Tropical Encounters from Floor to Ceiling, This Living Rainforest Is Como’S Most Diverse Habitat

COMO FRIENDS

INSIDERFall 2020 | Volume 22 | Number 4

Tropical Encounters From floor to ceiling, this living rainforest is Como’s most diverse habitat. Photo by Susannah Baudhuin

CONTENTS

1225 Estabrook Drive | St. Paul, MN 55103 | 651.487.8229 1225 Estabrook Drive | St. Paul, MN 55103 www.comofriends.org | [email protected] www.comozooconservatory.org

Como Friends is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization Como Park Zoo and Conservatory’s mission is to inspire our public to whose mission is to inspire community generosity value the presence of living things in our lives. in support of Como Park Zoo and Conservatory so it thrives for generations to come. Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). PRESIDENT OF COMO FRIENDS: Jackie Sticha Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated BOARD OF DIRECTORS to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and Chair: Patrick McIntyre | Vice Chair: Liz Smith a better future for all living things. Treasurer: Wendy Harden | Secretary: Jackie Sticha

BOARD MEMBERS The American Public Gardens Association Sheila Brown Theresa Neal (APGA) serves and strengthens public Arta Cheney Martha Nelson gardens throughout North America by Patty Cook Ford Nicholson supporting and promoting their work, value and achievements in Andrew Davis Erik Ordway horticultural display, education, research and plant conservation. Scott Dongoske Lynette Palmgren Sherry Fonseth-Lais Bill Parker DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION: Mike Hahm Stephen Foss Greg Peelman Michelle Furrer Steve Proeschel COMO PARK ZOO & CONSERVATORY Mike Hahm Daniel Reardon PLEASE VISIT COMOZOOCONSERVATORY.ORG Wendy Harden Susan Roeder FOR RESERVATIONS (AND HOURS) Patrick Harris Kelly Sam Winter Hours: (October 1 – March 31) 10 am – 4 pm Matt Kramer Arvind Sharma Summer Hours: (April 1 – September 30) 10 am – 6 pm Renee Lee Liz Smith Patrick McIntyre Edwin van der Hoek COMO FRIENDS INSIDER Greg McNeely Sheryl Zaworski Art Direction & Design: Susannah Baudhuin Nicky Nagle Editor: Laura Billings Coleman | Printing: Dolan Printing

HOW TO REACH US Como Friends: 651.487.8229 | Membership & Donations: 651.487.8229 | Garden Safari Gifts: 651.487.8222 Como Park Zoo & Conservatory: 24-hour Information: 651.487.8200 | Visitor Services: 651.487.8201 Education Department: 651.487.8272 | Volunteer Services: 651.487.8252 | Rentals: 651.487.8250

2 | COMO FRIENDS INSIDER | FALL 2020 COMO NEWS & EVENTS

Garden Safari Gifts | 12

Ichigo ichie In this moment, an opportunity.

COMO FRIENDS’ VIRTUAL ANNUAL SUMMER BENEFIT FOR COMO PARK ZOO AND CONSERVATORY THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Sponsored by

A Virtual Sunset Affair Como’s first-ever virtual fundraiser was a hit, inspiring more than 1,100 online viewers to support the animals and plants at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. With free tickets and fantastic behind- the-scenes tours of the Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden, the online experience was “definitely a whole new way of connecting with Como’s community,” says Caroline Mehlhop, Como Friends’ Director of Institutional Partnerships and Events. “But we discovered that supporters were really eager to see and learn about what’s been happening at Como while we’ve been apart, and they were enormously generous, too.”

LEAVE A LEGACY

Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is a community treasure. For more than five generations, visitors have gathered at Como to take in the beauty of its gorgeous gardens and amazing animals.

By including Como Friends in your estate plan, you will ensure Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is here for future generations and continues to thrive.

For more information on planned giving, contact Laurel Lundberg, Director of Individual Giving [email protected] | 651-487-8296

WWW.COMOFRIENDS.ORG | 3 COMO NEWS & EVENTS

11 toGIVE the __ 1914 MAX

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

THURSDAY | NOVEMBER 19

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Give to the Max Day is November 19

Join us on Give to the Max Day—November 19, 2020—for Minnesota’s great give-together, a virtual community tradition for more than ten years.

Your support for Como Friends makes an impact at Como, preserving barrier-free access for all and en- suring Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is a global leader in conservation, animal care and horticulture.

Go to https://www.givemn.org/organization/Como-Friends to make a contribution, and stay tuned for more details by signing up for email updates and following Como Friends on Facebook.

DID YOU KNOW? As a conservation partner in hundreds of Species Survival Plans, Como Zoo regularly sends animals to zoos around the world—and just down the road. In September, Como Zoo moved one of Tropical Encounters’ young male sunbitterns to Apple Valley to breed with a female at the Minnesota Zoo. “Sunbitterns are not currently endangered,” explains keeper Jennifer Gleason, “but we want to make sure there’s plenty of genetic variation among the sunbitterns in the care of zoological institutions.” To keep that population healthy and diverse, a second male will soon be on his way to the Bronx Zoo, New York City.

