Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance

Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations.

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

Our new rhinos have arrived!

After months of planning, habitat updates and coordination between teams here at DZCA and across the country, we’re thrilled to welcome Viazi and Mkuu, two southern white rhinos who are making history as the first of their species to call Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance home in our 130-year history!

While rhino conservation is often associated with breeding, the AZA’s Species Survival Plan (SSP) takes a much bigger-picture approach to caring for these animals and supporting healthy populations. Sometimes that means creating space for males, whether they may contribute to future breeding efforts or provide a home for older animals or bachelor groups. After updates to our historic pachyderm habitat that previously housed Rudy, a geriatric black rhino, we’re proud of the opportunity to house and care for these two young males while continuing to support the broader goals of the SSP.

Four-year-old Viazi, whose name is Swahili for “potatoes” joins us from Busch Gardens, while three-year-old Mkuu, whose name is Swahili for “prince”, comes from ZooTampa. Mkuu’s former care team describes him as a spunky, playful rhino who loves attention, enrichment and a good scratch. We’re excited to get to know both of their personalities as they settle into their new home.

Viazi and Mkuu might be visible in their outdoor habitat as they get acquainted with their new surroundings and each other. Stay tuned for more ways to meet the newest members of the DZCA family, including an official public debut and special activities planned for Friday, October 16 at 10 a.m.

Thank you to the Schoelzel Family Foundation, Kintzele Family and anonymous donors for supporting their habitat transformation and their safe transport from Florida.

Welcome to Denver, boys! 🦏🦏

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

Last month, as part of Denver and Kunming's 40th anniversary as Sister Cities, an official delegation led by Vice Mayor Xu Gaohong visited DZCA for a behind-the-scenes tour, connecting over shared values of conservation, sustainability, and the power of global collaboration as represented by a bronze peacock statue gifted to us by the Delegation.

For four decades, Denver and Kunming have built a friendship across thousands of miles through cultural exchange, environmental collaboration, and the relationships between people in both cities. And what better place to celebrate that friendship than at a global nonprofit dedicated to saving wildlife together? 🐾

We were proud to be part of this meaningful visit and to showcase the conservation work happening right here in Denver and around the world. Here's to 40 years of friendship and many more to come.

#SisterCities #GlobalConservation #DenverZooConservationAlliance #SavingWildlifeTogether #Denver #China

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

Same, Siska, same...

Turns out, being a three-year-old Sumatran orangutan is hard work when your day is full of climbing, sliding, hanging and being this cute! 🧡

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

It is with heavy hearts we share that our male greater one-horned rhino, Rupert, passed away on Saturday, October 3.

Rupert began experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms about a month after his arrival, and his dedicated care team had been managing recurring symptoms and ups and downs since mid-June. Animal Care and Veterinary Medicine staff worked closely with Rupert's previous care teams, as well as veterinary teams at other AZA-accredited organizations, to gain additional insight into his condition and determine the best course of treatment.

Rupert's condition progressed over the past several weeks and required intensive care. Despite multiple interventions and treatments, including repeated procedures under standing sedation, his condition continued to worsen. Following a significant decline in his health over the weekend he passed Saturday evening surrounded by his caretakers and our Animal Health team.

Twelve-year-old Rupert arrived at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance earlier this year on a breeding recommendation with female greater one-horned rhino Tensing. While the two were never formally introduced, they occupied spaces near one another in the rhino barn and rotated through outdoor habitats. There are currently no concerns about a transmissible disease related to Rupert's illness. His condition is considered an individual case, and there are no health concerns for Tensing.

We are grateful to the many skilled and dedicated team members who provided comfort, support and care for Rupert throughout his illness. We recognize that the loss of an animal is one of the most difficult parts of this work, and we are deeply grateful for the compassion and expertise our teams brought to Rupert's care.

In his short time at DZCA, Rupert delighted guests, members, staff and volunteers alike. His presence will be greatly missed.

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

It's #Croctober and we're celebrating two of the most iconic reptiles at DZCA! 🐊

Daphne: our Critically Endangered Siamese crocodile and the oldest animal at the Zoo at 65 years old. You can find this remarkable girl in Tropical Discovery, where she's been wowing guests and inspiring crocodilian conservation for decades.

Jino: our West African dwarf crocodile in Predator Ridge. Don't let the name fool you, dwarf crocodiles may be the world's smallest crocodilian species, but Jino has a big personality.

