Photographs by Caitlin Abrams
Dall’s sheep in Zoo
Dall’s sheep, pictured here, have the northernmost habitat of any wild sheep in the world—so they don’t mind a little snow.
Even the Twin Cities’ nonhuman residents are over the pandemic. When the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory faced a second shutdown this fall and winter, the animals noticed.
“The primate building saw the largest effect of not having visitors,” says Como’s marketing and PR manager, Matt Reinartz. “They typically have the opportunity to interact with thousands of visitors a day, which promotes mental stimulation.”
And it’s too bad, because winter is actually one of the best times to see certain animals. Arctic foxes shed their grayish-brown coats and transform into a brilliant white, gorillas start snowball fights, and bison run through the snow like they’re on the prairies.
So, if you get the chance to visit the zoo this winter, definitely go. And while you’re there, duck inside the primate building—the monkeys have missed you. Many animals at Como Zoo stay and play outside (with the option to head indoors whenever they want) all year long. Check Como’s website for up-to-date info on openings and reservations. comozooconservatory.org
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The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in winter
The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory transforms into a warm and humid tropical oasis during winter months.
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arctic fox in zoo
Arctic fox
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bison in zoo
Bison
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reindeer in zoo
Reindeer
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Polar bears in zoo
Polar bears
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Amur tiger
Amur tiger