With a heron-like neck, and a wingspan that reveals beautiful, bright-orange plumage, sunbitterns are the only member of the Eurypygidae family.

4 | COMO FRIENDS INSIDER | FALL 2020 COMO NEWS & EVENTS A Careful Re-opening Como’s doors are open again for reservation-only visits

After a four month closure, both Como Zoo and the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory reopened, welcoming back a limited number of daily visitors, to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. “Our visitors are really excited to reconnect with Como again, even if the experience is a little different,” says Como Campus Manager Michelle Furrer. Here’s how:

Reservations Only: “With our open door policy, we’ve never had any barriers to admission, so we are having to retrain the public that they have to plan ahead for their visits right now,” says Furrer. Fortunately, Como’s online reservation system on the front page of comozooconservatory.org is simple to use, and allows you to register for a time slot for up to four guests. (If you’re planning to bring a larger group, you’ll need an additional reservation.) The registration system is available in multiple languages to make it accessible to all of Como’s visitors, including Hmong, Somali, Spanish, Karen and English. Como’s free admission policy is still in place, but you’re always invited to make a donation at the door or a contribution to Como Friends.

Contact-Free Conservation: For the safety of visitors, staff and animals, face coverings are required during your visit. Como’s free daily education programs are on hold until it’s safe to gather in large groups again. But you can still connect to great behind-the-scenes tours, keeper talks, and gardener Q & As through Como’s daily Facebook LIVE feed every week- day at 1:30 p.m. Made possible with funding from Minnesota’s Legacy Amendment, these fun, family-friendly videos have been introducing more than 10,000 viewers every day to everything from epiphytic orchids to six-banded armadillos. (If you missed one, check out the archive at comozooconservatory.org/como-live.)

A Change of Direction: To ensure safe social-distancing, Como’s got a new one-way walk- ing path that leads visitors from a new entry-point at Cleveland Court, past the primates, hoofstock, large cats and Polar Bear Odyssey, inside the Aquatic Animals Building to see “Sparky,” on to Glacier Gifts, and past the new Pier 56 restaurant in the Como Harbor habitat now under construction. From there, visitors can continue on past the flamingos and toward Tropical Encounters, Garden Safari Gifts and the interior gardens of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, exiting after the Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden. With a limited capacity of 250 visitors at any given time, there’s plenty of elbow room for everyone.

Stay Tuned: Throughout the shut-down, a task force from Como Zoo, the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory and Como Friends met virtually to plan ahead for Como’s eventual reopening, which is following the best practice safety standards recommended by Governor Tim Walz, the Minnesota Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “We also reached out to other zoos across the country that opened earlier to learn from them about what worked best, and what we should be thinking about as we planned our own reopening strategy,” says Furrer. Be sure to check Como’s website to stay up to date on any new guidelines for keeping our guests safe.

