While we all #StaySafeMN and practice social distancing, check this space for challenging, fun learning opportunities. Then, tune in Mondays and Thursdays at 1:30pm on our Facebook page for special LIVE zookeeper talks and gardener talks. Check back later in the day where we will post the video here.

If you’ve watched a Como Live episode we’d appreciate your feedback! Please fill out a five question survey by clicking HERE.

Friday, July 31: Meet our Ostriches!

Learn more about our two resident ostriches on today’s episode of Como Live! Get your questions answered about the world’s largest bird by tuning in at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Birds are found on every continent on the globe. Learn more about their different habitats by taking this quiz HERE

Thursday, July 30: Meet a Guineafowl!

Meet a guineafowl on today’s episode of Como Live! Join one of our educators as they talk more about this ambassador animal and get an up-close view today at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Looking for something crafty to do? Try your hand at egg painting! Follow these instructions HERE.

Wednesday, July 29: International Tiger Day!

Happy International Tiger Day! Join us for a zookeeper talk all about these fantastic felines on today’s episode of #ComoLive at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Our Big Cats enjoy a variety of enrichment to mix up their day. You can make some enrichment for you cat at home using something as simple as a plastic bottle! Follow the instructions HERE.

Tuesday, July 28: Flamingo Moving Day!

For today’s episode of Como Live, you’ll get a chance to see behind the scenes footage from when our flamingos, ducks and geese moved out to the bird yard exhibit! Check out how it’s done at 1:30pm on Facebook.

You kids can make their own flamingo using their hand print and colored paper. Follow the instructions HERE.

Monday, July 27: What to Expect When We Open On Wednesday

It’s official! Como Zoo opens on Wednesday, July 29^th.

Today’s episode of Como Live is a little different—we will go through what a visit to Como Zoo looks like under our reopening guidelines. Tune in at 1:30pm on Facebook for a walking tour of our one way path, and some fun tidbits of information along the way!

Advanced reservations are required. Book your time HERE.

And, be sure to review our FAQs about visiting HERE.

Friday, July 22: National Zookeeper Week! A Q & A with Zookeeper Jill!

It’s National Zookeeper Week! We appreciate all of our hardworking zookeepers here at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory who provide the highest quality of care to all of our animals.

What’s it like to be a zookeeper? Join us for a live Q and A on our Facebook page at 1:30 today. Get your questions ready!

Check out the video below to learn more about some of the awesome work that our zookeepers are doing for conservation.

Thursday, July 21: Water Features in the Gardens

Today you will get a behind the scenes look at how the pools in the garden of the conservatory are maintained. Learn about maintenance that is done on our art pieces and how the water is dyed to get its beautiful appearance.

Have fun with dye at home! This recipe lets your kids make and play with tie dye dough. Click HERE to find out how to do it!

Wednesday, July 20: Japanese Garden Trees

How do the pines in the Japanese Garden stay their size and get their shape? During today’s episode of Como Live we will hear from our Japanese garden specialist and consultant on the process of pruning the pines in the Japanese garden.

You can do a simple activity at home to attract birds to your yard with a pinecone bird feeder. Click HERE for the instructions.

Tuesday, July 19: Leafcutter Ants!

Did you know? We have a leafcutter colony in our Tropical Encounters exhibit! Learn more about these amazing engineers and their intricate lifestyles on today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm.

Become familiar with leafcutter ants by taking this short quiz first HERE.

Monday, July 18: Koi Moving Day!

It was recently moving day here at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory for the koi, and these fish have moved from the North Garden out to the Japanese Garden with the help of our zookeeping and horticulture staff! Don’t miss this behind the scenes footage of the koi move during today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook.

You can make your own fish craft by reusing paper materials. Check out the instructions HERE.

Friday, July 17: Six Banded Armadillos!

We’re checking back in with our lively six-banded armadillos on today’s episode of Como Live! Join us for a zookeeper chat to learn more about the lives of Dilla and Marty. Be sure to get your questions ready for a Q & A!

Prepare by testing your armadillo knowledge and taking this four-question quiz HERE. 

Thursday, July 16: Celebrating World Sssssnake Day!

