Como Zoo Conservatory
1225 Estabrook Drive Saint Paul, MN 55103
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.
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!
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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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.
It’s Polar Bear Week! Polar Bears International created #PolarBearWeek to coincide with the annual gathering of polar bears near Churchill, Canada as they wait for the sea ice to form on the Hudson Bay so they can return to the ice for hunting. Sea ice loss from due to climate change is the single biggest threat to polar bears. Senior Keeper Allison was fortunate to have traveled to Churchill in the beginning of October with @PolarBearInternational to help facilitate a Climate Alliance Summit, a gathering of zoo professionals around the United States, Canada, and Europe, who spent time the months prior to the trip learning about the best ways to communicate to their communities about climate change, polar bears, and helping to protect the world we live in and share with nature. Over the next few days we are going to share her pictures and stories! This is Part I of Allison’s Adventure
Part II of Zookeeper Allison’s Adventures as we celebrate #PolarBearWeek: Thanks to the generosity of Frontiers North Adventures, the Climate Alliance participants were able to stay out on the Tundra Buggy Lodge for two nights, essentially a series of train cars on monster truck tires in the middle of the tundra. While there, an almost full moon rose over the Hudson Bay and we were graced with an amazing show of Northern Lights.
It’s ##PolarBearWeek and here is Part IV of Allison’ s Adventure: Our first day out on the tundra was on Frontiers North Adventures first ever Electric Vehicle Tundra Buggy. They transformed one of their diesel-powered Tundra Buggies into a battery powered vehicle. The EV Tundra Buggy emits zero emissions and minimal sound making it less intrusive for the local wildlife. Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and gas will reduce the amount of excess carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere and help slow the warming of our planet. Polar bears rely on sea ice to hunt, find mates, and sometimes den. Without a reduction in our carbon emissions, we could lose all but a few polar bear populations by the end of the century.
Part V of Allison’s Adventure: Volume up for this one! The first day out on the Tundra buggy we saw our first bear. All the clicking you hear is the cameras of excited zoo professionals from around the US, Canada, and Belgium as we spotted our first bear.
Part VI of Allison’s Adventure: While staying on Frontiers North Adventures’ Tundra Buggy Lodge, we had the pleasure of having a polar bear join us for breakfast! While no feeding of the bears in the area occurs, the bears waiting for the sea ice to form are often curious of the sights, sounds, and smells that come from the Tundra Buggy Lodge.
Part VII of Allison’s Adventure: While seeing bears in the wild is an amazing experience, we also got the opportunity to see other wildlife out on the Tundra. Ptarmigan, red fox, arctic fox, snowy owls, and gyrfalcon to name a few can all be found in and around the tundra and the town of Churchill.
Join us over MEA weekend, October 20-23, as we celebrate the return of all 21 Sparky statues to Como!
2022 Fall Flower Show is Now Open!
While many Minnesota gardens are winding down, preparing for the brisk days and nights ahead, the Sunken Garden at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is in full bloom!
The 2022 Fall Flower Show features a variety of vibrant chrysanthemums. White, pink, lime green and purple chrysanthemums will be on display for the first half of the fall flower show. The second half of the fall flower show (November 5 – November 27) will feature white, yellow, lime green, bronze, red and orange colored chrysanthemum blooms. Ornamental grasses and pepper plants will accent the fall flower show displays.
The Fall Flower Show will run through November 27th. The Sunken Garden will be closed to prepare for Fall Flower Show Part II October 31 – November 4.
The tradition of the annual Fall Flower Show began in 1915 when the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory first opened. Today, the Conservatory hosts five season annual flower shows (Fall, Holiday, Winter, Spring, Summer).
The chrysanthemum flower has been known since before 5000 BC in a small yellow form. Ancient China and Japan both have tales explaining how the chrysanthemum originated. The Chinese who considered them the highest of flowers, named their royal throne after the flower. Chrysanthemum flowers have traditionally been boiled in China to make “chrysanthemum tea,” used in folk medicine for influenza patients. In landscaping, chrysanthemums are valued for the fact that they bloom in fall. Chrysanthemum flowers are also a favorite of florists for arrangements, due to the longevity of their blooms.