WWW.COMOFRIENDS.ORG | 5 TROPICAL ENCOUNTERS TURNS 15 From Floor to Ceiling in Como’s Most Biodiverse Habitat J ust like the tropical rainforest it’s designed to rec- LIVING ECOSYSTEMS: “The great thing about Tropical reate, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory’s Tropical Encounters is that we’re trying to display something Encounters is a beacon of biodiversity. The only that’s more than just an animal or a plant—we’re trying habitat where the horticulturists from the Marjorie to show off a whole ecosystem and how everything works McNeely Conservatory and zoo keepers from together,” says keeper Aaron Nelson. Como’s leaf-cutter Como Zoo collaborate closely every day, Tropical ant colony is a great example of how even tiny insects col- Encounters is teeming with insects, amphibians, laborate, forming some of the largest and most complex birds, fish and fast-growing rainforest plants that animal societies on the planet, second only to humans. thrive in the humid habitat. During the growing season, Como’s keepers forage for oak leaves, mulberries and grapevines from around the HEALTHY ROOTS: Just like a terrarium, Tropical campus to give the ants a break from their usual blackber- Encounters requires careful tending to keep plants ry brambles. “They go crazy for new plant material,” says from growing out of balance. “We did take ad- Nelson, gobbling up their summertime treats in half the vantage of the time Como was closed to go after time it takes them to go through their usual diet. the Thunbergia vine,” says horticulturist Diane Rafats. “If you don’t do that every once in a while it HANGING OUT: There’s no question, the most beloved will just take over.” Unlike other gardens at the animal ambassador in Tropical Encounters is Chloe, a Conservatory, pesticides are completely off-limits Hoffmann’s two-toed sloth, who rarely stirs from her tree- in Tropical Encounters, where even small amounts top perch. (Usually only when she has to poop, about every of chemicals could harm nearby animals. Instead, 10 days.) But she’s not the only animal who likes an elevat- horticulturists depend on biological controls like ed view of the rainforest. Inside the covered hut, Como’s beneficial bugs to keep plants as healthy as possible. emerald tree boas also like to curl up and hang out from the tree branches. JUST UNDER THE SURFACE: The aquarium in Tropical Encounters is home to a variety of fresh- HIGH IN THE CANOPY: When the weather outside turns water fish species native to the Amazon Basin- in forbidding, Minnesota birdwatchers can duck into Tropical cluding pacus, silver dollars, redtail catfish, ripsaw Encounters to add rainforest species like violaceous eu- catfish, flagtail fish, tiger shovel-nose catfish, midas phonia and paradise tanager to their life lists. Zoo keep- cichlid, leoparinus, plecostumus, and orange and er Jennifer Gleason says the high reproduction rates for white spotted freshwater stingrays. the bright yellow saffron finches make them easy to spot (“they multiply quickly—they’re like the rabbits of the AT GROUND LEVEL: Xena, a 19-year-old anacon- exhibit,” she says) while it takes a trained eye to spot the da, is the largest and longest animal in Tropical reclusive and elegant sunbittern. Pruning trees in Tropical Encounters, though no one knows quite how big. Encounters requires careful negotiation with the habitat’s “We think she’s about 15 feet at this point, but it’s 60 individual birds. “Removing any part of the canopy can been awhile since we’ve measured her,” says keeper be stressful because they all have their own territories that Mike Lee. When Como reopened this summer, visi- have to be adjusted downward,” she says. “It raises the tors discovered six red-footed tortoises now living in birds’ aggression with each other, so we try to spread it a new micro-habitat just across from Chloe the sloth’s out carefully to keep things peaceful.” tree. “It’s great to see these guys rooting around in there and enjoying their new space,” says Lee.

TROPICAL ENCOUNTERS TURNS 15

From top to bottom: Zoo keepers Jennifer Gleason, Mike Lee, and Horticulturist Diane Rafats

Zoo keepers Brooke Johnson, Blake Ericksen, Aaron Nelson, and Life Support Operator EJ Smith

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: To prepare for Tropical Encounters’ 15th anniversary, funding from Como Friends recently helped rejuvenate the temperate tropical habitat with a tree planting and pruning project, which included new ground covers and soil for the rainforest habitat. Your contributions helped to provide several new tropical trees, and a specially-sized pruning lift to help horticulturists navi- gate the exhibit’s tight spaces and narrow paths. WWW.COMOFRIENDS.ORG | 7 THE HOUSE THAT SPARKY BUILT As Como Harbor comes into view, a look back at the splashy sea lion show that became a Minnesota tradition

8 | COMO FRIENDS INSIDER | FALL 2020 W ith a name that’s synonymous with summertime in into a serious roadside attraction. Soon they were St. Paul, Sparky the Sea Lion has been a Minnesota touring the country, visiting county fairs and out- tradition for more than 60 years. But Sparky’s roots doorsman shows, when their honking horns and run even deeper—and about 1,600 miles west. hula-hoop routines caught the attention of St. Paul That’s where a man named Archie Brand, who ran a businessman and broadcaster Stan Hubbard Sr., a gas station and restaurant near The Dalles, Oregon, strong supporter of the early civic groups that pre- had earned a reputation for taking in and training dated Como Friends. “They really wanted to build orphaned and injured animals from the surrounding up the zoo and make it into something bigger and Columbia River gorge. better and felt they needed some kind of attraction to bring people in,” Byng explains. With Hubbard’s “The story is that a highway patrol found a young help, Como Zoo offered Brand and his sea lion a sea lion that had been running around on the road, permanent home at Como Zoo in 1956. picked it up, put it in the back of his squad car, and brought it to Archie,” says Lala Byng, a retired Como Byng herself arrived in St. Paul from Seattle, Zoo keeper. “So he started feeding the sea lion, Washington, just a year later, when her father, John training him up, and doing all kinds of behaviors” Fletcher, was hired to be the very first director of that turned the trainer and his orphaned sea lion Como Zoo. The new position came with six staff

