Extra Special Pets & Animals
Aug 11, 2008 5:53 pm US/Central
Como Zoo Prepares For Herd Of Visitors During RNC
ST. PAUL (WCCO) ―
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"We have the giraffes, we have the gorillas, orangutans, we have zebra, lions, tigers," said Michelle Furrer with the park.
CBS
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is the biggest park in the city of St. Paul. It's also less than five miles from the Xcel Energy Center.
The Republican National Convention has the folks at Como Park making plans for extra visitors.
The opposite of a convention hall filled with thousands of people, Como Park's 450 acres give visitors elbow room with a view.
"We have the giraffes, we have the gorillas, orangutans, we have zebra, lions, tigers," said Michelle Furrer with the park.
The Como Zoo and Conservatory are the centerpieces of the park, and both will open an hour earlier during the convention: 9 a.m. each day.
It's one of only four zoos in the country that does not charge admission.
The butterflies are proving to be popular this summer, so they are staying for the convention. Of course, getting them to stay can be a challenge. They can hang onto exiting visitors like a candidate who wants your vote.
"Check for hitchhikers, make sure there aren't any butterflies on your back or anywhere else," called out a park worker to some visitors.
"We've also extended our butterfly exhibit, Blooming Butterflies, through September 7th, so guests can enjoy that as well. At night time people can come in and drive by and see the conservatory dome, which is on the historic landmark registry, and see it all lit up in its glory," said Furrer.
WCCO's Amelia Santaniello said the Como Zoo is truly nonpartisan. There are no "Republican" elephants among the animals, and no "Democratic" donkeys.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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