Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance

11/06/2024

Happy belated ! 🤎

Did you know that DZCA has been involved in bison conservation for over 100 years? By 1908, our herd of 18 American plains bison were the last in Colorado. In our first official field conservation effort, we partnered with Yellowstone National Park officials and others to help protect this endangered species. In 1914, the growing conservation herd was restored to both Genesee Park and Daniels Park under the care of Denver Mountain Parks.

We continue to collaborate with our DMP partners and since 2021, we have worked with the City of Denver to transfer 114 bison to Native American tribes and tribal organizations as a form of reparations. We remain dedicated to preserving this iconic species, the ecosystems that support it, and ensuring that communities and cultures that depend on bison and grasslands continue to thrive. 🦬

Photo Credit: Director of Field Conservation - Colorado, Stefan Ekernas

11/05/2024

Meet Bodhi, our 20-year-old Endangered Asian elephant, who is making big strides in his care!

While the variability in the habitat and social groups works well for our other five elephants, our Animal Care team noticed that 20-year-old Bodhi didn't display the same confidence as the other bachelors in moving between the various habitats in Toyota Elephant Passage. To support Bodhi’s wellbeing, his dedicated team developed a personalized care plan and created a way to better communicate these changes with Bodhi.

His team developed a shape system to represent each elephant in our bachelor herd. With these shapes, Bodhi can now choose whether he wants to spend time by himself or socialize with companions. As the star of this unique training program, it’s only fitting that Bodhi is represented by a blue star!

Thanks to this specialized training and the dedication of his devoted care team, Bodhi is more confident when moving between spaces and interacting with other elephants. This innovative training gives him more choice and control over his social interactions, has boosted his confidence and helps create a more positive, enriching environment. ⭐️🐘💚

Bodhi’s story is just one example of the personalized wellbeing plans our dedicated team provide for each animal. This Colorado Gives Day, your support ensures that we continue providing expert care to stars like Bodhi! Donate today: https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/Denverzoo

Learn more about Bodhi's specialized training here: https://youtu.be/ZPG_h337S6Y?si=W7cp1r7bH0rcXgaw

11/05/2024

We 🤍 Marshmallow! Marshmallow is an albino red-necked wallaby who calls Down Under home. Our animal care team is dedicated to providing her with the same top-notch care all our animals receive, plus a little extra support to manage her albinism. Along with specialized nutrition and daily enrichment to keep her mentally and physically stimulated, her team takes additional steps like applying animal-safe sunscreen daily to protect her delicate skin. Marshmallow’s well-being is always our priority, and her passionate care team is committed to keeping her happy and healthy!

11/04/2024

Calling all Girl Scout Troop Leaders! Ready to lead your troop into the wild world of science? Join us for "Kickoff to Conservation: Citizen Scientist Journey," where we’ll uncover how scientists track data, solve real-world mysteries, and make a difference in their communities! This adventure is packed with facilitated activities, special animal encounters and hands-on stations to inspire and empower your girls.

Spots are limited for this adventure, so don’t wait! Find dates, learn more and register today: https://link.denverzoo.org/3NMdPAn

11/03/2024

Happy from some of our funkiest filter feeders: the upside-down jellyfish!

Did you know that these jellies are host to photosynthetic dinoflagellate algae? By flipping themselves upside-down, they’re able to get maximum sunlight on their arms which helps the algae photosynthesize. The jellies live off the algae’s byproducts and captures zooplankton for additional energy. Come check them out the next time you visit Tropical Discovery! 🪼

11/03/2024

Reminder that our next Free Day is tomorrow, November 3! Free Day ticket reservations are only available on our website on a first-come, first-served basis and will not be available at the Zoo entrance. Please only plan on arriving if you have tickets!

Couldn't make it this time around? Don’t worry, we have more Free Days planned throughout the year! Learn more: https://denverzoo.org/free-days/

📸: Animal Care Specialist Caitlin J.