***PHOTO CREDIT: Susannah Baudhuin, Como Friends.
On September 22, the first day of fall, Grant’s Zebra “Thelma” gave birth to a healthy female foal. Zookeepers, visitors, and Social Media made it abundantly clear that there is truly only one logical and appropriate name for the baby. Como Zoo is thrilled to bestow the name “Autumn” onto the little female zebra.
Como’s current herd now consists of Ulysses, Minnie, Aurora, Thelma, and Autumn. All can be seen by the public in the outdoor Zebra and Kudu exhibit daily from 10am-4pm.
The gestation period for zebras ranges from 10-12 months. A newborn zebra’s stripes will turn from brown to black sometime between the first 9-18 months of life. Como is home to Grant’s Zebras, which are commonly found in the grassy plains of eastern Africa including the countries of Kenya and Ethiopia.
Father, Ulysses, sired the newborn. Como’s zebras are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) breeding population.
Sponsor the Baby Zebra! Sponsoring an animal makes a great gift – that keeps giving back. Animal sponsorships are a unique way to help Como Park Zoo and Conservatory with its wildlife conservation efforts. They support enhanced habitats and efforts to maintain the best care possible for the animals, including the zebra, at Como Zoo. To purchase, visit Garden Safari Gifts at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, call 651-487-8229 or go online to comofriends.org.
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory has welcomed back all the Sparkys that were scattered throughout the Twin Cities!
Twenty-one custom, unique 6’ Sparky the Sea Lion statues, hand-painted by local artists and spread-out throughout the Twin Cities this past summer, are all now back home at Como Zoo. Visitors will be able to get their selfies with Sparky all in one place. Weekends in October will feature events centered around the statues including games, artists, giveaways, event partners, sponsors and more.
A big thank you to all of our Summer of Sparky sponsors! SPIRE Credit Union, Logix Transportation, a subsidiary of Berger Moving & Storage, McGough , and KSTP.
Hello Autumn, and hello baby zebra!
Como Zoo is happy to announce the successful birth of a zebra foal to Grant’s Zebra “Thelma”. Mom and baby are both doing well, enjoying the first day of Autumn. The baby zebra was born sometime during the overnight hours, September 21 to September 22 (today). When the zookeepers arrived this morning, they discovered the foal up, walking strong, and closely shadowing its mother, Thelma. The gender of the baby is still unknown.
Thelma and her foal, along with Grant zebra Minnie and her foal Aurora who was born in May, can be seen by the public in the outdoor Zebra and Kudu exhibit daily from 10am-4pm.
The gestation period for zebras ranges from 10-12 months. A newborn zebra’s stripes will turn from brown to black sometime between the first 9-18 months of life. Como is home to Grant’s Zebras, which are commonly found in the grassy plains of eastern Africa including the countries of Kenya and Ethiopia.
Father, Ulysses, sired the newborn. Como’s zebras are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) breeding population.
Sponsor the Baby Zebra! Sponsoring an animal makes a great gift – that keeps giving back. Animal sponsorships are a unique way to help Como Park Zoo and Conservatory with its wildlife conservation efforts. They support enhanced habitats and efforts to maintain the best care possible for the animals, including the zebra, at Como Zoo. To purchase, visit Garden Safari Gifts at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, call 651-487-8229 or go online to comofriends.org.
Como is now on Instagram Reels and TikTok! Click HERE to follow “Como Park Zoo and Conservatory”, watch the videos and make sure to click the “heart” to like it! AND SHARE, SHARE, SHARE!
While we were (and still are) navigating the Covid-19 pandemic we created this space for challenging, fun, learning opportunities you could do from home to keep engaged virtually with all the happenings at Como. After two years, Como Live came to an end on March 31st, but our vast archive of videos, quizzes, puzzles and crafts can all be found here.
If you’ve watched a Como Live episode we’d appreciate your feedback! Please fill out a five question survey by clicking HERE.
If you like these videos, check out our Adventures With Ashley videos by clicking HERE!
