Como Park Zoo seeks $25 million to replace aging big‑cat habitat, warns of accreditation risk

Andy Rodriguez, director of parks and recreation for the City of Saint Paul, told senators the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory’s big‑cat habitat is reaching the end of its useful life and that without reinvestment the zoo could be forced to relocate animals and risk accreditation with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA).

Rodriguez said Como is a widely used educational resource that welcomes nearly 1.9 million visitors a year, including large numbers of school groups and families from across Minnesota, and that the zoo is intentionally free to the public. “Without reinvestment, we risk having to relocate the animals and potentially lose our accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums,” Rodriguez said.

Katie Hill of Como Friends, the nonprofit partner, said the total project is approximately $25 million and that Como Friends has already committed $3.4 million. Alison Young, interim director of animal care, described structural problems and animal‑welfare concerns identified during a recent mock inspection and said the current facility lacks design features expected in modern habitats.

When questioned about the project cost (previous estimates cited an initial $12.5 million phase), presenters explained that earlier figures represented an initial phase and that the current figure reflects the scope required to build a modern, accredited exhibit. Committee members voiced support for preserving Como’s public access and education role; no vote was taken at the hearing.