A PolarPalooza Weekend! February 18, 19 & 20
A PolarPalooza Weekend! February 18, 19 & 20
Como’s the cool place to be this Presidents’ Day weekend for “PolarPalooza”, 10am – 4pm February 18, 19, & 20.
Join us for Bouquets, a night of extraordinary wine, beer, food, and fun
Join us for Bouquets, a night of extraordinary wine, beer, food, and fun
FEBRUARY 23RD, 2023 | 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Please register for the event by February 1, 2023 REGISTER FOR EVENT
COME IN FROM THE COLD AND FEEL YOUR SENSES UNFURL IN THE BALMY BEAUTY OF BOUQUETS, AN INTIMATE, AFTER-HOURS BENEFIT FOR COMO PARK ZOO & CONSERVATORY, PRESENTED BY COMO FRIENDS
From the soaring Palm Dome to the fresh and fragrant Sunken Garden, the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is the verdant backdrop for Como Friends’ annual winter fundraiser, Bouquets, featuring extraordinary wine, beer, food, and fun. A favorite mid-winter tradition for Como supporters, proceeds from Bouquets help to keep all the plants and animals at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory growing and thriving throughout the year and to help sustain free admission for every visitor.
Bouquets guests will soak up the temperate, tropical feel of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, and to take part in a fantastic silent auction featuring exceptional vintages, food experiences, and more. Your support for Bouquets brings the Como Friends mission to life, to protect the free admission, family-friendly programs, and first-class animal habitats and beautiful gardens that make Como Park Zoo and Conservatory a community treasure.
Tickets on sale now for the Winter Carnival Orchid Show!
Tickets on sale now for the Winter Carnival Orchid Show!
***A SEPARATE, PRE-PAID RESERVATION AND ADMISSION TO THE WINTER CARNIVAL ORCHID SHOW IS REQUIRED TO ENTER THE CONSERVATORY ON JANUARY 28 AND 29.*** Those attending the Orchid Show may attend the zoo after. Those attending the zoo may not attend the Conservatory without a pre-paid ticket. Those coming just to visit the Conservatory’s gardens will still need to purchase a ticket for this weekend.
Click HERE To Purchase Tickets. Advanced Purchase Required
During the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, all things cold are celebrated. One event stands out and gives attendees a way to escape to the tropics without even getting on a plane; the Winter Carnival Orchid Show at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory on January 28 and 29, 2023, from 10am – 4pm.
Do I have to pay to go to the Conservatory this weekend, even though I am not there for the Orchid Show?
Yes! This is the one time of year that there is an admission fee to the Conservatory. Admission into the Conservatory for Winter Carnival Orchid Show weekend (regardless if you are coming or the Orchid Show or not) will be $5 for adults, and $4 for Como Friends Member, seniors 55+, and children under 12. No refunds will be given for this event.
Do I have to pay to visit the zoo?
No! You only have to pay if you plan on visiting the Conservatory. You do still need to make a reservation for the zoo: https://comozooconservatory.org/reservations/
What if I want to visit the Zoo and the Conservatory?
Can I walk up and get a reservation to the Orchid Show?
Sorry, no. Prepayment by credit card and advanced reservations will be required. Click HERE to make your reservation.
Where do I enter?
Entrance for the Orchid Show will be at the Japanese Garden Gates. Entrance to the zoo is still at the Visitor Center.
So I have my reservation, I’ve paid my $5, and I go through the Japanese Garden gate to enter the Conservatory, then what?
Enjoy the show! You may also continue to visit the zoo if you would like. Those attending the Orchid Show have the ability to purchase quality orchids from our excellent vendors. Orchid plants and orchid-related items will be for sale from the following vendors: Arnold J. Klehm Growers Inc., Deerwood Orchids, New World Orchids, Sophie’s Orchids, and members of the Orchid Society of Minnesota.
Now in its 48th year, the Winter Carnival Orchid Show has become the premier winter event for orchid lovers throughout the Midwest. Hundreds of orchid plants owned by the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, the Orchid Society of Minnesota members, as well as individual and commercial orchid growers, will transform the Conservatory into a tropical wonderland where instead of King Boreas, orchids rule. Besides witnessing the beautiful plants and displays, vendors will be offering plants and other wares.
Come see orchids in a tropical setting, learn about orchid culture from our outstanding members and vendors, and have the ability to purchase quality orchids from our excellent vendors. Orchid plants and orchid-related items will be for sale from the following vendors: Arnold J. Klehm Growers Inc., Deerwood Orchids, New World Orchids, and Sophie’s Orchids.
Virtual Visit to the Winter Flower Show
Virtual Visit to the Winter Flower Show
Winter Flower Show
January 14 through March 19, 2023
The 2023 Winter Flower Show will feature a variety of pinks and purple designed to help you forget about the weather outside. Main plants featured will be cyclamen, azaleas, camellias, veltheimia, cineraria and foxgloves.
