In an effort to spread some holiday cheer
and put an end to this difficult year,
animals from armadillos to zebras will be gifted,
with enrichment to help all our spirits be lifted.
Enrichment of food treats, puzzles, and toys
will be given to all good zoo girls and zoo boys.
Watch every day for the many ways
the animals play and brighten our days.
2020 is almost a thing of the past
Here’s hoping 2021 will be a blast.
From all of us here at Como Zoo
We hope 2021 will be good for you
– poem by Allison, Senior Zookeeper
Beginning December 11 and continuing through December 31 we’ll count down to 2021 with 21 videos, one per day, of amazing animals from Como Zoo participating in enrichment activities.
2020, A Year In Review…with something to look forward to too!
Check out our year in review. It will make you smile, might make you sad, but it will give you hope for 2021 as we prepare to open Como Harbor!
Como’s 2020 Virtual Noon Year’s Celebration!
Grab the confetti, noisemakers, and raise a glass of your favorite beverage as we countdown to the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021.
Day 1: Ringing in the New Year Like A Fox Armadillo and a Chicken
We did it, we did it! It’s finally here. Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, wishes you all a safe and Happy New Year!
Day 2: A Quiet Christmas
A fireplace and presents for cougar fun, thank goodness 2020 is almost done!
Day 3: Kudo Christmas!
Snacks for Santa, left with care, the kudu though they were meant to share.
Day 4: Santa! He Looks Just Like Me!
Day 5: Freddy vs. The Holiday Village!
A holiday village calm and quiet in the snow, until a rampaging tortoise causes the village to blow!
Day 6: Who Taped This Gift?!?
Happy Boxing day! The spider monkeys’ keepers wrapped their gift up so tight, it took the whole troop to open it right.
Day 7: A Very Foxy Christmas!
If you thought the kids were excited to open presents, take a look at the Arctic foxes! Merry Christmas from all of us at Como!
Day 8: Holiday Cheer!
The reindeer fuel up for their evening flight. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
Day 9: A Very Merry Lemur!
The countdown continues with lights and a treat, created for good lemurs to savor and eat.
Day 10: Tiny the Tegu’s Tiny Celebration!
Tiny the tegu reminds us, that calories don’t count this time of year. So enjoy the cookies and eggnog and candy and spread some holiday cheer!
Day 11: Penguins Holiday With Ice!
Day 12: Oh Tasty Tree!
Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, your needles are so yummy. We’ll eat the boughs, we’ll eat the gifts, oh it will fill our tummies.
Day 13: A Very Cavy Christmas!
Delicious treats and holiday décor are set up for our education Cavy to enjoy and explore.
Day 14: HOHOHO SakiGHLT!
The sakis and tamarins were delighted to see, all kinds of presents were under their tree.
Day 15: Patas Stockings!
The stockings were hung in the exhibit with care. For Patas monkeys Julie and Tyler to share.
Day 16: Spiny Mice Jingle!
Tiny presents and a holiday house are perfectly sized for a spiny mouse!
Day 17: The Holiday Cookie
Oh Snap! Armadillos Marty and Dilla can’t be outrun. Gobbling up gingerbread keepers is oh so much fun.
Day 18: Holidays at the Starlight Lounge!
Turkey the parrot and friends big and small visit the Starlight Lounge and have a Holiday ball.
Day 19: Mumford’s Magical Holiday!
African lions and presents oh my! Mumford the lion uses all his might to open his presents in early Christmas delight.
Day 20: Amanda’s 44th Birthday Party!
Amanda celebrated her 44th birthday recently and the zookeepers threw her a party! Let’s party like it’s 2021! #ComoCountdown21to21
Day 21: Neil The Polar Bear’s Birthday!
When a bear turns 25 a party’s a must; cupcakes and ice treats and barrels to bust! Happy Birthday Neil! #ComoCountdown21to21
Animal enrichment programs encourage animals to use their natural abilities and behaviors to interact with their environment. It increases activity and offers an opportunity for animals to make choices and experience new things as they would in the wild. Zoo keepers use novelty foods, sounds, smells, boxes, bags and toys to provide activities that stimulate all the senses.
Kate says
Love the poem! Love the videos so far, love Como!