Denver Zoo — Zoo in Denver

Denver Zoo and its collection

Denver Zoo, opened in 1896, is a zoo in Denver, Colorado, United States.

Dating from 1896, the zoo traces its start to a gift of an orphaned American black bear. It is run by the Denver Zoological Foundation, with part funding from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District and the remaining income from tickets and private gifts. It is the city's best-attended ticketed attraction.

Animals and collection

Animals on show include black-throated magpie-jay, Sumatran orangutan, grizzly bears, polar bear and black bear.

Exhibits

Predator Ridge, completed in 2004 and depicting African savanna, is what most visitors meet first, while Primate Panorama covers 7 acres given mainly to apes and larger primates. Toyota Elephant Passage cost $50 million across 10 acres, Tropical Discovery opened in 1993 to hold reptiles and fish, and the site's oldest aviary now keeps Andean condors. Daily demonstrations, some of them seasonal, run at the sea lion pool, Elephant Passage, Predator Ridge, Wildlife Plaza and the Wild Encounters amphitheater.

Things to do

Things to do include Daily Animal Demonstrations, Celebration Squad and Wild Welcome + Wild Goodbye.

Conservation and approach

Numerous species held at the zoo are managed within AZA Species Survival Plans.

What the venue says

• Celebration Squad
• Wild Welcome + Wild Goodbye
• Centrally located, offering burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, and kids' meals with a shaded patio.
• Parking at DZCA is free for our guests! You may park in any of the parking lots adjacent to the Zoo or in our four-level parking garage.
• The zoo grounds are generally flat with well-maintained, paved pathways.
• Manual wheelchairs and electric convenience scooters are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis
• Accessible parking spaces are located on all levels of the parking garage near elevators and in the East lot.
• one aide, attendant, or guide for free
• Certified Autism Center (CAC)
• Trained service animals (dogs or miniature horses under the ADA) are welcome, though emotional support animals are not permitted.