Your complete resource for Zoo news

From late-breaking news to our vital statistics, we want to keep you informed about what's happening at Denver Zoo.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Tiffany Barnhart - Director of Communications
303-376-4844
tbarnhart@denverzoo.org

Sean Andersen-Vie - Public Relations Specialist
303-376-4818
sandersenvie@denverzoo.org


2008 stories

2007 stories


November 2009

ZOO CELEBRATES WILD SIDE OF ART DURING DENVER ARTS WEEK
Special Activities Planned Including Animals Painting, Art Shows and Animal Art Auction

October 2009

DENVER ZOO WELCOMES ‘LIVING ZOO HOME TOUR’ - Visit Furthers Zoo’s Goal to Support the Environment

DENVER ZOO & THE INSTITUTE OF ECOLONOMICS LAUNCH “DENVER ZOO GREENER COMMUNITY CARD”

DENVER ZOO'S FREE CONSERVATION NIGHT SET FOR OCT. 15 AT MILE HIGH STATION

SCFD CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF FUNDING LOCAL CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS

ZOOPER HEROES CONVENE AT DENVER ZOO'S BOO AT THE ZOO HALLOWEEN WEEKEND - NEW! Additional Trick or Treating at Night available at Boo At The Zoo After Dark on Oct. 30!

September 2009

HUMANE SOCIETY OF BOULDER VALLEY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DENVER ZOO PRESENT KAREN PRYOR – REACHING THE ANIMAL MIND - Renowned National Behavioral Biologist and Author Karen Pryor to share ways to connect with minds and transform the lives of all kinds of animals

DENVER ZOO CAUSES A FLAP FOR VULTURES - Guests are Invited to Celebrate First Annual International Vulture Awareness Day


August 2009

DENVER ZOO HAND RAISES EMPEROR TAMARIN TWINS
Zoo Keepers Offer Around-the-Clock Care, Public Can View Feedings Daily

ENDANGERED RED PANDA GIVES BIRTH TO QUADRUPLETS AT DENVER ZOO
Birth Only Fifth of Its Kind Recorded in a U.S. Zoo

DENVER ZOO OFFERS RECESSION-PROOF FUN
Free Birthday Admission, Memberships, Discounts & Scholarships Make Zoo Affordable for All

DENVER ZOO HAS NEW, NOT SO “CUTTLEY”FISH - Visitors Can Now See Cuttlefish Swimming in Tropical Discovery Exhibit

DENVER ZOO’S 12th ANNUAL BREW AT THE ZOO TO RAISE MONEY FOR RED APPLE EDUCATION FUND - Local Favorite on September 11 is Expected to Sell Out Once Again

DENVER ZOO PRESENTS DATE NIGHT
Couples Can Leave the Kids Behind and Get a Little Wild

July 2009

DENVER ZOO CELEBRATES BIRTH OF EMPEROR TAMARIN TWINS
The Newborns and Other Troop Members Can be Seen in Emerald Forest

RARE OKAPI CALF ONLY FIFTH BIRTH OF SPECIES AT DENVER ZOO
Mother and Calf Can Be Seen in Outdoor Yard Weather Permitting


June 2009

DENVER ZOO WELCOMES RARE ALBINO DUCKLING
Albino Hatchling Unlikely to Survive in Wild, but Doing Just Ducky at Zoo

DENVER ZOO DISPLAYS RARE SPIRAL ALOE PLANT - No Other Public Institution in Colorado or Neighboring States Currently Displays Plant

Denver Zoo Unveils Biomass Gasification Model at Do At The Zoo Fundraiser Gala - Poop to Power a Reality as the Zoo Moves Forward with Gasifier

NEW AMUR TIGER POUNCES INTO DENVER ZOO - New Female Tiger to be paired with Resident Male

May 2009

DENVER ZOO TESTS BACTRIAN CAMEL TRACKING COLLARS - Researchers Hope Collars Will Help Save Critically-Endangered Species

DENVER ZOO SAFETY EXPERT ELECTED TO NATIONAL BOARD - Trish Ennis Elected VP of Professional Development for American Society of Safety Engineers

DENVER ZOO WELCOMES AFRICAN LONGHORN - Visitors Can See New Ankole Calf Now

DENVER ZOO CELEBRATES RARE AYE-AYE BIRTH
New Arrival is Only Second of Species Born in North American Zoos


April 2009

DENVER ZOO MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN HITS BULLSEYE - Membership Consultants Wins Prestigious Arrow Marketing Campaign Award

DENVER ZOO EXPERT TALKS TRASH AT GREEN FESTIVAL - Green Leader to Discuss Meaningful Conservation Action & Gasification 5 p.m. May 3

BREAKFAST IS FOR THE BIRDS AT DENVER ZOO - Guests Will Enjoy an Up Close Look at Zoo’s Birds Along with Fine Breakfast

Denver Zoo Animals Vie to be Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children Mascot
Vote Online for Your Favorite Animal!

DENVER ZOO THROWS PARTY FOR THE PLANET - Disneynature Joins Celebration as Youth Showcases Projects April 22 & 23

Denver Zoo Primates Paint in Preparation for APE-ril Events - Orangutan Fundraiser & APE-ril Activities Bring Primate Conservation to Public

BLIZZARD BRINGS GIRAFFE AT DENVER ZOO - Visitors Can See Baby Giraffe Calf “Blizzard” at Giraffe House

DENVER ZOO ANNOUNCES IMPORTANT STAFF CHANGES - New and Promoted Staff to Improve Zoo Operations

March 2009

Something for Everyone At Denver Zoo Events - Spring and Summer Special Events at Denver Zoo

DENVER ZOO HOPES NEW CHEETAH MAKES FAST FRIENDS - New Female Cheetah to be Paired with Resident Male

Mayor Hickenlooper, Denver Zoo Officials & Sea Lion Announce Significant Sustainability Milestone for City

February 2009

ENDANGERED GOLDEN LION TAMARIN BORN AT DENVER ZOO - Visitors Can See Tiny Newborn on Exhibit with Parents and Siblings in Emerald Forest

TALL ORDER ARRIVES AT DENVER ZOO - Visitors Can See Baby Giraffe Calf "Pongo"at Giraffe House

DENVER ZOO SEEKS GREEN CHAMPION
Sustainability Coordinator to Help Fulfill Environmental Goals

Denver Zoo Celebrates Attendance Records - 2008 Attendance Numbers Are the Second Highest in Zoo History Zoo Membership Reaches All-Time High

January 2009

DENVER ZOO ANDEAN CONDOR TO GO BACK TO THE WILD - Condor Receives Final Vet Exam Before First of Two Moves



November 4, 2009

ZOO CELEBRATES WILD SIDE OF ART DURING DENVER ARTS WEEK
Special Activities Planned Including Animals Painting, Art Shows and Animal Art Auction

Join Denver Zoo and celebrate the wild side of art during Denver Arts Week, Nov. 6 – 14. Daily at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 6-14, visitors can watch as zoo elephants create their own artistic masterpieces. Visitors can bid on pieces created by the elephants as well as orangutans, gorillas and even the zoo’s baby hyena. Animal art lovers should also mark their calendars for Nov. 11 at 6:30 p.m. to enjoy a special art show featuring photos and paintings of animals created by local artists. Enjoy live animal demonstrations, discussions with the artists and find the perfect photograph, painting or sculpture to take home. Photography lovers should check out the zoo’s 2010 calendar featuring beautiful photos of zoo residents captured by award winning zoo photographer Dave Parsons. Visit www.denverzoo.org to order your calendar today for just $9.99.

Arts Week Special Events|

Painting Pachyderms
November 6-14, 11:30 a.m. daily for the entire week!
Watch Mimi and Dolly, Denver Zoo’s resident Asian elephants, create their own masterpieces at the Pachyderm House. Free with zoo admission!

Art for Animals Art Auction
November 6 – December 12
Place your bid today for a unique art piece created by Denver Zoo's resident Picassos! Rhinos, elephants, gorillas, orangutans and other animals have been painting, an activity that provides mental and physical stimulation for our animals.  Proceeds from the auction will benefit the care and feeding of Denver Zoo's animal residents and provide important funds for additional animal enrichment. Bid online!. 

Art for Animals Art Show and Sale
November 11, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Explore a gallery filled with wildlife art pieces from some of Denver’s best artists. Enjoy live animal demonstrations, discussions with the artists and find the perfect photograph, painting or sculpture to take home. Proceeds from the Art Sale will benefit the care and feeding of Denver Zoo animals.   This event is FREE; however space is limited. Reserve your free tickets now!

Zoo Calendar Sale
Begins Nov. 6
Featuring photography from award-winning Denver Zoo Photographer Dave Parsons, this calendar offers beautiful photos of Denver Zoo’s most charismatic animals. Visit www.denverzoo.org or our gift shop to get yours!

October 22, 2009

DENVER ZOO WELCOMES ‘LIVING ZOO HOME TOUR’ - Visit Furthers Zoo’s Goal to Support the Environment

Further showing its commitment to environmental action, Denver Zoo will welcome the Living Zero Home Tour the next two weekends, October 23-25 and October 29-November 1, to educate zoo guests about ways to help the environment in their own homes. This will be the 13th stop of its inaugural sixteen-city nationwide tour with technical support provided by the U.S. Department of Energy and ENERGY STAR.

“In order to support positive change for animals in the wild, we have to understand how our purchases and every day decisions affect the environment and all of the species around the world. We’re proud to have the tour stop at Denver Zoo to show guests how they can commit to sustainable living at home,” says Director of Marketing Patrick Phelan.

The Living Zero Home Tour is traveling from coast to coast to engage visitors in a fun, interactive setting to learn about energy efficiency and renewable energy. The functioning home is built using eco-friendly construction methods and displays numerous energy efficient features. To date, tens of thousands of visitors have been surprised to discover what small steps can be taken to drastically reduce personal energy consumption while saving on energy bills. These are not future technologies - all of them are available in stores now!

In this first of its kind home tour, visitors across the country are interacting with new energy saving appliances and learning about easy cost saving modifications and tax incentives. Over the course of its nearly 8,000 miles toured, the Living Zero Home has emphasized that making simple inexpensive changes like caulking and sealing doors, replacing old light bulbs with compact fluorescents and installing programmable thermostats can have the greatest impact on a household energy bill.

DENVER ZOO & THE INSTITUTE OF ECOLONOMICS LAUNCH “DENVER ZOO GREENER COMMUNITY CARD”
Celebrities Linda Gray & Gerry Weaver Offer Discount Cards to Guests at Boo At The Zoo After Dark Oct. 30
Cards Support Denver Zoo and Green Business Practices in the Community

In partnership with The Institute of Ecolonomics, a non-profit dedicated to creating a sustainable ecology and economy, Denver Zoo will offer guests attending Boo at the Zoo membership in a program that will offer discounts to local businesses that have signed the zoo’s pledge in support of sustainable environmental practices.

“We are very excited about this program because it supports our mission is to secure a better world for animals through human understanding. One important way we can all contribute to the life of animals is by making choices that support a sustainable relationship with our environment. This program helps us support local businesses that do just that,” says Denver Zoo Executive Vice President/COO Kyle Burks.

“The partnership with Denver Zoo and Finders Keepers, creators of the technology to run this program is truly a unique and exciting venture. The positive effects it will have on the environment and local economy, while providing valuable support to Denver Zoo is truly a win, win, win situation,” says Scott Fardulis, President of the Institute of Ecolonomics.

