Como Zoo Staff Share a Powerful Letter After Death of Beloved Animal in Minnesota
A lot of heartbreak happened in 2025 at one of Minnesota's most popular attractions. Unfortunately, loss is being felt again at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. Below is the latest news and their statement.
Another Loss at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in Minnesota
For years, the team at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory have poured their hearts into caring for animals like Milton, the Saki Monkey, who passed away in March 2025. Every announcement of an animal's passing is also a story of grief for the animal care team, which was very evident after Ulysses, a beloved Plains zebra passed away in November 2025.
Sadly, an emotional message of another loss was shared on Friday, February 13th, 2025 to the fans on the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory Facebook Page. Pickles, who has been part of the Como Zoo family since 2012, has passed away.
Emotional Letter From The Como Park Zoo Staff About The Death of Pickles, the Ostrich
It is with heavy hearts that we share that Pickles, our beloved ostrich, was humanely euthanized on February 12, surrounded by her devoted animal care team.
About a month ago, Pickles developed a severe limp with no known cause. Despite extensive veterinary care and treatment efforts to keep her comfortable, her mobility declined and her overall quality of life began to diminish. After thoughtful discussion and careful evaluation, our team made the incredibly difficult decision to humanely euthanize her to prevent further discomfort. Necropsy results are pending.
While many of us just get to experience the animals at locals zoos, like Como Park Zoo, at the exhibits, these animals are family to many who are on site. The keepers, veterinarians, and care teams form close bonds with the animals they are taking care of, and this is evident from the statements that Senior Zookeeper Jill shared:
“Pickles lived a full life. She arrived at Como Zoo in 2012 where she was introduced to Olive, her partner in crime for 10 years. During the summers, she cohabitated with the giraffes and occasionally Ulysses, our male zebra. She would meander the habitat, often saying hello to the giraffe calves, picking through piles of leaf litter, or playing with Ulysses’ tail...Pickles had a calm presence in the barn, was always curious about what we were doing, and had an affinity for musical enrichment like her jingle bells.” “Pickles was a fantastic ambassador for large dinosaurs — oops, I mean ostriches — everywhere. She was curious and engaging with the public and her zookeepers alike. The barn doesn’t feel or sound the same without her. I’ll miss her crazy hairdo and the way she always looked like she was up to no good.”
The statement that she gave next though is what made me tear up a bit...
“I’ll especially miss the relationship between Zookeeper Tami and Pickles. They had a wonderful bond, and my heart goes out to Tami for the loss of such a special animal.”
Sending love to the caretakers and team at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory today.
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