. Waad soo kaxaysan kartaa kursi cuuryaameedkaaga ah, koronto wax lagu riixo ama dhalada biyaha ka buuxaan hadba sida loogu baahdo.

* Booskaaga waxaa ka mid ah socod hal-hag ah oo loo maro Como Zoo iyo Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, oo ay ku jiraan Hadiyado kala ah Pier 56 Café iyo Hadiyado Garden Safari. Kuma jiraan Como Town. Ma jiri doonto marin u socodka Zoo-ga Como Town.

* Fadlan ku daabac ama booskaaga meelaad taleefankaaga ha lagu soo jiito. Galitaanka waxaa la siin doonaa kala-badh saacad badhkeed. Tusaale ahaan, Boos celinta 11:00 AM ayaa la soo dhaweynayaa laga bilaabo 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM. Si loo ilaaliyo fogeynta bulshada iyo in laga fogaado in la sugo, fadlan hore ha u soo gelin. Hadaad goor hore timaadid, qorshee inaad ku raaxaysato jardiinooyinka iyo dariiqyada ku yaal Como Park weyn.

* Booqashada waxay ka bilaabataa maxkamada Cleveland oo ka dambaysa Cafeel Cafesjian.

* Gelitaanku waa bilaash laakiin waa inaad tikidhadaaga waqtigooda ku gaadhaan khadka tooska ah. Waxaan weydiisannaa tabaruc tabaruc ah oo ah $ 3 dadka waaweyn iyo $ 2 oo loogu talagalay carruurta albaabka hore, kaasoo ah lacag caddaan ah oo keliya xilligan.

* Roob furan ama iftiin! Booqashadaada badankood waa banaanka.

* Xannaanada Xayawaanka iyo Isku-dhafka ayaa dhow 4-ta galabnimo. Dhammaan martida waxaa la weydiisan doonaa inay baxaan waqtigaan.

Amniga shaqaalahayaga, xayawaannada, iyo martida waxaan uga baahan nahay dadka oo dhan inay xidhaan wejiga / waji-xidhka marka ay ku sugan yihiin aagga Como Park Zoo iyo Conservatory. Tani waxay qusaysaa dhammaan shakhsiyaadka aan ka ahayn carruurta yar yar ee halista u ah in ay dhintaan iyo dadka aan caafimaad ahaan u dulqaadan karin xirashada wejiga. Fadlan ku xafido waji-xidhkaaga (daboosho afka iyo sanka) muddada booqashadaada.

Boos celinta Horay Loo Baahan Yahay: www.comozooconservatory.org

Fadlan kaalay maalin kale haddii adiga ama xubin ka tirsan xisbigaaga aad hadda la kulantaan wax astaamo ah COVID-19 oo aan u sababayn xaalad kale? Calaamadahaas waxaa ka mid ah qufac, neefta oo ku qabata, qandho, dhaxan, murqo xanuun, madax xanuun, cuno xanuun, dhadhan ama miro cusub?

KOmOBPFsFPOkoIPOtIkWIkoLloI doR tImuItIbOtIkWIkoloI tPFxO:ToF – bFsFdoRtIreFkLeBmBlOfsOlOFbFwe. (Karen)

