“Pollinators: All The Buzz” ~ New Exhibit Now Open!

BUZZZZZ, BUZZZZZ, BUZZZZZ! We are excited to bring you a new exhibit called “Pollinators: All The Buzz” open now and continuing until Labor Day weekend. This seasonal exhibit will be open daily 10am – 6pm and will highlight pollinators from all around the world with signage, statues and live bees for visitors to observe 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 on display in covered enclosures so guests can safely 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.

Visitors are encouraged to show off pictures of their visit on social media using #BEE

AIS: From Novice to Knowledgeable!

For the last month, I have been working to transform from a nervous person who doesn’t know anything about identifying fish and plants to a competent volunteer for the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC). This process had two main parts: online training and an in-person workshop. Both parts focused on 11 aquatic invasive species (species that live in water, are not native, and cause or have high potential to cause harm) that are a top concern in Minnesota. The 11 species are:

Plants = Eurasian Watermilfoil (pictured), Hydrilla, and Starry Stonewort

Invertebrates = Rusty Crayfish, Zebra Mussels, Quagga Mussels, and Spiny Waterflea (pictured)

Fish = Bighead Carp, Silver Carp (pictured), Round Goby, and Ruffe

Part 1: Online Training

Online learning has never been my favorite, but it was useful since I knew very little going into the program. MAISRC predicted it would take 8 hours to complete and it took me 7.5! First was a pre-assessment. Even though I am an educator, it was still a little disheartening to click “I don’t know” 25 times in a row. The next phase included 6 modules of slides with voice-over information from the course instructors. It was nice that I could break these modules up and go at my own pace. I also loved that one of the instructors would sneak little one-line jokes into the audio, such as that “spiny waterflea are planktonic animals related to crabs, lobsters, and crayfish – but less tasty!” The online learning ended with an open notes check-out assessment that you must pass before attending the in-person workshop. You need 17 out of 24 to pass and can take it 10 times to get that score. Thankfully, I passed the first time with a 23 out of 24 and treated myself to a brownie as a reward!

Part 2: In Person Workshop

I was super excited for the in-person workshop. There were 5 different dates and locations to choose from for the workshop. I selected the one closest to the Twin Cities, which was in Arden Hills. I really was not sure what to expect, but it definitely exceeded my expectations. The workshop had around 25 people, and we got to participate in small group, individual, and whole group activities. These activities really helped me to apply the knowledge that I learned in the online modules. There were lots of moments like, “oh that’s what they meant by a central axis and leaflet pairs”.  A lot of time was spent identifying specimens using our amazing AIS Identification Guides. We did not have live specimens but photos, models, and preserved specimens. The fish models on a stick were particularly Minnesotan!

It was also fun to connect with our instructors in person, chat with some of the other volunteers, and have a delicious taco buffet lunch! The only thing I did not enjoy was another assessment at the end of the in-person workshop. Tests make me nervous, but at least it was open book and notes again. I just got the email this morning that I passed with a score of 19 out of 20! I am now officially an AIS Detector and I can’t wait to start logging some volunteer hours!!!

Try It Out!

Want to test your aquatic invasive species knowledge? Give it a try with some of my trivia below!

#1) True or False: Zebra mussels have a flat edge and won’t fall over when set on it.

#2) Do carp have eyes that are typically above or below the midline?

#3) Which one is an invasive species, and which one is a native species?

A.

B.

– Alexa, Learning Experiences Specialist

CUTENESS OVERLOAD! Como Welcomes SECOND Baby Dall’s Sheep in 5 Days!

Breaking news! Just in time for Mother’s Day, another baby Dall’s sheep was born at Como Zoo Thursday evening, May 9th! Stop out and see the adorable lambs this Mother’s Day Weekend!

(May 10) Meet “Sprinkle”! Como Zoo welcomed another snowy white female baby Dall’s sheep into the world Thursday evening. The baby was born to first time mother “Drizzle” and can be seen following her every step. “Sprinkle” shares her exhibit with her grandmother “Storm”, father “Sylvester”, one-year-old sister, “Sunny” and 5 day-old “Quinn”.

(May 6) A snowy white female baby Dall’s sheep was welcomed into the world Sunday morning and is now prancing about in her home at Como Zoo. The baby was born on the fifth day of the fifth month, and is the fifth lamb to mother “Storm”, and thus has been aptly named “Quinn” (5 letters!). She can be seen scampering around the exhibit she shares with her mother “Storm”, father “Sylvester”, one-year-old sister, “Sunny” and almost 2 year old sister “Drizzle”.

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.

Quinn

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So You Want To Do Some Conservation?

I have been working at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in different education roles since 2017. Thanks to Como Friends support of my Conservation Champions project, I am starting a new adventure with the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center!

