City Park Denver Zoo
Posted by: Rick Janson / Category: City Park Denver, Denver Lifestyleâ„¢Opened in 1896 at the heart of City Park, the Denver Zoo began humbly with a lone black bear named Billy Bryan. He had been orphaned by his mother and made a new home at the zoo. From those modest beginnings, the Denver Zoo has grown to house over 3,500 animals from 650 different species across 80 acres. Open year-round, the zoo has fun activities planned every month for everyone from tiny tots to couples looking for a fun date idea.
As an educational source, the Denver Zoo has plenty to offer. Outside of the zoo setting, it supports 75 different research and conservation projects in 22 countries. It also offers family canoe trips during the summer that specialize in education and fun. On site, it works to promote the furthering of endangered species by having 188 of them that live at the zoo, with three that are completely extinct in the wild.
On top of the great educational programs the zoo offers for kids and families, there are a number of events they hold that meld the educational side of the zoo with the laid back Denver lifestyle, aimed at the adult animal lover. During the summer they offer a date night series where a couple can listen to educational talks, visit animals relevant to the night’s topic, and enjoy a delicious dinner. One of the more infamous events held every year is Do at the Zoo, an upscale fundraiser that features exotic foods from Denver’s best restaurants.
When it comes to family entertainment, the Denver Zoo offers two of the year’s most notorious events: Boo at the Zoo and the Zoo Lights. During Boo at the Zoo, parents and kids tour the grounds, stopping off at the more than 25 trick-or-treat stations and animal demonstrations. Zoo Lights, held over a three-week period in December and January, is Denver’s premier spot to grab a cup of cocoa and explore canopies of holiday lights. Pop into the pachyderm building for a quick warm up on this tour of 38 acres of light, or brave the Denver chill all the way through. However you want to explore, make sure Zoo Lights is something you put on your calender.
A staple of childhood and a stroll down memory lane for adults, the grandeur and awesomeness of zoos can’t be denied. With so many great programs, animals, exhibits, and opportunities, the Denver Zoo truly is one of a kind. Admission during peak season is $13 for adults and $8 for kids 3-11, a steal for all the cool stuff you get to see!
Tags: City Park Zoo, Denver City Zoo, denver zoo