This winter, get to know a few of Como Zoo’s newest arrivals  

Como long-time volunteers and supporters suggested the names for the two cubs—Maks (pronounced Max) and Marisa, both associated with strength and tenacity. The name Marisa is also a nod to Marisa Paulat, a retired Como cat keeper who was instrumental in the care of large cats during her 43 years at the zoo.

Marisa and Maks

  • Amur Tigers

    Marisa and Maks | With a diet composed entirely of other animals, tigers are one of the world’s most ferocious apex predators. But for new cubs Marisa and Maks, born at Como Zoo on August 29, it’s going to take a little more time before they fully embrace their places at the top of the food chain. 

    “You might think as large carnivores that they would just come to whoever had food but that’s not the case,” says Como Zoo senior keeper Jill Erzar. “Cats are very observant, so when they noticed their mom was a little uneasy seeing us at the beginning, they hung back and took it all in. But now Marisa gets so excited about being fed that she lets out the cutest little scream. The two of them are just incredibly adorable.” 

    The first tigers born at Como Zoo in more than 41 years, the tiger twins have spent the season bonding behind the scenes with their mother, Bernadette, and growing accustomed to their keepers, who’ve been introducing the playful pair to new enrichment items. “We started with really small things, like squash and pumpkins and cabbages and easy things that they could sink their little claws into,” Erzar says. “Now they’re at the point where they love cardboard boxes—they rip them apart and run from place to place dragging the shreds behind them.” 

    The cubs represent a significant success story for the Amur Tiger Species Survival Plan (SSP), a program of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) aimed at the conservation and management of this critically endangered species. “This is a significant milestone for Como,” says Michelle Furrer, Como’s campus manager. “The birth of these tiger cubs showcases the dedication of our animal care team, and the naming process has strengthened the bond between our animals, staff, and the amazing volunteers who work tirelessly to support Como Park Zoo & Conservatory.”

    Large cat keeper Hans Jorgensen says the cubs notched an important milestone in December, and have now received all the vaccinations they’ll need for the year ahead. “They’re huge, they’re unhandleable, and they’re healthy, which is just what you want to see,” he says. The twins are expected to be big enough to begin exploring their outdoor habitat in early spring.

Willow

  • Snow Leopard

    Willow | Como Zoo’s youngest snow leopard has been making leaps and strides learning about her habitat, thanks to two new ramps that now make navigating a little simpler for her. Born blind, Willow was introduced to her outdoor habitat last spring, climbing to the upper reaches of the rock structure. With all the food, water and shelter she needed to be comfortable, she chose to stay there for weeks, causing concern from some visitors, but not for the keepers who know her best. “Willow was at an age that we needed to let her start figuring some things out for herself, and she quickly became very comfortable with the upper section of the exhibit, and so she did not feel there was any need to try and explore more to get down at first,” explains large cat keeper Hans Jorgensen. To help teach her how to shift, keepers Jorgensen and Caitlin Allessi came up with a ramp system to help ease her transition between the inside and outside of her exhibit, a solution that Willow embraced with ease. “Within 36 hours, she’d figured it all out, and now we like to brag that she’s our best shifter,” Jorgensen says. Seeing the young snow leopard build confidence and awareness of her surroundings has been exciting to watch, says Allessi. “She moves around so well you’d never know she’s blind, which is really nice to see.”

Walter

  • Nyala

    Walter | Weighing in at just 14 pounds in September, it’s taken newborn nyala Walter just a few months to triple his weight—a growth trajectory seen in the wild, too. “Female nyala like Walter’s sister Meadow will typically stay with their mothers for life, but males will often leave their natal herd around six or seven months and can be reproductive fairly early on,” Erzar explains. Males are also known for developing the nyala’s distinctive spiral horns and darker coat. Walter, whose name was chosen by Como Friends donors on Give to the Max Day, is the second offspring for mother Stevie and father Stanley, who passed away in January.