Zoo visitors interested in supporting green local businesses and the zoo can pick up their card for free at the zoo’s Boo At The Zoo on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. Special guests and environmental leaders Linda Gray, star of the T.V. hit series “Dallas” and Gerry Weaver will be on hand to support the cause by distributing program cards and signing autographs at Boo at the Zoo After Dark on Friday, Oct. 30 at 6 p.m., a sold out event.

In addition to providing excellent discounts to cardholders, the Denver Zoo Greener Community Card helps support local businesses that qualify and pledge to support the zoo’s green criteria.Qualifying businesses that participate in the program will be promoted to zoo members and guests. In addition, participating businesses will benefit from the program by using the card to build and maintain a database of customers and encourage repeat visits through discounts. When a customer shows their Greener Community Card, participating businesses agree toloadfive percent cash back on the card toward a future visit, as well as contributea ten percent royalty to Denver Zoo.All these features are provided by the partnership with Finders Keepers, an organization associated with sustaining local economies and ecologies.The combination of "cause and permission marketing" enabled by this program and technology is proven to acquire and retain customers for any business.

Denver Zoo, Institute of Ecolonomics and Finders Keepers continue to add participating businesses to the program.

October 8, 2009

DENVER ZOO’S FREE CONSERVATION NIGHT SET FOR OCT. 15 AT MILE HIGH STATION

Denver Zoo’s annual state of conservation address and special award presentation will be held October 15, 7-9 p.m. at Mile High Station in downtown Denver. Acclaimed conservation photographer Michael Forsberg will give the keynote presentation. Recipient of the 2009 Mission Award from the North American Nature Photographers Association and runner-up for BBC’s Photographer of the Year, Michael has published his photos in National Geographic, Smithsonian and numerous other magazines, specializing in capturing the true spirit of the Great Plains of North America.

The night will also include the presentation of the 2009 Denver Zoological Foundation Conservation Award to Dr. Brian Miller, Chief Scientist for the Wind River Ranch, in recognition of his decades-long commitment to wildlife conservation, particularly on the Great Plains and in the Rocky Mountain West.

The event is free and will include a cash bar. Space is limited; to reserve seats visit www.denverzoo.org.

Mile High Station: 2027 W. Lower Colfax Ave.

October 6, 2009

SCFD CELEBRATES 20 YEARS
OF FUNDING LOCAL CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS

The Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), a funding source for more than 300 local cultural organizations, will commemorate its 20th Anniversary of funding cultural groups with Polarpalooza, a celebration at Denver Zoo on October 7, 2009. The anniversary celebration is a thank you gift to area citizens who have voted twice in support of the SCFD. Board members from SCFD, cultural attractions that receive SCFD support, State Representative Karen Middleton and State Senator Shawn Mitchell will kick off the celebration at 8:45 a.m. in front of the zoo’s polar bear exhibit, followed by a polar bear feeding in honor of Popsicle, SCFD’s polar bear mascot. The day will continue with the zoo offering free admission beginning at 9 a.m. and access to more than 60 SCFD-funded organizations offering free performances, crafts, activities and face paintings throughout the day.

The SCFD is comprised of diverse organizations representing the arts, scientific, historical and cultural fields.  Established in 1988 by 75 percent voter approval, the SCFD is a sales-use tax equaling a penny for every ten dollars spent in the following counties:  Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson.  This innovative tax generates approximately $40 million annually and is distributed to more than 300 organizations, ranging from small community groups to large regional attractions. 

The SCFD is a national model for government funding of cultural organizations and provides direct, tangible benefits to the metro area.  For example, SCFD-funded organizations have a $1.7 billion annual economic impact and employ nearly 8,200 citizens.  More than 16.4 million visits were made to local cultural attractions in 2007.  That is three times the state’s population. 

Each year there are more than 1.7 million opportunities through on-site or outreach activities for school children to experience learning enhanced through programs provided by organizations like the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, Denver Zoo, Imagination Makers or the Scientific and Cultural Collaborative. Each year, Denver Art Museum, Botanic Gardens, Museum of Nature & Science, Denver Zoo and the Denver Center for the Performing Arts provide free or reduced admission to the residents of Colorado on specified days.

Denver Botanic Gardens: 
Total Attendance at all SCFD Free Days 1989-2009 = 596,180 visitors
Total Year To Date Attendance at 2009 SCFD Free Days (9 so far) = 29,740 visitors
Total Annual Attendance at 2008 SCFD Free Days (8 total) = 36,961
SCFD funding benefits Denver Botanic Gardens’ exhibits, educational programs and scientific research focused on native and non-native plants suited to the growing conditions of the region.  Denver Botanic Gardens also receives discretionary funding from SCFD which allows the Gardens to launch innovative exhibits like our Urban Nature Program in 2008 and this year’s Jurassic Gardens. 

Denver Center for Performing Arts
More than 70,000 people have attended through the DCPA’s Free For ALL Program since its inception 15 years ago.

Citizen support of the SCFD enables The Denver Center for the Performing Arts to fulfill its mission of presenting exceptional theatre and creating a center for learning and civic engagement. Specifically, these funds help The Denver Center provide accessible programs for persons with disabilities, affordable tickets for students, innovative and engaging audience development programs, scholarships for school programs, educational activities that enhance the productions, and free tickets to productions and new play readings.

Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Total Attendance at all SCFD Free Days 1989-2009 = 667,411 visitors
Total Year To Date Attendance at 2009 SCFD Free Days (9 so far) = 88,275 visitors
Total Annual Attendance at 2008 SCFD Free Days (8 total) = 49,865 visitors
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science serves 300,000+ schoolchildren, teachers, and non-school youth annually. Approximately 35 percent of these students need scholarships to participate. In 2008, 24,799 schoolchildren, youth, and teachers were served through SCFD scholarship funds.

Denver Zoo
Total Attendance at all SCFD Free Days 1989-2009 = 1,701,648 visitors
Total Year To Date Attendance at 2009 SCFD Free Days (4 so far) = 56,611 visitors
Total Annual Attendance at 2008 SCFD Free Days (8 total) = 126,007 visitors
SCFD benefits the Denver community by providing free and greatly-reduced access to the zoo and its programs. SCFD discretionary funds have also supported educational programs like zoo internships and the keeper apprentice program. In addition, SCFD funds also support the zoo’s teen volunteer program, which encourages lifelong volunteerism in the community.

October 1 , 2009

ZOOPER HEROES CONVENE AT DENVER ZOO’S BOO AT THE ZOO HALLOWEEN WEEKEND
NEW! Additional Trick or Treating at Night available at Boo At The Zoo After Dark on Oct. 30!

Calling All Zooper Heroes: Fly down to Denver Zoo Oct. 30, 31 & Nov. 1 for Denver Zoo’s 25th annual Boo at the Zoo and help us secure a better world for animals. New this year: Boo at the Zoo at Night offers nocturnal creatures a special night time  Boo at the Zoo on Friday, Oct. 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. The fun will continue Sat. Oct. 31 and Sunday, Nov. 1 with daytime trick or treating, entertainment and festivities, free with regular zoo admission. All events are family friendly featuring more than 25 treat stations, magic shows, crafts and wild animal encounters. Kids can also get up close and personal with creepy, Halloween creatures like vampire bats, spiders and reptiles.

Event Dates, Times & Prices:

Boo at the Zoo After Dark - Oct. 30, 6 – 9 p.m.

*Members Tickets:
      $10 Adults (12+)
      $5 Children (ages 3-11), 2 and under are free

*Non-Member Tickets: $15 Adults (12+)
      $10 Children (ages 3-11), 2 and under are free
      * Limited tickets are sold and advance purchase is required.

Boo at the Zoo - Oct. 31, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. &
Nov. 1, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Members:
     Free with Zoo Membership

Non-Member Tickets:
      $12 Adults (12-64)
      $7 Children (ages 3-11), 2 and under are free
      $9 Seniors (ages 65+)

Visit www.denverzoo.org for tickets and additional information.

Kids, be a Zooper Hero and support Denver Zoo’s sustainability efforts by bringing your own reusable bags or buckets to collect treats.  You can also bring your used costumes and clothing for donation to Goodwill throughout the event.

Kids are encouraged to dress up as their favorite superhero while they learn how they can become a hero for the planet, one environmentally-friendly act at a time. Visitors will learn how to take on the challenge of saving the planet by contributing to conservation in their everyday activities and purchases.

Last year Denver Zoo raised more than $100,000 during Boo At The Zoo. These funds support Denver Zoo’s operational costs, including the care and feeding of Denver Zoo animals, education outreach and conservation projects worldwide.




September 21, 2009

HUMANE SOCIETY OF BOULDER VALLEY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DENVER ZOO PRESENT KAREN PRYOR; REACHING THE ANIMAL MIND - Renowned National Behavioral Biologist and Author Karen Pryor to share ways to connect with minds and transform the lives of all kinds of animals

    When:  Saturday, September 26, 2009: 1-2:30
    p.m. & Sunday, September 27, 2009: 7-8:30
    p.m.
    Where:  Denver Zoo, Norgren Hall, 2300 Steele
    Street, Denver, CO
    Cost:  $20 per session
    Register:  Online at www.denverzoo.org or call
    303-376-6741

The same methods used to train wild animals in zoos can be used to train companion animals, even cats and fish!  Many of these training techniques were created and refined by Karen Pryor, a renowned behavioral biologist, pioneer of clicker training and author.  Pryor is coming to the Denver metro area this weekend – September 26-27, 2009 – to share new ways to connect with minds and transform the lives of all kinds of animals, from dogs and cats at home and in shelters, to elephants in zoos and sharks in oceanariums. 

During two separate public speaking appearances at Denver Zoo taking place Saturday, September 26 from 1-2:30 p.m. & Sunday, September 27 from 7-8:30 p.m., Pryor will share fascinating first-hand accounts with everything from fish to polar bears on what modern training teaches us about the depth of animal intelligence, character and emotions. Attendees will be informed about the supporting scientific evidence, and they’ll learn what each of us can do to bring out the intelligence and personality of animals in our own care.  Tickets are $20 per session and may be purchased online at https://tickets.denverzoo.org or by calling 303-376-6741.  Saturday’s ticket purchases include zoo admission.  Pryor’s appearance is sponsored by and benefits Humane Society of Boulder Valley and Denver Zoo. 

Prior to Sunday's 7 p.m. main attraction with Karen Pryor, about 30 people will attend a sold-out VIP cocktail reception at 6 p.m. with Denver Zoo's Curator of Behavioral Husbandry Emily Insalaco. This VIP experience will include a private animal demonstration and reserved front-row seating at Pryor’s presentation. 

“Animals are far more intelligent than most people realize,” says Pryor.  “The standard methods of interacting are focused on suppressing undesirable behavior. These practices limit both the animals’ development and our ability to see their true potential.”

What happens if we eliminate force and train solely with reinforcement? What happens if we teach animals in the way they all learn best? What happens if we act more like a teacher and less like a trainer?

“What happens is remarkable,” says Pryor.
Karen Pryor is a leading scientist in the field of animal behavior and a pioneer in training without using fear or punishment. She is the author of numerous books and scientific papers. She will be signing copies of her newest book, "Reaching the Animal Mind" from Scribner, June 2009.