Today is World Snake Day! We will have a special snake ambassador on today’s Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook to celebrate our slithering friends. Learn more about these legless reptiles by tuning in!

Want to make your own snake? This easy craft HERE gives you instructions on how to make a snake out of a paper plate.

Wednesday, July 15: Arctic Sea Ice Day

Today we a celebrating Arctic Sea Ice Day, founded by Polar Bears International, to draw attention to the sea ice loss in the Arctic that animals like polar bears depend on for survival. This afternoon during Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook, we will feature our polar bears to bring awareness to their species and be ambassadors for the wild counterparts that need our help.

Wild polar bears rely on the sea ice for their livelihood. Learn more about the importance of sea ice and how you can help by visiting the Polar Bear International’s Arctic Sea Ice Day website HERE

Want to learn more about polar bears? Watch this video HERE that’s all about polar bear adaptations, presented by Polar Bears International.

Tuesday, July 14: Stingrays in Tropical Encounters!

Today is Shark and Ray Awareness day! For today’s episode of Como Live, we will be highlighting the freshwater stingrays that live in our Tropical Encounters exhibit. Tune in at 1:30pm on Facebook to learn more about these interesting fish.

Test your stingray vocabulary by doing a stingray word shuffle HERE. Feeling stumped? Click HERE for the answer key.

Monday, July 13: Epiphytic Orchids!

Last week one of our horticulture staff demonstrated how we re-pot orchids in the Conservatory. During today’s episode of Como Live, another member of or horticulture team will be behind-the-scenes to explain and demonstrate how to mount an epiphytic orchid, or an orchid that grows on another plant, on different types of materials like cork board. Tune in at 1:30pm on Facebook to see how it’s done!

In the meantime, click HERE for a craft you can do with your kids to make a flower out of paper and popsicle sticks.

Friday, July 10: Turtles of TE!

During today’s episode of Como Live, we will be visiting our Tropical Encounters rainforest exhibit to learn more about the freshwater turtles that live there.

Turtle or tortoise, can you spot the difference? Test yourself by clicking HERE

Thursday, July 9: Breeding & Releasing Wyoming Toads, a critically endangered amphibian

Zookeeper Mike takes over Como Live today on Facebook at 1:30pm! He will talk more about the care of our Wyoming Toads behind-the-scenes and give us a first-person view of preparing them for the hibernation process, and their diet. Hibernation helps get the toads ready for breeding by assisting in egg maturation.   

Each year, Como Zoo participates the Wyoming Toad species recovery efforts, through breeding and successful release of these critically endangered amphibians. Read more about it by clicking HERE.

Frog or toad? Can you correctly identify these Minnesota native amphibians? Try it by clicking HERE .

Wednesday, July 8: Behind-the-Scenes with Orchids

On today’s episode of Como Live, learn about how the horticulture staff of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory care for the orchids in our collection. This episode, at 1:30pm on our Facebook page, will specifically be about how to re-pot an orchid, and you will get to see firsthand how a re-potting is done behind the scenes.

Do you know the parts of a flower? You can follow THIS activity to dissect a flower with your kids and learn more.

Tuesday, July 7: Skeeter’s Birthday!

Happy birthday to Skeeter the giraffe, who turns 11 years old today! Come throw a giraffe birthday party with us, featuring some tasty treats for Skeeter, during today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Monday, July 6: Caring for the Flowers in the Sunken Garden

Learn about the care that goes into the ever changing Sunken Flower show on today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook. You will get a chance to see first-hand how a flower show is maintained.

What types of flowers and plants will you see today? Do THIS word scramble to find out! Stumped? Click HERE are the answers.

We’ll return with more Como Live on June 6. Enjoy the Holiday Weekend!

Thursday, July 2: Blue Tongued Skink

Join us for another edition of trivia Thursday, this time with one of our blue-tongued skink animal ambassadors! Get an up-close view and learn more about them today on Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Click HERE to do a little pre-trivia quiz.

Wednesday, July 1: Discovering the North Garden!

Join us on Facebook for a Como Live episode at 1:30pm. Today’s episode will feature a show and tell of some of the fruits and spices growing in our North Garden. You will get chance to have an up-close view of some of the flowers and fruits!

