Zoo News

Visit Marisa and Maks, Como’s Tiger Cubs!

We’re thrilled to announce that Como Zoo’s adorable Amur tiger cubs, Marisa and Maks, are now in their outdoor habitat and ready to charm the public! Born on August 29, 2024, to mom Bernadette and dad Tsar, these cubs are already making a big impression with their bold personalities and boundless energy.

Now that they’ve grown strong and curious enough to explore, visitors can catch a glimpse of the playful duo as they romp through their outdoor habitat, and trust us, they are a joy to watch. Whether they’re chasing each other through the grass, pouncing on leaves, or climbing over logs, one thing is certain: these cubs are full of life and love sticking close to their mom. You’ll often see them running off in excitement, only to come racing back to Bernadette for a reassuring nuzzle or playful swat.

“This is such a special moment for Como and for everyone who cares about tigers,” says Zookeeper Caitlin Allessi, who has worked closely with the family since the cubs’ birth. “Marisa and Maks are incredibly active and inquisitive. Watching them explore and interact with their mom is not only heartwarming, it’s also a sign of a healthy, thriving bond.”

The public debut of Marisa and Maks marks a historic milestone—it’s the first time in over 41 years that Como Zoo has welcomed tiger cubs. Their arrival is not just exciting for us here at the zoo—it’s also a meaningful contribution to the Amur Tiger Species Survival Plan, an effort to preserve and protect this critically endangered species.

We invite you to stop by soon to meet these incredible cubs in person. Bring your camera, bring your curiosity, and prepare to fall in love. Whether they’re leaping, lounging, or learning from mom, Marisa and Maks are sure to steal the show—and your heart.

🐅 Plan your visit today, and don’t forget to tag us in your photos @comozoo!

Mythical Creatures in Como Town Opening May 17!

Embark on a magical journey through the realms of Mythical Adventure, a walk-through exhibit featuring over 60 breathtaking animatronics in Como Town. Step into a world where ancient myths come to life, and encounter creatures that have enchanted human imagination for centuries. From the gods and legends of Ancient Greece and Rome to mystical beings from cultures across the globe, this immersive experience invites visitors of all ages to explore the fantastical world of mythology.

Click HERE to begin your adventure!

How an unexpected gift launched Minnesota’s oldest zoo

Como Zoo in St. Paul traces its origins to 1897 with three whitetail deer. More than 120 years after its founding, St. Paul’s Como Zoo is home to a menagerie of hundreds, including Samson the gorilla, Ivy the young giraffe and an anaconda called Xena.

Read about the history (and check out the great old photos) HERE, and then listen to the podcast below.

A Month of Joy and Loss: Remembering the Baby Sloth and Welcoming Baby Bleu

One month ago, on April 2, we experienced an unforgettable moment at Como – the surprise birth of a Hoffman’s two-toed sloth on exhibit. Guests and staff alike were awed by the rare sight, and Sago, a first-time mom, quickly showed strong maternal instincts.

Sadly, we’re now sharing difficult news. Earlier this week, the baby sloth was found unresponsive in the sloth habitat and is believed to have passed away sometime overnight on Sunday/Monday. The cause is not yet known, and we are awaiting necropsy results to better understand what happened. Our animal care team is closely monitoring Sago and continuing to offer her thoughtful, individualized support.

In this same week, life reminded us of its balance – of sorrow and celebration – our baby Emperor tamarin made his public debut. The newborn, named Bleu, can now be seen in the Primate Building with first-time parents Ilsamar and Reggiano.

“Watching Reggiano take on his role as a first-time dad has been amazing,” said Primate Zookeeper Mike. “He’s constantly carrying Bleu, grooming him, and doing everything he’s supposed to do—it’s been heartening for our whole team.”

Emperor tamarins have a gestation period of 140–145 days and typically weigh just 30–40 grams at birth. These small primates are born with the ability to cling tightly to an adult’s fur—usually their father’s. Bleu will spend the next 6–7 weeks riding on Reggiano’s back before gradually venturing out on his own.

We ask visitors to enjoy observing this special family quietly and respectfully. Please do not tap or bang on the glass, as this can be stressful for the animals, especially with a newborn in the habitat.

Moments like these—both heartwarming and heartbreaking—are part of the complex, emotional journey of caring for living beings. We are deeply grateful to our animal care professionals for their compassion, skill, and dedication every step of the way.

Groovin’ In The Garden – Free Summer Music Series Returns June 11, 2025!

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Remembering Clover: A Cherished Member of the Como Family

We are saddened to share the unexpected loss of Clover, one of Como Park Zoo & Conservatory’s beloved giraffes.