Music Under Glass Sundays 4:30-6:30
Music Under Glass Sundays 4:30-6:30
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. The concerts are free and beer and wine will be available to purchase. No reservations required. These concerts are standing room only. Because of fire code regulations, there are no chairs set-up.
Valentine’s Dinner In The Conservatory – Reservations are now being accepted through January 27th!
Valentine’s Dinner In The Conservatory – Reservations are now being accepted through January 27th!
Special MLK Weekend Activities! Three Fun Filled Days for the Old & Young, January 14-16
Special MLK Weekend Activities! Three Fun Filled Days for the Old & Young, January 14-16
Three Big Happenings at Como This Weekend! Immerse yourself in the Tropics, enjoy a new flower show, and groove to live music!
Getting Married? Check this out…
Getting Married? Check this out…
Como Says Goodbye To Amanda
Como Says Goodbye To Amanda
It is with great sadness that we share the news that one of Como’s most loved animals has passed away. Our female hybrid orangutan, Amanda, was humanely euthanized at the age of 46 on Saturday morning.
A team of specialists from the University of Minnesota and our dedicated zoo staff recently immobilized Amanda to try to find the cause of her recent discomfort and inappetence. A mass within her body was discovered that ultimately caused chronic damage to her kidneys. Unfortunately the mass, located within her lower abdomen, was determined to be difficult to remove and her prognosis for recovery and improvement was extremely poor. The difficult decision was made to humanly euthanize her.
Amada came to Como Zoo from the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, TX when she was 3 years old. With her large personality she made connections to our visitors and was the subject of countless photographs capturing her exceptional beauty. Amanda was known for her intelligence, playful personality, love of painting and listening to music, and she was a frequent participant in the regular animal enrichment programs. Amanda served as an incredible ambassador for orangutans in the wild and orangutan conservation, inspiring many to get involved with research and programs that worked to protect orangutans.
“Amanda was curious, mischievous, engaging, and smart. We lost a beautiful soul”, said Megan Elder, Como Zoo Primate Zookeeper, Orangutan Species Survival Coordinator, and International Orangutan Studbook Keeper. “It’s crushing for me, my co-workers, and all that knew her, cared for her, and loved her. It’s no exaggeration to say she inspired generations. It’s hard to imagine Como without her”.
In honor of the long, inspirational life of Amanda, Mayor Carter has officially declared Monday, December 19th 2022, Amanda the Orangutan Day in Saint Paul.
Orangutans, a critically endangered species, belong to the family Hominidae, which includes all four great apes: gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos and orangutans. The three species of orangutans are found only in Southeast Asia: the Bornean orangutan native to the island of Borneo, and Sumatran and Tapanuli orangutans native to the island of Sumatra. Overpopulation, logging, agriculture, conversion of forests to unsustainable oil palm plantations, and other human activities are rapidly destroying forest environments required by orangutans for survival
The median life expectancy for orangutans is 28 years; in zoos, orangutans are now living in to their 40s and 50s because of the evolving field of zoo medicine, which includes geriatric care.
*Hybrid orangutan is an orangutan derived from interbreeding between any of the three Orangutan species: Bornean (Pongo pygmaeus), Sumatran (Pongo abelii) and Tapanuli (Pongo tapanuliensis)
PHOTO CREDIT JACKIE SCHERER PHOTOGRAPHY
We would love if you would share your memories of Amanda below and share any photos you may have to comomarketing@stpaul.gov.
Noon Year’s Confetti Dance Party! – December 31 And January 1 – Reservations Required!
Noon Year’s Confetti Dance Party! – December 31 And January 1 – Reservations Required!
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.
Get Inside the Holiday Flower Show courtesy of FOX-9
New Exhibit Opens December 8
New Exhibit Opens December 8
This exhibit examines the intersection of culture, medicinal plants, and current research. It invites viewers to consider the value of plants that have taken root in Minnesota. These include the commonplace plantain, the rare Lady’s Slipper orchid, and the controversial Cannabis.
I’m Dreaming Of A White…Holiday Flower Show!
I’m Dreaming Of A White…Holiday Flower Show!
Holiday Flower Show
December 3 – January 8, 2023
The Holiday Flower Show tradition began in 1925 and continues to be the most anticipated flower shows at the Conservatory today. For the first time in 97 years, this year’s flower show forgoes the traditional red, and instead will feature an elegant white poinsettia accented with plants selected for fragrance and texture, when all combined sparkles with warmth and light!
All Is NOT Quiet At Como In December!
All Is NOT Quiet At Como In December!
The Opening of the Holiday Flower Show Kicks-Off a Busy Month At Como!