Karen’s book includes the results from research conducted on dogs’ learning rates with clickers by Humane Society of Boulder Valley Director of Animal Training & Behavior Lindsay Wood, MA, CTC. Lindsay's research confirmed that dogs trained with a clicker learn 40 percent faster than those trained with a word such as “good.” The science validated what trainers are seeing when working with animals in zoos, aquariums and homes all around the world.

The Humane Society of Boulder Valley uses clicker training for behavior modification of shelter dogs and encourages its use in all of its public training classes. Use of the clicker has been extraordinarily helpful with fearful dogs, those that exhibit body handling difficulties and dogs that are reactive to other dogs.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), 70 percent of animals relinquished to shelters in the U.S. are given up because of behavior issues. The ASPCA also reports that 64 percent of all dogs obtained as puppies were disposed of by their guardians within a year, due to behavioral problems. Humane Society of Boulder Valley firmly believes that the most effective way to address these sad statistics and to teach polite animal behavior is to offer positive, reward-based training for shelter animals and companion pets.

Denver Zoo has an extensive animal behavioral program and utilizes many of Pryor’s techniques in animal training. Animals are trained through positive reinforcement to participate in daily routines and veterinary procedures, such as offering a hip for a vaccination; this creates a positive enriching environment that allows animals to participate in their own care.

“Whether you’re working with your dog or a hippo, positive reinforcement is very effective in animal training. By utilizing positive reinforcement in our training, we give our animals choices and power in their environment,” says Denver Zoo Curator of Behavioral Husbandry Emily Insalaco.

About Humane Society of Boulder Valley

Humane Society of Boulder Valley is a community-supported, open-door facility that provides shelter, medical care and behavioral rehabilitation to more than 8,000 animals a year.  Since its inception in 1902, the shelter has become one of the most recognized nonprofit organizations in the community and a national leader in animal welfare. It is the mission of Humane Society of Boulder Valley to protect and enhance the lives of companion animals by promoting healthy relationships between pets and people. More information can be found on online at www.boulderhumane.org. 

Aug. 31, 2009

DENVER ZOO CAUSES A FLAP FOR VULTURES - Guests are Invited to Celebrate First Annual International Vulture Awareness Day

Denver Zoo visitors are invited to learn more about some underappreciated feathered friends. On Saturday, September 5, 2009, Denver Zoo will help celebrate the first annual International Vulture Awareness Day. Join in this international celebration and discover how important vultures are to the ecosystem and what challenges they face. Denver Zoo will offer visitors the chance to get up-close with some of the zoo’s resident birds of prey as well as provide some additional focus on vultures in our Wildlife Show. Visitors who come for the zoo’s vulture demonstrations can also enjoy the zoo’s other summer season shows, before they end for the season on September 7.
Activities Include:

Keeper Talks:

12 p.m. (Cinereous Vulture Exhibit)
Learn about cinereous vulture biology and our bird keepers’ involvement in the Mongolian Raptor research project.

3 p.m. (Andean Condor Exhibit)
Zookeepers will discuss the zoo’s conservation of this New World vulture through breeding and reintroduction efforts.

Vulture Story Time (Wild Encounter Amphitheater) 11:30 a.m. & 2 p.m. Young children can appreciate vultures, too! Enjoy the interactive vulture story, “The Sulky Vulture,” and pick up a vulture craft to enjoy at home.

Wildlife Show (Wildlife Theater)
11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
See our vulture stars in action and discover how they’re connected to the environment, featuring “Champ” the king vulture and “Igor” the black vulture.

The loss of vultures has already led other scavengers, such as rats and wild dogs, to take their place in some regions of the world. These replacements raise a major health threat to the regions as they carry diseases of their own, most notably rabies.

Researchers estimate if changes aren’t made many species could face extinction in the next decade. Captive breeding programs are already in place to help and Diclofenec is now illegal. Denver Zoo recently bred two condors that will soon be introduced into the Colombian Andes along with more than 60 others from U.S. zoos, which have been previously released.

With awareness comes knowledge and with knowledge appreciation! Come to Denver Zoo on September 5 to learn more about these birds so vital to our world.

History of International Vulture Awareness Day: 

In 2006, The Endangered Wildlife Trust created a local event to educate people about the plight of vultures and all the work that is going on their behalf. It is their hope this small educational, activity filled day will grow to be the first international event to celebrate these wonderful birds.

Aug. 20, 2009

DENVER ZOO HAND RAISES EMPEROR TAMARIN TWINS
Zoo Keepers Offer Around-the-Clock Care, Public Can View Feedings Daily

Zoo keepers and veterinary staff at Denver Zoo are working around the clock to care for emperor tamarin twins, orphaned after the death of their mother. Yana, the twins’ mother, died from cancer on July 30, just three weeks after giving birth.

“It was such a shock to lose Yana, as she did not show signs of illness. She was a wonderful mother and we are trying to fill her role in every way, providing the best care and nutrition for these twins. So far, they are doing great and we are pleased with their progress,” says Curator of Primates and Carnivores Beth Jo Schoeberl.

The two tiny female emperor tamarins, Lara and Lucy, can be seen for now in the zoo’s nursery. Guests can watch zoo keepers feed the twins at 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. As the twins progress, they will spend more of their time in the Emerald Forest Building with Paddy, their older brother. Paddy was very attentive to the twins and was seen assisting mom with babysitting duties, before she died. Unfortunately, the twins’ father, Cute, also passed away due to old age during Yana’s pregnancy.

The twins are hand fed a special New World primate formula from a syringe with a nipple, as well as some solids including callitrichid and marmoset diets. Recently they have been offered some chilled vegetables to chew on while they are teething. So far feedings have gone well and the tamarins continue to gain weight.

In addition to providing balanced nutrition, zoo staff has also tried to mimic some important aspects of life with their mother. Staff created a “baby bouncer” contraption which encourages the twins to hang on to a moving replica of mom. This helps the tamarins gain muscle strength and coordination, as they would normally cling to mom as she maneuvered through the tree tops.

Emperor tamarins are found in the tropical forests of Central America, specifically Bolivia, Brazil and Peru, where they forage the trees and forest floor for a variety of insects, fruits and nectar.  Many other tamarin species can be found throughout Central and South America. Although emperor tamarins are not currently listed as a threatened or endangered species with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), wild population numbers have been decreasing due to the destruction of their habitat by humans.

Emperor tamarins live in family groups comprised of three to eight individuals.  The burden of successfully raising young is shared by all adult troop members, each taking turns allowing the newborns to ride on their backs.  In the wild, emperor tamarins also form associations with another species of monkey, the saddleback tamarin.  It is theorized that their co-existence is mutually beneficial when it comes to detecting predators.  The emperor tamarin appears to be better at detecting aerial predators, while the saddleback tamarin specializes in detecting predators on the forest floor.

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August 13, 2009

ENDANGERED RED PANDA GIVES BIRTH TO QUADRUPLETS AT DENVER ZOO
Birth Only Fifth of Its Kind Recorded in a U.S. Zoo

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Denver Zoo is proud to announce the birth of four endangered red panda cubs! The birth of quadruplet red panda cubs is extremely rare; this marks only the fifth recorded birth of quadruplets at an accredited U.S. zoo.

The four cubs (three male, one female), were born to mother Sophia, and father, He-Ping, on July 9. Mother Sophia will be hard at work over the next three months caring for her newborns behind the scenes in an air conditioned den area. The cubs will be vaccinated and given the opportunity to grow and develop before venturing out onto exhibit for public viewing in the fall.

He-Ping arrived at Denver Zoo in 2007 from Milwaukee Zoo with his new mate, Sophia, from Mill Mountain Zoo. The two were paired together under recommendation of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) which ensures healthy populations and genetic diversity among zoo animals. Fortunately, the couple has proved to be an excellent match. In addition to the new quadruplet cubs, Sophia gave birth to twins during the summer of 2008.

Born with cream colored fur, and small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, red pandas, or firefox, are found in the Himalayas, where their diet consists primarily of bamboo. Red pandas have been classified as a relative of the giant panda and also of the raccoon but currently are considered members of their own unique family the Ailuridae.

Red pandas are classified as endangered, with an estimated population of less than 2,500 mature individuals remaining in the wild. Their population continues to decline due to habitat fragmentation and hunting. Red pandas are well adapted with their thick fur coats to live in the often low temperatures of the mountains of southeastern Asia and are quite comfortable outside during cooler days here in Denver.

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August 13, 2009

DENVER ZOO OFFERS RECESSION-PROOF FUN
Free Birthday Admission, Memberships, Discounts & Scholarships Make Zoo Affordable for All

Denver Zoo offers affordable family fun, with many valuable discounts area residents can use to help stretch their dollars in tough economic times, including zoo program scholarships, memberships, member discounts and free entrance on your birthday!

Happy Birthday Zoo You! - New this year, the zoo has begun offering free admittance on your birthday! The zoo wants to make your birthday a wild one to remember, so along with free admission, we are offering birthday celebrants a free souvenir button, a free Jr. ice cream cone, a free spin on our Conservation Carousel and 10 percent off at our gift shop. Guests must register online at www.denverzoo.org/birthday and attend the zoo on their birthday. After signing up for free attendance on your birthday, the zoo will email a ticket and confirmation message that should be brought to the main entrance on your birthday along with proper ID.  At the entrance, our guest relations representatives will give you your coupons for all the other freebies!

For those who would like a more formal birthday party, the zoo offers birthday party packages with private rooms starting at $275. This base package includes:

• ZOOPER birthday party invitations
• Zoo admission for your guests
• A private, reserved Birthday Party room for up to 30 guests for one hour
• A private interactive program with live animal encounters!
• Zoo party décor - We decorate, you celebrate!
• Souvenir party favors for each child
• One carousel or train ride for each child
• Special gift for the birthday child
• 20% discount at Kibongi Market Gift Shop for each guest!

The Value of Membership – A Denver Zoo membership pays for itself in just three visits, offers zoo admission 365 days a year and valuable discounts on food, gifts and zoo events and programs! Membership has its privileges, with 20 percent off in gift shops and 10 percent off in restaurants! Our membership also offers members’-only exclusives like early free morning walks, our Ice Cream Social, our free Summer Programs Preview Night, and Member’s Zoo Lights Preview Night. As a member, you’ll also be the first in the know, with access to free zoo publications. Learn about the membership that is right for you!

Scholarship Fund – The Red Apple Scholarship Fund for Life Long Learning makes it possible for all individuals- no matter their economic circumstances- to discover the wonders of animals through participation in Denver Zoo education programs. The fund provides access to conservation education for Colorado schools, individuals, groups and families and assures that Colorado’s residents of all ages, from preschool through senior citizens, are able to enjoy and learn more about the living world and the conservation of animals and the environment through Denver Zoo’s extensive education programs. Learn more about the scholarship fund.

Free Days – Denver Zoo offers eight free days per year for Colorado residents, as a thank you for their support of the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District sales tax. Come prepared, these days are crowded and attendance has peaked with more than 40,000 people on a previous free day. If you are planning to attend a free day, public transportation is highly encouraged as parking does fill quickly on these days. See a list of remaining free days in 2009.

August 6, 2009

DENVER ZOO HAS NEW, NOT SO “CUTTLEY”FISH - Visitors Can Now See Cuttlefish Swimming in Tropical Discovery Exhibit

Denver Zoo’s two newest additions may not be the cuddliest creatures, but they are sure interesting to watch. Two blue-lined cuttlefish just arrived from the National Research Center for Cephalopods in Galveston, Texas. Visitors can now see these odd-looking additions in Tropical Discovery.