What is your families favorite fruit? Paint a fruit tree by doing THIS activity!

Tuesday, June 30: Chloe the Sloth!

We are checking back in with Chloe the sloth today, to watch her enjoy some snacks and learn more about sloths! Be sure to get your questions ready for a LIVE zookeeper Q and A on Facebook at 1:30pm for today’s episode of Como Live.

Learn some interesting sloth knowledge by taking THIS quiz.

Monday, June 29: Water Lilies!

On today’s episode of Como Live we are checking back in on the water lilies that are now all grown up! Join us in the water gardens to learn more about the tropical and native species that are planted right outside of the visitor center. You can check out an earlier video back in April that we posted all about the production of these lilies.

Click HERE for a fun experiment you can do with your kids that shows how wilted flowers come back after watering by using paper water lilies.

Friday, June 26: Hedgehogs!

Happy Friday! On today’s episode of Como Live, you will get a chance to meet one of the spiny mammals in our collection: the hedgehog! Learn more about these interesting critters by tuning in at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Give a hedgehog their spines by doing THIS fun painting activity with your kids.

Thursday, June 25: Chinchillas!

Meet one of our furry rodent ambassadors, the chinchilla, on today’s episode of Como Live! Click HERE for a word search that’s all about chinchillas!

Wednesday, June 24: Feed Me Seymour! Carnivorous plants

Did you know? The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory has a collection of carnivorous plants! Come learn more about the interesting adaptations these plants have to survive on today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Carnivore, herbivore or omnivore? Can you categorize these plants and animals correctly? Click HERE to give it a shot.

Tuesday, June 23: Zebras!

Today’s episode of Como Live will highlight zebras! Learn all about these equines with black-and-white striped coats and what makes them unique.

Click HERE to test your knowledge about zebras with a word scramble. Stumped? Click HERE for the answers.

Monday, June 22: Reopening The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory!

We have missed you, and are excited to welcome visitors back to the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory!

Today’s episode of Como Live will be a little bit different. We will explain what a visit to the Japanese garden and conservatory looks like under our new reopening guidelines, but also point out some fun and interesting tidbits about what you will see.

Please review our reopening FAQs, and book a time to visit HERE.

Friday, June 19: World Giraffe Day is Sunday!

Thank you for celebrating #WorldGiraffeDay all this week on Como Live!
To close out the week, we have a special giraffe enrichment compilation video, along with some footage and photos of the animals of Como Zoo celebration from last year! Tune in at 1:30pm on Facebook to check it out.

Test your giraffe knowledge with what you’ve learned this week by doing a crossword puzzle! Click HERE for the puzzle, and HERE if you’re stumped.

Thursday, June 18: #WorldGiraffeDay Celebration Continues!

Why protect giraffes? Learn more about giraffe conservation from one of Como’s zookeepers who worked in the field on today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook. We are celebrating giraffes all this week leading up to #WorldGiraffeDay on June 21^st!

What do you know about giraffes and their unique adaptations? Click HERE to test your knowledge with a true or false quiz!

Wednesday, June 17: Giraffe Training

We our continuing our World Giraffe Day celebration week on Como Live. Today one of our zookeepers will talk about training and how it helps the giraffes participate in their own health care.

We invite you to watch and listen to the video book “Juma the Giraffe” below. This children’s story book talks about giraffes and teaches kids how everyone is special. This story is produced by the Wild Nature Institute, a science, education and advocacy group that is working to save the giraffes and other species.

Tuesday, June 16: Behind -The-Scenes!

Our World Giraffe Day Celebration continues all this week on Como Live. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our hoofstock barn and learn about how the zookeepers care for these animals on Facebook today at 1:30pm.

Click HERE for a fun word scramble to learn more about the animals that live in our African hoofstock barn. Stumped? Click HERE for the answers.

Monday, June 15: Celebrating Giraffes!

Happy Monday! World Giraffe Day is Sunday, June 21^st, and all this week we are celebrating by highlighting our giraffes. We will start off this week by giving you a live look at our giraffes! Take a break with them and get a look into their exhibit during today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Kick-off the world celebration of giraffes by creating a paper giraffe headband with your kids. Click HERE for the template and HERE for the Instructions.