Holiday Flower Show
December 3 – January 8, 2023
Daily 10AM – 4PM
The Holiday Flower Show tradition began in 1925 and continues to be the most anticipated flower show at the Conservatory today. For the first time in 97 years, this year’s flower show forgoes the traditional red, and instead will feature an elegant white poinsettia accented with plants selected for fragrance and texture, when all combined sparkles with warmth and light!
Music Under Glass featuring Roots-rock singer-songwriter Mary Cutrufello
December 4
4:30PM-6:30PM
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. The concerts are free and beer and wine will be available to purchase.
Senior Strolls & Sunset Senior Strolls
December 6, 9am – 10am
December 13, 4:30pm – 6:00pm
This is a special time set aside just for our 55-and-up aged friends to enjoy a visit before the crowds.
Red Cross Blood Drive
December 7
We are pleased to host a blood drive at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory on Wednesday, December 7. Sign up today by clicking HERE!
“Roots to Healing: A Brief Survey of the Past, Present, and Future of Plant-Based Remedies in Minnesota”
December 8 Grand Opening in Como’s Exhibit Gallery
This exhibit examines the intersection of culture, medicinal plants, and current research. It invites viewers to consider the value of plants that have taken root in Minnesota. These include the commonplace plantain, the rare Lady’s Slipper orchid, and the controversial Cannabis.
Artist, Photographer & Family Photo Hours
December 11, 8am – 10am $5
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 many gardens inside the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory as a backdrop for your holiday family photos. Guests are welcome to bring in their own camera and find the perfect spot for their photo. $5 per person. Please enter through the Historic Entrance of the Conservatory.
Sensory Friendly Mornings
December 18 & 28
9am – 10am
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. This is a time designed for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Como strives to provide a positive, welcoming experience for every visitor.
Music Under Glass featuring Holm & Tanz
December 18
4:30PM-6:30PM
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. The concerts are free and beer and wine will be available to purchase.
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.
Holiday Shopping in Garden Safari Gifts
10AM – 4PM Daily
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.
And don’t forget the daily SPIRE Sparky Shows, Gardener Talks, & Zookeeper Talks
LOOKING AHEAD!
Music Under Glass – Curt Obeda and Brian Z
January 8
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. The concerts are free and beer and wine will be available to purchase.
Tropical Oasis Weekend
January 14-16
Join us for activities, crafts, fun and more as you escape the cold and enjoy our lush greenery in the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory & Tropical Encounters.
Music Under Glass – Café Accordion Orchestra
January 15
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. The concerts are free and beer and wine will be available to purchase.
Music Under Glass – Mother Banjo
January 22
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. The concerts are free and beer and wine will be available to purchase.
Winter Carnival Orchid Show
January 28 & 29 $5 Admission
During the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, all things cold are celebrated. One event stands out and gives attendees a way to escape to the tropics without even getting on a plane; the Winter Carnival Orchid Show at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory on January 28 and 29, 2023, from 10am – 4pm.
Unless otherwise noted, all events are free admission and open to the public. Reservations are required for all events except Music Under Glass and Artist, Photographer & Family Photo Hours (December 11).
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Saying Goodbye to Stanley
Saying Goodbye to Stanley
Today we are mourning the passing of Stanley, a 3-year-old Gray seal. Stanley came to Como Zoo in February 2021 after being found stranded off the coast of Biddeford, ME. He was rescued by the Mystic Aquarium Animal Rescue Program with a piece of plastic twine wrapped around his neck causing an infected entanglement wound. Due to severe keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) and corneal perforation, he was confirmed to be bilaterally blind and deemed unreleasable to the wild.
Through his short life, he battled with increased calcium deposits on the surface of his eye and was on twice daily medications administered during training sessions by his zookeepers. Stanley’s ongoing eye issues and calcium deposits on his corneas continued to trouble him. Como’s ophthalmologist described the mineral deposits as a feeling akin to blinking over sandpaper. Topical medications would clear up the deposits for a short time, but they would continue to regrow. The decision was made to try conjunctival grafts on his eyes. This would provide a protective covering over the surface of his eye that would not develop ulceration or mineral deposits the way his corneal surface had done and eliminate the need for the daily eye medication.
Seal anesthesia and surgery is a risky procedure as seals have anatomical and physiological adaptations to diving (breath holding) for long periods of time. A team of anesthesiologists from the University of Minnesota as well as two veterinarians (one an ophthalmic veterinarian) and multiple technicians worked with Como’s Aquatic Animal Zookeepers, Senior Zookeeper, and Veterinary Technician, to perform the procedure. The procedure to place conjunctival grafts on his eyes was a success, but when the team was ready to wake Stanley up, his monitored values showed that he had gone into a dive response, which includes slowing of the heart and shunting of blood away from his extremities. Despite all efforts, Stanley never woke up from surgery. The team is heart-broken, and Stanley will be greatly missed.