In my time at Como, I’m very familiar doing things like…

…teaching a program while holding a snake…

…or doing evaluations like surveys (with my new haircut).

I’ve always wanted to do more to contribute to conservation efforts and get my “hands dirty” in the field in addition to teaching about it. I don’t have any experience caring for animals (I just hold them briefly as an educator), I didn’t take any classes in college in ecology topics (I was an education major), and I’ve killed every plant I’ve ever had. Many of my colleagues have participated in Conservation Champions projects related to the species they care for here at Como, but they felt out of my depth.

I’ve never trained or cared for sloths like Zookeeper Liz…

…or penguins like Zookeeper Kelley.

So, I spent a lot of time on the internet looking for different organizations and opportunities that would allow someone like me, with no previous experience, to comfortably participate in hands on conservation work right here in Minnesota. As an alumna of the University of Minnesota, I looked closely at opportunities through their partners and that’s where I got lucky!

I stumbled upon the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center! They have a program called AIS Detectors (Aquatic Invasive Species Detectors). Anyone over 18 is encouraged to participate in the program which includes a registration fee, online training, an in-person training, and a minimum of 25 volunteer hours a year. This was exactly what I was looking for! I proposed participating in this volunteer program as my Conservation Champions project and was selected to be funded by Como Friends!

For the next few months, I am going to be transforming from an educator to an AIS Detector and sharing the experience with you all! If you’re like me and always wanted to be more involved in conservation efforts but aren’t sure how, tune in to my monthly updates to learn what it’s really like! Next month I will be sharing about the online and in-person training experience.

To learn more about this volunteer program, follow the link to watch their informational video. I’m excited get started and help our beautiful lakes!

– Alexa, Learning Experiences Specialist

Summer Camps & New Programs For Kids, Families, Adults, Groups & Schools- Sign Up Today!

CLICK ME…I dare you!

Summer Camps & New Programs For Kids, Families, Adults, Groups & Schools- Sign Up Today!

CLICK ME…I dare you!

Come Visit Our Newest Residents!

Two recently orphaned puma (also known as mountain lion and cougar) cubs from different locations in Northern California are now playing, bonding, and calling Como Zoo home. Visitors can now visit the active pair in their exhibit inside the newly renovated Cat Building,

The pumas arrived from California to Como on October 30th after being cared for by Oakland Zoo wildlife specialists.

Como Zookeepers and University of Minnesota Veterinary staff are monitoring and tending to the cubs, a male and a female, who are approximately 8-12 weeks old.

“Although it is heartbreaking circumstances that brought us these beautiful cats, we are happy to be able to provide a home, the care, and support that these animals will need to thrive as individuals and as a species”, said Michelle Furrer, Director of Como Park Zoo & Conservatory.

The male cub was orphaned after its mother, which was reportedly killing sheep, was shot and killed under a legal depredation permit. In the state of California, a person who suffers property damage by mountain lions is entitled to obtain a depredation permit to protect their property.

The second cub, a female, was discovered after a property owner heard ‘chirps’ from what he believed to be a bird over a period of seven days. Puma cubs make a high-pitched ‘chirping’ sound when calling for their mother. The property owner reported the cub to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The cub was severely dehydrated, emaciated, covered in parasites and burrs.

“While we don’t know for sure what caused this female cub to become orphaned, we do know that one of the biggest threats to mountain lions in California is traffic, with 107 animals killed by automobiles in 2016 alone,” said Amy Gotliffe, director of conservation at Oakland Zoo.

In 10 months, five unrelated orphaned puma cubs have been rescued and brought to the Oakland Zoo by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

“We are so pleased that Como Zoo is able to play a role in saving the life of these cubs,” said Nicole Carion, California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Rehabilitation Coordinator. “Returning injured or orphaned wildlife to the wild is always the ideal outcome, but in situations like this — where an animal is too young to have the necessary survival skills — placing it back in the wild would be a death sentence. In those cases, we rely on AZA-accredited zoos with experienced wildlife specialists and resources to step in and provide critical care.”

Como Friends Board leadership, who are stepping down after many years of volunteering their time and talents, were given the opportunity to name the cubs. “Ruby” (female) symbolizes the red gemstone and a precious jewel and “Jasper” (male) represents a variety of quartz and a symbol of strength and treasure.

This YouTube video was produced by the Oakland Zoo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yDPgn3n9ac

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Lil’ Explorer Thursdays ~ Free Fun for the Lil’ Ones

Come explore 10-noon each Thursday on the Covered Porch!  See story time, meet plant and animal visitors, play games and many other fun activities. Each week has a new theme.

