Como Zoo polar bears celebrate monumental birthdays

Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is home to the oldest male polar bear in North America. In fact, Neil is celebrating his 29th birthday Dec. 9. It’s a two-fer because his companion Nan is also another year older turning 30. She’s now in a three-way tie for oldest female polar bear in North America. The celebration included cupcakes on top of decorated barrels. Their roommate Kulu also got to enjoy the party and had the most fun. At just 5- years old, he continued to play with the barrels long after the cupcakes were gone. The Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Como Zoo has 50 million reasons to celebrate

Nearly 2 million people visit the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory every year. It is one of the last free metro zoos in the United States, and part of the reason it can be kept accessible to all is the fundraising efforts of Como Friends. They’re celebrating raising $50 million over the last 24 years by opening a new exhibit that shows all the improvements that have been made. The exhibit can be found outside of the entrance to the Fern Room.

Como Conservatory holiday flower show

FOX 9 Garden Guy Dale K visits the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in St. Paul. The conservatory is set up for its holiday flower show, which runs through Jan. 7.

Como Zoo’s oldest African penguin, Cupid, dies at 32

Cupid had been suffering from an illness, and zoo staff said despite care from the veterinary team, "his quality of life continued to severely decline." They decided to humanely euthanize him on Friday morning.

Como Zoo cougar adjusting to life without eyes

Jasper, a 4-year-old cougar living at the Como Zoo and Conservatory in St. Paul, is adjusting to life without his eyes. Jasper first came to Como Zoo in 2018. He was found alone in California after his mother was shot and killed by a hunter. In June of 2020, zoo staff started noticing changes in his eyes and eyesight.

Beloved Como Zoo giraffe Daisy dies at 23

Daisy suffered from degenerative arthritis, and her “quality of life had steadily declined.” They made the decision to humanely euthanize her early Thursday morning.