Today is the final episode of #ComoLive! Here is a special video montage highlighting some of our favorite memories from #ComoLive over the last two years! Whether you’ve watched one or one hundred, we thank you! We have enjoyed bringing plants and animals virtually into your home during the pandemic! As a reminder, you can always check back here well into the future to watch any episodes you may have missed or to re-watch your favorites.
Take a break and enjoy a quiet stroll through the Palm Dome on today’s episode of Como Live! A few interesting plants will be highlighted on this virtual garden walk. Learn more at 1:30pm on Facebook.
See if you can identify a few of the plants in the palm dome ahead of the virtual stroll by doing this quiz HERE.
Spring is here! It’s time for the Spring Flower Show in the Sunken Garden, and the show change is happening all this week. Learn more about the process and get a preview of the Spring Flower Show on today’s Como Live at 1:30 on Facebook.
Prepping your garden for spring? Try your hand at an upcycled garden décor piece by watching this video from HGTV HERE
Check out what’s growing in the North Garden on today’s Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook! Today we’re going to focus on different spice plants. Watch and learn more about what spices these plants produce just like what you have in your own kitchen!
How well do you know your spices? See if you can identify them with this quiz HERE.
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! We are celebrating Patty, the white-faced saki monkey’s birthday on today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook! Hear a zookeeper talk about these primates, and also get a sneak peek at the newest addition, baby Sterling, who was born in January.
Want to test your knowledge on saki monkeys? Try this crossword HERE. Stumped? Check out the answers HERE.
Spring in the greenhouse means lots of fun, new plants and plugs are arriving for the outdoor gardens and flower shows! Check out what’s new with this special plant “unboxing” episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook!
Looking for what to do in your garden this spring? Check out this growing calendar from the University of Minnesota Extension HERE
Looking for more ways to help gorillas? Learn more about our special Gorillas on the Line Campaign on today’s Como Live. Gorillas on the Line…Answer the Call is a yearly global mobile phone recycling challenge organized by the Gorilla SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) engagement team with participants from across the country and around the globe.
You can also check out “10 Ways to Be a Hero For Gorillas” HERE.
Tomorrow, March 8th, is International Women’s Day. This day is set aside to reflect on progress made over the years, celebrate accomplishments of women, and look to the future. We are celebrating by highlighting some of the exceptional women that work here across all our departments. Learn more about how they are actively supporting sustainability on today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook.
The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow.” Learn more by checking out the International Women’s Day website HERE
Today is World Wildlife Day! World Wildlife Day was created by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s plants and animals. This year’s theme for World Wildlife Day is “Recovering Key Species for ecosystem restoration.” Learn more by checking out the World Wildlife Website HERE
We are joining the celebration by highlighting our giraffes on today’s Como Live! Listen to a zookeeper talk about what Como has done for giraffe conservation efforts at 1:30pm on Facebook.
You can also check out other conservation projects that Como has participated in by watching this video HERE:
Yesterday was #InternationalPolarBearDay! We are continuing the celebration on today’s episode of Como Live. Join us for a zookeeper talk about our polar bears at 1:30pm on Facebook.
International Polar Bear Day is celebrated annually by #PolarBearsInternational and coincides with he time that wild polar bear moms and cubs are in their dens. This day focuses on the need to protect denning bears in the Arctic. Check out this Maternal Den Study video HERE.
Learn more and get involved by checking out the International Polar Bear Day’s website HERE.
Eagerly waiting for spring to arrive? Spend the afternoon with the beautiful blooms of the Winter Flower Show. Enjoy a quiet afternoon stroll through the garden on today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook.
How well do you know the plants in the Winter Flower Show? Try your hand at this word scramble HERE. Stumped? Find the answers HERE.
We have many different species of ambassador animals here at Como, but did you know that we also have ambassador plants? Check out some of our sensory plants behind the scenes and up-close on today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook.
Have you ever wanted to create your own sensory garden? Get some tips from Kew Gardens HERE.
Springtime is just around the corner at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, and that means bulb-production is in full-swing for our Spring Flower Show! Get a sneak peek at what’s going on behind-the-scenes in the greenhouse on today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook.