Yoshi

  • Bison

    Yoshi | When one-year-old Yoshi arrived at Como’s bison habitat in January, it took her no time at all to bond with two-year-old Ruby, another young bison from Minnesota’s Bison Conservation Herd. “They were very excited to meet each other initially, and when you visit the zoo, you’ll see them side by side,” says keeper Aaron Nelson. “Because they’re both young, and have been in a larger herd setting, you’ll also see some more natural behaviors out of them, like one we call bluff charging, to establish dominance over us.” While Como Zoo’s hoofstock keepers have a healthy respect for the young bison, who will grow to be over 1,000 pounds, “we also think it’s pretty cute, that little bit of attitude and spunk. They’re letting us know that they’re big, and they’re in charge.”

Reggiano and Ilsamar

  • Emperor Tamarins

    Reggiano and Ilsamar | Trying to guess the gender of Como Zoo’s emperor tamarins can be a bit tricky—the males, females and young of this endangered species all have very distinguished mustaches. This season Como welcomed two new individuals—Reggiano, a 3-year-old from the Buttonwood Park Zoo, and Ilsamar (Ilsa), a 2-year-old from the Dallas Zoo—as a new breeding pair put together by the AZA’s Species Survival Plan. While it’s too soon to say if their partnership will be a success, primate keepers have observed breeding behavior between the two.  

Snow Cone

  • Epaulette Shark

    Snow Cone | The newest resident of Como Zoo’s Aquatic Animals Building is Snow Cone, an adolescent epaulette shark. Now living in the building’s largest new tank, visitors can see that this nocturnal shark species exhibits some surprising behavior—appearing to “walk” across the ocean floor with its fins. A denizen of isolated tidal pools, epaulette sharks have adapted to survive severe oxygen depletion by shutting down some neural functions.

Moutig

  • Snow Leopard

    Moutig | And finally, one familiar face at Como Zoo is about to make a move. Male snow leopard Moutig will be moving to the Bronx Zoo as part of a breeding recommendation for this endangered species. A curious cat known to keepers for his distinctive vocalizations and his strong dislike for Como Zoo’s neighboring lions, Moutig first came to Como Zoo in 2016 from France as part of an international effort to diversify the genetics of European and North American snow leopards, and was selected to make this move by representatives from the snow leopard species survival plan. While keepers Hans Jorgensen and Caitlin Alessi are sorry to see him go, Jorgensen jokes, “He’s a big city cat, and with his vocalizing he could make it big on Broadway.” Au revoir Monsieur Moutig!

Send an un-fur-gettable Valentine’s Day delivery to the animal lovers in your life with this adorable trio of specially priced mini plush animals. For just $25, this sweetheart deal includes your choice of mini plush tiger, flamingo, or polar bear plus a Valentine’s card and candy hearts. Or sweeten the deal with two for just $45, or three for $65.

February 9 is the last day to order online for delivery. Stop by Garden Safari Gifts at Como to pick up your Valentine’s package through February 14!

For orders of two or more minis, please list additional animals in the comment field.

Como Brings Conservation to Life

From the first breaths taken by Como Zoo’s new tiger cubs, to the tender care that’s giving extra years to elder animal ambassadors like Nan the polar bear, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is on a mission to bring the value of conservation to life in every season.

On Give to the Max Day, your generosity helps bring conservation to the forefront every day at Minnesota’s most visited cultural destination. From crucial breeding programs to preserve our planet’s most endangered animals, to sustainable habitats that tell deeper stories about the Earth’s diversity, your support helps Como Park Zoo and Conservatory welcome the next generation to discover the wonders of nature through unforgettable face-to-face encounters, fantastic education programs, and always-free admission.

And thanks to a matching gift from the Como Friends Board of Directors and a generous donor, your gift will be doubled, dollar for dollar, up to $53,200.