Friday, June 12: Primates!

What have our primates been up to during our closure? Enjoy a video featuring them and a variety of enrichment during today’s episode of Como Live.

Before you tune in, take this short quiz to see what you know about Como Zoo’s primates.

Thursday, June 11: Up Close With An Armadillo!

Get up close to one of our special ambassador animals on today’s episode of Como Live – the six-banded armadillo! Learn more about these armored mammals and what makes them unique.

Try your hand at a word search that is all about armadillos by clicking HERE. Stumped? Click HERE for the answers.

Wednesday, June 10: Going Green!

For today’s episode of Como Live on Facebook at 1:30pm, learn more about the energy use of the greenhouses and the conservatory, from how the Fern Room utilizes solar power, to coverings for the greenhouse.

The days are getting longer, and the sun is out more! Click HERE for a trace shadow activity you can do  with your kids.

Tuesday, June 9: Poison Dart Frogs!

The Tropical Encounters exhibit is a living rainforest at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, It’s also home to several different species of free-roaming animals, including poison dart frogs! Come learn more about these brightly-colored amphibians on today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Do you know your frogs that are found at Como Zoo? Click HERE for a quiz to see where their wild counterparts are found.

Monday, June 8: Gardener Talk!

The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory horticulture staff provides the highest quality of care to our variety of gardens, from our tall palms to our delicate orchids. Learn more about the specifics of plant care and see some of the tools used on today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Have you ever seen a seed sprout into a plant? Click HERE for an activity you can do with your kids that explains how to watch a seed grow.

Friday, June 5: Behind-the-scenes with our Arctic Foxes!

Join us at 1:30pm on Facebook for today’s episode of Como Live highlighting our Arctic foxes. We will be behind-the-scenes of their exhibit, where zookeepers will tell you more about the foxes and their care.

How much do you know about Arctic foxes? Complete our crossword puzzle found HERE to find out! Stumped? Click HERE for the answers.

Thursday, June 4: Meet Turkey, the Parrot!

Turkey is a yellow-headed Amazon parrot, and one of our ambassador animals here at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. Join us on Facebook Live at 1:30 to meet Turkey, learn more about him by participating in some live trivia, and perhaps hear what he has to say on today’s Como Live!

Click HERE to learn how to make a bird feeder out of pipe cleaners with your kids to attract different birds in your own backyard

Wednesday, June 3: Discover the Teahouse in the Charlotte Partridge Ordway Gardens

Today’s episode of Como Live is all about the Teahouse in the Charlotte Partridge Ordway Gardens. The teahouse was completed in 1991, and many tea ceremonies have taken place there over the years.. Learn more about the history of the teahouse, it’s structure and the surrounding garden at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Prepare for this afternoon’s Como Live by testing your knowledge with a short quiz. Click HERE for the quiz.

Tuesday, June 2: California Sea Lions

Our California sea lions receive daily training session and a variety of enrichment. Check out this sea lion training and enrichment video!

Monday, June 1: Join us in the Sunken Garden!

We are back in the Sunken Garden to enjoy more of the summer flower show for today’s episode of Como Live. Come see some of the new plants and changes that have taken place since it was first installed.

Click HERE for an activity to do with your kids using things you can find in your kitchen to learn more about plants and how they “drink” water.

Friday, May 29: Spend some time with our Galápagos tortoises!

Spend some time with our Galápagos tortoises for today’s episode of Como Live on Facebook at 1:30! Get an up-close look at the largest species of tortoise and learn about their care.

Make a turtle with your kids by doing this easy craft project using things you can find at home! Click HERE for instructions and click HERE for the turtle template.

Thursday, May 28: Peaceful Walk In The North Garden

We are back in the North Garden again today at 1:30 on Facebook Live for another episode of Como Live. Take a quiet, live virtual tour of the garden! Many of the plants in the room are used for economic purposes around the world. Enjoy looking at the variety of recognizable plants and trees.

