Come face-to-face with a variety of different animals and learn about conservation at this impressive zoo in the heart of Colorado’s capital.
Denver Zoo has grown from humble beginnings into one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Located smack bang in the centre of City Park, this urban zoo is spread over a luscious 32 hectares, encompassing a variety of enclosures that are designed to emulate various natural habitats.Starting off with a solitary American brown bear in 1896, the zoo’s population has grown rapidly over the years and is now home to 3,500 animals, made up of 650 exotic and native species. This pioneering zoo pays particular attention to the preservation of endangered and threatened species as well as promoting awareness on conservation and sustainability.Paying homage to its first resident, the historic Bear Mountain was the first naturalistic habitat of its kind in North America. Constructed in 1918, it is currently home to grizzly bears, Asiatic black bears and cuddly coati.Next stop should be Predator Ridge. This area is designed to emulate the natural grassland habitat found in the African Savannah. Home to 12 different species of African birds, reptiles and lions, including spotted hyenas, banded mongoose and vulturine guineafowl, as well as two prides of lions, this part of the zoo always proves popular with visitors.Continue on to the two-hectare Primate Panorama complex. Four-storey high, open-air mesh tents are home to tree-dwelling apes and screeching monkeys. Marvel at the way they grapple and swing along the branches and twisting vines. When they are not resting or climbing ropes, neighbouring free-roaming gorillas lazily eye visitors as they lope broodily around. When in this area, why not pop in and see the bald eagles, Andean condor and flamingos in the adjacent aviary. From here, stroll over to Mimi, Dolly, Bhodi and Groucho in the Toyota Elephant Passage – the largest bull elephant habitat in the world.If you have time left, wind your way through the waterfalls and dark caves of the Tropical Discovery building where exotic marine life flourishes in the mangrove swamp and coral reefs. Keep an eye out for vampire bats, cobras, poison dart frogs and komodo dragons.Finally, do not miss the Animal Adventures. This memorable and intimate keeper-led experience gives visitors the chance to observe different animals in close proximity. Where else can you feed a Rhino or get close enough to touch its horn?!Denver Zoo is a terrific destination for families, groups and anyone with a love of animals. It is well-equipped with every amenity you could wish for and should be at the top of any Denver to-do list.