 

This year, Give to the Max Day supporters helped choose the name of Como Zoo’s new baby nyala, born in September, by picking their favorite—Harvey, Stanford, or Walter. The winning name with the most votes is Walter!

Thanks to your support for Como Friends, a new generation is discovering career options in animal care and horticulture

For Como Zoo apprentice Sophia Dady, the trick is building trust with Ruby, the newest bison to live in Como’s historic barn. Over the course of the last year, Dady’s calm demeanor (and hundreds of carrots) have helped her to build a bond with the young bison, teaching her to follow a training target. This new husbandry skill now allows keepers to get a closer look at different parts of Ruby’s body, depending on where the target is positioned. 

While few zoo interns ever get the chance to take on an important long-term project, animal training is all in a day’s work for Dady. A member of St. Paul’s Right Track apprentice program, Dady is one of 9 zookeeping and 4 horticultural apprentices at Como this year, earning 20- to 40-hours-a-week pay while they take on entry-level responsibilities throughout Como Zoo and the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. 

Though unpaid internships and volunteer conservation roles have often been the career path to jobs in animal care, the Right Track program helps to remove the economic barriers to participation for youth from cost-burdened households. “Right Track is designed to ensure that you don’t have to work without pay, or have multiple side jobs, to take advantage of a career-building opportunity,” says Lianna Sanders, the Como project manager who oversees the Right Track apprentices.

This year, Como has expanded the Right Track program to include horticultural apprentices like Willow Stephens, who recently had the opportunity to collaborate with horticulturist Rylee Werden on the design and installation of the Fall Flower Show. Hands-on experiences like that, and having the time it takes to dive into a potential career is another important part of the program, which also allows young people to attend college during their apprentice tenure. 

Being fully immersed in animal care at Como has allowed Dady to take part in everything from primate training to observing behind-the-scenes veterinary care, while also attending Right Track professional development sessions in resume writing, financial literacy, and more. “Because the zookeepers see you more often, they trust you and allow you to take on your own projects, which is so important,” Dady says. “You’re given a bit more independence to find out what you like to do and what you’re good at, which is important as you’re developing your career.”

RightTrack apprentices earn a living wage while working in a variety of roles at Como. Additional funding from Como Friends helps apprentices purchase uniforms, heavy work boots, and other tools to be successful and safe on the job. 

Great Late Breaking News: Como Zoo Right Track Apprentice Gabby Metzler (pictured below) was recently hired at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo as a marine mammal and aquarium zookeeper. And Sophia Dady has been hired as a temporary zookeeper at Como Zoo in the Tropical Encounters habitat as well as their small animal, reptile, and amphibian Animal Support Building.

TWO CRITICALLY ENDANGERED AMUR TIGER CUBS BORN AT COMO PARK ZOO & CONSERVATORY

St. Paul, MN, [September 4, 2024] – Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is thrilled to announce the birth of two critically endangered Amur tiger cubs on the morning of August 29th. These cubs—a male and a female—are the first tigers born at Como Zoo in more than 41 years, marking a historic and exciting moment for the zoo and its conservation efforts.

The cubs’ mother, Bernadette, is 7 years old and was born on September 14, 2016, at the Milwaukee County Zoo in Wisconsin. She joined Como Zoo from the Oregon Zoo in October 2023. The father, Tsar, is 11 years old, born on July 6, 2013, at the Sedgwick County Zoo in Kansas. Tsar has been a resident of Como Zoo since February 2019. This is the first time both Bernadette and Tsar have become parents.

The pairing of Tsar and Bernadette was made following a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Amur Tiger Species Survival Plan (SSP), a program dedicated to the management and conservation of Amur tigers in accredited institutions across the country. With a gestation period of approximately 104 days, the arrival of these cubs offers new hope for this critically endangered species.

“This is an extraordinary milestone for Como,” said Michelle Furrer, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory’s Director. “The birth of these tiger cubs is not only a testament to the dedication and expertise of our animal care team but also a beacon of hope for the conservation of Amur tigers worldwide. We look forward to sharing their growth and milestones with everyone who visits Como Park Zoo & Conservatory.”