While moving from her indoor exhibit to a behind-the-scenes area on Saturday, April 19, Clover appeared to be startled and fell. At this time, it’s unclear what caused the fall or what ultimately led to her passing. A full necropsy will be conducted to help determine the cause of death.

Clover was more than just one of the giraffes in our herd, she was a deeply loved member of the Como family, a gentle presence in the giraffe barn, and a quiet source of connection for so many keepers, visitors, and fellow giraffes over the years.

To help us honor her memory, Senior Zookeeper Jill, who worked closely with Clover, shared some of her personal reflections:

“Clover was a fantastic mama to 8 of her own babies and a great auntie to Daisy’s babies and more recently Ivy. She was very nurturing, and the calves seemed to gravitate to her. She was a very proud mama and liked to show her babies off as if to say, look what I made.

Clover was gentle and inquisitive. She gave full face licks if you made it to her inner circle and would gently bop your head or shoulder with her muzzle if she wanted attention.

Girl knew what she wanted. Clover would take days off when she pleased and refuse to leave her bedroom. There were days she didn’t want to come inside, and it took seeing her zookeeper in the doorway to remind her where to go. She never missed her afternoon nap.

Clover loved men in uniform, especially those with beards. Her favorite days were when Forestry helped to hang the giraffe shades for the season.

She knew her people, and if I showed up in the wrong colored shirt—she let me know it was unacceptable.

She couldn’t hide when she got upset—her tail cranked up like a pig’s. It was her biggest tell.

Her favorite enrichment was crepe paper. She loved to wrap it around her head and neck.

Clover was slow to warm up to new things and had particular feelings about doorways or locations she perceived as scary. It took her 10 years to come down to the feeding station, 12 years to walk through the exhibit forward doorway, over 8 hours to walk off her trailer when she arrived. She never stepped on the scale for us—and for whatever reason, one of the doors in the building didn’t exist to her. It was like an invisible wall.

I liked to describe Clover as the supermodel giraffe and quintessential ambassador for her species. She had the perfect Reticulated spot pattern and coloration—my favorite being the flower pattern on her right bum.

She was observant and careful about who she chose as her people. I was lucky to be one of them. She gently bopped me on the head during my interview 10 years ago, and I was a goner. I knew she could have anything she wanted from me.

She was really the only animal to notice my pregnancies, gently nuzzling my bump. She was the first to meet my babies—very curious and gentle.

Clover was a once-in-a-lifetime animal for me—one of those who left a footprint on my heart.”

As Jill’s memories so beautifully illustrate, Clover was more than just a giraffe to those who knew her. She was a gentle giant with a strong personality, a loving mother, a curious friend, and an unforgettable spirit.

We know many of you came to know and love Clover over the years, and her presence will be missed by all who had the joy of seeing her at Como.

We appreciate the public’s support and understanding during this difficult time. Thank you for keeping Clover—and the people who cared for her—in your thoughts.

Como Zoo Welcomes Baby Dall’s Sheep

A snowy white female baby Dall’s sheep was welcomed into the world last Thursday, April 17 and is now prancing about in her home at Como Zoo. The yet-to-be named baby can be seen scampering around the exhibit she shares with her mother “Sunny”.

scampering around the exhibit she shares with her mother “Sunny”.

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.

Remembering Nyati

With heavy hearts, we share the news of the passing of Nyati, a beloved western lowland gorilla born at Como Zoo in October 2017. Nyati was humanely euthanized on Tuesday, April 15, following a final medical assessment that confirmed a continued medical deterioration that had significantly impacted her quality of life.

Nyati’s medical journey began in 2020, when she was diagnosed with Baylisascaris procyonis (Baylis), a parasitic infection likely contracted at a young age through environmental exposure. Though the parasite was successfully treated, it caused permanent lesions in her brain that led to ongoing challenges with movement, coordination, and motor function.

Over the past five years, Nyati’s care involved a coordinated and deeply committed effort from Como’s veterinary, animal care, and animal management teams. From physical therapy and custom habitat modifications to medications and regular assessments, her daily routine was centered on maximizing her comfort and wellbeing. Specialists from across the country were consulted over the years, but in recent months, her health continued to decline.

Earlier this month, updated medical imaging confirmed further neurological deterioration and musculoskeletal issues. With no meaningful options for recovery and based on comprehensive evaluations from her care team, the decision was made to allow her to pass peacefully—never waking from anesthesia during her final assessment. This was done intentionally to avoid additional stress and ensure her comfort every step of the way.

