Como Zoo was founded in 1897 when the city of Saint Paul received a donation of three deer and provided a simple fenced in pasture for the animals.

The zoo also received donations of pets, such as a parrot, two Mexican red birds and a monkey.

In 1915, the zoo received a donation of two bison from the future Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota Thomas Frankson.

In 1926, Como Zoo received the donation of an American black bear named Peggy.

In 1956, through the efforts of a rich Minnesotan business man, Archie Brand's Seal Show arrived at the zoo.

In 1957, a number of endangered animals joined the zoo including Siberian tigers, gorillas, and orangutans.

In 1986, the new Land Bird and Water Fowl exhibit was completed with a large outdoor pool and waterfall.

The baby had some problems walking and almost died before it was moved to the University of Minnesota for special treatment.

[7] The bird yard contains a large pool, waterfall, and a mill house with a water wheel.

[8] Animals in this exhibited include, blue-eyed lemurs, patas monkeys, emperor tamarins, golden-headed lion tamarins, spider monkeys, western lowland gorillas, Sumatran orangutans, white-faced sakis, and Hoffmann's two-toed sloths.

Cats in this exhibit include, Siberian tigers, serval, lions, snow leopards and cougars.

The show focusses on educating visitors on marine life conservation, sea lion behavior, and the training and tricks performed by Sparky.

[10] The African Hoof Stock exhibit was part of the 1970s zoo master plan and was finished in the mid-1980s.

Animals in this exhibit include Grant's zebras, reticulated giraffes, Nyala, an African spurred tortoise, ostriches, and a crowned crane.

The old hoof stock building is one of the oldest exhibits at the zoo and is home to plains bison, Dall sheep, Arctic foxes, and reindeer.