While we all #StaySafeMN and practice social distancing, check this space for challenging, fun learning opportunities. Then, tune in Monday – Friday 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, 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.