11/02/2024

Colorado Gives Day is now open and we need your support! 🐻🐘💚

Did you know that Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is one of only 10% of zoos in the county to meet the exacting standards for accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums? Part of this accreditation means that we’re committed to creating personalized wellbeing plans for all our animals. From Tundra the grizzly bear and Betty the gerenuk to our Asian elephant bachelor boys, we’re proud to provide expert care to the 2,500+ individuals who call DZCA home.

Support DZCA and our animal family by making your Colorado Gives Day donation today! Give now: https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/Denverzoo

11/01/2024

✨ Zoo Lights is almost here and member tickets are on sale now! ✨ With 80 acres of over three million twinkling lights, we’re ready to make spirits bright once again. This is where family fun, tradition, and romance come to life under a sky full of sparkling lights—and we can't wait to see your brilliant smiles!

Members, you get exclusive access to Zoo Lights tickets before they go on sale to the public on November 8. Get tickets: https://denverzoo.org/events/zoo-lights/?utm_source=Social&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=Zoo+Lights

Want free Zoo Lights tickets? Renew your membership or become a member today to receive two FREE tickets! Renew or join here: https://my.denverzoo.org/m/membership/family?premove=y&promo=48593

Zoo Lights presented by Your Hometown Toyota Stores

11/01/2024

Consider this squash SQUISHED! Last week, our 20-year-old Asian elephant, Bodhi, gorged on a gargantuan gourd provided by giant pumpkin hobbyist Brian Deevy. This seasonal treat made for some epic enrichment for Bodhi, and he loved chomping through all 350 pounds of pumpkin. Gourd job, Bodhi! 🎃🐘

11/01/2024

While guests were enjoying Wild Fall this month, our Animal Ambassadors also joined in on the "falloween" fun. They celebrated with sensational seasonal enrichment which resulted in these boo-tiful photos. Happy Halloween from DZCA! 🎃

Heads up! Starting November 1, our hours will be 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for all guests. Learn more about hours + admission: https://denverzoo.org/hours-admission/

📸: Animal Care Specialist Becca W.

10/31/2024

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is a leadership partner in the recently launched Zoo and Aquarium Radiology Database, breaking new ground in wildlife care and conservation. Featured this week in the New York Times, this collaborative project among seven AZA-accredited institutions is a unique digital library of diagnostic images from various species in professional care—from rhinos to stingrays to roadrunners.

This database provides crucial reference images for veterinary teams to better understand the diverse anatomy of zoo and aquarium animal patients. With a goal to reach 10,000 images across 500 species by 2026, this database promises to be a game-changer for veterinarians, researchers, and conservationists alike to advance animal health and scientific understanding. DZCA is proud to leverage its diagnostic imaging capabilities in the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Animal Hospital (including an onsite CT scanner) for the best care of our animals and to contribute to this transformative project.

Dive into the fascinating world of zoo and aquarium animal radiology and learn more about how this initiative supports both wildlife in professional care and vulnerable populations in the wild.

Read the full article here: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/26/science/animals-skeletons-wildlife.html

With a new database of medical images, zoo and wildlife vets can finally see what healthy uncommon animals, from rhinos and tamarins to pangolins and sea stars, should look like on the inside.

10/30/2024

was earlier this week so we're popping in with these positively precious pics of Pecan and her pumpkin! 🎃 🤍

📸: Animal Care Specialist Alyssa A.

10/29/2024

Join us for our Boo at the Zoo Sensory-Friendly Night on October 31! This inclusive event is designed for guests living with sensory processing disorders who might find the typical Boo at the Zoo experience overwhelming. Enjoy a relaxed evening with accommodations like reduced crowds, low-volume music, quiet rooms and more. Get your tickets: https://my.denverzoo.org/batz/55503

Boo at the Zoo Sensory-Friendly Night is presented by Union Pacific Railroad.