Both mother and cubs are in good health and will remain in their private, calm maternity den for the next few months. This period is crucial for mother-cub bonding and for the cubs to grow strong enough to explore their outdoor habitat safely. Zookeepers and veterinary staff are monitoring the new family closely via cameras, observing Bernadette being a diligent and attentive mother—cleaning, feeding, and keeping the cubs warm.

“These cubs represent a significant success for the Amur Tiger Species Survival Plan and for the future of the species,” said Wes Sims, Director of Animal Care & Health at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. “Our team is incredibly excited about the birth of these two tiger cubs, especially since they are the first offspring for both parents. It’s a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team that these amazing animals have successfully bred in our care.”

While Bernadette and her cubs will remain off-exhibit for some time, Tsar will continue to be visible to visitors in his habitat. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory will provide regular updates on Bernadette and her cubs through its social media channels, offering the public a chance to follow along as the cubs grow.

Amur tigers, also known as Siberian tigers, are the largest tiger subspecies, with males reaching up to 400 pounds. They once roamed across Siberia but are now confined to a small region around the Amur River in the Russian Far East. With fewer than 500 individuals remaining in the wild, they face critical threats from habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.

In addition to celebrating the birth of these cubs, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory also seeks to enhance its facilities through a proposed Big Cat Habitat project. This initiative represents a significant opportunity to advance Como’s mission of education and conservation. The project aims to improve the welfare of these majestic creatures while providing visitors with more enriching and immersive experiences. The habitat will include ADA and energy efficiency upgrades, ensuring accessibility for all community members. Como is actively seeking funds through a State Bonding appropriation to bring this project to life and ensure future generations can continue to connect with these ambassadors of their species.

The following story appeared in the Summer 2024 Edition of the Como Friends Insider, the quarterly newsletter for Como Friends supporters. Give today to stay up to date on all things Como, with behind-the-scenes conversations with zookeepers, horticulturists and educators who carry out Como’s conservation mission.

Experts from the Tiger Species Survival Plan think Como Zoo’s male tiger, Tsar, and Bernadette, a female who recently came to Como from the Oregon Zoo, would make a great match. But after a few months of behind-the-scenes meet and greets, the two tigers are still taking things slow. 

In fact, that’s the strategy that large cat keepers Hans Jorgensen and Caitlin Allessi have been sticking to since Bernadette made the move to Como Zoo a few months ago. Since tigers can be ferocious with each other—even their mates—keepers have been keeping their encounters as short and positive as possible. Solitary by nature, tigers are the rare breed of animal that depends on induced ovulation, which means that females don’t release their eggs until after successful breeding behavior has taken place. 

While Bernadette showed signs of being in estrus earlier this spring, and the pair have successfully copulated on multiple days, keepers continue to keep a close eye on their interactions. “Even a few months after being introduced, there’s still risk involved, so we monitor their behaviors closely both when they’re together and when they’re separated,” says Allessi. While there’s no predicting if the pair will have success, tiger gestation typically takes just 100 days. “Will there be cubs? We can’t say at this point,” says Jorgensen. “But they both appear to be receptive to the possibility.” 

(Photos of tiger cubs and Bernadette in their den taken by Senior Keeper Jill Erzar, and Zookeepers Hans and Caitlin.)

The tallest mammal on earth, giraffes also have the longest legs in the animal world, with an average “inseam” of 72 inches. As young giraffes grow, healthy limb development is a critical step in supporting their full adult weight of more than 2,000 pounds.

That’s why Como Zoo keepers and veterinary staff have been keeping a close eye on Ivy, a reticulated giraffe calf born in November to mother Zinnia. Like all young giraffes, Ivy was up and walking within minutes of her birth, but as she’s grown, keepers have noticed an unusual bend in the bones of her ankles.