xrAdOF: wEH:SvBkWIsOkmOFtIjAItIkLOflixrAdOFlixPolBt
KLuRlinleBheRdDbF
*tIreFkLeBmBlOBsObFtItvIloBxoBHATepJBkqolWEIjBmAISJBnAIlWEIjB.
pFcufdoRPOHFxoFnuIsERsERPOtPF doR POHFtPFlintIreFkLeBmBlOB
sOxpvB.
*KRlAF(wheelchairs), POHFlAFsoF,tIxoTEloItPFtIHvxoBtHAbF
PetIsiktoIKexEB. nheSOfnKRlAF,POHFlAFsoF,do:nTEdilinlOF
tPFHAloB.
*ntIhE:nAIreFkLeBmBlOBsOpFcufdoRnkSIkLetbOtIdu:neFkLeliKOmOBsFPOkoIPOtIkWIkoloI doR Majorie McNeely tmuItIbOtIkWIkoloI,
PFcufdoR Pier 56 Café doR Garden Safari Gifts. xtpFcuFdo: Como Town bF. nleBlisFPOkoItIkWIkoloItHAbFnmAISRToFhRPe Como Town.
*wEH:SvBSekLER(Print)mAtmAI Tu:ToFneFPLantIhERnAIrekLefxlEflinlote
sOpvB. tIkduRleBnuBlitISiktoIxpnAf 30 xbiFSiB. xdO, joBKo
11 tnIrEFtIhE:nAIreFkLefkbFtItvIlOfmufhenuBPe 11:30 joBKo. dDHORkxOFdoRnoIKOkAIjoBtIxOFSoBSuB do: likh:sJeRtIkbFxOFKO:tI,
wEH:SvBtbF Check-in sOsObF. nhetuBmAIsO, reFkLeBpBlinh:kWI
mBmufnHRlikrIdo:kLePOh:lOFkWeloItPFliKOmOPF.
*tIleBxOFHkORSRToFHRPe Celevand Court li the Cafesjian’s Carousel xloIKE.

tIpLeNuBmAItIklo(free) bFSInbFhERnAInleRmRtPF(tickets) online (xoBle).
xORToFtISvB mAtmAI tIkOI, nthehRxEBxadItkAItkOpvB.
sFPOkoIPOtIkWIkoloIdoRtImuItIbOtIkWIkoloIpERPehaKo 4.
pJBhehERPOkORjBde:kbFtIHEkWIxoBlikABkORjBdeRPetISik
toIwenAIloB.

litIpvBPLeRlippJBmBtIPOxjoI,tIPOtIlEBjoI, doRpJBhehRHkORtItPF
xjoIplOFbFpJBkORjBkHORtIkRbimef(nadA) PenxOFPeKOmOBPFtIkWIko
tIPOtIlBloI doR tImuItIbOtIkWIkoloIKa. xwexEBmAIpJBkORkmBwe
xjoIbFSItpFcufdoRPOHFlixxOFdoRtIloBbFyOIlitIkHatpiI
doR pJBtjBjBlixHORtIkRbimef(nadA) tHAKoPLOkHEFkHomAtmAItI
svRtsacO. wEHRSvBHO:ntIkRbimef(nadA)PenhehRxSiktoIKa.

Click HERE for reservations

Como Park Zoo thiab Conservatory qhib tiamsis muaj teem chaw cia (Hmong)

Como Park Zoo thiab Conservatory qhib tiamsis muaj teem chaw cia (Hmong)

Tseem ceeb: Thov nyeem tas nrho cov taub ntawv ua ntej koj tuaj!

*Koj daim pib yog rau 4 tus neeg. Thov suav me nyuam me thaum teem chaw cia.

*Cov laub siv log, cov laub me nyuam, thiab cov chaw haus dej yuav siv tsis tau. Koj coj tau koj cov laub siv log, cov laub me nyuam thiab fwj dej.

*Koj daim pib yog rau mus ib txoj kev xwb hauv Como Zoo thiab Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, thiab ntxiv lub Pier 56 Café thiab lub Garden Safari Gifts. Cov qhua mus tsis tau hauv Como Town. Tsis muaj kev nkag tau lub Como Zoo los ntawm lub Como Town.

*Thov luam tawm lossis rub tawm ntawm koj lub xov tooj koj daim pib. Peb pub cov qhua nkag li ib nrab teev. Pivxam tias yog koj teem chaw cia 11:00 am, peb pub koj nkag 11:00 am mus rau 11:30 am. Vim txoj cai nrug deb ntawm lwm tus thiab kom cov qhua tsis txhob tos ntev, thov tsis txhob tuaj ntxov. Yog hais tias koj tuaj ntxov, thov mus saib cov vaj paj thiab mus taug cov kev sab nraum Como Park.

