The zoo began in 1897 with a fenced-in pasture funded by the state that housed three deer, and it was significantly expanded in the 1930s through the Works Progress Administration, which established many of the popular areas of the zoo today. After 1956, when the seal show was implemented, the zoo expanded its animal collection to include a number of endangered species. In 1976, approved funds paved the way to major renovations and additions in the 1980s, including work on the large cat exhibit. Most recently, in 2010, the zoo added a polar bear exhibit.
The attractions at Como Zoo feature a wide array of animals. These include flamingos, zebras, giraffes, penguins, lions, tigers, orangutans, gorillas, polar bears, sloths and sea lions. In addition to animal exhibits, the zoo is home to a conservatory that houses a number of plant species. These exhibits include an orchid house, a Japanese garden, a fern room and the zoo's palm dome.
While wildlife and plants are the main attractions and the main mission of the zoo, there are other activities, as well. Kids will find a number of rides throughout the zoo, including a carousel and a mini golf course. There is also a variety of artwork scattered throughout the grounds, including sculpture works by Harriet W. Frishmuth, Betty Sievart and Ignatium Taschner. There are also a number of food and gift stands.
The Como Zoo is involved in a number of conservation efforts. It is involved with the Species Survival Plan, which regulates breeding and captivity of endangered species. Those in the program at Como Zoo are the gorilla, spider monkey, waddled crane, orangutan, African lion, Debrazza monkey, amur tiger, snow leopard, African penguin, blue-eyed black lemur and radiated tortoise. The zoo also tracks the population of the Blandings turtle in St. Paul parks in order to help protect the species, which is listed as threatened in Minnesota. A number of butterfly species are also being helped by the Como Zoo conservation projects, which involves itself with theButterfly Conservation Initiative.
