Como Friends

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

Conservation at the Forefront, Free Admission for All 

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is a gateway to the wonders of the natural world, where free admission makes it possible to teach two million children and adults the values of conservation every year. From rare orchids to endangered orangutans, there’s a whole world of wild and precious plants and animals to discover at Como, with family-friendly conservation programs that inspire us to appreciate and protect the planet we love. 

On Give to the Max Day, your generosity will help make even more possible at Minnesota’s most visited cultural destination.

Helping the next generation find their way into careers in conservation is one of the goals of Como Park Zoo & Conservatory’s Right Track Apprenticeship program, which provides hands-on experience and paid employment for Saint Paul youth pursuing related fields of study. Supported by the City of Saint Paul and by your contributions to Como Friends, it’s just one of the ways Como is working to diversify our workforce and ensure that everyone feels welcome and valued at Minnesota’s most visited cultural destination.

From providing best-practice care for the animals, to earth-friendly pest control to keep Como’s gardens looking gorgeous, to inclusive programs to train the next generation of keepers and gardeners, your support allows Como Park Zoo & Conservatory to stay true to its mission, teaching us all about the life-giving connections between animals, plants, and people. 

And thanks to a matching gift from the Como Friends Board of Directors and generous longtime donors, your gift will be doubled, dollar for dollar, up to $40,000.