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Enjoy a Saturday Pictorial Walk in the Park--Como Park Zoological Garden That Is!

Main Zoo building at Como Park by Teri Eckholm Realtor

A visit to Como Park in St. Paul, Minnesota brings back so many wonderful memories. As a kid it was a place for the Summer family reunion and a destination for school field trips. As a college student, I enjoyed riding my bike around the lake as it was a short distance from my Hamline University campus dorm. My husband and I spend several of our first dates walking around the park, feeding the ducks at the lake and seeing the Como Zoo animals up close and very personal in their original small cages. Almost every weekend, as a young starving college grad, I would head over to the zoo or conservatory with my nieces in tow to photograph the bears and throw fish to Sparky. It has always been free to visit Como Park and what a great way to spend an afternoon.

When I had children of my own, we headed to the year-round flower festival in the Como Zoo Conservatory   in November for a colorful backdrop where we could snap a Christmas photo of the boys.

It had been years since we visited Como Park. Last Saturday, on a whim or maybe it was a bit of spring fever, we decided to visit the park and take some photos of something other than real estate for sale. Many others must have been bitten by that same bug, as the park was full...but I managed to keep the people out of my pictures.

Here are a few of my favorite shots from the zoo side of Como Park:



Como Park Lions by Teri Eckholm Realtor

 The lions were out and enjoying the beautiful spring weather oblivious to the gawkers above them.

 

 Como Park Lioness by Teri Eckholm Realtor

 

 The mama lion was wide awake keeping an eye on the tigers across the way.

 Snoozing Lion at Como Park Zoo by Teri Eckholm Realtor

 

The papa lion was enjoying an afternoon nap!

 

 Como Park Tiger by Teri Eckholm Realtor

 

The tiger was out and on the prowl!

 

Como Park Snow Leopard by Teri Eckholm Realtor

 

A sleepy snow leopard opened an eye to watch us.

 

Swimming Sea Lion at Como Park Zoo by Teri Eckholm Realtor

 

A retired "Sparky" was quietly swimming in lazy circles waiting for the fish food building to open.

 

Swimming Sea Lion at Como Park Zoo by Teri Eckholm Realtor

 

I guess trained sea lions don't bother barking unless he can see the fishy treats!

 

Sparky the Sea Lion at Como Park Zoo by Teri Eckholm Realtor

 

It was still too early in the year for the infamous daily Sparky the Sea Lion shows but his statue stands grandly at the entrance of the aquatic animal building.

 

 
Sloth at Como Zoo by Teri Eckholm Realtor

 

The sloth was very "sloth-like"; lounging in a tree in the primate building. (I used a photo editing software to make this appear as a painting.)

 

 
Hungry Zebra at Como Zoo by Teri Eckholm Realtor

And then there was the hungry zebra more interested in dinner than people in the hoofed animal building. It is much better on the senses when these hoofed guys are out of doors and they were very scent-ouous in their indoor abodes!

If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet, Homebuyers Success Packet or sign up for Listingbook Twin Cities Home Search. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Buying a Home? Check out my new HOME BUYER'S BLOG!

Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

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If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet or FREE Homebuyers Success Packet.  I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

 

Buying a Home? Check out my HOME BUYER'S BLOG!

Copyright 2012 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

 

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Comments

What great phgotos, Teri! and a trip down memory lane as well. I loved Papa Lion, as relaxed as a kitty cat.

Posted by Sharon Simms St Pete FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS (ALVA International, Inc.) about 3 years ago

Hi Teri,

What a fun post, you've got some great shots. BTW when I clicked over to the conservatory it looks like you have a broken link.

Posted by Orange Co. Real Estate~Lynda Eisenmann, Broker-Owner,CRS,CDPE,GRI,SRES, Brea,CA (Preferred Home Brokers) about 3 years ago

Teri ~ This is a great photo tour of Como Zoo .. These photos are incredible.  I can't believe how close you were.  What a great day.

Posted by Joan Whitebook Southern New Hampshire (BHG The Masiello Group) about 3 years ago

Looks like a great day at the zoo.  I think the male lion has the right idea.  I wish you the best and I will talk to you soon.

Posted by Nate Rowe, Homes in Richmond VA Realtor in Richmond VA, (Oakstone Properties, Homes in Richmond VA ) about 3 years ago

Teri, I loved your photos!  I haven't been to the zoo in YEARS and you made me miss it :)  I'll have to get there over the summer.  Thanks for sharing those wonderful pictures.

Posted by Laura Cerrano and Carole Provenzale Owner, Feng Shui Long Island & New York (Feng Shui Long Island & New York City/Feng Shui Manhattan ) about 3 years ago

I love the big cats. I would like to see them in action in the wild.

Posted by Terry+Bonnie Westbrook Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids Forest Hills MI Real Estate (Westbrook Realty Broker-Owner) about 3 years ago

Teri - You got some great shots there. I love going to the zoos and it has been a long time since I have been to one. Tigers are my all time favorite animal, and you got a great picture of one!

Posted by Guilford Connecticut Real Estate Agent, Sandra Cummings (William Raveis Real Estate) about 3 years ago

Sharon--Isn't that picture a hoot? When we first saw the Papa lion, he was lounging on his side. Everyone "roared" with laughter when he rolled over on his back. :)

Posted by Teri Eckholm, REALTOR® Anoka&Washington Counties Acreage & Lakeshore Homes (REMAX Specialists) about 3 years ago

Lynda--Thanks for letting me know about the conservatory link...All fixed now! :)

Posted by Teri Eckholm, REALTOR® Anoka&Washington Counties Acreage & Lakeshore Homes (REMAX Specialists) about 3 years ago

Joan--Thank you! Not close but I have a good optical zoom on my camera! :)

Posted by Teri Eckholm, REALTOR® Anoka&Washington Counties Acreage & Lakeshore Homes (REMAX Specialists) about 3 years ago

Nate--It was fun to see how much things have changed at Como. Glad you enjoyed the photos!

Posted by Teri Eckholm, REALTOR® Anoka&Washington Counties Acreage & Lakeshore Homes (REMAX Specialists) about 3 years ago

Teri, Love the Papa Lion! We went to the San Diego wild animal park with a granddaughter recently - the picture taken from behind her made it look like she was inside with the lions. When she gets older she'll take that pic to school I bet. :) kate ford

Posted by Ask Kate for answers (Get-Your-Best-Mortgage-Rate.com) about 3 years ago

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