Come meet Daphne and Jino on your next visit! 🐊

#Croctober #SiameseCrocodile #DwarfCrocodile #DenverZooConservationAlliance #TropicalDiscovery #PredatorRidge #SavingWildlifeTogether

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

Our Field Conservation team works across five regions: Colorado’s Rocky Mountains and Great Plains, Latin America, Africa, and Asia, driven by a simple but powerful framework: Science. Community. Action. 🌿

Science: We lead discovery and innovation to better understand wildlife and inform how we save it.

Community: We learn from and collaborate with local and global partners, because saving wildlife together is the only way it works.

Action: We leverage our collective expertise to care for and protect wildlife and their habitats.

From restoring native grasslands on Colorado's Front Range to protecting the Leuser Ecosystem in Indonesia, from monitoring lions in Uganda to conserving high-alpine frogs in Peru — collaboration makes our field conservation work possible. 🏔️🌊🌳

Because wildlife can't thrive without the places they call home. And neither can we. 💙

#HabitatDay #DenverZooConservationAlliance #FieldConservation #SavingWildlifeTogether #Conservation #Science #Community #Action

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

Happy #WorldAnimalDay and #InternationalZookeeperDay! 🐾

Today we celebrate two things that go hand in hand: the incredible animals who call DZCA home, and the dedicated Animal Care Specialists who show up for them every single day.

From early morning feedings and enrichment to medical training, behavioral research, and field conservation, our team of passionate, skilled professionals ensures that every one of our 2,500+ animals thrives. They are the heartbeat of this organization, and the reason our animals can serve as ambassadors for their wild counterparts around the globe.

To our entire Animal Care team: thank you. What you do makes a world of difference.

#DenverZooConservationAlliance #AnimalCare #ZooKeepers #SavingWildlifeTogether

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

Happy belated 15th birthday to Viktor, our Amur tiger! 🐯

Last week, this big birthday boy celebrated with a carcass feast and plenty of well-deserved attention. 🍖

Come wish him a happy birthday on your next visit!

Photos: Volunteer photographer Anthony Lazzari
#HappyBirthday #Viktor #AmurTiger #DenverZooConservationAlliance

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

Boo at the Zoo is here and there's no better way to enjoy it than by getting your steps in along the way! 🦇🎃

The Step Into Something Wild Steps Challenge, presented by @KPcolorado turns your Zoo visit into a healthy, animal-inspired adventure. Start at Predator Ridge, follow the signs, track your progress, and submit your steps to see where you stand with the rest of the pack! 🐾

Grab your costumes, lace up your shoes, and take on the challenge while exploring fall décor, creepy-crawly Animal Ambassadors, mysterious cryptid characters, and all the magic that Boo at the Zoo has to offer. 🍂👣

Move your body, follow your curiosity, and let wildlife lead the way!
👟 Get Boo at the Zoo tickets at https://t.co/S4deJXZkY2 and learn more about the Steps Challenge here: https://t.co/yUT9vSh5Go

#StepsChallenge #BooAtTheZoo #DenverZooConservationAlliance #SavingWildlifeTogether

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

Winnie has a mini! 🧡

We’re thrilled to share that southern tamandua Winnie recently welcomed a healthy pup to the world! Mom and baby are doing well and this little one is growing alongside Winnie behind the scenes.

Learn more: https://t.co/b5rX0zSiqk

Baby Bulletin presented by @Intermountain

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

Happy #InternationalRaccoonAppreciationDay from our two favorite girls, Pecan and Cashew! 🦝

These leucistic beauties were rescued from a home in Boulder and are now living their absolute best lives at Harmony Hill. 🐾

#Pecan #Cashew #DenverZooConservationAlliance #Raccoon

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

🦁 An update from our African field conservation partnership: Kaazi and Ngubi, two female lions roaming the eastern edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda are wearing DZCA-sponsored GPS collars, and the data coming back from our partners at the Kyambura Lion Monitoring Project is incredible. 🌍

Real-time collar tracking allows the KLMP team to monitor Kaazi and Ngubi's locations, movements, and behaviors across their impressive ranges. That monitoring is about more than conservation data, at times their movements bring them dangerously close to local villages and fishing communities, making real-time tracking essential for both wildlife safety and human safety.

In addition to collar data, the KLMP team reviews footage from 70 camera traps throughout the park to conduct population surveys for lions, leopards, and hyena, building a more complete picture of wildlife health across the region.