*Kev mus saib pib ntawm lub Cleveland Court pem qab lub Cafesian’s Carousel

*Kev nkag pub dawb tiam si koj yuav tsum tau koj daim pib online ua ntej. Peb yeej thov kom cov qhua pub nyiaj dawb $3 rau cov laus thiab $2 rau cov me nyuam thaum yus nkag lub qhov rooj.

*Peb qhib txawm los nag los duab ci. Feem ntau koj nyob nraum zoov

*Lub Zoo thiab Conservatory kaw thaum 4 pm. Peb yuav thov kom tas nrho cov qhua tawm mus lub sijhawm no.

Rau kev nyab xeeb ntawm peb cov neeg ua haujlwm, cov tsiaj, thiab cov qhua, txhua tus neeg yuav tsum hnav cov npog qhov ncauj thaum nyob hauv Como Park Zoo thiab Conservatory. Qhov no yog rau txhua tus neeg tseg cov menyuam me uas tej zaum ua tsis tau pa thiab cov uas khwb tsis tau nws lub qhov ncauj raws li kev khomob. Thov npog koj lub toob tshwg thiab lub qhov ncauj rau lub sijhawm koj tuaj.

Teem koj daim pib: www.comozooconservatory.com

Thov tuaj lwm hnub yog koj lossis ib tug neeg yuav tuaj nrog koj muaj kev mob raws li COVID-19 uas tsis yog vim muaj lwm tus mob. Cov tsos mob yog hnoos, txog siav, ua npaws, ib ce txias, mob leeg, mob taub hau, txhaws nqa, thiab tus nplaig tsis hnov qab lossis qhov ntswg tsis hnov ntxhiab tsw.

El Como Park Zoo & Conservatory está abierto al público – pero se requieren reservaciones por adelantado (Espanol)

El Como Park Zoo & Conservatory está abierto al público – pero se requieren reservaciones por adelantado (Espanol)

¡Importante! ¡Por favor revise toda la información pertinente antes de que nos visite!

*La reservación por adelantado es válida para hasta cuatro personas. Esto incluyen bebes y niños que sean parte de la reservación.

*Sillas de ruedas, coches de bebes y las fuentes de agua no están disponibles por ahora. Usted puede traer su propia silla de ruedas, coche de bebes o botella de agua si lo necesita.

*Su reservación incluye una caminata en una sola dirección a través de Como Zoo y del Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, incluyendo Pier 56 Café y Garden Safari Gifts. No incluye Como Town. No hay acceso at zoológico desde Como Town.

*Por favor imprima o tenga su reservación en la pantalla de su teléfono móvil. Los visitantes serán admitidos cada media hora. Por ejemplo, si su reservación es a las 11:00 AM, usted podrá entrar desde las 11:00 AM hasta ls 11:30 AM. Para poder mantener el distanciamiento social, y evitar largas esperas, por favor no venga mas temprano. Si usted llega temprano, planee disfrutar los jardines y caminos del Como Park, antes de visitar el zoológico.

*Si visita comienza en la Cleveland Court, detrás del Cafesjian’s Carousel.

*La entrada es gratuita, pero debe adquirir sus tickets de entrada con una hora especifica en línea. Recibimos donaciones voluntarias de $3 por adulto y $2 por niño en la entrada principal, por ahora esta donación solo es aceptada en efectivo

*Estamos abiertos al público, aun si llueve! La mayoría de su visita es afuera

*El zoológico y conservatoria cierran a las 4:00 PM. Todos los visitantes deben salir a esa hora.

Por la seguridad de nuestro personal, los animales, y los visitantes es obligatorio que todas las personas usen mascarillas o cubre bocas mientras estén en las instalaciones del Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. Esta regla aplica a todas las personas con excepción de los niños muy jóvenes que corran el riesgo de sofocarse y aquellas personas que por razones médicas no puedan soportar un cubre bocas. Por favor utilice correctamente el cubre bocas o mascarilla, sobre la nariz y boca, mientras dure su visita.