See if you can identify some of the fruits and plants found in the North Garden beforehand. Click HERE and take the quiz

Wednesday, May 27: Pollinating the Vanilla Orchid ~ A Fascinating Process

For today’s Como Live segment, one of our horticulture staff will be talking about the structure and pollination process of our vanilla orchid in the North Garden. You’ll also see an up-close video clip of her intricately hand-pollinating the vanilla plant!

Did you know? The North Garden at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory consists of plants used for economic purposes. How much do you know about the vegetables you eat? Click HERE to match the vegetable to the part of the plant it comes from. Stumped? Click HERE for the answers.

Tuesday, May 26: Kudu For You!

For today’s episode of Como Live, we are back in the hoofstock barn to learn more about how the zookeepers care for these animals at Como Zoo. The zookeepers will specifically talk about the care for the kudu.

At Como Zoo, zookeepers use different types of enrichment, or physical and mental stimulation for our animals. Enrichment can come in the form of puzzle feeders. Enrichment isn’t just for zoo animals, make a puzzle feeder for your dog or cat at home using toilet paper tubes. Click HERE to learn how!

Monday, May 25: Enjoy your Memorial Day!

We’re taking the day off today and we honor those who gave their lives for our country. Our warmest wishes on Memorial Day and deepest gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice of our fallen heroes.

Friday, May 22: Live Fish Feeding in Tropical Encounters! This is a don’t miss!

Happy Friday! Today’s Como Live is all about fish! Join us in our Tropical Encounters exhibit for a talk and live fish feeding at 1:30pm on Facebook.

How much do you know about the fish in the Tropical Encounter exhibit? See if you can identify them by clicking HERE and take our quiz!

Thursday, May 21: Lizard!

During today’s Como Live, meet one of our ambassador animals, the black and white Argentine tegu, at 1:30pm on Facebook.

This lizard would normally visit our education classes, summer camps and other special events.

Lizards are reptiles, which means they are cold blooded, or ectothermic animals. Demonstrate what it means to be cold-blooded by clicking HERE to do an easy activity with your kids!

Wednesday, May 20: The Art You See At Como!

Have you ever wondered about the stories behind the art pieces in the conservatory? Learn more about their unique history today during Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Create your own art at home with your kids using nature! Click HERE for a painting with leaves activity!

Tuesday, May 19: Polar Bears!

Today’s Como Live is all about polar bears! Tune it at 1:30pm on Facebook to see our two twin brothers and learn more about their care.

How much do you know about these cold weather carnivores? Click HERE to test your knowledge by taking a short quiz.

Monday, May 18: BONSAI…And We’re Headed Outside!

Bonsai is a Japanese term that means “container planting”. It is an art form, with the goal being to create a realistic representation of nature. Learn more specifics from our horticulture staff on how this is done during today’s Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Today is a great day to get outside! Click HERE for a photo scavenger hunt with your kids to see how many of the listed objects you can find around nature, in your own backyard or neighborhood.

Friday, May 15: Go Behind-the-Scenes!

Happy Friday!

To close out our #NationalPublicGardensWeek celebration, we will take you behind-the-scenes of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory to the growing range during the 1:30pm episode of Como Live on Facebook. Learn about the types of plants we grow in the growing range and how they are cared for.

Celebrate plants and flowers by making a paper flower mask with your kids! You can find it by clicking HERE!

Thursday, May 14: Behind-the-Scenes!

#NationalPublicGardensWeek continues today during Como Live on Facebook. Go behind-the-scenes with us to the dormant house, and learn about the Marjorie McNeely conservatory’s largest bonsai. Spend some time taking a virtual look at the other bonsai housed there.

Bonsai are trees or shrubs that mimic shape and size of their full-size counterparts. Many trees can be identified by looking at their leaves. Try your hand at matching these common trees and their leaves HERE. Stumped? Click HERE for the answers

Wednesday, May 13: A Little Bit of History

Happy Wednesday of #NationalPublicGardensWeek!

The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory has a rich history dating back over 100 years. Learn some insider information about how the structure and gardens have changed over time during today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Click HERE to test your knowledge and go back in time with some historic photos in this four question quiz .