Nyati’s Family

Nyati was part of Como’s family troop of western lowland gorillas. She was the daughter of Schroeder and Alice, and shared her home with troopmates Nne, Dara, and Dara and Schroeder’s daughter, Arlene. Visitors often delighted in seeing Nyati interact with her family—especially in her playful exchanges with Arlene.

“Nyati had a gentle presence and a quiet strength,” said Wes Sims, Director of Animal Care and Health at Como Zoo. “Even with her limitations, she continued to interact with her family and move through her space in her own way. She taught us a great deal about patience, adaptation, and care.”

A Keeper’s Tribute

For Primate Zookeeper Michelle, who was especially close to Nyati, the loss is deeply personal:

“Oh Nyati… you taught me so many things in your too short life. You taught me that perfect things sometimes come in imperfect packages. You taught me about resilience. Though your body may have slowed you down, that didn’t make you any less fierce. I’ll always remember your play sessions with your sister Arlene, and how you defended your favorite foods with your sassy barks of warning to anyone who tried to sneak some away from you. You were often the first gorilla face to greet me in the morning. You’d let out a little grumble when I walked in and made your way to the front to get your breakfast. You had a way of looking right at me when you wanted my attention, then you’d put your hand up to ask for more snacks. I’ll never forget the countless hours I spent with you working on your physical therapy to keep you as strong as possible. You were tired, and that’s okay. I’ll forever be grateful for the role I had in your life. You’ve left a Nyati-sized hole in my heart and I’ll never forget you. It’s been a true honor working for you. Nest In Peace, baby girl.”

Protecting a Critically Endangered Species

Western lowland gorillas like Nyati are critically endangered, native to the dense forests of central and western Africa. Their populations continue to decline due to habitat loss, poaching, and disease, including outbreaks of Ebola.

Como Zoo is proud to participate in conservation and breeding efforts through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP), which aims to ensure the survival of this species for generations to come.

Nyati’s story is one of perseverance, care, and deep connection. While she faced challenges most of her life, she was surrounded by people who saw her strength and did everything they could to support her. She will be missed by many.

Welcome Home, Copper & Russet! Como’s New Porcupines Are Settling In Nicely

There are some new prickly personalities at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory—and they’re already stealing hearts!

We’re excited to officially introduce Copper and Russet, two porcupines who were rehomed from the now-closed SeaQuest facility in Roseville. Thanks to the incredible collaboration between Como Zoo, the Minnesota Zoo, SEA LIFE at Mall of America, and other accredited organizations, hundreds of animals were given a second chance—including these two curious climbers.

So Minnesota! A (very quick) History of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory courtesy KSTP-5

As gardeners get ready to plant this spring, there’s one location in Minnesota where flowers are in full bloom year round. Opened in 1915, the conservatory was an instant success. Within three years of its opening, the conservatory had more than 77,000 plants. Some of the originals still survive. It now maintains over 260 major varieties of plants from six different continents.

Como After Hours May 20! Tickets On Sale Now!

Como After Hours Tickets Available Now!

Spend a balmy spring night exploring, and learning more about Como without the crowds or the kids at Como Friends’ adults-only fundraising event coming May 20. With a cash bar, picnic fare, cool animals, plants and people, Como After Hours is a casual night of grown-up fun for a great cause.

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🌸 Spring Flower Show Now Open 🌸

Spring has officially arrived, and so has the Spring Flower Show – Part I! 🌷✨ This year’s Spring Flower Show takes its inspiration from The Artist’s Garden at Giverny, Claude Monet’s iconic 1900 painting. The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory’s Sunken Garden has been transformed into a breathtaking display of lavender, light blue, pink, and peach blooms, creating the perfect springtime escape.

As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by a vibrant mix of spring favorites, including:

💜 Blue hyacinths filling the air with their sweet fragrance
🌼 Pink daffodils adding a cheerful glow
🌷 A stunning blend of tulips in lavender, white, and pink
💐 Purple crocus providing a pop of color
🌿 Delphinium, peach foxglove, and pink snapdragons adding height and elegance

The Sunken Garden is a must-see this season, offering the perfect backdrop for a peaceful stroll, a moment of relaxation, or a stunning photo opportunity. Whether you’re looking to shake off the last traces of winter or simply immerse yourself in the beauty of blooming flowers, the Spring Flower Show is the ultimate way to celebrate the season!

Come experience the colors, scents, and beauty of spring—we can’t wait to welcome you! 🌿🌸

So Minnesota! A (very) Quick History of Como Zoo courtesy KSTP-5