Cuttlefish are not actually fish, but cephalopods, the same marine class that includes octopuses and squids. They have eight arms and two feeding tentacles to capture their prey, typically krill, shrimp and small silverfish. Like other cephalopods, cuttlefish have the ability to spray ink. This is often used to create a thick, dark cloud to confuse predators and allow the cuttlefish to escape.

Cuttlefish get their name from the cuttlebones, or internal shells, that are unique to their species. These cuttlebones provide buoyancy by regulating gas and liquid within their bodies allowing them to rise and fall in the water at will.

There are more than 120 species of cuttlefish. They all have the chameleon-like ability to change their color as a means to camouflage and communicate. The blue-lined cuttlefish has a stripe around its body that glows blue when the cuttlefish is excited. This species is found in the indo-pacific, from the Red Sea to Japan and Australia. They grow to about 10 inches long and have life spans of about 14 months.

August 3, 2009

DENVER ZOO’S 12th ANNUAL BREW AT THE ZOO TO RAISE MONEY FOR RED APPLE EDUCATION FUND - Local Favorite on September 11 is Expected to Sell Out Once Again

Join the creatures of the night at the 11th annual Brew at the Zoo, presented by Mountain States Toyota, on Friday, September 11, from 7 - 10 p.m. and enjoy an evening of beer, wine, hors d’oeuvres sampling, music and dancing. Proceeds from Brew at the Zoo support a good cause - the Red Apple Fund for Lifelong Learning, a scholarship fund of Denver Zoo.

NEW this year: VIP Tickets are available for those who want to avoid the crowds and be one of the first to taste the region’s best brews?  Purchase an exclusive VIP pass which includes early admission to the event at 6 p.m. VIP tickets are limited. Get yours today!

Last year, Denver Zoo sold out the event with more than 3,000 people attending. Buy your tickets online today to tap into more than 40 unique breweries, receive a free mug to savor the night’s flavors and enjoy complimentary appetizers, live animal demonstrations and live music as well as dancing.

All proceeds from Brew At The Zoo will benefit Denver Zoo’s Red Apple Fund for Life-Long Learning, which makes it possible for all individuals- no matter their economic circumstances – to discover the wonders of animals through participation in Denver Zoo education programs.

Ticket Prices:

Zoo Members:
$45 per person in advance
$55 per person at the gate

General Admission:
$55 per person in advance
$65 per person at the gate

NEW: VIP Ticket:
$75 (Includes early admission at 6 p.m.)
Want to avoid the crowds and be one of the first to taste the region’s best brews?  Purchase an exclusive VIP pass which includes early admission to the event at 6 pm. VIP tickets are limited. Get yours today!

Designated Driver:
$25 per person

Attendees must be 21 or older to attend. No children please. Call (303) 376-4800 or purchase tickets online now.

August 3, 2009

DENVER ZOO PRESENTS DATE NIGHT
Couples Can Leave the Kids Behind and Get a Little Wild

Don't think Denver Zoo is a romantic getaway? Think again! On Friday, September 18, come to Date Night at Denver Zoo. Leave your cubs at home and enjoy a relaxing evening away. Get the conversation started with live animal encounters before indulging in a delicious three-course meal in the unique ambiance of Predator Ridge. After dinner take the one you love by the arm for an intimate stroll around the zoo at twilight. All proceeds support a great cause – the zoo!

Event Details:

• Date Night at Denver Zoo
• Friday, September 18
• 6:30-9:30 p.m.
• Admission: $50 per couple

DENVER ZOO CELEBRATES BIRTH OF EMPEROR TAMARIN TWINS
The Newborns and Other Troop Members Can be Seen in Emerald Forest

Denver Zoo is thrilled to announce the birth of two emperor tamarins!  The twins were born to mother, Yana, late in the night on July 9.  This marks only the second and third emperor tamarins born at Denver Zoo in the last 10 years.

The two tiny tamarins can be seen with their mother and older brother Paddy. Zookeepers have been very pleased with Paddy’s attentiveness to the newborns. Paddy has been seen assisting mom with babysitting duties, in the father’s absence. Unfortunately, the twins’ father, Cute, passed away due to old age during Yana’s pregnancy. The newborns have yet to be named as their sexes have not been determined.

Emperor tamarins are found in the tropical forests of Central America, specifically Bolivia, Brazil and Peru, where they forage the trees and forest floor for a variety of insects, fruits and nectar.  Many other tamarin species can be found throughout Central and South America. Although emperor tamarins are not currently listed as a threatened or endangered species with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), wild population numbers have been decreasing due to the destruction of their habitat by humans.

Emperor tamarins live in family groups comprised of three to eight individuals.  The burden of successfully raising young is shared by all adult troop members, each taking turns allowing the newborns to ride on their backs.  In the wild, emperor tamarins also form associations with another species of monkey, the saddleback tamarin.  It is theorized that their co-existence is mutually beneficial when it comes to detecting predators.  The emperor tamarin appears to be better at detecting aerial predators, while the saddleback tamarin specializes in detecting predators on the forest floor.

Grey in color, and characterized by the presence of a long white mustache and red tail, the emperor tamarin was first named in the early 1900s.  The name “emperor,” refers to the species unmistakable moustache which was believed to resemble the moustache of a German emperor from the 19th century.  

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July 9, 2009

RARE OKAPI CALF ONLY FIFTH BIRTH OF SPECIES AT DENVER ZOO - Mother and Calf Can Be Seen in Outdoor Yard Weather Permitting

Denver Zoo is celebrating the birth of a rare okapi (Oh-kah-pee). The female calf, named Kalispell (Kal-i-spell), was born to mother, Iosi (Ee-oh-see), and father, Jekaro (Jeh-car-oh), on June 27, and is only the fifth birth of this species at the zoo. Kalispell will remain behind the scenes for a short while longer, but visitors will soon be able to see the youngster as she grows and becomes more self-sufficient.

Okapis look like a cross between zebras and giraffes. In fact, it is the only living relative to the giraffe. In addition to long necks, okapis have reddish bodies, black-and-white striped legs and 12-inch, purple, prehensile tongues. Adult okapis weigh between 400 and 500 pounds and stand approximately five feet tall at the shoulder. Females are generally larger than males. The okapi’s gestation period is between 14 and 15 months. The last birth of this species at Denver Zoo was a female calf named Kibongi (Ki-bong-ey), who was born on November 17, 2007.

Only 21 zoos in North America exhibit the okapi and there are only about a half-dozen births of these species at zoos annually. It is not known how many okapis exist in the wild, but there are only 89 okapis in North American zoos.

The calf was born as part of the Species Survival Plan, (SSP), a cooperative population management and conservation program for select species in zoos and aquariums in North America. Each SSP manages the breeding of a species in order to maintain a healthy and self-sustaining captive population that is genetically diverse.

Native only to the dense Ituri Forest of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), survival of the okapi is seriously threatened by unsettled political conditions and rebel military actions in that part of the DRC. This rare species was first discovered less than 100 years ago in what is now the Central African Republic (formerly Zaire). Very little is known about the behavior of the okapi in the wild due to its shy, elusive nature. Much of what is known has been learned in zoos in the past 45 years.

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June 25, 2009

DENVER ZOO WELCOMES RARE ALBINO DUCKLING - Albino Hatchling Unlikely to Survive in Wild, but Doing Just Ducky at Zoo

Denver Zoo recently welcomed a rare and pigment-less sight to its family. A female albino mandarin duckling was hatched on May 30. Though the duckling will eventually be on display, she is currently growing and developing with the rest of her clutch under the watchful eye of bird keepers in the zoo’s Bird Propagation Center.

Normal adult Mandarins are among the most colorful duck species. They have red bills, red whisker-like stripes running down their necks, and two vertical white stripes near their breast. While most of the newborn ducklings from the clutch are currently brown and developing stripes, the albino duckling has pink eyes and bright yellow feathers, features that won’t change much as it matures. Albinism is an inherited trait characterized by partial or total lack of pigmentation.

Mandarin ducks are closely related to the North American wood duck commonly found in local ponds and streams. They can grow to about 20 inches long with 30 inch wingspans. Mandarins are found across East Asia. While they are relatively abundant in the wild, albinos are very rare.

Zoo experts say birds with albinism don’t tend to thrive in nature because they don’t camouflage well with their environment making them more vulnerable to predators. They are also more prone to eye ailments due to the sun’s exposure to their extra sensitive eyes. Bird keepers will take every precaution to make sure to keep their new albino duckling covered and protected from the sun.



June 23, 2009

DENVER ZOO DISPLAYS RARE SPIRAL ALOE PLANT - No Other Public Institution in Colorado or Neighboring States Currently Displays Plant

Denver Zoo is home to more than just animals. A recent and remarkable addition to the zoo’s botanical collection is the endangered aloe polyphylla, or spiral aloe. The unique plant is prized for its beauty, rarity and difficulty to grow well in cultivation. Visitors to Denver Zoo can see the exotic plant now by the mongoose exhibit near Predator Ridge.

"Of all the plants I know Aloe polyphylla is my favorite, and one that needs our help in order to survive in nature," said Zoo Horticulturist Scott Preusser. "I really feel lucky to be able to successfully grow it and be able to see live specimens of this plant every day."

Of the 324 species of aloe, this is the only one found growing naturally at altitudes of over 7,500 feet, normally found in the steep slopes in the Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa. It gets its common name from the magnificent spirally-arranged rosette formed by five rows of leaves. It can grow up to three feet tall.

While adapted to this unique location it is threatened by grazing livestock and illegal collection. According to experts, without help this plant will become extinct in its native habitat. Denver Zoo horticulturists plan to cultivate this endangered plant. Denver Zoo staff horticulturist Scott Preusser received a $150 grant from the Colorado Cactus and Succulent Society which covered half the cost.

The spiral aloe will be displayed from mid-May to mid-October, weather permitting.



June 15, 2009

Denver Zoo Unveils Biomass Gasification Model at Do At The Zoo Fundraiser Gala - Poop to Power a Reality as the Zoo Moves Forward with Gasifier

Denver Zoo is at the cutting edge of testing and applying renewable and sustainable energy systems to produce local, on-site electricity and heat through the development of a biomass gasification system. This biomass gasification system, which will utilize the zoo’s diverse waste stream consisting of human trash and animal waste to power its upcoming Asian Tropics exhibit, is a green technological breakthrough that will support the zoo’s efforts to reduce landfill contributions by 95 percent, reducing 1.5 million pounds per year currently going to landfill and reducing energy and hauling costs by $150,000 a year. The gasifier will chemically convert waste using a high temperature, low oxygen process to convert it to a usable combustible gas.

“What’s unique about this process is the utilization of a diverse waste stream into clean energy through gasification. Gasification has been used in the past, but never with a varied waste stream like the zoo has. In addition gasification at a facility scale could be used in many industries to make a huge positive impact on the environment on a global level,” says Denver Zoo VP for Planning and Capital Projects George Pond.

During the early phases of design development, the zoo forged a partnership with the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) and other experts to explore renewable energy options.  At the conclusion of a workshop and at the recommendation of the group, Denver Zoo chose biomass gasification as a viable source of renewable energy. 