Tuesday, May 12: Virtual Walk Through The Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden

#NationalPublicGardensWeek continues today on Facebook at 1:30pm for another episode of Como Live.

The Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden is a quiet place where visitors can relax and take in the tranquil scenery.

Come enjoy the garden in real-time during our closure on a quiet, virtual walk today.

Here’s another way to enjoy plants found in your own backyard: Click HERE to create art with nature by trying your hand at dandelion painting with your kids.

Monday, May 11: Virtual Tour of the Summer Flower Show!

Happy National Public Gardens week! All this week we will be highlighting the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory during Como Live on Facebook at 1:30pm.

We’re kicking off this week with a virtual tour of the Sunken Garden Summer Flower show. This never-before-seen show was installed just last week, and we want to give everyone the opportunity to view the beauty of the garden, from the comfort of your own home!

The Sunken Garden is known for the five, ever-changing seasonal flower shows. Search from some of the highlights of these five shows by doing this word search found HERE. Stumped? Click HERE for the answers.

Friday, May 8: “Dear Como” We reveal the baby Dall’s sheep name!

It is “Dear Como” week on Como Live! We will share letters each day submitted by those who wished to share their memories of Como during this time of closure.

We have one more letter to read this week, and today we are returning to the Dall’s sheep exhibit live on Facebook at 1:30.

You aren’t going to want to miss this episode, as we are also announcing the name of the new lamb born on April 25th! Thanks to all the voters who helped us choose! Will he be named Nimbus, Lightning, or Cyclone?

Celebrate the Dall’s sheep by creating a lamb mask with your kids by clicking HERE.

Thursday, May 7: “Dear Como” Day Four ~ African Penguins!

The above video flips at 1:55. Also since they swam immediately after we stopped videoing, we took additional live video:

It is “Dear Como” week on Como Live! We will share letters each day submitted by those who wished to share their memories of Como during this time of closure.

The African penguins at Como Zoo are a favorite, from being ambassador animals and attending weddings, to taking a stroll in the sunken garden during our closure. We received several letters addressed to them from our school-aged supporters, which we will read during today’s Como Live!

While Como Zoo’s penguins are native to Africa, there are penguins, such as the Emperor penguin, that depend on sea ice. Click HERE for a fun ice fishing activity at home you can do at home with your kids, even during the summer months!

Wednesday, May 6: “Dear Como” Day Three ~ Behind-The-Scenes!

It is “Dear Como” week on Como Live! We will read one letter each day submitted by those who wished to share their memories of Como during this time of closure.

We will be behind-the-scenes in the orchid house for this segments, as today letter is addressed to our orchids! Want to hear the letter a little bit more about our orchid collection? Tune into Facebook at 1:30pm for Como Live!

Thinking about what to plant in your garden at home? Click HERE for a word scramble all about Minnesota garden flowers. Stumped? Click HERE for the answers.

Tuesday, May 5: “Dear Como” Day Two ~ Kudu!

It is “Dear Como” week on Como Live! We will read one letter each day submitted by those who wished to share their memories of Como during this time of closure.

Today’s letter is addressed to one of our lesser kudu! Want to hear the letter and learn more about kudu? Tune into Facebook at 1:30pm for Como Live!

Antlers or horns? Can you identify which is which? Take the quiz by clicking HERE. Learn more about horns during today’s Como Live!

Monday, May 4: “Dear Como” week!

Happy Monday! It is “Dear Como” week on Como Live! We will read one letter each day submitted by those who wished to share their memories of Como during this time of closure.

Today’s letter is addressed to our koi fish! Want to hear the letter and learn more about the koi? Tune into Facebook at 1:30pm for Como Live!

Koi are fish that have gills to breathe instead of lungs. Click HERE for an easy activity you can do with your kids demonstrating fish gills.

Friday, May 1: Meet Our Baby Dall’s Sheep!

Happy Friday! Have you heard? A new male Dall’s sheep was born on Saturday, April 25^th! We need your help naming him! Cast your vote HERE!

Get ready for today’s Como Live by making a cotton ball sheep with your kids. Click HERE to today’s activity.

Thursday, April 30: We’re Going Bananas!

