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Buzz and Neil have landed, and no I’m not talking about Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong.  I’m actually referring to the two massive polar bears who occupy their new home a the Como Zoo!

The grand opening of the New Polar Bear Odyssey Exhibit was June 3, and I got a first-hand look.  I’m sure everyone who has been to the Como Zoo in the past few years remembers the old polar bear exhibit, and the two burly bears swimming in their pool.  Two years and $14 million later, they not only get to swim around, but they get to roam freely with rocky cliffs and natural surfaces surrounding their habitat!

Inside the exhibit, you can witness the polar bears up close behind glass as they romp and swim in the water.  If you want to know anything ab0ut the zoo’s resident polar bears, just ask any of the helpful staff members.  They love talking about Buzz and Neil!  Also, check out all the cool plaques with informative facts about polar bears in general.  Did you know when polar bears are newborns they weigh less than a bag of M&M’s?

For those of you who haven’t been to the Como Zoo in a while, now is your chance!  Not only is the polar bear exhibit unveiled, but a visit to the zoo is FREE   (small donations are appreciated)!  During the summer, the zoo is open from 10am — 6pm.

Como Zoo is a great place to spend a few hours and to check out all the cool activities going on all summer long, such as the beloved Sparky the Sea Lion Show that starts at 11:30am Monday — Saturday every week!

Babysitting? Nannying? Bring the kids to the zoo!  They’ll love it and it’s a great activity to get involved in.  even if the day is sweltering with heat, don’t fear:  the Splash Zone is a fun way to stay cool while splashing in the water sprays.  the Splash Zone is located in Como Town, which requires admission tickets.  Make sure to take the kids to the polar bear exhibit too!

For more information, make sure to go to http://www.comozooconservatory.org

Buzz & Neil, the polar bears who are creating some BIG waves at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory.

Buzz & Neil

On June 3, 2010 Como Zoo will unveil “Polar Bear Odyssey”.  This novel World Class Exhibit will provide luxurious accommodations for the large, white, furry friends.  Their new home will include:  large indoor bedrooms, a cub den, plenty of light, and 3 salt water pools.  Now that is a place to call home!

If you head over to visit this astonishing exhibit, be assured that whether you are indoors or outdoors, you will have an incredible view of these remarkable creatures.  There are also 2 designated stations, so onlookers can watch animal training sessions between zookeepers and polar bears.

Polar Bears International (PBI) endorsed Polar Bear Odyssey as an exceptional design for a polar bear habitat and believes it will serve as a model for other zoos in North America.

Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park was just voted “Best Place to Waste an Afternoon” by City Pages! We agree — if you have not been, you must go soon!  The Conservatory is paradise beyond your imagination!  Imagine a place where you can see brightly colored flowers, bamboo trees, and hear toads croaking in the background.  While you’re there make sure to visit the zoo, park & lake — all within a short distance from each other.

For more information visit, http://www.comozooconservatory.org/supp/click.shtml

If you don’t want to worry about finding a parking spot…Como Park Shuttle to the rescue!

Como Shuttle Bus

Como Shuttle Operation Days & Hours

The shuttle runs continuously from 9:30 am — 6:30 pm

April 24 — September 30. Daily service begins June 1 — August 8.

9:30 am first pick-up at off-site lot and 6:30 pm last pick-up at Como.

Please note there will be no service June 19 & 20 and July 3 & 4.

For lot locations & more information visit, http://www.comozooconservatory.org/como_park/Shuttle.shtml