September 10th is National Grandparents Day! Why not take Grandma and Grandpa on a trip around the world, at Como! Como Park Zoo & Conservatory will celebrate National Grandparents Day with an African themed weekend full of special events, and even an opportunity to help name our baby Saki monkey! Grandparent’s Safari is sponsored by Xcel Energy.

Como wants all you grandkids to bring your grandparents out for a special Grandparent’s Safari Weekend September 9 & 10. Special activities include lion and African Penguin Zookeeper talks, Gardener talks, interactive Storytime readings of “Giraffes Can’t Dance.” Create and design your own binoculars and passport on our Covered Porch before heading out to explore the zoo and Conservatory. Stop at special stations to get your passport stamped, learn about African animals, and see and feel animal biofacts. Our sponsorship partner, Xcel Energy, will also be onsite with their Eco Trailer to share conservation tips.

There will also be an opportunity to help name Como’s newest addition, a baby Saki monkey! On July 11, Saki monkeys Patty and Milton welcomed their new baby boy in to the world! This adorable baby now needs a name. Visitors will have the opportunity to choose between the names Slurpee (well, the baby was born on 7/11 after all), Barker (honoring the late great, animal advocate Bob Barker), or Peanut (zookeepers reported that Mom, Patti, craved peanuts during her pregnancy).

Treat Grandma and Grandpa to a special Grandparents Day this year at Como where it’s sure to be a roaring good time!

The impetus for a National Grandparents Day originated with Marian McQuade, a mother of 15 children, from Fayette County, West Virginia. She hoped to persuade grandchildren to tap the wisdom and heritage their grandparents could provide. President Jimmy Carter, in 1978, proclaimed that National Grandparents Day would be celebrated every year on the first Sunday after Labor Day.