This zoo has been around as long as I can remember and longer.  I actually opened originally in 1897.  That is some longevity.  This week was the grand opening for ther Como Harbor.  They had the ribbon cutting yesterday (Thursday).

What is the Como Harbor?  In short, it is a new area of the park that includes a seals and sea lions exhibit.  The whole thing is supposed to look and feel like the Pacific Coast.  And apparently it does a really good job of doing just that.

Facebook page- Como Zoo
Facebook page- Como Zoo
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If you have been a regular visitor of the zoo and park, you have probably experienced the "Sparky" show.  This was the seal and sea lion exhibit that has been part of the zoo since 1956. So many class trips have been a part of this show- it's been a staple of the park. Now, enhanced.

Pulling together the resources to reimagine Sparky’s new home has been a statewide effort, made possible with a combination of public funding and philanthropy.  The MN State Legislature approved $15 million in public funding in May 2017.

The renovation actually cost about $21 million.  They say that the "reimagination of the Sparky Show" was made possible because of the public funding and philanthropy that was a statewide effort with help from Como Friends, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory’s nonprofit partner, raised the final funding needed from individuals, corporations, and foundations.

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Next time you want to take the family on a little adventure, head to the new Como Harbor.  You do need to make reservations, but they are free, and available from 10-6 every day. The park is just making sure that there is some social distancing that still happens.  Face masks are not required, but are encouraged at this time.

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