Happy Birthday Jaya!

 

Did somebody say P-A-R-T-Y? Well, that is exactly what the staff at Como Zoo did this morning in “Celebration” of  Jaya, the  youngest of the zoo’s Orangutans. Jaya turned the big 6 today! Arriving via C-Section on December 13, 2007, Jaya is nothing short of a miracle for celebration for all of the staff at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. Jaya holds the record for the fastest reintroduction to mother Markisa out of nine c-sections performed on captive Orangutans after just twelve remarkable and memorable days.  After around the clock care from the keeper staff for the first twelve days of his life, Jaya was able to spend Christmas Day back in his mother’s arms.

With presents, cameras, and smiles in place; Zookeepers gave Jaya enrichment while singing “Happy birthday” for his special day. Enrichment is stimulating activities that keep the animals mentally and physically healthy. Today Jaya received presents wrapped in gift paper; footballs, soccer balls, bagels with whip cream and sprinkles, among other fun objects. All four of Como Zoo’s Orangutans were able to participate and celebrate on this snowy Friday the 13^th, with Jaya or “Sugar Lips” a nickname given by Como Zoo’s lead Orangutan trainer and International studbook keeper, Megan Elder.

All of the animals at Como Zoo are given daily enrichment activities from the keepers such as food, changes to exhibit "furniture", toys, or even auditory or visually stimulating things. However, this lucky little Orangutan only turns 6 once, and what a day to celebrate!

Happy birthday to you Jaya!

Creepy crawlers come to the Como Zoo

Go Inside Gorilla Forest

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory Featured on Comcast Newsmakers

Getting ready to Go Bananas!

Zoo staff and visitors alike are getting excited for the Grand Opening of Gorilla Forest on June 6-9.  In preparation, zoo staff tested out the new outdoor habitats; picking up any construction debris, cleaning windows, and testing out the mesh.  The walls and roof of Gorilla Forest are made of stainless steel mesh.  While not comfortable to climb on, zoo keepers expect the gorillas to use it on occasion to move around, so they made a point of testing it out before the gorillas got out there.  As you can see by the pictures, the staff had a good time "monkeying" around while making sure everything was safe for the apes. 

Zookeeper Pete Lee prefers the real thing, not Animal Planet | Minnesota Public Radio News

Zookeeper Pete Lee prefers the real thing, not Animal Planet | Minnesota Public Radio News

Como's April Fools' Hijinks Makes National News!

Sunken Garden In Full Bloom - As Seen On KARE-11

We know it's been a long winter, but we promise, spring is on the way. Until then, there are signs of spring in St. Paul, but you'll have to go indoors to find them. All you have to do is head inside the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory where the annual spring flower show is underway.

Celebrating the Rainforest on KARE-11 with Snakes, Bats & Bugs!

Keepers from Lake Superior Zoo Are “Bear”ing Gifts

Keepers from Lake Superior Zoo Are “Bear”ing Gifts

for Neil and Buzz

Gifts for Como Zoo’s polar bears “Buzz” and “Neil” are being delivered on behalf of the staff at the Lake Superior Zoo in appreciation for hosting their polar bear “Berlin” from late June until early December.

Keepers Maicie Sykes and Lindsey Eades traveled to St. Paul today with two large toys for “the boys”. Lake Superior Zoo staff signed the toys with messages of gratitude to Buzz, Neil, and their keepers.

Peter Pruett, Director of Zoo Operations is grateful for the relationship between the two zoos and the three bears. “Buzz and Neil accepted our Berlin with open paws. They were absolutely wonderful-as were their keepers. These toys are just a small token of our appreciation.”

Berlin was re-located to the Como Zoo from Duluth following a devastating June flood at the Lake Superior Zoo and was recently transferred to the Kansas City Zoo.

The Lake Superior Zoo’s harbor seals “Feisty” and “Vivian” were also relocated and are currently on exhibit at the Como Zoo.

KSTP-TV came out to see how our animals are coping with the cold - watch it here!