Como Zoo facts for kids

This page is about Como Zoo. For Como Park as a whole, see Como Park Zoo and Conservatory.

Quick facts for kids
Como Zoo
The Como Zoo Zoological Building in 1936
Date opened	1897
Location	Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States
Land area	17 acres (6.9 ha)
Coordinates	44°58′56″N 93°9′14″W / 44.98222°N 93.15389°W / 44.98222; -93.15389
No. of animals	1,700
No. of species	66
Annual visitors	1.9 million
Memberships	AZA

Welcome to Como Zoo, a special place in Saint Paul, Minnesota! It was the very first zoo in Minnesota, opening its doors in 1897. The zoo started when the mayor of Saint Paul needed a home for his deer. Today, Como Zoo is part of Como Park and is a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This means it meets high standards for animal care and conservation.

Exploring Como Zoo's Past

How Como Zoo Began

Como Zoo started in 1897 with a simple gift. The city of Saint Paul received three deer. They created a fenced area in Como Park for these new residents. This small beginning grew into the amazing zoo we know today.

Growing the Animal Family

By 1902, the zoo's animal collection became bigger. It welcomed animals from Minnesota, like elk, moose, and foxes. The zoo also received pets, including a parrot and a monkey. In 1915, two bison joined the zoo, donated by Thomas Frankson. That same year, the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory was built. It offered a warm place for animals during cold winters.

New Homes and Exotic Friends

In 1926, an American black bear named Peggy arrived. Her home was made from old iron arches already at the zoo. The 1930s were an exciting time. New areas like Monkey Island (1932) and bear grottos were built. The Main Zoological building opened in 1936. Many exotic animals from the closed Longfellow Gardens zoo found a new home here. The 1940s brought more growth. The zoo added paved parking, a Kiddie Zoo, and a raccoon pit. This pit later became Prairie Dog Hill.

Challenges and Triumphs in the 1950s

The 1950s saw even more changes. Rabbitville opened, which later became the Children's Farm Zoo. In 1955, the zoo faced financial challenges. City officials thought about closing it. But a group of citizens formed a committee to save Como Zoo. Thanks to community support and a generous businessman, new animals arrived. These included ostriches, jaguars, seals, and llamas. In 1957, some endangered animals joined. These were Siberian tigers, gorillas, and orangutans. Toby, a Galápagos tortoise, moved to the zoo in 1958. Young children could even ride on Toby's back! Also in 1958, the first Siberian tigers born in captivity at Como Zoo were a big success. In 1959, Casey the gorilla arrived. The Como Mobile Zoo also began visiting local schools.

Changes and Rebuilding in the 1960s and 1970s

The 1960s brought more discussions about the zoo's future. Some thought Como Zoo might close. But citizens rallied again in 1969 to raise money. A new primate house was built, welcoming two new lowland gorillas, Don and Donna. In 1974, Toby the tortoise moved to the Honolulu Zoo. In 1976, a new plan was made to improve the zoo. The State Legislature provided $8.5 million for these exciting changes.

Modernizing the Zoo in the 1980s

The 1980s were a time of new buildings and exhibits. In 1980, the Large Cats exhibit opened. The new Aquatic Animal building followed in 1982. Other additions included a new polar bear exhibit and a show amphitheater. Monkey Island became Seal Island. Casey II, a grandson of the original gorilla, arrived from the Gladys Porter Zoo. In 1985, the Primate House was rebuilt. It became home to gorillas, orangutans, lemurs, and monkeys. A new Land Bird and Water Fowl exhibit opened in 1986. The African Hoof Stock exhibit was finished in 1988. It featured giraffes, zebras, ostriches, and antelopes.

Exciting Developments in the 1990s and 2000s

In 1994, Don the gorilla passed away. An interesting event happened when Casey II, another gorilla, briefly explored the park outside his exhibit. This led to plans for an even better gorilla habitat. Casey II later moved to the Audubon Zoo. In 2008, a baby giraffe was born at the zoo. It needed special care at the University of Minnesota before returning to its parents. Also, work began on the new Polar Bear Odyssey. This project replaced the old bear grottos with a much larger home for polar bears.

