Como Harbor News Today

The zoo reports generating more than $200 million in economic impact on the region, and providing more than 2,000 jobs.

It was a year of highs and lows, of heartwarmers and heartbreakers. And WCCO's team of reporters was there to cover it all. Here are some of our favorites and most memorable headlines covered over the last 12 months.

Twenty hand-painted sea lion statues will start to appear around the Twin Cities to celebrate the return of Sparky the Sea Lion shows at Como Zoo.

The show was reimagined in a new-and-improved habitat.

Born at Como Zoo in the early 1990s, CC entertained and educated millions of people between 2002 and 2015 as the titular — and first female — star of the “Sparky Show,” which debuted in 1956 when trainer Archie Brand settled his traveling sea lion show at the city-owned zoo.

She lived a long life – the average life expectancy of a sea lion is 15-25 years.

The legendary show starring the Como Zoo's team of sea lions is set to resume May 7 following a four-year absence.

The Como Zoo's famous sea lion Sparky will return with her popular show this May.

Safety & Inspections Director Ricardo Cervantes and Parks & Recreation Director Mike Hahm to Retire Early Next Year, Each After More than Three Decades of Public Service

Sparky the Sea Lion and her other seal lion and seal buddies have moved into their brand new digs today, named Como Harbor, at Saint Pauls Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. The group of finned animals known as pinnipeds features two gray seals, two harbor seals, and four sea lions (including Sparky). Their newly redesigned Como Harbor came at a cost of 21-million dollars, but it seems that they really like the upgrades that includes a pair of saltwater pools, new shaded amphitheater, and underwate...