
“Only if we understand can we care. Only if we care will we help. Only if we help shall they be saved.”
Dr. Jane Goodall, Primatologist and Conservationist
Profile Information:
- Address: 2300 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205 (Map)
- Phone Number: (720) 337-1400
- Email Address: info@denverzoo.org
- Hours of Operation: Open daily from 9am to 5pm
- Date founded: 1896
- Accreditation: Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)
- Number of Animals: over 4,000
- Number of Species: over 600
- Park Size: 80 acres
- Website Link: https://www.denverzoo.org/
Brief History:
The Denver Zoo was founded in 1896, making it one of the oldest and most established zoos in the United States. Its original purpose was to provide a place for animals to live and to educate people about the natural world.
In the early years, the zoo was located in City Park, which is still a popular destination in Denver today. Over time, the zoo grew in size and popularity, and in 1918 it was moved to its current location in City Park West.
Throughout the years, the Denver Zoo has continued to expand and innovate, adding new exhibits and attractions to keep visitors engaged and excited about the animals they are seeing. The zoo has also become a leader in animal conservation, working with other zoos and conservation organizations around the world to protect endangered species and promote sustainable practices.
Today, the Denver Zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals representing over 600 species, and welcomes more than 2 million visitors each year. It continues to be a beloved destination for families, students, and animal lovers alike, and a valuable resource for education and conservation efforts.
Quick Facts:
- The Denver Zoo is home to many endangered species, including the Amur leopard, the Sumatran orangutan, and the black rhinoceros.
- The zoo has over 1000 species of animals from all over the world.
- The Predator Ridge exhibit is the largest exhibit at the zoo, and it features lions, tigers, and hyenas.
- The Denver Zoo is committed to conservation and research, and they work to protect animals in the wild through their various conservation programs.
- The zoo offers a variety of educational programs for children and adults, including camps, classes, and tours.
- The Bird World exhibit was home to over 200 birds from more than 60 species. It closed October 1, 2019, after 45 years of service.
- The Toyota Elephant Passage is a unique exhibit that features several Asian elephant habitats, a rhino habitat, and a village with restaurants and shops.
- The zoo has a large herd of giraffes, and visitors can feed them at the Giraffe Encounter exhibit.
- The zoo is located in City Park, which is also home to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and the City Park Golf Course.
- The Denver Zoo is one of the few zoos in the world that has successfully bred black-footed ferrets in captivity.
Fun Facts:
- The zoo’s primate exhibit features a group of Western lowland gorillas that love to play and interact with visitors.
- The zoo has a resident Komodo dragon, who is over 7 feet long and weighs over 150 pounds.
- The zoo’s Asian Tropics exhibit is home to several red pandas, which are known for their distinctive markings and playful personalities.
- The zoo’s Bear Mountain exhibit features grizzly bears and brown bears, and visitors can watch them swim and play in the water.
- The zoo has a resident okapi named Kalispell, which is a rare and endangered species that is closely related to giraffes.
- The zoo’s Przewalski’s horse exhibit features horses that are native to Mongolia and were once extinct in the wild.
- The zoo has a special exhibit called Dinosaurs in the Wild, which features life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and takes visitors on a journey back in time.
- The zoo has a resident African painted dog named Nigel, who loves to run and play with his pack mates.
- The zoo’s American Grasslands exhibit features bison, pronghorn, and other animals that are native to the grasslands of North America.
- The zoo’s Tropical Discovery exhibit features a variety of reptiles, including snakes, lizards, and turtles.
Fun Facts for Kids:
- The zoo has a resident hippopotamus named Mahali, who loves to swim and eat vegetables.
- The zoo’s Monkey Island exhibit features several species of monkeys, including squirrel monkeys, capuchin monkeys, and howler monkeys. Visitors can watch them swing and climb on ropes and vines.
- The zoo’s Predator Ridge exhibit features a pack of African wild dogs, which are also known as painted dogs because of their colorful fur.
- The zoo has resident red kangaroos, who love to hop around and eat leaves.
- The zoo’s Primate Panorama exhibit features several species of primates, including lemurs, gibbons, and colobus monkeys.
- The zoo’s Reptile House exhibit features a variety of snakes, including the king cobra and the green mamba.
- The zoo’s Toyota Elephant Passage exhibit features several species of birds, including the African grey parrot and the kookaburra.
- The zoo’s Pioneer Train takes visitors on a ride around the zoo, giving them a chance to see some of the animals up close.
- The zoo’s Conservation Carousel is a fun ride that features several endangered species, including the black-footed ferret and the giant panda.
Additional Resources:
Video: Colorado Experience: The Denver Zoo
Video: Denver Zoo Full Tour – Denver, Colorado – Part One
Video: Denver Zoo Full Tour – Denver, Colorado – Part Two