For today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook, we’re going bananas! Did you know we have banana plants in our North Garden? Check them out and learn some interesting facts about this favorite fruit.

Banana plants are known for their distinct leaves. Can you identify these common fruit plants based on their leaves? Test your knowledge by taking a quiz HERE

Wednesday, April 29: We HEART Orangutans!

Spend this afternoon hanging out and enjoying some enrichment with Como’s orangutans, Amanda, Markisa, Jambu, and Kemala, for today’s episode of Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook.

Which real-life orangutan are you most like? Take the orangutan personality quiz to find out! All of the orangutans that are part of the quiz live at AZA Zoos across the country. Plus, you personality may match to a certain familiar face at Como Zoo! Take the quiz by clicking HERE.

Want to continue the fun learning about orangutans? After the quiz, there are several links to other orangutan related activities, including selfie frames, puzzles, and a paper mask craft.

Tuesday, April 28: Behind-the-Scenes!

Have you ever wondered how our horticulturalists grow seeds for the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory? Tune in at 1:30pm on Facebook for an episode of Como Live to learn more about seed germination, as well as go behind-the-scenes of the greenhouse and get a sneak-peek at Como’s vacuum seeder.

Fruits and vegetables that we eat and enjoy start as seeds! How well do you know your fruit seeds? Click HERE to do a matching game with your kids to find out. Stumped? Click HERE for the answers.

Monday, April 27: Hop into this week with our frogs!

You may have seen Zookeeper Liz on TV before, well, we have her here today for an episode of Como Live that is all about Como’s collection of frogs (including the Panamanian golden frog that is critically endangered in the wild)!

Test what you know beforehand by doing a frog crossword puzzle found HERE. Stumped? Get the answers HERE.

Friday, April 24: Slow, Peaceful Stroll Through the Palm Dome

The people have spoken and we’ve listened! We’ve receive many requests for a peaceful stroll through the Palm Dome. We will bring it to you this afternoon on Facebook at 1:30pm, and later this afternoon in this space.

Happy Arbor Day! Get outside this Arbor Day by doing a family scavenger hunt! How many tree items can you find? Download your guide HERE!

Thursday, April 23: Behind-the-Scenes!

What role does Como play in plant conservation efforts? Learn about the plant rescue program on today’s episode of Como Live on Facebook at 1:30pm. You’ll get a behind -the-scenes peak at plants that are not normally visible to the public!

Many native plants are threatened due to invasive species. Click HERE to take a quiz and test your knowledge on Minnesota plants and determine what is invasive and what is native to this state.

Wednesday, April 22: Watch Como’s animals celebrate Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day! Celebrate Earth Day and enjoy some globe-themed enrichment with our reindeer, bison, arctic fox and polar bears during our Como Live segment today on Facebook at 1:30pm.

How are you celebrating Earth Day? Helping nature can be as simple as picking up litter and recycling. Get outside, enjoy the weather, and help the planet! Follow the activity by clicking HERE.

Live in Saint Paul and not sure what can be recycled? Find the 2019 Recycling Guide by clicking HERE

Tuesday, April 21: Waddle Waddle..It’s Penguins Today!

Tune into our Facebook page at 1:30 today and meet one of our penguins up-close for this afternoon’s episode of Como Live! Learn more about the penguins at Como Zoo and how we are helping their wild counterparts.

Before this episode, test your knowledge on penguins by taking the quiz found by clicking HERE.

Monday, April 20: Water Lilies!

With spring comes thawing ice, and soon water lilies will be popping up in wetlands across Minnesota.

Learn about how Como prepares and grows lilies for the seasonal water gardens, and also how we are helping with aquatic plant conservation efforts in Minnesota. Tune in to Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook to learn more!

Water lilies are aquatic plants that are easily recognized due to floating on the surface of the water. What causes things to sink or float? Click HERE for a fun, simple experiment at home with your kids to test buoyancy with other objects in nature!

FUN FACT: Como is the only public garden in Minnesota to grow and display Victoria Water Lilies!

Friday, April 17: Fun Fact Friday! Sssssnakes!

For this edition of Fun Fact Friday, we will be talking all about snakes at 1:30pm on Facebook. You will even get a chance to meet one of our snakes!

