Today Como Friends stands with our two million annual visitors to thank Governor Dayton for making a key investment in public infrastructure at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory.  The $14.5M investment in asset preservation for Minnesota’s free zoo will ensure that hundreds of thousands of children from around the state will continue to enjoy the educational opportunities Como provides through up-close encounters with threatened and endangered wildlife. Preserving the seals and sea lion exhibit will continue Como’s fiscally-sound strategy of updating existing assets for future generations. We are excited to work with the Minnesota Legislature to fully fund this important statewide asset.

 

Como Friends Background

Como Friends is the nonprofit fundraising partner of Como Park Zoo and conservatory. It has been the driving force behind more than a decade of improvements that have elevated the care Como Zoo can provide for more than 1,000 animals, preserved the historic integrity of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, and transformed the campus with expanded education and conservation programs, immersive new habitats and growing horticultural displays. The successful public/private partnership forged by Como Friends has invested in visionary capital projects and annual programs and improvements all so Como Park Zoo and Conservatory can better serve a 21^st century audience.