Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103, USA

Address:	1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103, USA
Phone:	+1 651-487-8201
Site:	comozooconservatory.org
Rating:	4.7
Working:	10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 5

Laura Hunter

I was very frustrated with the Como Zoo. We are MN Zoo members but decided to switch it up this weekend and tried out the Como Zoo. We have two toddlers in a double bob stroller. For those that know what this stroller looks like- it looks BIG, however it fits through any space that is handicap accessible. My frustration was the lack of handicap doors! I met a friend there, another mother with two toddlers and it was a hassle to get into exhibits because we had to take turns pushing our kids through the door while holding the door open. In addition a few exhibits had stairs to get down to see different areas and a small handicap elevator, not worth the time to try. We decided to try the Cafe, and once again the layout with impossible to maneuver. In hindsight one of us should of gone up to order while the kids sat at a table because our strollers irritated everyone, including ourselves. Last, the family bathroom at the entrance is so small and connected by a hallway that could barely fit the strollers again! We tried to enter the conservatory but quickly gave up because in each section we had to open the doors again. I understand that having a side by side stroller vs front and back can have its challenges but never would I expect to face this challenge at a zoo....I would assume this is a family friendly environment but realistically it is geared towards older children that can walk. This zoo is not set up for strollers unless you bring a companion who can open all the doors, order food and bring one child at a time to the bathroom. The HIGHLIGHT of the zoo was the carousel. The staff was awesome and engaging, the music was great and the length of time of the ride was one of the best I have been on.

Wendy Gunn

I love Como Zoo and Conservatory! You see the animals up so much closer than the MN Zoo. Today when we visited, they had knowledgeable staff and volunteers at many of the animal exhibits, offering helpful info on the habits and behavior of the animals we were looking at, even their names, how old they are, what they like, interpreting their behavior, and willing to answer any questions we had. They even gave us tips to get the animals to come up closer and interact with us! There were baby animals and you can see them very close up with their parents. Its beautiful walking through the zoo and there are also walking paths nearby, many trees and flower gardens, so beautiful. We took a break and sat and had a snack as there are shady picnic areas very close by. Parking is free! The conservatory is Absolutely Beautiful and so interesting! And, Everything is FREE! A small donation is appreciated, $3/adults, and$2, I think, for children (FREE on Thurs until April). Theres a great Visitor Center. I cant say enough good about all the staff. Theyre so friendly, helpful and knowledgeable! Theres a cafe and gift shop, and clean bathrooms, all in the Visitor Center. Today, there also was a very interesting Bonsai exhibit and we learned so much from the staff member who explained about this art and answered our questions! Its a great zoo, for all ages, a beautifully landscaped conservatory, and also a lovely area (many weddings photograph there), its easy to get to and centrally located (near the State Fairgrounds), and did I say its Super Cheap! I went there as a child, I enjoy it as an adult, Ive brought groups of mothers and children and I look forward to bringing my grandchildren to Como Zoo someday.

Anna Russell

The como zoo is one of the best zoos Ive ever been to. Many people have a stigma that the cages are too small and "filthy" but this is not so. As a como zoo volunteer Ive met many of the zookeepers and can assure that the animals are happy, healthy, and get different enrichments every day of their lives. Ive spent hours observing the animals and have known some for many years. The zoo has been saving money to remodel their enclosures which has been underway for some years now. The polar bear and gorilla habitats are now fully updated and beautiful. The como zoo is one of only 6 zoos in the world to successfully breed the endangered orangutan. They also breed many other endangered species. The zoo has affordable classes and camps for children. Being one of the last free zoos in the country people have to understand it is not as flashy as the Minnesota Zoo. Just because you cant crawl through a fake log to see the monkeys doesnt mean the monkeys arent happy. After the zoo make sure to visit the conservatory. There is a staggering variety of plants. Many rare and even endangered species. Ive spoken to many of the botanists and they are incredible people. Many plants are bred there and cared for vigilantly. Last but not least make sure to sneak a peak in the kids room, not for the toys but for the frogs. You will see the critically endangered Panamanian golden frog, which they are breeding, as well as other endangered and beautiful species. There are days when the zoo is very busy and parking can be difficult. But if you time it right this zoo is an amazing wonderland.

Heather Hudak

I will be calling all state representatives to call attention to the deplorable conditions and habitats the animals sadly are having to endure. Never have I seen so many animals litetally gone and of the animals left,so many are sick and have medical issues not being addressed....the penguin building should be condemned/ shut down for safety/liability of the public and to see mange and parasites on the penguins and kids said so too is beyond sad and I wanted to leave my sons field trip. ...seals do not clap or bark like normal...current seal has infection in its mouth oozing white foam consistently and drinking nonstop while avoiding the right side of its mouth...monkey buildings glass was shattered and breaks in numerous exhibit windows...waterfowl exhibit has been down for over five years...this is not where I thought my donations went and will be informing many more about their donations not supporting the animals...the main reason a zoo is a zoo...garbage cans overflowing @noon and just unsanitary conditions for not only animals but guests as well. Free zoo but not free to abuse and neglect the animals which is visibly noticeable and I will never bring my children here again. I will pay any cost Minnesota Zoo asks because their exhibits and enclosures for animals are in excellent conditions and zoo is busier but flows better for the guest as well because crowding less an issue. Many many many more animals and so much more for kids to see and do.

Travis Ruter

For the positive part of this review, the green house and garden are great, nothing wrong with anything in terms of japanese garden b or the green house. The bad: The zoo is just bad, they remodelled the polar bear area and still the swimming part for the bear is extremely small, if this is what some of that money went to, its depressing. My girlfriends daughter pointed out that the lions look under fed, especially the male lion, looked a bit to skinny from other lions i have seen. Honestly, if they cant afford to feed them, then give them to a zoo that will or release them to their batural habitat. The sparky show was so butchered that it wasnt eve worth sitting there to wait and see sparky. There is more but you get my drift. This zoo should be absolutely ashamed of themselves. Not a damn care in the world for anything. What a shame, evidently our donations are probably goin into the pockets of some executives or something. Tell me otherwise, i dont care. Wont be back to this zoo unless its to see the garden, which is very nice.