·Events at Como Zoo and
Marjorie McNeely Conservatory

On-Going

• Daily Interpretive Talks
  Daily at 11am Keeper Talk - location announced via loudspeaker
  Daily at 1:30pm Gardener Talk - location announced via loudspeaker
  Meet the Keepers and Gardeners! Everyday a different topic will be featured and guests will learn about the day to day operations of running Como Zoo and Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. Learn about the animals and plants and how they are cared for, plus guests can ask questions.
  
  
• Enrichment
  Primates Every Thursday at 10am
  Large Cats and Wolves Saturday at 10am
  Como staff and volunteers develop special activities which stimulate the animals’ curiosity and assist their overall well-being by prompting their natural behaviors.
  
  
  Current and Upcoming Events

• Summer Flower Show in Sunken Garden
  Saturday, May 3 through Sunday, October 5, 10am-4pm Daily
  The Summer Flower Show displays the greatest plant diversity of any
  of the Sunken Garden Flower Shows, as well as the longest season.  Roses, Statice, Geraniums, Asiatic Lilies, Heliotrope, New Guinea Impatiens, Petunias and Caladiums are some of the floral features, representing a rainbow of colors, bloom sequence, form and fragrance.
  
  
• Bonsai Show
  Saturday, May 10-Sunday, May 11
  The Minnesota Bonsai Society Mother's Day Weekend Bonsai Show is a unique opportunity to see privately owned bonsai.  Bonsai are 'trees in pots' and are an ancient art form from Japan that blends artistic vision and horticultural expertise.  Each bonsai represents nature in miniature and creates appreciation for the aesthetic of great age and rugged form as represented by the trees.
  
  
• Plant Conservation Weekend
  Saturday, May 17-Sunday, May 18
  

  Plants are an essential element of life on Earth and a vital resource for human well-being.  Yet despite humans reliance on the plants, more than 100,000 species are threatened with extinction in their native habitats around the world. The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory joins botanic gardens and zoos throughout the country to celebrate Plant Conservation Day. Plant Conservation Weekend offers programing on Plants for Life, green gardening, and invasive species, plus children's crafts, story time, compost displays and more. 

• Bulb Sale
  Saturday, May 17, 8am-12pm
  A true example of plant conservation.  Visitors have the opportunity to purchase over 10,000 tulip, lily, daffodil and hyacinth bulbs that were bloomed during the Spring Flower Show in the Sunken Garden this past April.  The bulb sale is held in the Visitor Center Porch from 8:00am to 12:00pm.  Proceeds from the sale benefit Como Park Zoo and Conservatory.
  
  
• Summer Camps
  June 2 - August 29
  Get in the spirit of the Summer Games with "Animal Olympics"; splash around and go "Under the Sea"; discover your creative side with "All About Art"; or try on the hat of a zookeeper or gardener and go "Behind the Scenes!  Como's half day, week long camps expand each child's appreciation of the natural world, while creating memories for a lifetime! 
    
  
• Sparky the Sea Lion Show
  Saturday, May 24-Labor Day
  Sparky the Sea Lion presents "Sparky's Coastal Journey" offered Tuesday-Sunday, Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day at 11:30am and 2:00pm.  Sparky embarks on an adventure to look for polar bear friends while Neil & Buzz are on vacation on an all new stage set.  Plus, visit Sea Island for a Sea Lion Demonstration at 3:00pm.
  
  
• Como's Blooming Butterflies
  Friday, June 6-Sunday, September 7
  A new exhibit that features a variety of butterfly species and plants.
  
  
• Artist and Camera Event
  Wednesday, June 11 from 6:30-9:00pm
  Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is opened before public hours to allow artists and photographers a chance to bring in tripods and easels, which normally are not allowed. Cost: $5.00 per person.
  
  
• Artist and Camera Event
  Wednesday, July 9 from 6:30-9:00pm
  Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is opened before public hours to allow artists and photographers a chance to bring in tripods and easels, which normally are not allowed. Cost: $5.00 per person.
  
  
• Traveler's Sunset Affair
  Thursday, July 24 from 5:30pm-9:00pm
  Como's largest fundraiser featuring dinner, entertainment and auction. For ticket information call 651-487-8229. Como Park Zoo and Conservatory will close at 4pm to prepare for this event.
  
  
• Como Park Japanese Lantern Lighting Festival
  Sunday, August 17 from 4:00pm-Dusk
  The family-friendly festival, reminiscent of Japan's annual Obon holiday, celebrates Japanese culture through food, entertainment, gardens, vendors and more.