“Over time, we started noticing that her legs were growing inward a little bit, and they were bumping into each other when she walked, which is why we started getting concerned,” says Wes Sims, director of animal care and health at Como Zoo. Equine surgeons from the University of Minnesota’s veterinary school diagnosed Angular Limb Deformation or ALD, a limb condition that’s common in horse foals as well. 

Recently, hoofstock and veterinary staff took the extra step of anesthetizing the young giraffe to take x-rays to help inform her treatment plan. “After studying those x-rays, it was determined that she was not a good candidate for some of the typical surgeries that equine surgeons would want to perform in these cases,” says Sims. “Instead, she’ll be on stall rest for an extended period of time. Joint inflammation is something we want her to avoid for a while, so we don’t want her to risk going up inclines and declines or running around too much.”

While the young giraffe remains in the Hoofstock Building’s behind-the-scenes habitat, Ivy has been getting plenty of attention from zookeepers, who provide daily enrichment to keep her engaged and curious. She also enjoys the companionship of her mother Zinnia, age 8, and her “aunt” Clover, age 23, who often choose to stay indoors with the young giraffe. 

Though many Como Zoo visitors have shared how eager they are to see the young giraffe in her outdoor habitat, Sims says keeper talks that include updates about Ivy’s health conditions have helped convey how important stall rest is during this critical time in her development. “We’re doing everything we can to keep things calm and low key for her while we wait to see some progress,” says Sims.

Elevated Care for All of Como’s Animals 

From portable x-ray machines and ultrasound monitors, to high-tech equipment that supports animal vision, dental health, and water quality, your support for Como Friends is critical to providing the cutting-edge care that keeps animals like Ivy healthy and curious. 

Your support for Como Friends helped Mutambi the gray crowned crane recover quickly after a wing injury, and rejoin breeding partner, Houdini

Earlier this spring, Mutambi the gray crowned crane had an unexpected run-in with one of the Grant’s zebras as they raced through the African Hoofstock habitat in what may have been a mating pursuit. While zookeepers didn’t see the collision, they were on the spot with Como’s veterinary team within minutes, using a new portable x-ray machine—funded by Como Friends supporters—to get a better understanding of her injury. 

“It was basically a dislocated elbow that vets were able to pop back into place and bandage up for a couple of weeks,” says Como Zoo hoofstock keeper Aaron Nelson. “She just wasn’t able to get out of the way in time, and may have even spread her wings to make herself look bigger, which was probably not the right move for her to make in that situation.”

Fortunately, Mutambi has made a full recovery, as Como visitors will see this summer. Together with her breeding partner Houdini, the pair have begun demonstrating a few of the moves in the elaborate mating dance this ancient and endangered crane species is known for. 

“They’re a visually striking animal to look at, but they’re also very charismatic, especially this time of year,” says Nelson. “Not only do they do these really intricate courtship dances with each other, they’re also accompanied by these kind of booming and rhythmic-sounding vocalizations that are very unique.”

Como Zoo’s gray crowned cranes were selected as a breeding pair for the Species Survival Plan, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums program designed to ensure the survival of selected species in zoos that are endangered or threatened in the wild. While the young pair have yet to show signs of breeding behavior, keepers are encouraged by their mutual interest in each other. 

“Like most crane species, gray crowned cranes are monogamous and they will bond with one mate for pretty much their entire life,” says Nelson. “The courtship dancing is a really good sign, because it means they’re pair bonded at the very least. The fact that they are vocalizing at each other and doing these dances is a really good sign that they’re at least interested in each other.” 

Elevated Care for All of Como’s Animals 

From portable x-ray machines and ultrasound monitors, to high-tech equipment that supports animal vision, dental health, and water quality, your support for Como Friends is critical to providing the cutting-edge care that keeps animals like Mutambi healthy and curious. At Como Friends’ upcoming Sunset Affair: Our Wild World, your generosity helps to invest in elevated care for more than 1,200 animals at Como Zoo. Buy your ticket today or make a contribution to our Fund-a-Mission program to support the animals, plants and people that come together at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory.  

