Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance

Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations.

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

In honor of #OrangeIsForOrangutanDay, we’re highlighting what it actually takes to care for some of the most intelligent animals on the planet. 🦧

Once a month, our orangutans get a feast. We call it a gorge feed: a spread of fruits native to their natural habitats, including durian, jackfruit, coconut, star fruit, lychee, rambutan, and more. This mirrors how orangutans eat in the wild by finding large quantities of food, eating their fill, and then fasting for a few days after. It also gives them the chance to practice breaking open different fruits, a completely natural behavior that keeps both their bodies and their minds engaged.

Because orangutans are incredibly intelligent, training is one of the most important parts of their care. Our team works with each individual on voluntary healthcare behaviors. Things like blood draws, vaccinations, blood pressure checks, and body presentations for injury exams. When an animal can participate in their own care, vet visits become far less stressful and the need for anesthesia drops significantly. That’s a win for the animals and the people who care for them.

Enrichment for an orangutan has to work hard. It needs to be mentally challenging enough to hold their attention and sturdy enough to survive them. Puzzle feeders, mirrors, and tools that encourage problem-solving are all part of the mix. Orangutans are one of only a handful of animals capable of tool use, and we take that into consideration when we are putting together their enrichment items.

Caring for this family is one of the greatest privileges our team gets to experience. Thank you for celebrating them with us this week. Swing by Primate Panorama to meet Jaya, Hesty, Eirina, Siska, Rambutan, and Cerah!

Photos: Animal Care Specialists Christa K. and Jenna G.
#OrangutanCaringWeek #Orangutan #SumatranOrangutan #DenverZooConservationAlliance #SavingWildlifeTogether

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

At Primate Panorama, Eirina is always keeping her Animal Care team on their toes. 🦧

She can be serious when she wants to be, but she also has an absolutely iconic smile, a love of playing in water, and a habit of sitting inside trashcans and toppling off ledges just to see how her Care team react.

But beneath the mischief, Eirina is an incredible mom. As her daughter Siska grows into her independence, Eirina has started giving her more space to explore while still pulling her close for naps and sticking together as they move through their habitat.

For the Animal Care Specialists who’ve earned her trust, Eirina has another side entirely. She’ll actually seek out grooming from the people she’s closest to. Building that kind of bond takes time, patience, and a whole lot of trust. And it’s one of the most rewarding parts of this work.

We love you, Eirina!

Photos: Animal Care Specialists Christa K. and Jenna G.
#OrangutanCaringWeek #Orangutan #SumatranOrangutan #DenverZooConservationAlliance #SavingWildlifeTogether

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

Happy 5th birthday, Boots! 🐃🎂

The most important boots on the savanna celebrated in style with scented paper chains, boot-shaped treats, and his whole herd by his side. Cindy, Rain, and Puddles made it a party.

Five years of being the best boy. 🎉

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

At three years old, Siska is independent, playful, and always up to something. You might catch her splashing around in a bubble bath, playing under sheets with Cerah, or working on one of her latest skills: building her own hammock.

Siska is also practicing her nest-building using wood wool, one of her favorite bedding materials. In the wild, orangutans build a brand-new nest high in the trees every single night, so mastering this skill early is a big deal.

Enrichment for a three-year-old orangutan looks a lot like play: balls with holes, cardboard boxes, treat boards, and food puzzles filled with nut butters, seeds, Jello, and Cheerios. The goal is always to keep those big, curious minds working.

She may prefer playtime over training some days, but we’re happy that she’s thriving and we’re here for every bit of it. 🧡

Photos: Animal Care Specialist Christa K.
#OrangutanCaringWeek #Orangutan #SumatranOrangutan #DenverZooConservationAlliance #SavingWildlifeTogether

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

Happy Veterans Day! From all of us at DZCA, we're honored to celebrate and thank those who have served. ❤️🤍💙

Wednesday, November 11, our amazing DZCA Docents are offering free guided tours for veterans, active-duty military members, and their families as a small thank-you for their service. Tours are first come, first served, with the first tour departing from the Main Gate at 9:00 a.m. and the last tour departing at 11:00 a.m. Active-duty military members, veterans, and their families, look for our special VIP Access signage when you arrive for your designated entry lane with your Community Free Day tickets or Zoo Membership.
November 11 is also a Community Free Day! Free Day tickets are now sold out, and walk-up admission will not be available. DZCA members may still enter with a valid membership card.

We look forward to celebrating with you!

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

Orangutan Caring Week is here, and we have the perfect way to kick it off. 🦧

Baby Rambutan, born earlier this year to mom Hesty, is growing up right before our eyes. These days, he’s curious about everything: his surroundings, his toys, and especially his food. (His current favorite is star puffs.)