FOR THE FULL SCHEDULE OF WEEKLY THEMES CLICK HERE!

Lil’ Explorer Thursdays is funded in part by the Minnesota State Arts Board through the arts and cultural heritage fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the Legacy Amendment.

Como Harbor on the Horizon

Como Harbor, a $20.38 million reinvention of Como Zoo’s seals and sea lions habitat, is coming into view. Since the official groundbreaking last spring, the heart of Como’s campus has been dug up and dismantled to make room for a transformative, year-round aquatic habitat that promises to dramatically improve the care Como Zoo can provide its seals and sea lions, while creating unforgettable views and face-to-face experiences for Como’s two million annual visitors.

If you have visited Como Park Zoo and Conservatory this past summer, you will have noticed a whole new exhibit of dirt, mud, and construction equipment. “Guests, especially the kids, have had their nose to the fence watching the heavy equipment and trucks all summer and they have been so interested in what’s been going on”, shares Michelle Furrer, Como Campus Director.

To date, the most challenging parts of the project involve the utility work. “We’ve been dealing with 80 year old utilities underground, from the piping under the former Monkey Island to rebuilding sanitary lines. In addition, a new filtration building for Como Harbor is positioned opposite the service road, which is the main artery for deliveries and staff”, explains Paul Oberhaus of CPMI, the construction project management company. “We will continue to work over the winter building the filtration building, restrooms, and food service. After this work is complete, people will really start to see the site take shape next spring.”

Pulling together the resources to reimagine Sparky’s new home has been a statewide effort, made possible by $15 million in public funding approved by the Minnesota State Legislature in May 2017. Como Friends, the nonprofit partner of Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, is raising $4.39 million for the project through gifts from foundations, corporations and individuals. Como Friends invites the community to dive in to support the new Como Harbor habitat on Give To The Max Day, November 15th. A generous donation from Horton will match community gifts dollar for dollar up to a total of $30,000 on Give To The Max Day. Como Harbor is the most recent improvement made possible through the public/private partnership between Como Friends, the City of St. Paul and the MN State Legislature, continuing the effort to bring visitors up-close and personal to animals while updating animal habitats to meet all regulations and best practices.

“We’re thrilled by the positive response we’re getting from the community for this campaign,” says Como Friends’ President Jackie Sticha. “Minnesotans have a multi-generation connection to the Sparky the Sea Lion tradition, and we’re honored by their generosity in support of improvements such as Como Harbor. Private support is elevating and enlivening the great public treasure we have in Como Park Zoo and Conservatory while keeping it free of charge so all Minnesotan’s have access.”

The project remains on budget and is scheduled to open in 2020.

Give To The Max day is November 15th.

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Meet Penelope!

Thank you to the thousands who came to Como over MEA weekend and voted! Penelope received 43% of the vote!

Penelope born Tuesday morning, October 2, is the 8th calf born to Daisy and the 22nd giraffe birth at Como Zoo in the last 24 years. Como’s current herd consists of Daisy, Clover, Skeeter (father) and Penelope. This is Skeeter’s 6th offspring, 5 of which have been female.

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

Como Harbor – Opening 2020

Ground Breaking Ceremony for Como’s Seal & Sea Lion Exhibit

The seals and sea lions exhibit at Como Zoo has been a fixture for over 60 years. The “Sparky Show”’ which began in 1956, has become one of Como’s most popular attractions, sharing fun, educational messages with thousands of visitors each day. Every year nearly 500,000 students from across the region visit to learn about nature, conservation, and animal care straight from Como’s beloved ambassador, Sparky.

The new exhibit will provide year-round indoor and outdoor use that will meet or exceed all regulatory and animal care requirements.

The 2017 Minnesota Legislature awarded a $15 million bonding appropriation for the asset preservation of the Seal and Sea Lion Habitat. Como Friends, the non-profit partner of Como Park Zoo and Conservatory will raise the remaining $5 million needed for the new Como Harbor habitat.

Improvements like Como Harbor would not be possible without the highly successful public-private partnership between Como Friends and Como Park Zoo & Conservatory and an example of what can happen when you pair public investment from the Minnesota State Legislature and City of Saint Paul with private support though Como Friends.

Join Us For S.A.F.E. Sundays!

Chat with our Public Engagement Education Specialist about the Endangered or Threatened animals we have at Como and what people can do to help them thrive in the wild.  Each week will feature a different animal. S.A.F.E. Sundays occur every Sunday from 1:00-3:00PM.