This is what community-centered conservation looks like. Thank you to the entire KLMP team for this vital work. 🦁

#LionConservation #Uganda #DenverZooConservationAlliance #SavingWildlifeTogether #FieldConservation

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

Now at two months old, our red-breasted goslings are growing fast and thriving behind the scenes at the Avian Propagation Center, where our Bird Care team has been hand-raising them with around-the-clock dedication.

But one little gosling has been especially remarkable. After sustaining a fracture to his left leg, our Veterinary Medicine team applied a taped splint, and this tiny patient has made a full recovery.

Red-breasted geese are a Vulnerable species, making every single gosling a meaningful conservation win. We couldn't be prouder of this little one's resilience, and of the incredible teams caring for them every step of the way.🪿

#GooseDay #RedBreastedGoose #DenverZooConservationAlliance #AvianPropagationCenter #SavingWildlifeTogether

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

Yesterday was #WorldRiversDay! Rivers aren't just beautiful, they're lifelines. Healthy waterways support countless species, sustain ecosystems, and connect our communities to the natural world we're all working to protect.

Every piece of trash removed is a win for wildlife. Every river cleanup makes a difference. And every cleanup brings us one step closer to the cleaner, healthier Colorado we all want to see.

#WorldRiversDay #RiverCleanup #DenverZooConservationAlliance #SavingWildlifeTogether #ProtectOurWaterways

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

Join us now through November 1 in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and Día de los Muertos at DZCA! 🌼🎨🦋🐾

The area around our former Felines Building has been transformed into a vibrant gathering place where culture, wildlife, conservation and community come together in collaboration with @MexiCultural.

Guests can explore colorful alebrijes inspired by Zoo animals, community-created artwork, conservation stories, cultural traditions and spaces for remembrance, all while enjoying live performances, animal encounters and interactive art with local artist Óscar Becerra.

Discover the connections between people, animals and the natural world, and celebrate the imagination, connection and legacies that bring us together.

This experience is included with daytime admission. Get tickets at https://t.co/S4deJXZkY2.

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

Gus and Bruno, are officially in harness and leash training for enrichment walks around campus!🦙

You may already know Fernando and Jorge, our llama duo who love a good stroll. But our alpacas have also been working hard on getting comfortable with crowds, new sights, and being the absolute centers of attention. 🌟

Keep your eyes open on your next visit, you just might run into them! 🦙

#DenverZooConservationAlliance #Alpacas #AlpacaDay

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

Happy #WorldCassowaryDay from Salem and Neville, our living dinosaurs in Down Under!

These prehistoric-looking birds are one of the most unique species at DZCA. Come see them for yourself on your next visit!

#Cassowary #DenverZooConservationAlliance #DownUnder #SavingWildlifeTogether

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

Happy #NationalLobsterDay!🦞

Visit Tropical Discovery to meet our rigid slipper lobster and spiny tail lobster. Two fascinating crustaceans that are sure to pinch your heart!

#Lobster #DenverZooConservationAlliance #SavingWildlifeTogether

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

Fall has officially arrived at DZCA and it's a wild one! 🎃🍂

The Zoo just got a whole lot more festive! Expect creepy-crawly Animal Ambassador encounters, weekend pumpkin carving, and some very mysterious creatures lurking around campus, including Bigfoot, a friendly mermaid, and a magical fairy.

Want to make the most of your visit? Add the Fall Attractions Pass and enjoy:
🚂 Unlimited rides on the Denver Zoo Railroad
🎠 Unlimited rides on the Conservation Carousel
🦈 One feeding at Stingray Cove
🦜 One feeding at Lorikeet Adventure

Fall fun for all ages. Get your tickets at: https://t.co/b8skWFiZCj

#DenverZooConservationAlliance#FallActivities #BooAtTheZoo #FamilyFun #Denver #WildFall

[Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance @DenverZoo]

Happy #WorldGorillaDay from Gunther and Kal! 🦍

These two half-brother western lowland gorillas came to DZCA from Zoo Atlanta through the AZA Gorilla Species Survival Plan, and five years later, their bond is as strong as ever, even if their personalities couldn't be more different.

As Critically Endangered animals, Gunther and Kal are ambassadors for a species facing serious threats from habitat loss, illegal hunting, and disease. Every day, our Animal Care Specialists work with them on training that keeps their minds sharp and allows them to voluntarily participate in their own healthcare, including voluntary blood draws.

Come visit Gunther and Kal at Primate Panorama and celebrate these incredible great apes with us! 🦍

#Gorilla #DenverZooConservationAlliance #Primate #SavingWildlifeTogether