Como Friends hits $50 million milestone after 24 years of support for Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

Como Friends, the non-profit partner of Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, recently announced it reached a milestone of $50 million in donation that have been invested in the zoo’s campus.

The sum is a cumulation of support that has increased every year since the group was founded in 2000, officials say. The first year saw $309,000 raised, with $2 million in the most recent one.

The funds are used to improve visitor amenities, update animal habitats and gardens, expand education programs and preserve free access to the zoo and conservatory. Como Friends’ goal is to inspire community generosity in order to ensure that Como Zoo thrives for generations to come.

“The significance of this is that over 24 years, this wonderful community that we live in has come together to generously support Como Parks and Conservatory through philanthropy,” said Jackie Sticha, Como Friends president.

Because of this support, including individua...