10/29/2024

Happy ! 🐾 From Sumatran and Amur tigers to African lions, a serval, Geoffroy’s cat, a fishing cat, and a clouded leopard, we’re proud to care for a variety of majestic cats here at the Zoo. Fun fact: unlike most big cats, clouded leopards have the ability to climb down trees headfirst thanks to their unique ankle joints! And just like our domestic house cats, these big felines have playful, loving personalities that we can’t help but fall in love with. Celebrate these incredible felines with us today! 🐅🦁

10/29/2024

It’s , and we’re highlighting the very misunderstood vampire bats! 🦇 Though their name sounds spooky, these tiny mammals play a vital role in ecosystems. They don’t suck blood as myths suggest—instead, they use razor-sharp teeth to make a tiny cut and lap up the blood with their specialized tongues, aided by a special anti-coagulant in their saliva called "draculin." Beyond their unique feeding habits, bats are essential pollinators and help control insect populations, making them crucial to our planet’s health.

Tropical Discovery is open again, so stop by to catch a bat feeding demo and see these creepy cuties in action!

10/28/2024

En conmemoración del Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana y el Día de los Mu***os, Denver Zoo Conservationl Alliance tiene el honor de albergar una ofrenda construida por el artista local Cal Duran. La ofrenda del zoológico se encuentra en el Anfiteatro Wild Encounters y está dedicada a los animales queridos en nuestras vidas que han fallecido. Del 29 de octubre al 3 de noviembre, está invitado a visitar la ofrenda y traer una copia de una fotografía (tenga en cuenta que las fotografías no serán devueltas) de una mascota o animal querido, para ser honrado y recordado. Obtenga más información sobre las ofrendas, cómo interactúa con ellas y el arte de Cal a continuación.

- ¿Qué es una ofrenda?
Una ofrenda está llena de recuerdos que se utilizan para honrar y recordar las vidas de los seres queridos que han fallecido.

- ¿Cómo puedes interactuar con él?
Con cuidado.
Si tienes una foto de un animal querido, apóyala.
Da un paso atrás y admira desde la distancia.

- Sobre el artista
Cal Duran es un artista y educador local con raíces indias, mexicanas e indígenas. Sus humildes comienzos y antepasados lo guían mientras crea su arte en técnicas mixtas. El arte de Cal se ha exhibido en más de 72 museos.

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In observance of National Hispanic Heritage Month and Día de los Mu***os, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is honored to host an ofrenda built by local artist Cal Duran. The Zoo’s ofrenda is in the Wild Encounters Amphitheater and is dedicated to the cherished animals in our lives who have passed on. From October 29 through November 3, you’re invited to visit the ofrenda and bring a copy of a photo (please note that photos won't be returned) of a beloved pet or animal, to be honored and remembered. Learn more about ofrendas, how you interact with them and Cal's art below.

- What is an ofrenda?
An ofrenda is a table or altar, full of mementos, pictures and food to honor and remember the lives of loved ones who have passed.

- How can you interact with it?
Carefully.
If you have a picture of a beloved animal, prop it up on the ofrenda
Leave a copy. Photos won’t be returned.
Step back, admire from a distance.

- About the Artist
Cal Duran is a local artist and educator with Indian, Mexican and Indigenous roots. His humble beginnings and ancestors guide him in creating his mixed media art. Cal's art has been showcased in over 72 museums.

10/27/2024

This enrichment is out of this world! 🚀🌙 Pecan and Cashew, our leucistic rescued raccoon sisters, recently enjoyed space-themed Halloween enrichment, expertly crafted by Volunteer Salo de la Torre! They had a blast foraging for tasty treats in spaceships and hanging out with paper-mâché aliens. This enrichment not only keeps them mentally and physically stimulated, but also helps them bulk up for the colder months ahead. We love these two to the moon and back and are dedicated to giving them everything they need to thrive in our care! 👽🦝🤍

10/27/2024

It’s been a wild fall! From Bigfoot sightings to coordinated costumes, there has been no shortage of smiles this month during Wild Fall and Boo at the Zoo. 🧡 Check out some of these sweet smiles from one of our lesser kudus and a few of our guests during today's , presented by Delta Dental of Colorado. Be sure to swing by this weekend and catch all of our real and mythical animals enjoying the crisp autumn evenings and the fun fall vibes! 🍂🎃 Tickets available at: https://my.denverzoo.org/events?kid=5

Tag in your zoo day smiles for a chance to be featured next month! 🦷✨

Photos by: Gracie, Allison O., Jenny P., Giovanna F., Jessie U., Oxana V.