To fully understand the possibilities of this system, the zoo has evaluated the quantity, composition and energy content of all of its waste streams, including office products, packaging, concession waste, hay, animal food and animal waste in order to quantify the available energy in the zoo’s waste stream as a function of season and visitor count.  The zoo is now creating computer simulation models of the gasification system to test the various components of the operation and evaluate their individual and systematic characteristics.  The simulation is executed using actual zoo waste data (time and weight) from the scale located in the existing waste management area.  By modeling this very complex operation, the zoo can determine the best technologies for the system, properly size all of the components and find valuable efficiencies.

The gasification system will meet the most stringent emissions standards and will produce one bi-product:  ash, which can be used as a soil amendment in flower beds throughout the zoo.  The zoo will use the electricity created to operate motors and pumps needed in the new exhibit, and the hot water that is created will heat the 18,000 square foot elephant center and 11,000 square foot rhino/tapir holding facility, which will have radiant heat in the floors and walls.  Cold water can be “tempered” and used for cleaning and filling the pools with warm water. 

Occupying 10-acres on the southern edge of the zoo, Asian Tropics is a $50 million conservation center devoted to highly-endangered Asian species including elephants, Indian rhinos and Malayan tapirs. The expansive complex will allow visitors to explore and discover the rich history of animals in Asian culture, their complicated relationship with humans and the efforts of Denver Zoo and its partners around the world to protect their futures.

Denver Zoo continues to raise $10 million needed to complete Asian Tropics and groundbreaking is planned later this year.



June 10, 2009

NEW AMUR TIGER POUNCES INTO DENVER ZOO - New Female Tiger to be paired with Resident Male

A 3-year-old female Amur tiger, named Koshka (Koosh-kuh), arrived at Denver Zoo in December and is now on public exhibit. Koshka comes to Denver Zoo from Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo on a breeding loan sanctioned by the Association of Zoo’s and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP). She was brought to Denver Zoo in the hopes she would mate with 5-year-old resident male tiger, Waldemere (Wald-uh-meer).

Amur tigers are classified as critically endangered, with an estimated population of less than 400 individuals remaining in the wild. Besides habitat loss, their biggest threat comes from poaching, both for their fur and their other body parts which are used in traditional Chinese medicine. They are now almost completely confined to the Far East portion of Asia along the Amur River. Because of this they are now commonly called Amur tigers.

Amur tigers are the largest member of the cat family. They can grow to nearly four-feet-tall and more than seven-feet-long. Koshka is smaller than Waldemere, weighing in at more than 280 pounds during her wellness exam, while Waldemere weighs an estimated 340 pounds. Amur tigers also have longer hair and more white on their coats than other tigers.

Koshka recently moved onto exhibit after a standard quarantine period and is now getting settled into her new digs. She will eventually be introduced to her future mate, Waldemere.

The tiger exchange is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Special Survival Plan (SSP), which helps to ensure the survival of selected wildlife species. The program manages the breeding of a species in order to ensure healthy populations and genetic diversity among animals. Most species in the SSP program are endangered or threatened in the wild.

May 21, 2009

DENVER ZOO TESTS BACTRIAN CAMEL TRACKING COLLARS - Researchers Hope Collars Will Help Save Critically-Endangered Species

Denver Zoo’s Bactrian camels are making a fashion statement to help their wild relatives. Denver Zoo is testing special collars worn by the camels that will be used to keep track of wild camels’ movements through their native habitat, the Gobi Desert. Researchers hope information gathered by the collars will provide a better understanding of the camels and help researchers develop strategic tactics to save the critically-endangered species.

It is estimated there are less than 2,000 Bactrian camels in the wild. They are particularly difficult to study as they are known to travel long distances, often thousands of miles of territory in a single year over sparsely vegetated and difficult to traverse terrain. Researchers want to better understand the reason wild camels’ numbers are so small, which requires better understanding of their ecology.

The new collars will use GPS and Blue Tooth technology, working in concert with small computers stored in base stations located near oases throughout the desert. When camels get within 200 meters of a base station, small computers inside the collars will communicate with the computers in the station using Blue Tooth technology. The base stations will then upload location data collected and stored on the collars. Data will help track the position of wild camels to help scientists understand movement patterns and habitat use. Both collars and base stations are solar powered and the collars themselves weigh about two pounds.

The collars being tested at Denver Zoo remain inactivated. Instead, they are being tested for durability. Similar collars previously deployed in Mongolia fell off earlier than the researchers had wanted, leading to a new design that will hopefully last at least two years of the rugged life that camels lead in the harsh Gobi Desert. Denver Zoo’s camels have already torn through two collars. Researchers have now redesigned another collar that is currently being tested.

Denver Zoo’s involvement is a great example of how working with animals in a zoo can help save animals in the wild. Since 1996 Denver Zoo has been involved more than 475 field conservation and research projects in 54 countries. This past year, Denver Zoo was involved in more than 70 projects in on five continents. Our work has a large focus in Mongolia, South America and South East Asia and includes helping a wide range of animals from the nearly-extinct in the wild Panamanian golden frog to Asian elephants. Both animals that visitors can see and learn about on property.




May 20, 2009

DENVER ZOO SAFETY EXPERT ELECTED TO NATIONAL BOARD - Trish Ennis Elected VP of Professional Development for American Society of Safety Engineers

Denver Zoo is proud to announce Trish Ennis, Denver Zoo’s Director of Workplace Safety, has been elected Vice President of Professional Development to the national board of directors of the American Society of Safety Engineers, the country’s largest and oldest professional safety organization. The election to the board shows Ennis’s recognized accomplishments in the field of safety training.

Ennis has more than 20 years experience in safety and loss control, providing safety services for a number of municipalities, public and private entities and construction firms nationwide. She started at Denver Zoo in January 2009 and works closely with all of the zoo’s departments to further strengthen safety programs.

She will assume her ASSE board position on July 1. Among her many duties will be to work with ASSE members and staff to plan the annual conference and other educational offerings including virtual online seminars. She will also oversee the publication of the Professional Safety magazine and other ASSE publications.

Founded in 1911, the Des Plaines, IL-based ASSE is the largest and oldest professional safety organization and is committed to protecting people, property and the environment. Its more than 32,000 occupational safety, health and environmental professional members lead, manage, supervise, research and consult on safety, health, transportation and environmental issues in all industries, government, labor, health care and education.

May 14, 2009

DENVER ZOO WELCOMES AFRICAN LONGHORN - Visitors Can See New Ankole Calf Now

Denver Zoo is celebrating the birth of a long-horned Ankole (Ann-cole-ee) female calf that was born on May 2. The little lady, named Belle, may not have any horns yet, but her species, native to central and southern Africa, has the longest horns of any cattle breed in the world. They are also sometimes referred to a Watusi (Wah-Too-see).Visitors can see Belle on display with her family now.

Belle was born to father, Ralph, and mother, Trixie. Along with second female, Alice, the trio was all named after characters from The Honeymooners. Belle is already exploring her yard on her own, but often stays close to the adults as they form a triangular formation for defense.

Although similar to the Texas longhorn, Ankole horns are more than just for show. This animal’s horns act as a cooling mechanism, providing reprieve from the hot African sun. Blood flows through the horns to the tip dispensing heat along the way. The blood returns to the body cooler lowering the body temperature. Be careful, though! These amazing creatures are very strong and use their horns for defense.

Male Ankole can weigh up to 1,600 pounds. Females follow close behind weighing in at 1,200 pounds. Belle’s got a long way to go as she only weighs about 63 pounds right now. Trixie and Alice are mostly brown with white spots while Ralph and Belle are mostly white with brown splotches.

May 7, 2009

DENVER ZOO CELEBRATES RARE AYE-AYE BIRTH - New Arrival is Only Second of Species Born in North American Zoos

The newborn had a low birth weight, but Denver Zoo veterinary and primate staff diligently provided supplemental care and intense management of mom and infant. Eventually this resulted in appropriate weight gains and successful maternal care by the infant’s mother. His weight at birth was 82 grams, but he soon doubled that in roughly two week’s time to 164 grams as of May 4, 2009.

The infant was born to mother, Salem and father, Ozony, both of whom came to Denver Zoo last year. The breeding pair, both 7-years-old, arrived from the Duke Lemur Center in North Carolina under recommendation of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) which ensures healthy populations and genetic diversity among zoo animals. Fortunately, the couple has proved to be an excellent match.

Aye-ayes are the world’s largest nocturnal primate, weighing up to six pounds, and are found only in Madagascar. This prosimian species is so unique it is classified in a family all its own, called Daubentoniidae. Aye-ayes look like no other animal living today, their monkey-like body, squirrel-like tail, large eyes and elongated middle fingers make them easily distinguishable from any other primate. They use their long, curved middle digits, which can be up to three times longer than the others, to pull insects out of holes in trees. 

They are classified as endangered by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) due to habitat loss and illegal hunting. Some native populations believe these primates are an evil omen and the sighting of one is said to predict the death of a villager and the only way to prevent this is to kill the aye-aye. They are also a rare site in zoos, as there is only one other zoo, the San Francisco Zoo, that houses these rare animals. Including the aye ayes at the Duke Lemur Center, there are only 25 aye-ayes in North America.

The Duke Lemur Center is the only university-based facility in the world devoted to the study of prosimian primates. It is home to the world's largest colony of endangered primates, including more than 250 lemurs, bush babies, lorises and the largest captive population of aye-ayes in North America.

April 30, 2009

DENVER ZOO MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN HITS BULLSEYE - Membership Consultants Wins Prestigious Arrow Marketing Campaign Award

Denver Zoo’s 2008 membership campaign won a prestigious Arrow Award from the Direct Marketing Association of St. Louis. The awards, announced April 8, are unique among award competitions for their emphasis on measurable results based on creativeness and originality.

Zoo Membership staff say there are a few reasons for the success. The first was the design of the enveloped mailers. The front of each envelope had a colorful, attention-grabbing design featuring the campaign logo, “Take a leap.” The back of each envelope contained all pertinent information and the mailing address window. Denver Zoo membership billboards were located all around Denver with the similar designs of the envelopes. Finally, people who signed up for memberships received a discount.

The results speak for themselves. In July of 2008, Denver Zoo celebrated an all-time high membership with more than 64,000 households, translating to roughly 224,000 individuals. Denver Zoo continues to have the largest membership of all cultural attractions in Colorado. Staff say recent enhancements such as Predator Ridge, enhanced experiences such as keeper talks and animal demonstrations all offered at an affordable price encourages repeat visitation.

“We believe a Denver Zoo membership offers a tremendous experience at a tremendous value,” said Denver Zoo Membership Director Mary Bradley. “How wonderful for our members to have the opportunity to have first-hand experiences in seeing the animals, becoming educated while enjoying themselves.”

Denver Zoo’s membership efforts also took a second place Arrow award in 2004.

April 28, 2009

George Pond on the right and Paul Quick test the “Poo Juicer,”.

DENVER ZOO EXPERT TALKS TRASH AT GREEN FESTIVAL - Green Leader to Discuss Meaningful Conservation Action & Gasification 5 p.m. May 3

Denver Zoo VP for Planning and Capital Projects George Pond will present “It’s not easy being truly green” at the Denver Green Festival on May 3 at 5 p.m. The presentation will show the zoo’s evolution of becoming an environmentally-friendly organization and how green initiatives ultimately support animal conservation.