He’s also started taking his first brave little steps away from mom. Just a few feet, but enough to explore, play, and spend some quality time with his aunt Cerah.

Watching a baby orangutan discover the world is something else entirely. We’re so proud of this little guy and the whole family that’s helping him thrive. 🧡

Photos: Animal Care Specialist Christa K.
#OrangutanCaringWeek #Orangutan #SumatranOrangutan #DenverZooConservationAlliance #SavingWildlifeTogether

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

It’s Hug A (Stuffed) Bear Day, and we have just the bear for you. 🐻

Our grizzly bear Tundra is settling in for torpor as the weather cools down, which means she’s a little less visible these days, but that doesn't mean you have to go home bear-less. Stop by our gift shop and adopt a bear plush of your own to hug all season long.

Tundra would approve.

Shop now: https://t.co/1CSwJh1ZUs

Photos: Volunteer photographer Amy Johnson

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

Few animals are as deeply woven into the story of the American West, or into the history of Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, as the bison. They were among the first animals in our collection, and over a century ago, DZCA played a direct role in pulling them back from the edge of extinction. By 1908, Denver Zoo's 18 American plains bison were all that remained in Colorado. In one of our first official field conservation efforts, Denver Zoo and Denver Mountain Parks collaborated to reintroduce those 18 bison to Genesee Park. 🦬

That work never stopped. Over the last five years, our Great Plains Conservation and Veterinary Medicine teams have partnered with Denver Mountain Parks, Colorado State University, and the TallBull family to assess the health of the bison herd at Daniels Park, studying these animals in their native grassland habitat just south of Denver and monitoring the vital role bison play as ecosystem engineers. Since 2021, we have also worked with the City of Denver to help transfer 170 bison to Native American tribes and tribal organizations as a form of reparations, honoring the significance bison hold for Native American communities.

Our team is also working to restore dung beetle populations in bison habitats as a way to rebuild the soil health of the grassland ecosystems.

Bison are a symbol of resilience and restoration, and we’re proud to be part of their story. 🌾

Want to see bison in the wild? Visit the herds at Daniels Park and Genesee Park — and learn more about our Colorado Field Conservation work at https://t.co/pIM6W9kvMH

Photo Credit: Kristi Odom
#DenverZooConservationAlliance #NationalBisonDay #Bison #ColoradoConservation #GreatPlains #GrasslandRestoration #GrasslandEcosystem #SavingWildlifeTogether

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

Earlier this week, we had a very special guest behind the scenes in Tropical Discovery. 📸

National Geographic photographer and explorer @joelsartore stopped by Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance as part of the Photo Ark: a project dedicated to photographing every species in human care around the world to show the public what biodiversity looks like right now and inspire people to save wildlife.

While he was here, Joel photographed two lizard species he had never captured before, including a monkey anole, a lizard that most people have never even heard of.

Joel’s philosophy and ours couldn’t be more aligned: people won’t save what they don’t love. And you can’t fall in love with something through a screen alone. That’s why places like this matter.

We’re honored to be part of the Photo Ark story.

#PhotoArk #DenverZooConservationAlliance #SavingWildlifeTogether #Lizard #WildlifePhotography #Conservation #NationalGeographicSociety #NatGeo

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

This Colorado Gives Day, we’re raising funds for habitat improvements across the Zoo and our tree kangaroos and wallabies deserve your support! 🦘

Colorado’s dry climate is a challenge for animals from Down Under, and a new humidifier system will help bring their environment closer to the conditions they experience in the wild, supporting their comfort, health and natural self-maintenance. This is just one of several habitat enhancements we’re working toward—projects totaling more than $341,000 to help our animals thrive.

Every gift is matched dollar for dollar until we reach $130,000. Double your impact now through December 8: https://t.co/9xlnbrdeq0

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

Zoo Lights tickets are now on sale! 🎄✨

This year, we’re celebrating 35 years of Denver’s most beloved holiday tradition, and we’re doing it big. The return of historic displays from the Wild Lights era, new themed Adult Nights, a Zoo Lights Market, and surprises we can’t wait for you to see.

Whether you’re making memories with the little ones or looking for a little holiday whimsy, there’s no place quite like this.

Select nights November 23–January 3. Grab your tickets before they’re gone. https://t.co/TD5cd7d75Q 🦒🌟

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

Cashew and Pecan recently enjoyed the last bit of the pumpkin season with some tasty enrichment! Come visit our raccoons in Harmony Hill before the colder months arrive and they start spending more time tucked away!

