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.

$2,327,091

in private contributions raised to support Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in 2023

SUPPORT OUR MISSION

$50,000,000

in new investment at Como since Como Friends’ founding in 2000

ATTEND AN EVENT

$167 million

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

MAKE A RESERVATION

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.”

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.”

Como Friends 2023 Audit Report

Como Friends 2023 990 Tax Report

Donor-Privacy-Policy-Nov-20101

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.