Como Friends

10/07/2026

Gray crowned cranes Mutambi and Houdini, have some fast-growing babies on their wings.

There is something wonderfully awkward about growing up. Gray crowned crane colts Amani and Baraka are discovering that firsthand. Their legs have officially surpassed the growth charts, their feathers are changing by the day, and now their distinctive crowns are beginning to emerge. They may look a little gangly right now, but every awkward stage is part of becoming the magnificent cranes they will become.

While Amani and Baraka are busy growing in the African Hoofstock Building with our giraffe herd, Como Zoo Senior Keeper Jill Erzar is helping create a future for crowned cranes beyond our zoo. Jill was recently elected Vice Chair of the AZA SAFE Crowned Crane Program, a leadership role within the The Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Saving Animals From Extinction initiative.

As Vice Chair, Jill will help bring zoos and conservation partners together to support research, conservation planning, public engagement, and coordinated efforts that benefit crowned cranes across their range.

From two young cranes finding their footing to conservation leaders working to protect their future, growth takes many forms. And sometimes, the most beautiful beginnings look a little awkward along the way.

Your support helps Como Park Zoo & Conservatory's animals thrive at all stages of life. Thank you! https://bit.ly/3OepWdk

10/04/2026

We could not be more honored to support our incredible Zookeeper team at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory! Thank you for the care, love, and expertise you share with all of us, and our beloved Como Zoo animals 365 days a year.

🐾 It’s International Zookeeper Day, and we’re celebrating the amazing keepers at Como! 💚

Animal care happens every day, in every season and all kinds of weather. From preparing meals and creating enrichment to monitoring health and building trust, our keepers bring knowledge, patience, creativity, and compassion to everything they do.

They know the animals’ personalities, notice the smallest changes, and work tirelessly to support their wellbeing. They also help our visitors connect with wildlife and understand how we can all help protect animals in the wild.

Today, we join people around the world in recognizing those who dedicate their lives to caring for animals. To our Como keepers: thank you for all you do, including the countless moments of care that happen behind the scenes.

Help us celebrate by leaving a thank-you for our keepers in the comments! 👇

10/02/2026

A Witch’s Brew of Botanicals in the Fall Flower Show

In the seasonal lead-up to Halloween, horticulturist Rylee Werden has created a moody and medicinal witch’s garden of ritual plants, moon gardens, and magical herbs to complement the traditional mums in Como Park Zoo & Conservatory's beloved Fall Flower Show. Don’t miss this slightly spooky spin on part one of the Fall Flower Show, on display from September 18 to October 18. https://bit.ly/4yKUntu

09/30/2026

I spy with my little eye…

Something endlessly mesmerizing and full of surprises, seahorses are unlike almost any other animal in the ocean.

Discover these fascinating creatures up close in the Aquatic Animals Building at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, home to three species of seahorses and more than 25 types of aquatic animals, and a space dedicated to growing different corals. As you explore, look closely—you may spot animals using camouflage to blend seamlessly into their surroundings. Many can even change colors to help them hide among plants, coral, and other features of their underwater home, making every visit an opportunity to discover something new.

Seahorses live in shallow tropical waters throughout much of the world’s oceans. There are 35 species of seahorse, ranging in size from just 0.6 to 14 inches long. Seahorses swim using a small fin on their back, which can flutter up to 35 times per second to propel them through the water. Their curled tails help them anchor themselves to seagrasses, coral, and other underwater surfaces. https://bit.ly/4yu9JDp

09/29/2026

There's something for everyone at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory!

Did you know that Como offers two special programs for visitors to enjoy the Zoo and Conservatory in a more comfortable setting?

Sensory Friendly Mornings
Designed for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, this special time provides an opportunity to explore Como with fewer crowds and a more welcoming environment for guests who may find busy, stimulating surroundings overwhelming. Next sensory friendly morning: Saturday, October 17. 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4rB5Rxm

Senior Strolls & Sunset Senior Strolls
For adults 55 and better, these special strolls offer a chance to enjoy the Conservatory at a leisurely pace, with fewer crowds, special activities, guest presenters, social opportunities, and a little adult learning along the way. Next Senior Strolls: Tuesday, October 13. 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4yVo1Ms

09/28/2026

Some people have a green thumb; Jake has a gift for making everything around him bloom.

As a seasonal gardener at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, Jake brings his creativity and care to wreath making, garden planning, tree planting, pollinator pairings, and just about everything that helps Como Park Zoo & Conservatory’s gardens flourish.