How much do you already know about these reptiles? Test out your knowledge beforehand by taking a quiz HERE!

Thursday, April 16: The Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden

The Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden is a symbol of peace and friendship between Saint Paul and its sister city Nagasaki, Japan. Take a break in this tranquil garden during today’s Como Live at 1:30pm on Facebook. Learn about how the horticulture staff provides care for the garden and prepares it for the spring opening season.

You can also try your hand at today’s word search puzzle, containing elements and words relating to Japanese gardens. You can find it HERE. Stumped? Get the answers HERE.

Wednesday, April 15: BIRDIE BINGO!

Thousands of bird species call Central and South America their home. Did you know that Como exhibits several of these species in Tropical Encounters?

Join us on Facebook at 1:30 for an episode of Como Live that is all about birds. We will be showing you a cool canopy view from the top balcony—a space that is not accessible to the general public!

Did you know? Minnesota is home to over 400 different bird species. How many can you spot around your neighborhood or in your own backyard? Get your Backyard Bird Bingo scorecard HERE!

Tuesday, April 14: Behind-The-Scenes: The Greenhouse!

It’s where the magic happens! Have you ever wondered how we keep the many plants of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory thriving? Tune into Facebook Live today at 1:30pm for a special behind-the-scenes Como Live to learn about the maintenance and environment of our greenhouses.

In the meantime, you can make your own greenhouse at home using a recycled plastic bottle! Check out this simple craft HERE.

Monday, April 13: Get Up Close To Chloe!

Como’s resident two-toed sloth Chloe spends most of her time in the Tropical Encounters exhibit, but she is also known for crashing weddings and other special events as an ambassador animal. Get up close to Chloe on our Facebook page during Como Live at 1:30pm from the comfort of our own home!

Looking for a fun and easy craft to do with your kids who are spending their time distance learning? Make a paper sloth for their favorite writing utensil by following the instructions HERE

Friday, April 10: Fun Fact Friday! Get ready to go back 100+ years….

The beginnings of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory date back over 100 years. Gain some insight into how it all started by tuning into our FACEBOOK page at 1:30pm (CDT) as we go LIVE for today’s episode of Como Live: Fun Fact Friday edition!

But first, prepare and test your knowledge by taking this quick online quiz HERE!

Thursday, April 9: “Plants That Care”…did you know?

At 1:30pm Thursday on Facebook we will bring you “Plants that Care”, one of our award winning fee based classes usually offered for 2nd-3rd graders. This class teaches how we use plants and what plants need to survive. Many of the plants are grown in our North Garden of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory.

Take the quiz from that class HERE to test your knowledge, and then tune in to Como Live on Facebook at 1:30pm (CDT) for more trivia and a peak at the North Garden, our living grocery, pharmacy and building supply store!

Wednesday, April 8: Como Releases Critically Endangered Amphibians Back into the Wild!

Como Zoo is taking the leap to help wild amphibians by breeding and releasing Wyoming Toads back into the wild. These toads are one of the most critically endangered species in North America.

How can you help native toads here in Minnesota? Toads play an important part in the food chain by eating insects and slugs. Invite toads to your backyard this spring by creating a toad house! Click HERE to make your own Toad Abode! Share your design with us by posting on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter using the hashtag #ComoLive

Tuesday, April 7: Behind-the-scenes in our Orchid House!

Let’s learn about orchids today! Join us on Facebook at 1:30 (CDT) for a LIVE Gardener Talk about these fascinating plants, or check back later this afternoon and we’ll have the video here. To get prepared, see how you do with our orchid crossword puzzle HERE. Stumped? The answer key can be found HERE.

The extensive orchid collection at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory consists of approximately 1,200 plants altogether. Most of the orchids are Central and South American species, but sometimes donations are received from other parts of the world. Some orchids are on display for visitors in the Palm Dome, but a majority of the collection is behind-the-scenes in the Orchid House.

Monday, April 6: Zookeeper Adam introduces us to Como’s Giraffes! (the video straightens out after a minute)

Test your knowledge and see if you can correctly answer the questions about giraffes. Click HERE for your quiz.