Reservaciones por adelantado son obligatorias: www.comozooconservatory.org

Por favor visítenos otro día si usted o un miembro de su grupo está actualmente mostrando cualquier síntoma de Covid 19 que no sean por causa de otra condición médica. Estos síntomas incluyen, tos,

VIDEO: Virtual tour of the Summer Flower Show!

VIDEO: Virtual tour of the Summer Flower Show!

If you missed our Facebook Live tour of this year’s Summer Flower Show, fear not! Here is your opportunity to view the beauty of the garden, from the comfort of your own home!

Click HERE for ways you can help support Como Park Zoo & Conservatory!

CUTENESS OVERLOAD! Como Welcomes SECOND Baby Dall’s Sheep in 9 Days!

CUTENESS OVERLOAD! Como Welcomes SECOND Baby Dall’s Sheep in 9 Days!

Just in time for Mother’s Day, another baby Dall’s sheep born at Como Zoo, plus the public has picked the new name for the baby Dall’s sheep born April 25!

Meet Skywalker! Como Zoo welcomed another snowy white male baby Dall’s sheep into the world earlier this week (Monday, May 4th). Skywalker was born to first time mother Sunny. They share the exhibit with Skywalker’s father Sylvester, almost 3 year-old Aunt Drizzle, grandmother Storm, and the lamb born April 25….Nimbus!

Meet Nimbus! Nimbus was welcomed into the world April 25 and is now prancing about in his home at Como Zoo. He is scampering around the exhibit he shares with his mother “Storm”, father Sylvester, two-year-old sister, Sunny, almost 3 year old sister Drizzle and Skywalker. The public got a peek and an opportunity to vote on his name as part of Como’s weekday “Como Live” series. The name Nimbus easily beat out Lightning and Cyclone.

Nimbus 66.3%
Lightning 22.9%
Cyclone 10.8%

Dall’s sheep are most notable for the males’ (known as rams) massive curled horns. Females (known as ewes) also carry horns, but theirs are shorter and more slender, and only slightly curved. Until rams reach the age of 3 years, they tend to resemble the ewes quite a bit. After that, continued horn growth makes the males easily recognizable. Horns grow steadily during spring, summer, and early fall. In late fall or winter, horn growth slows and eventually ceases. This start-and-stop growth results in a pattern of rings called annuli which are spaced along the length of the horn, and can help determine age. The typical gestation period for a Dall’s sheep is 175 days and yields one baby.

Learn how you can sponsor the baby HERE!

Como Live is funded by the Legacy Amendment.

Chloe the sloth takes over Morning News Interview

Chloe the sloth takes over Morning News Interview

Click HERE for ways you can help support Como Park Zoo & Conservatory!

Click HERE for ways you can help support Como Park Zoo & Conservatory!

Como Welcomes Baby Dall’s Sheep & how you can help name him!

Como Welcomes Baby Dall’s Sheep & how you can help name him!

The names have been whittled down to Nimbus, Lightning, & Cyclone. We will announce the winner on Friday, May 8th during the 1:30 pm Como Live segment on Facebook.

Cast your vote by clicking HERE!

A snowy white male baby Dall’s sheep was welcomed into the world Saturday, April 25, and is now prancing about in his home at Como Zoo. He is scampering around the exhibit he shares with his mother “Storm”, father “Sylvester”, two-year-old sister, “Sunny” and almost 3 year old sister “Drizzle”.

The public can get its first live look at the lamb and learn how they can participate in naming him by tuning into Como Park Zoo & Conservatory’s Facebook page on Friday, May 1st at 1:30pm (Central Time). The naming and peek at the lamb are part of Como’s weekday “Como Live” series which gives the public challenging, fun, virtual learning opportunities. Every Monday – Friday at 1:30pm Como’s Facebook page features special live zookeeper talks, gardener talks, and behind-the-scenes talks and tours.