Feeling the pinch on your family budget this summer? Then come to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, where you can spend the perfect summer day, all without spending a penny. With free public programs every day, and accessible events throughout the season, Como is the family destination where fun is always free. Check out some of our insider tips for making the most of your next visit.

DAILY PROGRAMS

  • Polar Bear Program | 10:30 a.m.

    Polar bears Neil, Nan and Kulu are the focus of this daily program, where you might catch keepers training or providing fun enrichment to Polar Bear Odyssey’s three bears.

  • Zookeeper Talk | 11:00 a.m.

    Hear what it’s like to go nose-to-nose with Como Zoo’s animals every day, direct from our zookeepers! With a theme that changes on the daily, and a casual Q&A vibe, you can learn all about the animals in Como’s care, from gorillas, to Galapagos tortoises, and everything in between.

  • Blaze Sparky Show | 11:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.

    A Minnesota tradition since 1956, the new Blaze Sparky Show has been reimagined for a new generation, with an even greater focus on conservation, and lead roles shared by all five boisterous and high-energy residents of the state-of-the-art habitat. Check it out daily at shows at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

  • Gardener Chat | 1:00 p.m.

    Meet the people behind the plants at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. Featuring a new garden or plant topic every day, Como’s talented horticulturists talk about what it takes to care for thousands of plants, and often have some gardening tips to try at home.

SPECIAL OFFERINGS

  • Nature Walk | Daily

    Those talented teenage interpreters you may meet around campus this summer are part of Como’s popular Nature Walk program. Selected through a competitive process, these young volunteers receive special training to teach Como visitors even more about our animals and plants. They also make  conservation look cool—especially for our younger visitors. Every year, Nature Walk volunteers help to bring more than 200,000 visitors a little closer to Como’s natural collections.

  • Little Explorers | Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.

    Free on Thursdays in June from 10 a.m. to noon, Como’s Visitor Center becomes a fun conservation station for preschoolers, with storytime, hands-on activities, and nature themes including Junior Zookeeper on June 13, Rockin’ Reptiles on June 20, and Nighttime Critters on June 27.

  • Groovin’ in the Garden | Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

    Put on your dancing shoes and pack a picnic for the Twin Cities’ favorite free summer concert series. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, this outdoor concert series is fun for all ages, with favorite local acts, and fun activities for the kids. Mark your calendar for these upcoming events: 

    June 12 – Flamin’ Oh’s – Minnesota Music Legends
    June 19 – Eleganza – Folk, Americana, & pure Rock & Roll
    June 26 – Cole Diamond – Honky Tonk & Outlaw Country
    July 3 – Craig Clark Blues Band – Blues, Funk, & Soul
    July 10 – The Foxgloves – Folk & Americana, & Country Twang
    July 17 – Ben Cook-Feltz – Americana, Folk, Indie, Pop, Rock
    July 24 – School of Rock –St. Paul & Plymouth House Bands

  • Senior Strolls

    Get fit and make new friends at one of these early access mornings, specifically for the 55 and up crowd. Visit Como’s website to register in advance for the next Senior Stroll on June 18, and to watch for further events.

Como Zoo keeper Caitlin Allessi recently noticed that Mumford the lion seemed to be suffering from an increasing number of nosebleeds. “While he’s always had occasional problems with that, we noticed that they were getting more intense over time, and we wanted to investigate to rule out any big concerns about his health,” she says.

Getting a nearly 400-pound cat to the doctor is not easy, but the process has been made a little more convenient at Como Zoo over the last year thanks to the new on-site veterinary team. Supported in part by your contributions to Como Friends, this new approach to animal care helps to minimize stress for animals by eliminating the need to travel to the vet. It also allows veterinarians and keepers to collaborate more closely, managing multiple procedures to make the most of the time animals may have to be under anesthesia. 