Integrating sustainability and top environmental practices into any business is not an easy task. Doing it at a zoo adds a new level of complexity. As an organization dedicated to conservation, it is paramount that Denver Zoo lead green initiatives, serving as an environmental champion for its animals and as an example for the community. Attendees to this lecture can learn the groundbreaking environmental technologies the zoo is implementing in conjunction with its globally-recognized sustainable management system and how these efforts are saving the environment and the zoo’s pocketbook.

The lecture will also feature information on the zoo’s new gasification system which will utilize zoo trash and animal waste for the planned Asian Tropics exhibit. Denver Zoo will become the first facility to utilize small scale gasification to convert a diverse waste stream into heat and power to be distributed on campus – a green technological breakthrough. Guests can see the zoo’s “Poo Juicer,” a device designed to remove the liquid from animal waste to prepare it for use in the gasification system.

Pond is a Landscape Architect who serves as the VP for Planning and Capital Projects for Denver Zoo. His vision guides many of Denver zoo’s eco-friendly initiatives, including the workplace conservation committee, waste-to-energy gasification technology, water conservation, promoting alternative transportation efforts for employees, and the planned LEED Certified Asian Tropics exhibit.

As a sponsor of the event, Denver Zoo members can attend for free by simply by showing their zoo membership ID card.

April 27, 2009

BREAKFAST IS FOR THE BIRDS AT DENVER ZOO - Guests Will Enjoy an Up Close Look at Zoo’s Birds Along with Fine Breakfast

Denver Zoo is celebrating the migration of birds by offering a unique dining experience with its fine-feathered friends. In conjunction with International Migratory Bird Day, Denver Zoo will host Breakfast with the Birds from 8 to 10 a.m., Saturday, May 9. Guests will be treated to a fine morning meal and learn how the zoo cares for its extraordinary bird collection.

The event will provide insight into the travels birds must make, over thousands of miles, across two continents, through storms and unimaginable odds to celebrate spring in the Rocky Mountains. Guests will also enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the zoo’s revolutionary bird propagation center and be among the first to participate in an exclusive flamingo meet and greet.

The early bird gets the worm but this breakfast will be invertebrate free consisting of tomato, basil and cheese frittata, sugar-cured honey hickory ham, homemade breakfast potatoes, fresh fruit, assorted pastries, orange juice and shade grown coffee.
The cost of admission is $50. Proceeds will support all of Denver Zoo’s conservation efforts. Seating is limited! Buy your tickets today by calling 303-376-6741 or visiting our website at www.denverzoo.org. Guests must be 16 years of age or over.

April 24, 2009

Denver Zoo Animals Vie to be Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children Mascot
Vote Online for Your Favorite Animal!

Denver Zoo animals are vying for votes to become HealthONE’s Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children animal mascot! Five Denver Zoo species are campaigning for the honor including mountain lion, grizzly bear, red panda, penguin and river otter. 

“It’s definitely the wildest campaign we’ve ever seen. It’s amazing to see so many people are following the campaign and to see the election strategy that the candidates are using. I think it will come down to the wire,” says Matt Sogard, Chief Operating Officer for Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children..

Log on to www.healthonecares.com or www.denverzoo.org to pick your favorite today. Voters should be sure to sign up to receive Denver Zoo’s e-mail Zoo-Bulletin and the Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children e-bulletin to hear which animal won!

The Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children at Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center (P/SL) has helped families from across the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains for nearly 20 years with specialized children's medical services. Construction is under way for a state-of-the-art facility on P/SL’s campus at 20th and High Street in Denver. The Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children at P/SL will move into its new home in 2010.

Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children is an important expansion of HealthONE's current pediatric services available at each of its acute care hospitals. Other HealthONE hospitals will become affiliates of Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children, ensuring the same high quality of pediatric care at each location.  Some will have pediatric multi-specialty centers bringing pediatric specialty doctors directly to the community for the convenience of families who live in the surrounding areas.

Denver Zoo is proud to partner with HealthONE’s Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children. We hope you will become involved in the effort to choose the best animal mascot to pounce into children’s hearts. Vote online today at DenverZoo.org!

About The Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children:  Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children (RMHC) is a regional resource for specialty pediatric care founded nearly twenty years ago by private practice pediatric specialists at HealthONE’s Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center in central Denver.  It is home to the region’s largest and most successful high-risk maternity service and an 84-bed intensive care newborn nursery—keeping mothers and babies together in the same hospital for optimal care.  RMHC will move into a new, $113 million pediatric facility opening on the P/SL campus in 2010, expanding its pediatric services into a new 64-bed inpatient unit and creating additional operating room and pediatric intensive care areas.

Visit www.RockyMountainHospitalforChildren.com or call 877-HealthONE for a physician, book an appointment and for all your other health needs.

April 15, 2009

DENVER ZOO THROWS PARTY FOR THE PLANET - Disneynature Joins Celebration as Youth Showcases Projects April 22 & 23

In celebration of Disneynature’s release of the motion picture “EARTH,” opening in theatres nationwide on April 22, 2009 area students are invited to join the Denver Zoo’s Community Leadership Project, Front Range Earth Force and local schools in the zoo’s two-day Earth Day Party for the Planet. Visitors can learn how to help the planet from the next generation of conservationists and view projects created by children grades K-12 during Denver Zoo’s annual Youth Summit, Denver's premiere event for local service-learning students, demonstrating and celebrating the positive impact they have on their environment.

Special Offers for Fans of EARTH:

Win “EARTH” prizes from Disneynature:  Text the word PLANET and your ZIP CODE to 43549 to enter random drawing. Winners will receive a text with details on how to claim prize. Texting 43549 is free.  (Example text: PLANET 80202). No purchase necessary.

Buy a Ticket, Plant a Tree:  Disneynature will plant a tree in honor of each ticket purchased to see “EARTH” during opening week (April 22-28).

About “EARTH”:  The first in the Disneynature lineup of films, “EARTH,” narrated by JAMES EARL JONES, tells the remarkable story of three animal families and their amazing journeys across the planet we all call home.  “EARTH” combines rare action, unimaginable scale and impossible locations by capturing the most intimate moments of our planet’s wildest and most elusive creatures.  Directors Alastair Fothergill and Mark Linfield, the acclaimed creative team behind the Emmy Award®-winning “Planet Earth,” combine forces again to bring this epic adventure to the big screen. 

Rated G, “EARTH” opens in theatres on Earth Day, April 22, 2009.  www.disney.com/nature

April 14, 2009

Denver Zoo Primates Paint in Preparation for APE-ril Events - Orangutan Fundraiser & APE-ril Activities Bring Primate Conservation to Public

Denver Zoo’s gorillas and orangutans have been painting this week to create artwork to raise funds at the Zoo’s 1st Annual Primate Fundraiser, in celebration of APE-ril. Two special events are planned this week to support primate conservation. On the evening of April 16, guest speaker Dr. Serge Wich will discuss the complexities surrounding the conservation of Sumatran orangutans with proceeds benefiting this critically endangered species and on April 18 & 19, the zoo will celebrate APE-ril with special activities showcasing the wonders of primates. To further support ape conservation, guests who donate their old cell phones and ink cartridges will receive $2 off APE-ril gate admission.



April 3, 2009

BLIZZARD BRINGS GIRAFFE AT DENVER ZOO - Visitors Can See Baby Giraffe Calf “Blizzard” at Giraffe House - See Video!

While Denver was digging out of its spring break winter storm last week, Denver Zoo welcomed the birth of a cool new giraffe, named Blizzard. Visitors will be blown away by this six-foot-two, 165-pound baby. Born Friday, March 27, the calf can now be seen with his mother at the zoo’s giraffe exhibit.

Blizzard was born to mother, Kipele and father, Dikembe. The calf brings the zoo’s giraffe herd to seven, including a 6-month-old giraffe named Timber and a 6-week-old calf named Pongo. Blizzard is very energetic and is already` running laps around his older siblings in the giraffe yard, but still manages to stay close to mom.

Giraffes are born after a 15-month gestation period. The calf will nurse on his mother’s milk for approximately six months, at which time he will be weaned.  During the first two years of a giraffe’s life, it doubles its height to be almost 12-feet tall.

Giraffes are the world’s tallest land mammal and can grow up to 17-feet tall. An adult female is between 1,540 to 2,600 pounds and an adult male ranges from 2,420 to 4,215 pounds. Like human fingerprints, the markings of a giraffe’s coat are unique to each individual. Reticulated giraffes are native to the dry savannas and open woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa.



April 1, 2009

DENVER ZOO ANNOUNCES IMPORTANT STAFF CHANGES - New and Promoted Staff to Improve Zoo Operations

Denver Zoo is excited to announce the following staff changes to improve the zoo’s strategic plan and safety protocols and continue to place a strong emphasis on animal care, helping animal species both in the zoo and in the field.

Previously serving as Vice President for Marketing & Communications, Ana Bowie was promoted to Denver Zoo Vice President for Strategic Initiatives & External Affairs, a newly created position. Bowie will now guide the direction of Denver Zoo’s Master Plan through strategic initiatives while providing oversight and serving as an advisor to the Zoo’s Marketing and Communications Department. She has been with the Denver Zoo since 2002.

Trish Ennis joins the Denver Zoo team as Director of Workplace Safety, with more than 20 years experience in safety and loss control, providing safety services for a number of municipalities, public and private entities and construction firms nationwide. Ennis is working closely with all of the zoo’s departments to develop new safety protocols.

Dr. David Kenny returns to Denver Zoo in a new capacity. He retired from the Denver Zoo in September 2008 after more than 18 years as Senior Veterinarian. As of January 1, Dr. Kenny began working half time with the Department of Conservation Biology as the Zoo’s Conservation Veterinary Coordinator, applying his veterinarian experience toward specific field conservation programs in Mongolia.

Dr. Felicia Knightly has been promoted to Denver Zoo Senior Veterinarian after Dr. Kenny’s retirement. Dr. Knightly has been with Denver Zoo since 1997. She now manages all hospital operations and oversees the veterinary care of the Zoo’s 3,500 animals. Her experience is wide-ranging and includes multiple trips to Madagascar to research the conservation of lemurs.

March 31, 2009

Something for Everyone At Denver Zoo Events - Spring and Summer Special Events at Denver Zoo

As the weather warms up so does the special event schedule at Denver Zoo. The following events offer fun for everyone this April, May & June:

APRIL
Easter Eggstravaganza
Sunday, April 12
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Easter Sunday, Denver Zoo visitors can see an eggstravaganza of numerous animals enjoying colored eggs including mongoose, red river hogs, polar bears, arctic foxes, river otters, gorillas, mandrills and more! Hard-boiled eggs are a part of the specially-planned diets of several of the zoo’s animals, and to get into the holiday spirit, several of the zoo’s animals will receive brightly colored Easter eggs! Zookeepers will place the colored eggs throughout the habitats so that the animals have to forage for their food, and of course, crack open the colorful shells. Visit www.denverzoo.org and click on events under quick links for the enrichment schedule.

Guest Speaker: Dr. Serge Wich
Thursday, April 16, at 7:30 p.m.
Admission: $25/guest. Reservations are required: www.denverzoo.org
Wild Sumatran orangutans have experienced tremendous reductions to their population and it is estimated around 6,600 remain in fragmented and often disturbed forest landscape. Dr. Serge A. Wich is a scientist at the Great Ape Trust and is currently conducting field work with Sumatran orangutans. Dr.  Wich will discuss the complexities surrounding the conservation of this critically endangered great ape and his desire to discover more about orangutan behavior, specifically developing an understanding of how the orangutan reacts to selective logging. All funds raised through this unique evening will benefit Dr. Serge Wich’s orangutan conservation work in Sumatra.