THE HOUSE THAT SPARKY BUILT

members and an annual budget of $30,000 a year. dodge sharks. Archie was an old-timer, so he’d point Como was already making a name for itself in con- to the kids in the audience and ask if they wanted to servation, becoming the first zoo in North America to see Sparky up close,” Byng remembers. “Of course, successfully hand-raise Siberian tigers in 1958. they’d get splashed with water, but it was the hottest part of the summer, so everyone was happy.” Sparky delivered, with three splashy shows a day that played in a small pool surrounded by risers at the By the 1970s, the Como and Sparky tradition start- south end of the 1930’s building that now serves as ed to evolve with the times. Byng became Como’s Como’s administrative headquarters. “Sparky would first female zoo keeper in 1970, and a few years stand next to a table on his front flippers and then pull later, married Norman Byng, Archie Brand’s step- his tail high in the air. Or they’d have him swim over son, who took over the Sparky Show when Brand a net to show how he could jump from the water to retired. That tradition is about to be transformed again “The story is that a highway patrol found a with the upcoming opening of Como Harbor, a young sea lion that had been running around $20 million seal and sea lion habitat now under construction. The new state-of-the-art habitat will on the road, picked it up, put it in the back allow for more comfortable amphitheater seating of his squad car, and brought it to Archie,” for visitors, featuring a new shade structure. It will says Lala Byng, a retired Como Zoo keeper. also provide for improved animal care, including year-round access to salt-water pools.

As Norm Byng neared retirement, Como Zoo’s “In a lot of ways, Sparky is responsible for a lot of the aquatic animals staff took over the Sparky tra- ways Como has grown,” Byng says, from attracting dition in 2002, making a shift toward operant the 1.7 million annual visitors who’ve made Como conditioning training—a positive reinforcement the most visited cultural destination in the state, to approach now in place for many of the animal convincing lawmakers that Como is a regional asset species in Como’s care. As the storyline for the worthy of public investment. “It’s really wonderful to sea lion show began to shift toward the value of see all of the improvements that have been happen- conservation and protecting the oceans, Sparky’s ing at Como, and to look forward to Como Harbor. It audience continued to grow, with standing-room will give zoo keepers the chance to do things for the only crowds of field trippers and families during animals that wouldn’t have been possible back in the the high traffic spring and summer days. day. It’s a great thing.”

Photo by Aquatics Zoo keeper Kelley Dinsmore

10 | COMO FRIENDS INSIDER | FALL 2020 Construction Update: Como Harbor and the Aquatic Animals Building

As construction on Como Harbor starts winding down COVID had more of an impact on our ability to later this season, Como Zoo’s keepers are starting to move ahead, because we’re waiting for new tanks make moving plans for its new residents. and equipment to be built and imported,” Furrer

explains. “Even so, visitors will notice how much “Because of her age, the plan is to give CeCe the roomier it feels in the building now that the big chance to explore the habitat before anyone else fish tanks have been removed.” moves in,” senior keeper Allison Jungheim says about the grand dame of Como Zoo’s pinnipeds, the With construction on Como Harbor moving towards 30-year-old California sea lion who spent 13 years completion, plans are being discussed for a Spring as Sparky VI. While her young roommates Niko and grand opening of the habitat. Precautions related Poppy move into a new holding space behind the to COVID will be integrated into the public unveil- scenes, CeCe will have a head start getting used ing of the habitat, says Jackie Sticha, president of to the new environment, a $20 million habitat re- Como Friends. “Though we’d love to welcome the model that she’ll share with Subee (a.k.a. Sparky VII) community to come see Como Harbor with a big and two young harbor seals currently living at the reveal, ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration, Louisville Zoo in Kentucky. that won’t be possible at this time. We will develop

a celebratory grand opening that invites the pub- As the summer comes to a close, construction crews Photo by Aquatics Zoo keeper Kelley Dinsmore lic to explore Como Harbor following best practice are wrapping up the exterior elements of the new safety standards.” Watch for updates on the grand habitat. “The highest point of the amphitheater opening celebration in future editions of the Como has just been finished, and the shade structures Friends Insider or via U.S. mail. have been installed,” says Como Campus Manager Michelle Furrer. “Visitors will notice that while we’re The change of plans will give Como Harbor’s six waiting for the bottom of the pools to be finished, seals and sea lions plenty of time to get comfort- we’ve been able to do some landscaping and plant- able in their splashy new digs, and will extend ing that is starting to take shape nicely. People can the community celebrations surrounding this six- see how much progress we’ve made this summer, decade Minnesota tradition. “No matter when and how close we are to the finish line.” we get a chance to see and experience Como Harbor together, I think Como’s community can While construction continues in the Aquatic Animals be very proud of what they’ve done to keep the Building, the recent quarantine has slowed progress Sparky tradition alive and relevant for a whole on the new tanks for the lion fish, giant Pacific octo- new generation of zoo visitors,” Sticha says. pus and other microhabitats. “This is an area where

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Stay safe and stylish at Garden Safari Gifts

With comfy, cute masks for all kinds of faces, and colorful tie-dyed tees, Garden Safari Gifts is full of fun fall basics for back-to-school and studying from home. Stop by on your next socially-distanced visit in the Visitor Center and near Polar Bear Odyssey for unique gift items, garden supplies, and only-at-Como animal apparel and accessories. Remember, Como Friends’ members enjoy 15% off every purchase.