And this time, taking an abundance of hydrangeas to make the perfect frame for some big smiles. Hydrangeas look good on you, Jake! Thank you for all you do!

Sponsoring a garden is a unique way to keep the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory growing strong. Your donations help to plant thriving gardens, grow new programs, and preserve the Conservatory’s historic character for generations to come. https://bit.ly/41ACZco

09/27/2026

Get your tickets to Como After Hours: Gourds in the Garden before they are gone! https://bit.ly/4zjSgOk
Thursday, October 22, 2026 | 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM

Experience the magic of autumn at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory and the Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden during this after-hours event for adults only. Wander the gardens in search of hidden gourds, mysterious botanical treasures, graceful schools of koi, and unexpected surprises around every corner. Sip, stroll, and savor the evening with local food truck favorites like Wrecktangle Pizza and 612 Teppanyaki, a cash bar, and all the beauty and charm you love about Como Park Zoo & Conservatory.

Featuring an early glimpse of part two of the Sunken Garden’s Fall Flower Show, and a rare experience of Como’s gardens in the gloaming, Como After Hours is a great destination for a unique night out or a garden lovers gathering. Grab your tickets today! https://bit.ly/4zjSgOk

09/26/2026

We have a surefire way to improve your Monday blahs. Now through April 26, 2027, the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory and the Como Friends Gift Shop will be open until 6 p.m. on Mondays.

Take a little more time to linger, shop, explore, and ease into the hubbub of fall at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory—Mondays just got a whole lot better!

09/25/2026

Join Como Park Zoo & Conservatory this Sunday, September 27, from 8–10am for Photographer, Artist & Family Photo Hours inside the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory.

Bring your camera and tripod, set up your easel, find a quiet spot to write or sketch, or take those family or senior photos you’ve been meaning to get.

No registration required
$5 cash per person at the door
Enter through the Historic Entrance
Bring your own camera and equipment

See Details Below:

📸🎨✍️ Calling all photographers, artists, writers, and families!

Start your Sunday with a little extra time in the gardens! Join us this Sunday, September 27, from 8–10am and 4:30-6:00pm for Photographer, Artist & Family Photo Hours inside the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory.

Bring your camera and tripod, set up your easel, find a quiet spot to write or sketch, or take those family or senior photos you’ve been meaning to get!

🌿 No registration required
💵 $5 cash per person at the door
🚪 Enter through the Historic Entrance
📷 Bring your own camera and equipment

And when you’re finished, stick around for Gorillas on the Line Weekend from 10am–4pm! 🦍📱 Bring along your old cell phones and other eligible small electronics to recycle and help protect gorillas in the wild. Plus, enjoy gorilla-themed activities throughout the day!

Make a whole Sunday of it at Como! 🌿🦍

More info here: https://comozooconservatory.org/como/artist-photographer-hours/



📷: Volunteer Steve Solmonson

09/24/2026

Celebrate World Gorilla Day at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory!

A heartfelt thank you to the entire Como Park Zoo & Conservatory team for making our World Gorilla Day morning such a meaningful and enriching experience for our bachelor troop and family group, including: Virgil, Samson, Jabir, and Schroeder, Nne, Arlene, and Kamba and Nora!

And the celebration is far from over! We’ll be celebrating throughout the day and continuing the festivities all weekend with “Gorillas on the Line” on Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27. Join us for special activities, engaging experiences, and events for the whole family as we celebrate gorillas and learn more about how we can help protect them. Explore the full schedule and plan your visit: https://bit.ly/4h1NAWh

Gorillas Forest's family troop welcomed two new arrivals from Brookfield Zoo Chicago—Kamba, age 22, and Nora, age 12. While all the gorillas are getting to know each other, Como visitors can get a glimpse of them at this weekends event. Read More: https://bit.ly/4iyhrqm

Visitors are invited to bring old cell phones, iPads, and other small electronics for recycling with our partners at Ecocell, a nonprofit aimed at reducing the impact of coltan mining on at-risk gorillas. Coltan is a critical component of cell phones and other small electronics and is mined in the forests of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo—right in the middle of gorilla habitat. As a result of mining for coltan, critical habitat has been destroyed, and gorillas have been displaced or even killed by poachers. Recycling old cell phones helps reduce the demand for coltan and protects gorilla habitat in Africa. Source: Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund