About Us

Como Friends is a 501c3 nonprofit corporation committed to ensuring Como Park Zoo & Conservatory can welcome the next generation to discover the wonders of our natural world.

Our Mission

A Powerful Partnership

At Como Friends, we inspire community generosity in support of Como Park Zoo & Conservatory so it thrives for generations to come. The successful public/private partnership behind Como Friends has fueled more than 20 years of major improvements at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory.

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$2,327,091

in private contributions raised to support Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in 2023
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$50,000,000

in new investment at Como since Como Friends’ founding in 2000
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$167 million

in annual economic impact created at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory for the state of Minnesota

Testimonials

Sherri Fonseth-Lais
Community Volunteer
Testimonials

“As a community volunteer and a veterinarian, I really appreciate the way that Como Friends’ funding allows keepers to care for animals in a way that Como Zoo’s normal budget might not allow.When you consider the fact that Como is a free zoo, fully accredited with the AZA and with some of the most cutting-edge animal care programs around, it says a lot about our donors, our board and our community and how much we all value great animal care.”

 

Sherri Fonseth-Lais
Community Volunteer
Sen. John Marty
Minnesota State Senator
Testimonials

“Fewer than one in six Como visitors live in St. Paul, but more than a third of Como’s funding comes from St. Paul taxpayers. It’s a gift from the people of St. Paul to the state of Minnesota and beyond.”

Sen. John Marty
Minnesota State Senator
What’s New

The 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

    Event

    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.

    Event

    Bouquets

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

     

     

    Event

    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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