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

Happy 17th birthday to our pumpkin! 🎃🐘

Jake the elephant rang in his 17th birthday with a selection of pumpkins to snack on and a birthday “cake” made of monkey chow and honey. It was a smashing success!

We love you, Jake! 🎂🐘

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

Members, your early access to Zoo Lights tickets is officially open! ✨

Grab your tickets before they go on sale to the general public, plus enjoy 10% off as a member perk.

Three million lights. 80 acres. Denver’s most beloved holiday tradition. Don’t miss it. 🦒🌟

https://t.co/TD5cd7d75Q

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

Colorado Gives Day early giving is now open, and this year we have something special: in honor of DZCA’s 130th anniversary, generous donors have created a $130,000 challenge match. Every dollar you give will be matched dollar for dollar, our biggest match opportunity ever!

This year’s campaign funds habitat enhancements that make a real difference in the daily lives of our animals:

🐒 $135,000 — New aluminum ramp system for primates in Emerald Forest
🦘 $7,500 — Humidifier system for tree kangaroos and wallabies
🦥 $10,000 — Shade structures for sloths in Tropical Discovery

Thanks to our challenge match, your $25 becomes $50. Your $500 becomes $1,000. There has never been a better time to give!

Help us reach our goal and provide habitat upgrades to help our animals flourish. Donate now through December 8: https://t.co/9xlnbrdeq0

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

Zoo Lights is almost here and members get priority access to tickets on November 2 (three days before general sale) plus 10% off. ✨

For 35 years, Zoo Lights has been one of Denver’s most beloved holiday traditions. Three million lights. 80 acres. Countless memories. And this year, it’s back starting November 23.

Not a member yet? There’s never been a better time. Make sure you’re first in line for the magic. 🦒🌟 https://t.co/TD5cd7d75Q

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

Today we’re celebrating seven very special residents of Primate Panorama: ring-tailed lemurs Waldorf, Dwight, Michael, and Zonker; white-headed lemur Fozzie; and our two aye-ayes, Bellatrix and Tonks; and raising awareness for the urgent conservation needs of their wild counterparts.

98% of lemur species are threatened with extinction, and 31% are Critically Endangered due to habitat loss, illegal logging, and hunting. Every one of our lemurs is an ambassador for a species that needs our attention and our action.

Swing by Primate Panorama today to meet them and wish them a happy #WorldLemurDay! 🌿

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Jorge, our beloved llama, who was humanely euthanized after presenting with a serious gastrointestinal condition that could not safely be treated given his advanced age.

Jorge was 23 years old and had quite the origin story. Born in 2003, he spent his early years as a working llama with Llama Colorado, a local pack company that leads hikes through the Rocky Mountains, until he proved to be a little too free-spirited for the trails. He had a habit of wandering off on his own terms, so he retired early and came to call DZCA home in 2015.

Here, Jorge thrived as an Animal Ambassador. He loved his strolls around campus with his care team, especially when there was a leafy snack to be nabbed along the way. He was gentle, brave, and an immediate friend to everyone he met, whether that was a new Animal Care Specialist or a guest offering biscuits during a daily demonstration. He was also the perfect companion for his shyer partner Fernando, always leading the way.

Throughout his final day, our Animal Care team worked closely with our Veterinary staff to keep Jorge comfortable and give him every possible support. When it became clear that further intervention would cause more harm than good, we made the compassionate decision to say goodbye. His euthanasia was performed in his barn surrounded by the people who cared for him most.

Jorge was a fixture on our campus and a favorite among guests for years. He lived a long, full life, and his impact on everyone who met him was undeniable.

Fernando, our other llama and Jorge’s companion, is doing well. We thoughtfully planned ahead to ensure he wouldn’t face this transition alone.

Thank you for loving Jorge alongside us. He will be deeply missed. 🦙

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

Happy #NationalCatDay! 🐆

From the roar of our African lions to the grace of our clouded leopards, we are lucky to care for some of the most extraordinary felines on the planet here at DZCA.

Our cat family includes Sumatran and Amur tigers, African lions, clouded leopards, a serval, a Geoffroy’s cat, and a fishing cat. Each one a reminder of just how diverse, powerful, and breathtaking this family of animals truly is.

Today we celebrate all cats, wild and domestic alike. Be sure to tell yours we said pspspsps 🐾

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

Now’s your last chance to buy tickets to Wild Fall, Boo at the Zoo, and Monster Masquerade. Don’t wait until it’s too late to grab yours!

🌙 Monster Masquerade (21+) — October 29
🎃 Boo at the Zoo October 30 and Sensory Friendly Night October 31

Get your tickets before they sell out: https://t.co/GvQg8JyYWb