Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, St Paul, MN – 19 AUG 2012

After the Fort, we decided to head over to Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. It was late in the afternoon, so it was too warm and late in the day to get any photos of the animals; however, I did find a few nice images at the Conservatory. Photo tip: Always visit a zoo in the early morning. To get pictures of the animals out and about, it needs to be cool. Best time is nearest to feeding times on a cool day or early morning.

The above image from Wikipedia.com, shows you the beautiful Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, just as I remember it from my childhood.

There was a large section of the Conservatory closed for a special event, but the lily pads and other flowers were in bloom.

Next to the Conservatory is an antique carousel. Originally located at the Minnesota State Fair, it has been restored and is open for business.

It was dismantled for auction when concerned citizens were able to save it, just hours before the gavel hit.

This 68-horse carousel, now named Cafesjian’s Carousel after a major donor, was built in 1914.

For more information, visit: Link to Fair Carousel