Our Mission

We inspire community generosity in support of Como Park Zoo & Conservatory so it thrives for generations to come.

OUR VISION & VALUES

A Powerful Partnership

At Como Friends, we envision a future in which Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is a global leader in conservation, animal care and horticulture with barrier-free access for all.

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Champion Conservation

By inspiring community support for Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, we ensure the next generation learns to care for the wonders of nature.
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Advance Equity

To make sure every visitor is valued at Como, we embrace and serve our diverse community by protecting free access for all.
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Embrace Innovation

From naturalistic new habitats to cutting-edge animal and plant care, your support helps Como Park Zoo & Conservatory grow and thrive.
HOW TO SUPPORT
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Support Como Friends

Like all treasures, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory requires a special kind of care—a constant presence committed to safeguarding its history and securing its future. Thanks to your support for Como Friends, the historic Como Zoo and the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory have the resources they need to thrive.

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Planned Gifts are a Way to Leave a Legacy

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory was founded in 1897 by visionaries and volunteers who saw the need for a great public green space where Minnesota families could come to reconnect with nature—and with each other. That legacy of giving continues today with your Planned Gifts.

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Join Como Friends

As a member of Como Friends, you’re carrying on a century-long tradition of community support at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, helping to keep this community treasure free and accessible, every day of the year.

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Shopping at Como Friends’ Garden Safari Gifts

Located in the heart of the Visitor Center at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory with seasonal locations throughout Como Zoo and in Como Town—every purchase you make helps support the plants, animals, and free admission you love at Como.

 

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Coming Together for Como

From the elegant Sunset Affair summer gala, to the exciting new Como Quest family fundraiser, Como Friends’ special events bring the community together for unique experiences that inspire generous support for all of Como’s plants, animals and conservation programs.

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Giving Back to the Community

A Minnesota tradition since 1897, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory welcomes more visitors than any other cultural institution in the state. Support from Como Friends’ corporate partners is critical to ensuring this regional asset is the best it can be today—and even better tomorrow!

What’s New

Latest Impact & News and Events

New-born animals, gorgeous gardens, and great conservation programs. Check out what your support for Como Friends makes possible at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory.

Impact & News

    Give to the Max for Como Park Zoo & Conservatory!

    October 29, 2024
    On Give to the Max Day, your generosity will help make even more possible at Minnesota’s most visited cultural destination.

Events

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    Special Access: Holiday Shopping & Garden Stroll

    December 5, 2024 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

    Sneak peeks at Como’s newest attractions, invitations to special access programs, and previews of animal and garden events at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory are our way of saying thank you for supporting Como Friends.

    Special Access events are reserved for donors and members of Como Friends. Make a donation today to join us at our next event!

    To attend, call 651-487-8229 or email comomembership@comofriends.org.

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    Bouquets

    Save the Date for February 27th, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM

     

     

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    Wild Conservation (21+)

    Tuesday, May 20, 2025 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

    Thank you for attending Wild Conservation at Como, and your support of Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. Together, we help Como Thrive!

     

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DID YOU KNOW THAT SPARKY’S BEEN A STAR FOR DECADES?

Sparky the Sea Lion made her debut as Como Zoo’s aquatic animal ambassador back in 1956, and now she’s sharing the spotlight. With the launch of the new SPIRE Sparky Show, visitors have been getting to know all of Como’s marine mammals—sea lions Subee, Poppy and Niko, harbor seals Kash and Kilian, and Atlantic gray seals Stanley and Wallace—as they take star turns showcasing their natural behaviors and native curiosity at the KSTP Amphitheater at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily.

DID YOU KNOW COMO HAS A JAPANESE TEA HOUSE?

One of Como’s treasures often comes as a complete surprise to new visitors—the charming Japanese Tea House nestled into the shade of the Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden. Designed to mimic a rustic 16th century Japanese farm house, the sukiya-style house embodies a Japanese aesthetic known as wabi sabi—a belief that transience, time, impermanence and imperfection add beauty to an object.

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