“Knowing that we would be scoping his nose, we realized it would also be a great time to coordinate with the veterinary dentist, which is a big undertaking with a lion,” says large cat keeper Hans Jorgensen. “The veterinary dental team told us that with a house cat, it usually takes 10 x-ray plates to view the cat’s whole mouth, but with Mumford, it took 50!” 

Though Mumford has been a resident of Como Zoo since 2019, this was the first time keepers were able to do a full physical exam of the 8-year-old male, taking blood samples, a urine sample and radiographs can give veterinarians a more thorough understanding of the lion’s overall health. During the brief procedure, veterinarians got to the root of the nosebleed problem—a cluster of vascular tissue near the tip of his right nostril that gets irritated, particularly when he bumps it against the mesh of the exhibit. 

“He has had a few more nosebleeds since this procedure, so for right now, we’ll just keep monitoring him,” says Allessi. “It’s a big deal to anesthetize a lion, so if we don’t have to do it, we don’t want to. But it’s so much more convenient to have veterinarians come to us—it’s been a nice improvement for the animals.”

 

Mumford’s paw print is a featured auction item at this year’s Sunset Affair: Our Wild World Silent Auction!

As a Conservation Champion, Como Zoo primate keeper Em Brunmeier traveled to Peru to learn more about spider monkeys in the wild

Behind the scenes in Como Zoo’s Primate Building, Brunmeier has become a big fan of the four spider monkeys in her care—Gomez, Katie, Ellie, and Jazz—and she applied to learn more about their cousins in the wild through Conservation Champions, the Como Friends micro-grant program that encourages Como’s keepers and horticulturists to take part in conservation efforts in the field. After researching conservation projects around South America, she decided that the Kawsay Biological Station in Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios, Peru was the place to be. 

“What was really special about this location was that the team there had been able to bring back and restore a spider monkey population that had been locally extinct, and that was something that I was really excited to be part of, and to see how they were managing that,” she says. “They also work with other scientists in the area, like botanists and PhD students from abroad to research other parts of the ecosystem and how they all correlate with spider monkeys. I really wanted the chance to learn more about how all of these factors come together.” 

As part of the project, Brunmeier joined a team of researchers tracking spider monkeys that had been previously released into the Tambopata National Reserve to study the seasonal variation of their behavior. “With no GPS collars or other tracking devices, it was quite a task,” she says. “We had no guarantee we would find them and had to go pretty far into the Amazon rainforest.” But once the spider monkeys were located, Brunmeier got the chance to hear the full chorus of their vocalizations. “For spider monkeys in the wild, their home range is nearly 700 acres, and they often split up their group and then reunite at night to sleep together,” she says. “To do all of that requires quite a lot of logistics, so they’ve come up with quite a lot of vocalizations. They have little chirping sounds that they make when they’re close to each other, and really loud, bellowing calls that they use to try and find each other over long distances. It was so fun listening to them—they  have lots of things to say.” 

During her two and a half weeks in the field, Brunmeier also got the chance to care for young spider monkeys in a rehabilitation facility. “That’s where my personal expertise came in handy, because hands-on care of the animals is what I do every day,” she says. “I was also able to talk with the team about how we do primate enrichment at AZA [Association of Zoos and Aquariums] institutions in the U.S., which is something I’m passionate about.” 

Now back at Como Zoo, Brunmeier says her trip to Peru has brought new insights to her work with spider monkeys, and new ideas for ongoing animal enrichment to the conservation work at Kawsay Biological Station. “What’s cool about the Conservation Champions trips is that it’s a two-way street,” she says. “We get the chance to learn about the animals we care about in the wild, and because we know our animals at Como Zoo so well, we also have important things to share with our conservation partners.” 

Our Conservation Champions Program would not be possible without your support. Thank you!

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