How to Feed a Polar Bear at the Como Zoo in St Paul

Any zookeeper will tell you to arrive early to see the most active animals at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. They were not kidding. I recently took a Roseville Visitors Association tour and found out how much of a treat it is.

The Zoo Tour we took gave us a great opportunity to see the animals getting their morning breakfast and even take part in some of the fun too.

* The Roseville Visitors Association hosted me for this experience, which included a Como Zoo tour. As always, my thoughts are entirely my own.

History of Como Zoo

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is a free zoo in St. Paul, MN. In 1897, the city was gifted three deer and needed a place to keep them. It wasn’t long before they started acquiring other animals, and the zoo was born.

Back then, they even walked big cats through the streets so people could get a closer look. Can you imagine if they tried that today?

That practice is long gone. Today the zoo cares for more than 150 animal species on about 11.5 acres.

Their animals range from tortoises to polar bears. And Como has the trifecta: lions, tigers, and bears. It’s always a mission of mine at every zoo I visit to see it.

Photo courtesy of Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

Animal Enrichment

Zookeepers believe that to keep animals healthy, it’s not enough to just feed them and do regular checkups. They also need to encourage natural behaviors.

This is called animal enrichment. Instead of handing over a plate of food, they may hide it or put it inside a puzzle feeder so the animals can forage, stalk, or work for it like they would in the wild.

During my tour, I got to help with polar bear enrichment. I know what you are thinking, fish! Not this time. We made three kinds of enrichment.

First, we stuffed a PVC pipe with fruits and veggies. Then we wrapped the outside with sticky, sweet treats to make it more interesting.

We also covered a Frisbee with peanut butter and topped it with marshmallows. Last, we made tie “blankets” from sturdy tarps and filled them with crunchy treats.

When it was time to visit the polar bears, the treats were waiting for them in the habitat.

The tour also gave us the chance to feed the giraffes. On most days, the public can feed giraffes for a small fee during set hours. If you take the Zoo Tour, you may also see their behind-the-scenes spaces.

The zookeeper met us at the front of the habitat and took us backstage. As soon as we got there, giraffe heads popped up to see who was coming.

We fed Skeeter. He knew what time it was and was ready for breakfast.

Other Amenities

In addition to the zoo, you can visit the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory and the Japanese Garden. These gardens are beautiful. The Sunken Garden inside is one of the biggest draws. People rent it year-round for events, including weddings.

Como Town, the small amusement park next door, operates during the warmer months. Admission and ride pricing change yearly. Check current hours and pricing before you go. You can often buy unlimited-ride wristbands or pay per ride.

Tips

Arrive early. Animals are more active in the morning. You’ll also beat some of the crowds, since this is a popular spot for school groups and camps.

Parking can be challenging. The zoo has its own lots, but they fill. If you arrive late, use the free shuttle from satellite parking when in season. Check their parking page and map for current details.

Take a Zoo Tour or featured program. Keepers share stories and history, and you may get to observe enrichment up close.

Don’t forget sunblock and water. Shade is limited in some areas.

Consider a donation when you leave. Admission is free, and donations help care for the animals and gardens.

If you love zoos, check out my reviews of the Minnesota Zoo, San Diego Zoo in California, and the Audubon Zoo in Louisiana.

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