Como Zoo

Como Zoo was the first zoo established in Minnesota. Founded in 1897, when the then mayor of Saint Paul wanted a place for his deer to be, the zoo is located within Como Park, in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Como Zoo is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

History

;Early years

Como Zoo was founded in 1897 when the city of Saint Paul received a donation of three deer and provided a simple fenced in pasture for the animals.

In 1902, the animal collection at Como Zoo was expanded to include animals native to Minnesota such as elk, moose, foxes, and two cebus cattle. The zoo also received donations of pets, such as a parrot, two Mexican red birds and a monkey.

In 1915, the zoo received a donation of two bison from the future Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota Thomas Frankson. Also, in 1915, the Como Park's Marjorie McNeely Conservatory was built. The conservatory was used as a warm winter home for the animals.

In 1926, Como Zoo received the donation of an American black bear named Peggy. Her cage was built out of old iron arches already at the zoo.

The 1930s brought exotic animals to the zoo. Monkey Island was built in 1932, followed by the bear grottos, and the Main Zoological building in 1936. Along with these changes came many exotic animals from the Longfellow Gardens zoo, which closed in 1934.

In the 1940s, the zoo expanded once again to include paved parking lots, a Kiddie Zoo, and a raccoon pit which later became prairie dog hill.

;1950s
The 1950s brought even more changes to the zoo including Rabbitville which later was expanded into a Children's Farm Zoo. In 1955, the city officials recommended the closing of Como Zoo because the zoo and city did not have the funds to support the zoo. Soon after a Citizen Volunteer Committee was formed to help save the zoo. In 1956, through the efforts of a rich Minnesotan business man, Archie Brand's Seal Show arrived at the zoo. Along with this many repairs were brought to the zoo, which brought new animals such as ostriches, jaguars, seals, llamas, baboons and monkeys. In 1957, a number of endangered animals joined the zoo including Siberian tigers, gorillas, and orangutans. In 1958, Toby, a Galapagos tortoise comes to live at the zoo. Small children were allowed to ride on Toby's back. Also, in 1958, the first Siberian tigers to be raised successfully in captivity were born at Como Zoo. In 1959, Casey the gorilla arrived at the Como Zoo and the Como Mobile Zoo started visiting local schools.

;1960s and 1970s
The 1960s brought what seemed to be the end of Como Zoo. In 1966, the Metropolitan Zoo Report of the Citizen's League decided that Como Zoo could not become a major zoo facility, so planning for the Minnesota Zoo began. With this, many people thought that Como Zoo would close, but, in 1969, the zoo built its original primate house where the one now stands, and brought in two new lowland gorillas named Don and Donna. In 1969, the zoo was saved once again by citizens who rallied to raise funds for the zoo.

In January 1972, zoo keepers were forced to shoot Whitey, a male polar bear, to save a midnight visitor who fell into the bear grotto. In 1974, the zoo's favorite Galapagos tortoise, Toby, was moved to the Honolulu Zoo, where he still lives today. In 1976, a new Master Plan was developed to revitalize the zoo, and the State Legislature granted the zoo $8.5 million for the redevelopment process.

;1980s

The 1980s marked the beginning of new buildings at the zoo, which started in 1980 with the opening of the Large Cats exhibit. In 1982, the zoo opened its new Aquatic Animal building to the public. Other additions included a new polar bear exhibit, a new show amphitheater for the Sparky the Sea Lion Show, and the conversion of Monkey Island to Seal Island. Along with this came Casey II, the grandson of the Como's original Casey from Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas. In 1985, Como Zoo's Primate House was rebuilt, housing gorillas, orangutans, lemurs, monkeys, and tamarins. In 1986, the new Land Bird and Water Fowl exhibit was completed with a large outdoor pool and waterfall. In 1988, the African Hoof Stock exhibit, the final exhibit from the zoo's 1970s master plan, was completed; it contained giraffes, zebras, ostriches, and two types of antelope.

;1990s
In 1994, Don, the gorilla, died and Casey II jumped out of his exhibit and took a short stroll in the park before jumping back into his enclosure. With this, came plans for a new and improved gorilla exhibit which made the walls straight up and down instead of slanted. Casey II was later moved to the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans

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