Learn how you can sponsor the baby HERE!

Como Live is funded by the Legacy Amendment.

Zoo News

We Are Open! Advanced Reservations Required

Click for Somali languageClick for Español languageClick for Hmong languageClick for Karen language

Click HERE to visit our FAQ page for more information you’ll want to know before your visit to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

Click HERE to View Map

Zoo & Conservatory Reopening FAQ

Are reservations required for admission to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory?

What if I have a group larger than four?

Can I walk up and get a reservation?

I’m not seeing the date I am interested in. Will new dates be added?

What are the hours?

Are you open rain or shine?

Where do I enter and what is the one-way path?

Can I check-in early for my reserved time?

Is there a cost to reserve a time?

I’m a Como Friends member. Do I need a reservation?

Do my young children need a reservation?

Does my reservation include Como Town?

Have you increased your cleaning/sanitizing schedule?

Are face coverings/masks required to be worn by visitors?

What will you be doing to ensure social distancing?

Do I need to print my reservation, or can you scan them from my phone?

What if I make a reservation and discover I’m unable to attend at the date/time I selected?

Can I get a raincheck in case of inclement weather?

What will be different with my visit?

Can I bring my own food and beverages?

Will there be food and beverages available to purchase?

Can we leave and come back during our visit?

What if I just want to visit the Conservatory

What if I just want to visit the zoo and not the Conservatory?

Will the Cafesjian’s Carousel or Como Town be open?

Can I rent a wheelchair, scooter, or stroller?

Will restrooms be available?

Will the giraffe feeding station be open? Will there be zookeeper talks or other programs?

When will volunteers be back?

Can I bring a pet?

Is there a printable map of the one-way path?

Check Out Our Amazing Water Gardens ~ No Reservation Required!

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

Thursday, September 24: World Gorilla Day!

Monday, September 21: Penguins!

Thursday, September 17: How well do you know your native flora?

Monday, September 14: Japanese Garden

Thursday, September 10: Soto’s Birthday!

Tuesday, September 8: Sulcata Tortoise, Fred.

Thursday, September 3: Como’s Cougars: Ruby and Jasper!

Monday, August 31: What’s My Job

Friday, August 28: Sssnakes!

Thursday, August 27: 100th Episode of #ComoLive!

Wednesday, August 26: Ferns

Tuesday, August 25: Kudu!

Monday, August 24: Palm Dome

Friday, August 21: Bromeliads

Thursday, August 20: We “Heart” Orangutans!

Wednesday, August 19: We Celebrate International Orangutan Day

Tuesday, August 18: Chloe’s Birthday!

Monday, August 17: Bonsai

Friday, August 14: The Caecilian in our Tropical Encounters Exhibit

Thursday, August 13: Tortoise Thursday Trivia!

Wednesday, August 12: North Garden!

Tuesday, August 11: Behind-The-Scenes of the Greenhouse

Monday, August 10: World Lion Day!

Friday, August 7: Wyoming Toads

Thursday, August 6: Rabbits

Wednesday, August 5: Tea Garden

Tuesday, August 4: Flamingos!

Monday, August 3: Lanterns and Ornaments

Friday, July 31: Meet our Ostriches!

Thursday, July 30: Meet a Guineafowl!

Wednesday, July 29: International Tiger Day!

Tuesday, July 28: Flamingo Moving Day!

Monday, July 27: What to Expect When We Open On Wednesday

Como Live Episodes from April, May, June & July

Friday, July 31: Meet our Ostriches!

Thursday, July 30: Meet a Guineafowl!

Wednesday, July 29: International Tiger Day!

Tuesday, July 28: Flamingo Moving Day!

Monday, July 27: What to Expect When We Open On Wednesday

Friday, July 22: National Zookeeper Week! A Q & A with Zookeeper Jill!

Thursday, July 21: Water Features in the Gardens

Click for Somali language
Click for Español language
Click for Hmong language
Click for Karen language

**Click HERE to View Map**