It’s a “Party for the Planet” at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

“Party for the Planet: Conservation Superheroes”

presented by Xcel Energy 

A Weekend ‘Earth Day’ celebration April 22 and 23

April 22, 2017 marks the 47th anniversary of Earth Day, a global celebration that also reminds us what we can do to protect the planet’s most precious resources. At Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, we invite the public to a free, family-friendly “Party for the Planet: Conservation Superheroes” weekend presented by Xcel Energy. Dress as your favorite Superhero and then come discover ours! Visit our Conservation Stations to see and learn more about our animals with the POWER OF FLIGHT! MASTERS OF DISGUISE! SUPER BUILDERS! Activities, crafts, and cool conservation stations will be set up both Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 4pm.

Our presenting sponsor Xcel Energy will be unveiling, for the first time ever, their new 110sq foot Tiny House. You’ll have to see it to believe it and all the remarkable energy efficient features packed into it. Step inside the Xcel Tiny House and learn how you can bring energy efficiency and renewable energy options into your home, no matter what size it is.

Visitors are encouraged to take Como’s free shuttle service, beginning April 22, that drops guests off near our front door. Or better yet, download a pass from Como’s website that can be used for free rides to Como on buses or METRO lines compliments of Metro Transit.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle at Como

Party for the Planet isn’t just fun and games—it’s also a great way to learn more about simple ways you can make a difference. Some ideas:

• Stop by Xcel Energy booth and challenge yourself with a fun game of "Connect with Efficiency", staffed by Xcel Energy professionals.

• Check out the Nice Ride Station at Como, part of the country’s largest bike sharing system. See how you can plan your next visit with pedal power!

• Have an old cell phone? Drop it in our recycling collection bin in the Visitor Center. Como partners with Eco-Cell for this recycling effort, where proceeds help invest in preserving one of the most critically endangered species on earth, the orangutan. Recycling these items at Como prevents toxic batteries from harming our earth when land-filled and helps to reduce the need to mine coltran, a product used in making cell phones and small handheld electronics that is often illegally mined in an area of Africa that is home to endangered gorillas.

• Ride the Metro Transit to Como for free! To download your free pass, simply click HERE

Party for the Planet – Daily Schedule

10:30 Polar Bear Program……………………………………….Polar Bear Odyssey

11:00 Zookeeper Talk……………………..…………………..Wyoming Toads

11:30 Primate Program…………………………..………………Primate Building

12:00 Story Time: One Plastic Bag……. …………………………..Visitor Center Lobby

1:00 Gardener Talk: Million Shades of Green…....…Marjorie McNeely Conservatory

2:00 Gorilla Program ………………..…………..………………Gorilla Forest

2:30 Polar Bear Program…………………………………………Polar Bear Odyssey

All Day: Endangered Species Drawings……………………..………Exhibit Gallery

All Day: Final days of the Spring Flower Show……………………Sunken Garden

On Saturday, April 22 at 1:30, The Merry Minstrels (kids from St John the Baptist school in New Brighton, MN) will be entertaining the crowds with English Morris Dancing!

Hey party animals, it’s cool to conserve!