Como Zoo

Minnesota's first zoo opened in St. Paul in 1897 with three donated deer in a fenced-in pasture. More than 100 years later Como Zoo continues its mission of animal conservation, education, and family entertainment.

Como Zoo began with a gift of three deer to the City of St. Paul in 1897. By 1902, foxes, elk, and two Cebu (Zebu) cattle joined the deer. Two bison donated by future Lieutenant Governor Thomas Frankson made their debut in 1915. An American black bear, donated by a local citizen in 1926, required the first cage. It was built from iron archways found in the park and covered with strong wire mesh.

The first major improvements came in the 1930s when the Works Progress Administration (WPA) began federally funded construction projects at the zoo. Workers built the Bear Grotto and Monkey Island habitats as well as a barn. The main zoological building, completed in 1937, housed most of the zoo's animals.

The City of St. Paul recommended closure of Como Zoo in 1955, but action on the part of local citizens saved it. Attendance increased when Archie Brand brought his trained sea lion act to Como the following year. The "Sparky the Sea Lion Show” has been a hit with generations of visitors since 1956. A giant Galapagos tortoise named Toby became popular with small children starting in 1958.

John A. Fletcher became the zoo's first director in 1957. During his tenure, wildlife conservation became an important part of the zoo's work as it acquired endangered animals such as gorillas, orangutans, and Siberian tigers. Como's program of loaning great apes to other zoos for breeding and its success in hand-raising Siberian tiger cubs in the late 1950s set an example for other zoos.

In 1966 a metropolitan zoo study determined that Como could not be developed into a major urban zoo. Concerned that the zoo might close, the public again rallied to save it.

In 1976 the Minnesota State Legislature provided funding for the development of a master plan for the zoo’s renovation. The Metropolitan Council approved the plan the next year. Its goals included the careful selection of animals and a breeding program to help preserve them. The zoo planned new support facilities for recreation, conservation, research, and education. The plan included accessibility improvements for visitors with disabilities, energy efficiency, and a multi-use design to maximize public use.

In the 1980s, the master plan led to better habitats for large cats, primates, and African hoofstock, like zebras and giraffes. The Aquatic Animal Building, completed in 1982, met federal regulations for obtaining and caring for marine animals. It houses the zoo's polar bears, harbor seals, and sea lions. It features exhibit space for penguins, sea puffins, and freshwater fish. The renovation of Monkey Island into Seal Island created a better home for seals and sea lions. Como Zoo received its first Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation in 1985.

The Como Park Zoo & Conservatory Visitor Center, with a café and classrooms and space for meetings and events, opened in 2005. It serves as the primary entrance for both the zoo and the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. In 2006, the visitor center unveiled its Tropical Encounters exhibit—an immersive recreation of a Central/South American rainforest. It was the first exhibit to feature animals from Como Zoo and plants from the conservatory.

Polar Bear Odyssey, a 15-million-dollar habitat for the zoo's polar bears, opened in 2010. The expanded environment gives the bears more room to roam and prompts natural behaviors. From a year-round viewing station, visitors learn about climate change and its impact on Arctic animals.

Gorilla Forest opened in June 2013 with seven gorillas on exhibit. It is the largest all-mesh gorilla habitat in North America, with 13,000 square feet of outdoor space. The exhibit area lets the apes climb and play and gives visitors the opportunity to observe their social behavior.

A giraffe feeding station opened in 2015 offering a close-up view of the animals. Como Zoo successfully breeds reticulated giraffes and welcomed its twentieth calf in 2017.

In 2018, the zoo is carrying out an $18.5 million renovation of its sea lion and seal habitat, including Sparky's performance space. The project will be completed in 2019.