Did you know that you can start growing bulbs indoors in the wintertime? Check out this guide from the U of M Extension all about how to do it in your own home HERE.
We are celebrating Valentine’s Day on today’s #ComoLive! Today will be a special animal and plant filled segment, celebrating Cupid the penguin’s birthday, AND announcing the winner for Como’s Cutest Plant Competition for 2022! Be sure to tune in at 1:30pm on Facebook. You don’t want to miss today’s episode!
Looking for some last-minute Valentine’s Day cards? Check out some fun animal-themed printouts HERE.
It’s time for Como’s Cutest Plant Competition of 2022! The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory’s horticulture staff have some fabulous contestants, and YOU will get a chance to vote on your favorite! Check out the entries on today’s Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook. Then, vote for your favorite by clicking HERE
We are answering the question, “Where does coffee come from?” on today’s Como Live! Learn more about the coffee plant in our North Garden by tuning in at 1:30pm on Facebook.
Want to learn more about different kinds of coffee? Listen to this TEDx talk about Coffee HERE.
Check out the birds that call Tropical Encounters their home on today’s Como Live! Listen to a zookeeper talk about the birds and their care at 1:30pm on Facebook.
Want to do some virtual bird watching? Cornell Lab of Ornithology has some great live bird cams. Check out a fruit feeder bird cam HERE and a boreal bird cam HERE
NEW in 2022 we will be selling ADVANCED TICKETS ONLY. Click HERE to purchase your tickets today! We will not be able to take cash at the gate for admission. If you arrive without your advanced ticket, we will have QR codes at the gate for you to scan with your phone that will lead you through the ticketing purchase process. You will need a credit card for this process.
We are selling ONLY ADVANCED TICKETS. We will not be able to take cash at the gate for admission.
Martial arts, singing, dancing, drumming, delicious food and other aspects of Japanese culture, will be featured at the annual Como Park Japanese Obon Festival, a family-friendly event, reminiscent of Japan’s annual Obon holiday, on Sunday, August 21, 2022 on the grounds of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in Como Park from 3:00pm – 9:00pm. We will be running a shuttle to the festival as well! Pick-up is at 1930 Como Ave. Last drop off is 10pm.
The Como Park Japanese Obon Festival, produced by Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, Japan America Society of Minnesota, and Saint Paul Nagasaki Sister City Committee will be held on Sunday, August 21, 2022 from 3:00pm-9:00pm. Admission is $5.00 per adult (13+), $3.00 per child (ages 3-12) and Seniors (ages 65+), free for children under 3.
Click HERE for more information.
Click HERE for the program.
21 Sparky Statues are dispersed through-out the Twin Cities.
Click HERE for locations & HERE for a printable map!
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is excited to announce the Summer of Sparky – Making a Splash. Twenty-one custom Sea Lion statues, hand-painted by local artists, are popping up throughout the Twin Cities featuring water conservation messaging and weekly events.
Funded by The Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund Legacy Amendment, these 6’ tall, 300 pound, vibrant and colorfully painted “Sparky” statues are at high visibility locations around the Twin Cities, at local businesses and organizations including the Science Museum of Minnesota, Minnesota Children’s Museum, CHS Field, Rice Park, Harriet Island, Minnehaha Park, and the Minneapolis RBC Gateway.
“Summer of Sparky” is in celebration of the return of the beloved SPIRE Sparky the Sea Lion shows at Como Zoo’s new, Como Harbor, a preeminent seals and sea lions’ habitat. One aspect of the Summer of Sparky campaign is to bring awareness to ocean conservation. Each statue will be painted to convey a different conservation message. From images of puffins and otters all the way to creatures of the deep, the artists have each created a unique design that highlights a part of ocean conservation that is meaningful to them.
The 21 hand-painted statues delivered from California to St. Paul compliments of Logix Transportation, a subsidiary of Berger Moving & Storage, will be prominently displayed across the Twin Cities beginning June 13th and will educate and inspire residents and the millions of tourists that visit the Twin Cities each year to protect and preserve our natural world.