2018 Schedule

January 28 – Lemurs

February 4 – Gorillas

February 11 – Snow Leopards

February 18 – Giraffes

February 25 – Polar Bears

March 4 – Tamarins

March 11 – Tigers

March 18 – No S.A.F.E. Program this day

March 25– Spider Monkeys

April 1 – No S.A.F.E. Program this day

April 8 – Gorillas

April 15 – Bats

April 22 – Radiated Tortoises

April 29 – Panamanian Golden Frogs

May 6 – Snow Leopards

May 13 – Lemurs

May 20 – Blanding’s Turtles

May 27 – No S.A.F.E. Program this day

June 3– Penguins

June 10 – Orangutans

June 17 – Monarch Butterflies

June 24 – Wyoming Toads

July 1 – No S.A.F.E. Program this day

July 8 – Galapagos Tortoises

July 15 – Polar Bears

July 22 – Langurs

July 29 – Tigers

August 5 – Gorillas

August 12 – Blandings Turtles

August 19 – Orangutans

August 26 – Monarch Butterflies

September 2 – No S.A.F.E. Program this day

September 9 – Galapagos Tortoises

September 16 – Wyoming Toads

September 23 – Snow Leopards

September 30– Giraffes

October 7 – Radiated Tortoises

October 14 – Panamanian Golden Frogs

October 21 – Blanding’s Turtles

October 28 – Spider Monkeys

November 4 – Polar Bears

November 11 – Orangutans

November 18 – Penguins

November 25 – No S.A.F.E. Program this day

December 2 – Gorillas

December 9 – Tigers

December 16 – Lemurs

December 23 & 30 – No S.A.F.E. Programs these days

This program was funded in part or in whole with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008 which dedicated funding to preserve Minnesota’s art and cultural heritage.

Western Lowland Gorilla Born At Como Zoo

(Saint Paul, MN) Como Zoo is thrilled to announce the addition of a baby western lowland gorilla to its troop. The baby female gorilla was born behind the scenes in the early hours of Wednesday, October 18, 2017, inside the Gorilla Forest exhibit dayroom to mother Alice. At approximately four pounds at birth, the baby gorilla appears healthy, strong, and is bonding with Alice. This is the second birth for Alice and the third gorilla birth in Como’s 56 year history of caring for gorillas.

The pregnancy is the second for 15-year-old Alice. In 2014, despite great efforts, Alice’s infant died just days old. “First-time gorilla mothers are more likely to experience challenges related to birth and child-rearing” said John Dee, curator at Como Zoo. “With this birth, everything is tracking as it should. Alice has shown herself to be very attentive, very nurturing, and very protective of her new baby, just as we hoped she would”.

The baby’s father, Schroeder, a 31-year-old silverback western lowland gorilla, has been at Como Zoo since 1991. Schroeder’s troop includes females Nne (29 and pronounced E-Nee), Dara (14), Dara and Schroeder’s baby Arlene (2), Alice (15), and Alice’s yet unnamed female baby. Alice and Dara both came to Como Zoo as part of the AZA Gorilla Species Survival Plan (SSP). The Gorilla SSP serves 52 zoos across the United States to help guide the management of the gorilla population. Gorilla Forest at Como Zoo is now home to nine gorillas: The six-member family troop and three-member bachelor troop—Jabir, Samson, and Virgil (all 18 years-old).

Gorillas have an eight-and-a-half-month gestation period. Offspring are born nearly helpless except to cling to their mother’s hair and to nurse. Young gorillas stay with their mothers for several years after birth. At birth, baby gorillas weigh between 4 and 5 pounds.

Gorilla mothers are very protective of their babies. A gorilla mother will carry the baby on her chest for the first three months. At about 6-months-old the baby will move to ride on the mother’s back and begin playing and moving around on the ground close to mother. “Gorillas are very family oriented,” said Jo Kelly, Senior Zookeeper. “Mom will let other family members see the baby and they will take their cues from mom as to how close they can be.” When the baby is older and able to move around on its own, other family members, including dad, will play with the baby. The family troop will remain off exhibit allowing Alice and baby to bond.

With this recent addition, Como Zoo continues its involvement in the Gorilla SSP. One of the SSP’s most important roles is to manage gorillas as a population to ensure that the population remains healthy, genetically-diverse and self-sustaining. Native to the lowland forests of Central and Western Africa, western lowland gorillas are critically endangered. Commercial hunting for meat, habitat loss and disease are contributing factors to their status in the wild.

***Media Note: The zoo’s animal care staff is giving Alice her time and space to bond with her baby. The baby, Alice, Schroeder, and the rest of Schroeder’s troop are currently off exhibit. Photo and video access to the family troop will not be allowed at this time. Photos will be provided by Como Zoo. The attached photos are available in high resolution upon request. Although the family group is off exhibit, Como’s bachelor troop, Jabir, Samson, and Virgil (all 18 years-old), are on exhibit daily.

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