CARES Public Engagement

CARES - Como Connections, Access, Reach, Engagement, Storytelling
The CARES team will deliver public engagement in novel and accessible programs for all Minnesotans that spark curiosity, appreciation and action for the natural world. Como has a long history of providing quality public engagement programs that provide opportunities to learn and explore.

CARES provides early access programming for Seniors and individual with Sensory needs, SAFE(Saving our animals from extinction) initiatives, early childhood programming, American Sign Language days, and community outreach opportunities. New additions include creating Como specific Braille guidebook and providing free programs for individuals on the autism spectrum.
S.A.F.E Stations

S.A.F.E stands for Saving Animals From Extinction and is an initiative of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). AZA SAFE focuses on the collective expertise within AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums and leverages its massive audiences to save species. Our current SAFE program includes an educator stationed at various animal exhibits with props and activities to give visitors more information on our SAFE animals and the AZA initiative.

Conservation Weekends

Conservation Weekends are special weekends throughout the year where visitors can enhance their visit with interactive stations, crafts, games, value-added programming, and special guests focused on conservation efforts that Como is passionate about. Our Public Engagement team attends these weekends to provide additional activities and interactions that highlight Como's SAFE animals for new audiences.

Social Media Highlights

Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is on Instagram Reels! Reels are a great way to highlight our Public Engagement programming and expand our reach. Each of our programs will be highlighted on Instagram Reels throughout the Legacy cycle.

Early Access Programs

Senior Strolls

Senior Strolls and Sunset Senior Strolls is a special time set aside just for those aged 55 and better. This is an opportunity to visit the conservatory for a leisurely walk before or after our busy normal business hours.

Sensory Friendly

Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is an energetic, colorful place full of sensory stimuli, and we know this environment can be overwhelming for some guests. This is a time designed for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families to enjoy the zoo during a quieter, less busy time. We also offer a social narrative as well as a visual adventure board to allow visitors to plan their visit better.

Early Childhood Programs

Little Explorers

Little Explorers is a program aimed at our 1-3-year-old visitors, but open to all. Little Explorers is full of self-led activities and games themed differently each week. These activities focus on fine motor skills, colors, counting, and basic and plant knowledge. Two story times are also included each week! On Thursdays, we also have an ASL interpreter on campus interpreting our value-added programs around campus.

Como in the Community Events

Como in the Community builds awareness within our communities about the many ways they can enjoy Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. This program can be scheduled at community events, open houses, fairs, festivals, etc. At these events, we engage attendees with Como activities or props including biofacts (bones, furs, feathers, etc.), a trivia wheel with animal and plant trivia, and more!

Celebratory Capstone Events

Capstones are quarterly events that highlight and celebrate our Public Engagement programs. These capstone events include all the normal offerings plus special additions like food and beverages, more activities, special guests, music, and much more!

Partnership and Programming with AuSM

AuSM stands for the Autism Society of Minnesota (https://ausm.org/). Como Park Zoo and Conservatory has partnered with AuSM on several different ventures including youth camps and programming. This Legacy cycle we will be developing a new program partnership, potentially with adult audiences.