New Eras: 2010s and Beyond

The Polar Bear Odyssey opened in 2010. It is seven times larger than the old polar bear area. In 2011, three grizzly bears temporarily stayed here due to flooding at another zoo. Gorilla Forest opened in 2013. It is a large mesh enclosure for gorillas. It houses Schroeder, a 500-pound silverback male, his female companions, their daughters, and a group of other males. Como Harbor opened in 2021, providing new homes for seals and sea lions.

Past Animal Homes

Over the years, some exhibits have been replaced. These include Prairie Dog Hill, The Raccoon Pit, Monkey Island, and the Children's Farm Zoo. The 1936 Zoological Building has also been updated.

Discovering Como Zoo's Amazing Exhibits

Bird Yard: A Colorful Welcome

Right after the visitor center, you'll find the Bird Yard. This exhibit features a large pool, a waterfall, and a charming mill house. Big rocks separate the birds from two large Galápagos tortoises. Here, you can see many beautiful birds. Look for Chilean flamingos, mallard ducks, red-breasted geese, and white-faced whistling ducks.

Primate House: Meet Our Monkey and Ape Friends

The Primate House has been a part of Como Zoo since 1969. It was rebuilt in 1985 to be even better. The Gorilla Forest is a huge, all-mesh home for gorillas. It's the biggest of its kind in North America! Here, you can observe many fascinating primates. These include blue-eyed lemurs, patas monkeys, emperor tamarins, and western lowland gorillas. You might also spot Sumatran orangutans and Hoffmann's two-toed sloths.

Large Cats Exhibit: Majestic Hunters

Lions napping at the Como Zoo.

The Large Cats Exhibit opened in 1980. It gave the zoo's big cats much more space. They moved from smaller, older enclosures to these larger, modern homes. Get ready to see powerful animals like Siberian tigers, lions, snow leopards, and cougars. You might also spot a serval!

Aquatic Building: Underwater Wonders

Opened in 1982, the Aquatic Building is a cool place to explore. It's filled with amazing creatures from the water. You can watch African penguins swim and dive. Look for delicate lined seahorses and unique mudpuppies. Other residents include tufted puffins, archerfish, and colorful African cichlids.

Como Harbor: Splashing with Seals and Sea Lions

Como Harbor opened in 2021. It's a fantastic home for marine mammals. Here, you can see playful harbor seals, gray seals, and California sea lions.

The Sparky Show: Learning with Sea Lions

Don't miss the famous Sparky Show! This educational show features a talented sea lion named Sparky. It has been entertaining and teaching visitors since 1956. The show teaches about marine life conservation. You'll also learn about sea lion behavior and how they are trained. Many different sea lions have played the role of Sparky over the years.

African Hoof Stock: Giants of the Savanna

The African Hoof Stock exhibit was completed in the mid-1980s. It brings a piece of Africa to Como Zoo. This area is home to impressive animals with hooves. You can see Grant's zebras and tall reticulated giraffes. Look for the elegant Nyala and an African spurred tortoise. Majestic ostriches and a beautiful crowned crane also live here.

Old Hoof Stock: North American Neighbors

This older hoof stock building is one of the zoo's historic exhibits. It houses animals from North America and colder climates. Here you can find plains bison and Dall sheep. Keep an eye out for Arctic foxes and reindeer.

Tropical Encounters: A Rainforest Adventure

Step into the Tropical Encounters Exhibit, created in 2005. It's like walking into a lush rainforest! This exhibit is home to many amazing creatures. You can see Arrau turtles and Emerald tree boas. Look for colorful birds like bay-headed tanagers and paradise tanagers. Don't miss the busy leafcutter ants. Other residents include black pacu, peacock bass, and green anaconda.

Wolf Woods: Home of the Gray Wolves

Explore Wolf Woods, a beautiful forested area. This exhibit is home to two magnificent gray wolves. You can observe them in a natural setting.

Polar Bear Odyssey: Arctic Explorers

Polar bears, Buzz and Neil, part of the Polar Bear Odyssey exhibit

The Polar Bear Odyssey opened in 2010. It's a huge and modern home for the zoo's polar bears. This exhibit is four times larger than their old home! An indoor viewing area lets you watch the bears swim. You can also see their indoor facility. Interactive computers in the viewing area teach about changes in the Arctic. They show how glacier ice caps are changing.