Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

09/12/2026

09/10/2026

Throwback Thursday! 📸

Como’s history stretches far beyond the walls of the Zoo and Conservatory. These photos capture scenes from across the Como Regional Park campus, including a locomotive passing the historic gates, animal care from a very different era, 1894 Gates Ajar and a colorful Conservatory flower display.

A lot has changed over the years, but Como remains a place where generations have come to explore, gather and make memories.

Do any of these photos bring back a Como memory for you?

09/07/2026

That feeling when you realize summer is unofficially over… 🤦‍♂️

Today is Labor Day and the final day of Como’s summer hours. We’re open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today, then beginning tomorrow, our hours change to 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

As summer winds down, we also pause to recognize the hardworking people who keep our communities and country moving.

Happy Labor Day!

📷: Steve Solmonson

09/01/2026

🦍 BIG NEWS: Meet Kamba and Nora!

For the first time today, we are introducing Como’s two newest gorillas to the public!

Kamba, who turns 22 today, and Nora, 12, recently arrived from Brookfield Zoo Chicago, where they were both born and raised in a multigenerational gorilla family. Kamba is known for her calm, laid-back personality, while Nora is bold, confident, and full of personality.

Beginning today, Kamba and Nora will have access to the outdoor yard at Gorilla Forest. Whether they choose to venture outside and how long they stay is completely up to them, so a sighting is never guaranteed.

For now, it will be just the two of them in the yard. They have individually met Schroeder, Nne (ee-knee), and Arlene behind the scenes, but introductions involving the full family troop will take time. Our zookeepers will continue to follow the gorillas’ cues and move forward at the pace that feels comfortable for them. There is no set timetable.

Kamba and Nora’s move was recommended through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Gorilla Species Survival Plan, which supports healthy populations and appropriate social groupings of this Critically Endangered species.

Please join us in giving Kamba and Nora a warm Como welcome! 💚
Read more about Kamba and Nora here: https://comozooconservatory.org/meet-kamba-and-nora/

📷: Photo Credit Brookfield Zoo Chicago

08/31/2026

🌊 LAST CHANCE! ♻️

It’s the final weeks to experience Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea at Como!

These larger than life sculptures, made entirely from plastic pollution and marine debris collected from beaches, have been turning trash into powerful works of art all summer long.

Washed Ashore wraps up on September 13, so you have just a few more days left to explore all 10 sculptures throughout the zoo grounds before they’re gone!

Already seen them? Tell us what you thought! Which sculpture was your favorite? 🦈🐧🐢🦅

Haven’t seen them yet? What are you waiting for? Come see Washed Ashore before it washes away! 🌊

08/30/2026

Kind of hot, definitely humid, and 100% chance of sprinkler fun! 💦🦭

Sparky knows exactly how to beat the heat: splash around, cool off, and turn an ordinary sprinkler into the best toy of the day.

08/29/2026

🎉🐯🍉 Maks & Marisa are TWO! 🍉🐯🎉

We’re celebrating a Two-tti Frutti Birthday for Maks and Marisa! 🎂🎈

Our Amur tiger siblings were born at Como on August 29, 2024, weighing just about 2.5 pounds each. Two years later, they’ve done a little growing… Maks now tips the scales at 326 pounds, while Marisa weighs in at 257 pounds!

And what better way to celebrate than with watermelon?! Tigers are carnivores, of course, but large fruits like watermelons make great enrichment. Maks and Marisa get to use those powerful teeth and claws to bite, claw, pounce on, and generally destroy their fruity birthday treats.

At two years old, they’re also becoming more independent. Maks now lives separately from his sister and mom Bernadette, while Marisa and Bernadette have the choice to spend time together.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Maks & Marisa! Here’s to two years of growing, playing, pouncing, and giving us plenty to smile about. 🧡🐯

📸🎥 Photos & video courtesy of Senior Keeper Jill and Zoo Apprentice Elise

08/27/2026

Every visit to Como brings a new face, flower or unforgettable moment into view. Look one way and you may find a snow leopard, polar bear or seal striking the perfect pose. Shift your gaze and you’ll discover colorful birds, impressive Nyala and tortoises taking life at their own pace. It’s all part of the beauty of a day spent exploring Como. Enjoy this collection of moments captured by Volunteer Steve! 📸

08/26/2026

Who remembers playing “Don’t Let the Balloon Touch the Floor”?

Our puffins play the pool edition. Wait until the ball gets dangerously close to the bottom, swoop in for the save, bring it back to the surface, let it go…and repeat.

A little enrichment, a lot of drama, and a 10/10 clutch performance. No hands required.



📹: Zookeeper Melanie

08/25/2026

🐾🌿 Go beyond the ordinary at Como!

Gather your club, coworkers, friends, or favorite group and explore Como Park Zoo & Conservatory from a whole new perspective with a guided Group Tour.

Designed for adults, each tour is filled with fascinating stories about Como’s animals, plants, people, and history, along with opportunities to connect with the zookeepers and gardeners who make it all possible.

Bring your group. Bring your curiosity. We’ll take care of the adventure!

Learn more and book your tour: https://comozooconservatory.org/como/group-tours/