The Denver Zoo
When the City Park (Denver) Zoo first opened, the year was 1896 and the first resident was a black bear named Billy Bryan. More bears joined the group and by 1906, the Zoo had a large steel barred enclosure for the bears. The Denver Zoo was a proud leader in the effort to save the American Bison from extinction. In 1899, six of the Bison (Buffalo) were brought in from Kansas City, and by 1912 that number had grown to fifteen. Sadly, that was considered to be a large herd at the time. Now, “the Denver Zoo has evolved into an impressive 80-acre wonderland in Denver’s beautiful City Park.”
In the early 1900’s, the Zoo needed to identify the animals with signs to help visitors know more about the different species they saw. Over time, the animals were put in better surroundings. Instead of the bars and small cages, natural settings were constructed which allowed the animals to live in an environment similar to their natural habitat. Zoo visitors could view and photograph the animals freely and without the distraction of mesh and chain link fencing. An example of this was in 1918, with the constructing of Bear Mountain at the Denver Zoo.
Over the decades, the Denver Zoo has seen a tremendous growth. Today, visitors can enjoy nearly 4,000 different animals with 700 different species. From classic animals like lions, tigers and bears… (oh my!) to exotic animals like the incredibly rare okapi, king cobras and vampire bats – the Zoo has a world of wonder to enjoy. The nursery is a particular favorite with visitors who can watch brand new babies being cared for by caring veterinary staff, and appreciate how precious and important zoo babies are for continuing the species. Some Zoo babies have become fairly famous, like “Klondike & Snow” twin polar bear cubs born in 1994.
Visit the Primate Panorama, the Predator Ridge and Tropical Discovery as well as the newest creation being constructed in 2011, the Asian Tropics exhibit which will house the Pachyderm group and “will provide increased vegetation, shade trees for shelter from sun and rain, more room to roam and a pond for wallowing (an important daily ritual for skin care and health)”.
The Denver Zoo takes their mission of wildlife conservation seriously. Close to 200 species which now live at the Zoo are considered threatened or endangered and three of the species are already extinct in the wild. Education about wildlife, appreciation of native habitats and their place in our world, and protecting our natural resources will teach people how to care for the animals on the planet we share.
The Denver Zoo is a wonderful place to see many things you may never experience otherwise. Come and see a wintertime Zoo lights “safari with more than 38 brilliantly-illuminated acres of lights, featuring more than 150 animated animal sculptures that swing through trees, jump across lawns, hide in bushes and appear in places where they’re least expected.” The Denver Zoo is open year round, has fun activities and events open to the public and welcomes you. Come visit to see what’s new at the Zoo!
Denver Zoo Photo Gallery
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