APEril
Saturday, April 18 & Sunday, April 19: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
All activities free with admission.
Climb, swing or knuckle walk to Denver Zoo and enter the wonderful world of apes. Experience what its like to move like a gorilla, compare your arm span to an orangutan and try to talk like a gibbon while learning what apes eat, what types of families they live in and how you can help to protect them.

Party for the Planet with Youth Summit
Wednesday, April 22 and Thursday, April 23: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Rock on down to Denver Zoo as we Party for the Planet on Wednesday, April 22 and Thursday, April 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. In partnership with Disney’s unveiling of Earth in theaters April 22, join Denver Zoo’s Community Leadership Project, Front Range Earth Force and local schools in this two-day Earth Day celebration. Learn about what you can do to help the planet from the next generation of conservationists. View projects created by children grades Kindergarten through 12th during Denver Zoo’s annual Youth Summit, Denver's premiere event for local service-learning students to demonstrate and celebrate the positive impact they have had on their environment.

MAY
Breakfast with the Birds and Celebration of International Migratory Bird Day
Saturday, May 9: 8-10 a.m.
$50 includes meal and behind the scenes tour. Advanced Registration Required. Must be 16 years of age or over.
Celebrate the amazing trek migratory birds make every year! The early bird gets the worm but this breakfast will be invertebrate free consisting fresh fruit, hash browns, orange juice and shade grown coffee. Join Denver Zoo bird keepers for a unique dining experience amongst some of Denver Zoo’s fine-feathered friends. Learn more about how Denver Zoo cares for its extraordinary bird collection during a behind the scenes tour of our revolutionary bird propagation center and be one of the first to participate in a flamingo meet and greet. Space is limited! Reserve your tickets at www.denverzoo.org (under Quicklinks/events) or call 303-376-6741.

Members’ Mother’s Day Brunch
Sunday, May 10: 8–11 a.m.
$30 age 13 and older, $15 for children ages 3-12. Members and their guests, only; advanced reservation required.
Get Mom out of the house and into the wild for a special Mother’s Day Brunch, May 10! Join Denver Zoo for our annual Mother’s Day celebration as we serve a delicious brunch al fresco in a unique setting that only the zoo can provide. Arrive at 8 a.m. for early entrance into the zoo and get a sneak peek of Denver Zoo’s newest mothers before the gates open to the general public. Reserve your tickets at www.denverzoo.org or call 303-376-6741.

Members’ Summer Preview Party
Thursday, May 21
6:30 – 9 p.m.
Members and their guests, only. No registration required, admission is free!
Start your Memorial Day weekend off with a roar, snort, trumpet and whistle! Get nose to snout with some of Denver Zoo’s residents at a Wild Encounter, hop on a hippo or wrangle a rhino on the conservation carousel and be one of the first to experience some of Denver Zoo’s newest shows and animal demonstrations during Members’ Night: Summer Preview Party. Members’ Night Summer Preview Party is a free exclusive event for Denver Zoo Members. To learn more about the benefits of being a Denver Zoo Member visit www.denverzoo.org.

Denver Zoo’s Movie and a Habitat Restoration Project
Screening of Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai
Thursday, May 28: 7 – 8:30 p.m.

Habitat Restoration Project
Saturday, May 30: 8:30 a.m. Registration, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Volunteer Project

Admission is free. Advanced Registration Required – Space is limited. Must be 10 years of age or over; Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Join Denver Zoo and help make conservation simple. Attend the screening of the film Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai at Denver Zoo on May 28 and learn about Denver Zoo’s conservation efforts in Kenya. The winner of at least 9 awards at independent film festivals in 2008, the film documents Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai’s efforts to plant trees in Kenya. From this simple beginning of planting trees, an entire movement emerged to reforest Kenyan lands, empower women with new work, provide new sources of food and income for Kenyans, and defend democracy. Then, on the Saturday following the screening, volunteer to help wildlife in your own community at a habitat restoration project on May 30. Volunteers will have the opportunity to plant trees and restore habitat for wildlife along the Westerly Creek natural area in Denver (near Martin Luther King Blvd and N Beeler St). For more information, to RSVP for the film, or to register for this project please e-mail Amy Masching at amasching@denverzoo.org or call 303-376-4935. Partial support for this project was provided by the Katahdin Foundation.

Spring Into Health 2009
Thursday, May 28: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
$5- Includes snack pack and event activities. Registration required - call 303-458-4868.
Join Denver Zoo, Mayor John Hickenlooper and the City of Denver by taking a walk on the wild side during this year’s Spring Into Health Day. Enjoy keynote speakers, health screenings, fitness classes and a walk around the zoo.

JUNE
Members’ Mid-Week Walk
Wednesday, June 3: 8 a.m.
Free for Denver Zoo Members - Denver Zoo Members Only Event.
Get your pulse racing and put your mind at ease with a mid-week morning walk on the wild side. Watch animals start their morning routines and keepers prepare for a busy day while striding through the zoo before it opens to the general public.

Do at the Zoo
Thursday, June 18: 6 – 10:30 p.m.
21 & Over Only. www.denverzoo.org for tickets.
Join Denver Zoo as we celebrate 20 years of hosting Denver’s wildest party and fundraiser! Dine on exotic dishes from around the city as more than 30 of Denver’s top restaurants serve their best menu items, while toasting spirits from around the world. Experience music, dancing and close-up animal encounters in the incomparable setting of Denver Zoo at twilight. Visit www.denverzoo.org for ticket information.

Members’ Walk
Saturday, June 27: 8 a.m.
Free for Denver Zoo Members - Denver Zoo Members Only Event
Get your pulse racing and put your mind at ease with a mid-week morning walk on the wild side. Watch animals start their morning routines and keepers prepare for a busy day while striding through the zoo before it opens to the general public.

March 19, 2009

DENVER ZOO HOPES NEW CHEETAH MAKES FAST FRIENDS - New Female Cheetah to be Paired with Resident Male

Denver Zoo is participating in a cheetah breeding program, swapping its lone female cheetah for another in the hopes that both will some day have cubs. This was done under recommendation of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). Zoos participate in SSPs to ensure healthy populations and genetic diversity among animals. Visitors can see the new cheetah, Katili (Kah-ti-lee), in the cheetah exhibit now.

Katili is an eight-year-old cheetah from the Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, Michigan. She will be paired with five-year-old male Barafu (Bah-rah-foo). His twin sister Kibara (Kih-Bar-uh) will be sent back to the Binder Park Zoo. The twins originally came to Denver Zoo in May 2004 from the Oak Hills Breeding Center in Oklahoma City.

Cheetahs are classified as endangered by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) due to habitat loss and illegal hunting. Experts believe there are only about 10,000 cheetahs existing in the wild. There are currently 96 cheetahs in captivity in North America.

The cheetah has a beautiful spotted coat and is the fastest of all land mammals, capable of sprinting more than 60 miles per hour for about a quarter of a mile at a time. The cheetah uses its long tale like a rudder to help navigate at high speeds.

The new cheetah joined the zoo just in time to celebrate Spring Break. Visitors are invited to Spring Break ’09: Denver Zoo or Bust, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., March 23 - March 29! Each day we’ll take a close look of at least one continent and feature great entertainment along the way. Guests can watch Chinese dancers on our Voyage to Asia or listen to African storytellers during our Safari to Africa. Every day will also have unique craft activities and insights into how different animals are significant to their native cultures.

Mayor Hickenlooper receives a warm Denver Zoo welcome from Gidget the sea lion. See video of the visit!

March 4, 2009

Mayor Hickenlooper, Denver Zoo Officials & Sea Lion Announce Significant Sustainability Milestone for City

Mayor John Hickenlooper, Denver Zoo President and CEO Craig Piper and a 250-pound sea lion named Gidget today announced a significant milestone in the city’s sustainability efforts. Denver is the first city in the nation to voluntarily create an ISO-14001 certified Environmental Management System for multiple city agencies, programs and facilities.

The Denver Zoo – the site of today’s announcement – is the first zoo in the country to earn the certification for the entire zoo. This certification commits the zoo and participating City agencies to continuous improvement in their efforts to minimize the environmental impacts of their operations while reducing costs and increasing regulatory compliance, employee awareness and overall efficiency.

“This certification is a great honor for the City and carries with it an ongoing responsibility to do our part to make and keep Denver a sustainable community,” Hickenlooper said. “We are up to the task – managing to the ISO-14001 standards is consistent with the goals of our Greenprint Denver initiative and will help us protect our environment, improve our operations and save money as well.”

Zoo President Craig Piper, sea lion Gidget, Zookeeper Jessica Jenkins and Mayor Hickenlooper talk about the zoo's environmental performance.

In addition to the Denver Zoo, the City & County of Denver’s departments of Environmental Health, Public Works, Mayor’s Office (including Greenprint Denver), General Services, and Theatres & Arenas Division have certified their Environmental Management Systems through the comprehensive, internationally-recognized ISO-14001 independent accreditation process.   

“We are so fortunate to live in a city where sustainable practices are valued so greatly,” said Piper. “As an organization dedicated to conservation, Denver Zoo is setting a high bar for environmental performance. This system will help us implement our goals, while enabling us to continuously improve our environmental practices and share our best practices with others.”

Denver International Airport received ISO-14001 certification in 2004, and was the first international airport in North America to do so. Since then, DIA has created many sustainability initiatives, including installing one of the largest photovoltaic systems at an airport (10,000 panels on 7.5 acres) in August 2008.

In 2009, Denver plans to certify an additional nine entities, including the Office of Economic Development, Community Planning and Development, the Department of Law, Denver Public Library, Parks & Recreation, Safety, City Council, the Denver Botanic Gardens, and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

ISO-14001 certification is issued by NSF International and more information can be found at www.nsf.org. For more information about Denver’s ISO-14001 certification or sustainability efforts, call EMS Program Manager Paul Schmiechen at 303-865-5412 or Greenprint Denver Deputy Director Scott Morrissey at 720-865-9047.  

Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Fact Sheet

City & County of Denver
     
Public Works:

• Doubled the number of vehicles in the City fleet that are retrofitted with emissions-control technology which reduces the release of harmful emissions.
• Increased the use of asphalt that contains reclaimed asphalt pavement by 61% between 2007 to 2008
• Switching the city's traffic lights to LED bulbs, saving the city more than $800,000 dollars per year in energy, labor and material costs
• Installed E-85 fueling system at Public Works’ Roslyn facility to improve efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Environmental Health:

• Completed update of Denver greenhouse gas inventory, this provides baseline numbers which Denver can use in order to measure its performance.
• Completed a pilot outreach program to reduce vehicle idling at area schools and the Colorado Convention Center.
• Pilot project implemented in Environmental Health to save energy and paper by reducing personal printers by 30% with a  targeted 25% City-wide reduction for 2009

General Services:

• Installed Photovoltaic Solar Power system at the Colorado Convention Center
• Switched to Green Seal certified cleaning products at the Colorado Convention Center
• Developed and promoted “green” (environmentally preferable) purchasing guidelines for City agencies.
• Conserved water by replacing inefficient toilets and urinals in multiple City facilities
• Installed xeriscaping bluegrass areas at the Lowry Child Care Center and Colorado Convention Center
• At the CCC, the grass conversion was estimated to save 500,000 gallons of water per year
• Toilets were also replaced saving 1.5 gallons per flush and the urinals save 2.5 gallons per flush.
• Implemented Single stream recycling and composting at multiple venues:
• The Denver Coliseum diverted almost 100 tons from the landfill (37% of total waste – 21% composted, and 16% recycled)
• The Colorado Convention Center diverted 331 tons of waste from the landfill (28% of total waste –  11% composted, 17% recycled)
• Red Rocks Amphitheatre diverted 165 tons from the landfill (78% of total waste – 17% composted, 61% recycled)

Mayor’s Office (including Greenprint Denver):

• Best Workplaces for Commuters – Environmental Health, Career Service Authority and Greenprint led the effort to get the City & County of Denver registered as a Best Workplace for Commuters, which requires least 15 percent of employees to take alternative transportation.
• Launched the City Employee Bike Sharing Program B-Cycle in 2008.
• Formed the Neighborhood Weatherization Collaborative to provide Denver residents with services to save money on their utility bills through reductions in energy and water use
• Denver received a Solar America City award from the U.S. Department of Energy to promote increased use of solar technologies in the governmental, commercial and residential sectors

Denver Zoo

• Creating a 10-acre redevelopment dedicated to elephant and rhino conservation, with a gasification power plant, that will create energy from the campus waste stream. Denver Zoo’s landfill contributions will be reduced by 1.5 million pounds per year, putting the zoo a giant step closer to becoming a “zero-waste” facility.
• Gold Member of the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment’s Environmental Leadership Program, which exemplifies outstanding commitment to environmentally-friendly business practices.
• Denver Zoo is hiring a new permanent Green Coordinator dedicated to the coordination and management of the zoo’s environmental practices.
• Denver Zoo has implemented several water conservation projects over the last 10 years including xeriscaping, renovations to the water filtration systems at Sea Lions and Polar Bears, construction of a water quality wetland and recirculation system at the Flamingo Pond and installation of circulation and filtration system at the Northern Shores Duck Ponds. These projects, as well as operational changes have reduced overall annual water usage from approximately 320 million gallons in 1999 to approximately 150 million gallons in 2007. Beginning in 2003, Denver Zoo started adding new water lines which incorporate reuse water for horticulture and exhibit maintenance. As exhibits are revitalized, the zoo will implement more of Denver Water’s “purple” re-use lines.
• Denver Zoo monitors the amount and types of waste generated through our everyday operations to devise ways to reduce our waste stream and promote recycling efforts to both zoo staff and visitors. In June 2008, Denver Zoo hosted its first zero-waste event at the annual Do at the Zoo, using only recyclable and compostable utensils and service ware. In addition, Denver Zoo utilizes compostable utensils and service ware at our restaurants and encourages guest recycling on a daily basis.
• With support from City & County of Denver SEED grant through Environmental Health, a Procurement Database and software system is being designed to provide a method to make sustainable and socially-responsible decisions about all of the zoo’s purchases and the companies that the zoo supports to help make informed decisions that help minimize our negative effects on the environment, including carbon emissions.
• Denver Zoo provides an Eco Pass as a benefit to all regular full and part-time employees, promoting an ecologically-sound option for commuting through RTD public transit. The zoo also implemented a Transportation Logging Database to track the usage of the Eco Pass to provide metrics for our emissions reductions and to continually help improve alternative transportation usage.
• Denver Zoo is encouraging the public to recycle their e-waste, and partners with Luminous Recycling to collect members’ used electronics for free! More than 8,657 pounds of recyclable electronics were collected from members and guests in 2008.
• Denver Zoo consistently informs the public on grounds and through education outreach programs about environmentally-friendly acts they can perform at home to help protect planet earth and all of its inhabitants.

February 26, 2009

ENDANGERED GOLDEN LION TAMARIN BORN AT DENVER ZOO - Visitors Can See Tiny Newborn on Exhibit with Parents and Siblings in Emerald Forest

Denver Zoo has struck gold again as it is celebrating the birth of a new endangered golden lion tamarin that came into the world on February 6. Mother, Rosie, and father, Siamo, have proven to be excellent parents to their two previous sets of twins, and again are taking excellent care of the new arrival! Guests can see the entire family in the Emerald Forest exhibit in Denver Zoo’s Primate Panorama.

The newborn weighs less than 100 grams, about as much as an average kiwi fruit. The sex of the infant has not yet been determined, but zookeepers say that the baby appears to be strong and healthy. As is common for this species, every member of the family will take turns carrying the infant over the next few weeks, even the older siblings. By watching their parents care for the infants and participating in their care, Alex, Annie, Beau and Belle are learning valuable parenting skills that will hopefully be able to use themselves someday.

Golden lion tamarins are native to the coastal forests of Brazil and are classified as endangered as there are only an estimated 1,000 individuals remaining in the wild. Most of the wild population is confined to the Reserva Biológica de Poço das Antas, a protected area in Rio de Janeiro. Only two percent of this species’ original range remains and the existing habitat has been severely fragmented by logging and agriculture, which has led to isolated populations and inbreeding.

By 1980 there were more golden lion tamarins in captivity than in the wild, so re-introduction of captive-bred animals into Brazil began in 1984. Golden lion tamarins were classified as critically endangered until 2000, when the efforts of the re-introduction program began to show an increased population.  The species has now been downgraded to endangered as a result of nearly 30 years of conservation efforts. More than 150 captive bred golden lion tamarins are now living in the wild, but the species remains in peril, due primarily to habitat destruction.

As their name suggests, these primates bare some resemblance to lions, with their golden coats, long tails and the longer, darker hair around the face creating a mane.  Despite some similarities in appearance these primates are much smaller than the king of the jungle, weighing on average only between 400 – 800 grams (0.88 – 1.76 pounds). Gestation lasts for 126-130 days, usually ending in twin births. The young tamarins are weaned after just 90 days.

February 17, 2009

TALL ORDER ARRIVES AT DENVER ZOO - Visitors Can See Baby Giraffe Calf “Pongo”at Giraffe House


It will be hard for zoo visitors to miss the newest addition to the Denver Zoo family, a six-foot-two, 175-pound male giraffe, named Pongo. Born Sunday Feb. 15, the calf can now be seen with his mother at the zoo’s giraffe exhibit.

Pongo was born to mother, Masika and father, Dikembe. The calf brings the zoo’s giraffe herd to six, including a six-month-old giraffe named Timber. Visitors can see Pongo inside the Giraffe House and outside as the weather warms.

Giraffes are born after a 15-month gestation period. The calf will nurse on his mother’s milk for approximately six months, at which time he will be weaned.  During the first two years of a giraffe’s life, it doubles its height to be almost 12-feet tall.

Giraffes are the world’s tallest land mammal and can grow up to 17-feet tall. An adult female is between 1,540 to 2,600 pounds and an adult male ranges from 2,420 to 4,215 pounds. Like human fingerprints, the markings of a giraffe’s coat are unique to each individual. Reticulated giraffes are native to the dry savannahs and open woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa.

Feb. 12, 2009

DENVER ZOO SEEKS GREEN CHAMPION
Sustainability Coordinator to Help Fulfill Environmental Goals

Denver Zoo is seeking the greenest of the green for a new position, a Sustainability Coordinator to head up the zoo’s initiatives to become an even more environmentally-friendly organization. The unique position will give the ideal candidate the chance to help make Denver Zoo an ecological leader for the community. 

“We have many green projects in motion, but we need someone to help manage the implementation of these projects as we move forward,” says Denver Zoo VP for Planning & Capital Projects George Pond. “Many companies pay lip service to being green. However, when your mission is conserving wildlife, it’s important to make sure you’re doing everything you can to help the environment in your own back yard and in the far reaching business practices that can have a worldwide impact.”

The winning candidate will impact Denver Zoo’s ecological footprint, helping guide purchasing decisions, deciding which industries, vendors and products best support the zoo’s mission. That includes being environmentally, socially and economically responsible.
One of the most important job duties will be to guide Denver Zoo’s Workplace Conservation Committee, a “green team” with representatives from every zoo department charged with creating strategies to setting and applying conservation goals in every arena. The actions of the Conservation Committee are frequently used in public education campaigns.

The zoo isn’t just looking for a “green nerd,” though. We’re looking for someone with excellent communication skills, both internally and externally. The coordinator must manage all on-site green efforts while informing the public through presentations on the zoo’s work and improvements. This will require someone with scientific experience and savvy.

More than 100 people have already applied for the position. Applications will continue to be accepted through February 17. Visit www.denverzoo.org for more information and to apply.

February 5, 2009


Denver Zoo Celebrates Attendance Records - 2008 Attendance Numbers Are the Second Highest in Zoo History Zoo Membership Reaches All-Time High

Denver Zoo’s attendance soared in 2008, ranking as the second highest year in the zoo’s 113-year history. Denver Zoo reached 1,941,789 people through on-grounds attendance and outreach programs last year. Denver Zoo also celebrated an all-time high membership in July of 2008, with more than 64,000 member households which translates into approximately 224,000 individuals.

“There are a number of factors that made 2008 a record year for attendance. However, it is the ongoing patronage from the community that supports the zoo in all of our long term efforts. Whether it’s supporting conservation, joining as a member or volunteer or participating in an educational program, it’s the people who continue to support us year after year that must be thanked for making 2008 such a tremendous year,” says Denver Zoo President/CEO Craig Piper.

“Every visit helps us provide the very best care for our animals and generates resources necessary to offer innovative education programs for students throughout Colorado and neighboring states and to conduct research and conservation programs in the Front Range and around the globe,” noted Piper.

The 2008 attendance number rivaled the highest attendance set in 1995 when 1,984,097 people visited the zoo, many who came to say farewell to the zoo’s famous polar bears Klondike and Snow before they left to go to Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida. Nice weather and high gas prices that left Denver-area families looking for activities close to home coupled with a strong marketing campaign helped make 2008 a record year. Approximately two thirds of zoo guests reside in metro Denver; the remainder visit from elsewhere in Colorado and from outside the state.  

“I also want to give credit to our staff members who have worked so hard to offer outstanding educational programming and fun family experiences for our guests. It’s their dedication and passion for conservation that is helping us inspire and teach so many to appreciate animals and protect them for future generations,” Piper says.

Success does come with setbacks. This week, an unprecedented number of people logged on simultaneously to the zoo’s online registration system to sign up for its popular Summer Safari camp causing the system to crash.

“We are so sorry for the inconvenience many encountered. It’s such a popular program; we wanted to offer a fair way for people to register for the prized spots by opening registration to everyone at the same time online. However, the response has been far greater than expected and our system just couldn’t handle the load,” says Vice President for Education and Volunteer Services Jacque Taylor.

Now the zoo plans to reopen registration for the Summer Safari on a rolling basis beginning on Friday, February 6, to spread the load over several days.

“It’s just another example that we still have a lot to accomplish. Although we are very proud of 2008’s attendance, we’re working to make 2009 even better.  We want Denver Zoo to be a fabulous place for families to share in the wonders of wildlife,” says Piper.

The zoo expects 2009 to be a strong year as well. In January 92,137 people enjoyed a day at the zoo compared to 53,507 in January of 2008. Attendance for the month was the highest it’s been in fifteen years.