SEE AFRICA'S GREATEST PREDATORS IN PREDATOR RIDGE: This popular new exhibit brings visitors nose to nose with Africa's greatest predators - lions, African Wild dogs and hyenas. Predator Ridge, a $16.5 million dollar exhibit, is an example of what accredited zoos nationwide are trying to achieve - larger, more naturalistic and educational exhibits. The series of animal habitats houses 14 African species and is designed to recreate a portion of Samburu National Reserve in Kenya. Visitors wind through rock outcroppings and landscaped areas to reveal spectacular views of these great predators and many other small African mammals, reptiles and birds.
DISCOVER THE TROPICS AND THE WORLD'S LARGEST INDOOR KOMODO DRAGON EXHIBIT: Dramatic views and experiences await those who journey past waterfalls, darkened caves, jungle ruins and tropical riverbank exhibits. This multimillion dollar home for the Komodo dragons spans 5,500 square feet and is located at the north end of Tropical Discovery. Visitors can get up close to man-eating reptiles, that can grow up to 10-feet long and weigh 250 pounds.
ONE OF THE WORLD'S LARGEST HABITATS FOR ENDANGERED GORILLAS:Primate Panorama, nine years and 14 million dollars in the making, spans seven acres and exhibits 29 of the world's most spectacular species of primates, from the 6-oz. Pygmy marmoset to a 600-pound gorilla. Primate Panorama features a one-acre habitat for the endangered western lowland gorilla.
CONSERVATION AND BREEDING PROGRAMS FOR ENDANGERED SPECIES are conducted in cooperation with the American Zoo and Aquarium Association and have resulted in the birth of several endangered species including Western lowland gorillas, Okapis, African wild dogs and Amur Leopards (thought to be extinct in the wild). Other notable births in recent years include Siberian tiger, orangutan, black rhino, Pallas' cat, red panda, babirusa, Grevy's zebra and red-bellied lemur.
FREE PROGRAMS EACH SUMMER: New programs each summer bring learning alive Memorial weekend through Labor Day. Zoo visitors have a rare opportunity to go beak-to-cheek and get up-close, personal looks at exotic free flying birds at the Wildlife Show. Wild Encounters bring visitors nose to nose with birds, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals and others to create unforgettable memories. Visitors have other opportunities to get interactive with animals in our African Kraal. Numerous feedings and animal demonstrations are also planned daily. All of the programs are free with Zoo admission.
BRIGHT FUTURE! Denver Zoo is embarking on its biggest physical and financial undertaking ever, a comprehensive Master Plan that will revitalize the entire core of the zoo. State of the art exhibitry will transform exhibits for the benefit of all the animals plus double the amount of free parking for visitors. This comprehensive plan should be completed in 15-20 years.
ZOOLIGHTS, A HOLIDAY LIGHT SPECTACULAR: Each December, Denver Zoo brilliantly illuminates over 35 acres of the Zoo with ZOOLIGHTS, the largest light display in the Rocky Mountain Region, featuring millions of sparkling lights, glittering trees, animated light sculptures and holiday entertainment. ZOOLIGHTS runs 5:30-9 p.m. nightly, including Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year's Eve.
ANIMAL ENRICHMENT: Denver Zoo is always creating new and exciting programs to stimulate the animals mentally and physically, from fish cycles, catnip, paper mache dolls and balls to videos and video games. The zoo is a fun place for humans AND animals!
