2008 Stories
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Predator Ridge, which opened in 2004, won the coveted Best Exhibit Award from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 2007 and for good reason. This exhibit complex has changed the way we are able to manage multiple species of large carnivores.
SANTA VISITS NICE ANIMALS AT DENVER ZOO - Kids Can See Nightly at Zoo Lights Through December 23
Santa Clause took a break from visiting children this week to visit Denver Zoo’s animals in its Tropical Discovery exhibit! This year Castor, Denver Zoo’s Komodo dragon, made Santa’s nice list and received a personal visit and back scratching at the zoo. The horseshoe crabs and black-breasted leaf turtle also got some personal attention for their good behavior. The panther chameleon helped celebrate the visit by keeping a festive green color for Santa.
Kids can see Santa at Zoo Lights through December 23. The annual lighting event runs through January 4 and festivities also will include live animal demonstrations, carolers, instrumental groups, dancers, delicious holiday treats at warming stations throughout the zoo as well as the ever-popular Zoo Year’s Eve party!
December 11, 2008
Zoo Lights Runs Nightly Dec. 12 –Jan. 4 Featuring 38 Acres of Lights and Zoo Animals!
Denver Zoo polar bear Soosha will celebrated the arrival of Zoo Lights with a special treat from zookeepers on Thursday, Dec. 11 – an ice carving studded with delicious mackerel, the bear’s favorite fish. Special events are planned during Zoo Lights including an Ice Sculpture Garden from Dec. 12-21, where Santa’s helpers with power tools create wild sculptures, like Soosha’s (minus the mackerel of course).
Zoo Lightsis the largest lighting event in the Rocky Mountain Region and the largest annual event hosted by Denver Zoo. It takes six members of the Denver Zoo staff three months to set up the displays, and an equal amount of time to dismantle the 35 acres of lights. This year tickets can be purchased online at www.denverzoo.org. Admission to Zoo Lights is $8 for adults (12-64), $4 for children (3-11), $6 for senior citizens (65+), children 2 and under are admitted free. There is a $1 transaction fee per ticket on all online ticket sales. For more information on Zoo Lights, please call the Denver Zoo at (303) 376-4800 or visit www.denverzoo.org.
Zoo Lights Special Event lineup:
WILD ICE - DEC. 12-21 Visit a special ice carving garden, filled more animal sculptures than ever before created by Santa's helpers with power tools.
VISIT SANTA - DEC. 12-23
Naughty and nice children alike can bring their Christmas wish lists right to Santa’s mailbox at the North Pole and visit with the big guy himself!
LIVE ANIMAL DEMONSTRATIONS - DEC. 12 – JAN. 4 Get up close and even touch animals from around the world inside Predator Ridge on every night throughout Zoo Lights!
CELEBRATE KWANZAA - DEC. 26-28 Denver Zoo will celebrate this African cultural holiday with music, entertainment and activities.
ZOO YEAR’S EVE - DEC. 31 On the brink of a brand new year, children can also experience the fun of Zoo Year’s Eve, a very wild New Year’s Eve party that begins at 5 p.m. on Dec. 31 with entertainment, activities and crafts that leads up to an early 9 p.m. countdown to the New Year!
November 6, 2008
DENVER ZOO POLAR BEAR TAKES INAUGURAL PLUNGE FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS - Polar Bear To Entice Others To Participate in Colorado’s First Polar Plunge Nov. 15
Denver Zoo’s Polar Bear Soosha got a treat from Special Olympics athlete Amanda Leonard this week, as the two prepare for the Special Olympics’ first Polar Bear Plunge in Colorado set for Nov. 15 to benefit the state’s 8,500 athletes. Because of prior commitments making it impossible to attend the Nov. 15 event, Soosha commenced the 2008 Polar Bear Plunge with her history-making plunge into the familiar waters of the Denver Zoo where the bear lives and works as an educator. After being coaxed with fish “handed” out by Amanda, Soosha plunged multiple times showing both great skill and a desire to be a part of the 2008 Polar Plunge event.
Soosha and Amanda are working together to promote the Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge, set for Nov. 15 at Chatfield Reservoir. With those long, hot dog days of summer a distant memory, it’s time to prepare for winter. “Numb’s the word,” says the Farmer’s Almanac. Looks like colder than average temperatures are on tap for this winter. Why not physically and mentally prepare yourself for the season by putting on your swimsuit -- or any costume really -- and plunging in the state’s first-ever Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Colorado?
About the Polar Plunge: Polar Plunges have raised millions of dollars across the country for Special Olympics. Proceeds from this event directly benefit Colorado’s 8,500-plus athletes. Registration information is available at www.specialolympicsco.org.
About Amanda Leonard: Amanda Leonard has competed in Special Olympics for 14 years. A participant in multiple sports, she has garnered more than 50 medals through the course of her career, most notably in the sports of alpine skiing and swimming. She is a graduate of Smoky Hills High School and lives in Centennial.
About Special Olympics Colorado: Special Olympics Colorado provides year-round training and sponsors over 80 competitions at the area and state level in 20 sports for over 8,500 athletes statewide. With a base of more than 6,000 volunteers, hundreds of hours are donated allowing SOCO to support athletes of all ages and abilities, allowing them to build athletic, learning and social skills. Participation with other athletes, non-disabled peers (Unified Sports® partners), coaches, sponsors and volunteers builds confidence and creates opportunities to participate as productive and respected members of society by increasing public awareness of the athletes' capabilities. There is no cost to participate in Special Olympics.
DENVER ZOO CELEBRATES RARE BIRTH OF COLOBUS MONKEY - Guests can see White-haired Infant Held by Black-haired Mother
Denver Zoo welcomes its newest resident, a newborn colobus monkey named Darby. The infant, whose gender is still unknown, is all-white and can be seen being held by its mother, providing a rare and striking visual; although infants are born white, adults are mostly black with a white face border and white veiling flanks and a bushy white tail.
The monkey was born to mother, Sadie, and father, Ray, on Oct. 15 and is the first of this species to be born at Denver Zoo since 2004. Weather permitting, the infant can be seen with the rest of its troop in Primate Panorama at Denver Zoo. The newborn’s mother will eventually allow the other females in the troop to hold the infant, but for now holds her baby tight. This arboreal species has no problem moving about the trees with the infant in tow.
The name colobus is from the Greek word meaning “mutilated one” because of the animal’s lack of thumbs. Colobus are part of the Old World monkey sub-family Colobinae, which is characterized by their lack of thumbs and cheek pouches, specialized, multi-chambered stomachs that ferment fibrous leaves, and a very long tail. In the wild, colobus monkeys can be found in central Africa. One of the primary threats Colobus monkeys face in the wild is that they are often hunted for bushmeat.
October 23, 2008
JUST IN TIME FOR BOO AT THE ZOO: RED PANDA CUBS ARE RED-DY FOR THEIR CLOSE-UP - Twin Cubs on Exhibit Now For the Public to See
Denver Zoo’s new twin red panda cubs can now be seen in their exhibit, weather permitting. The new additions, which were born June 29, have been widely sought after since their last physicals. They are Amaya, a female, and Takeo, a male. Amaya and Takeo are quite playful. Until recently the pair was being nurtured behind the scenes by mother Sophia before growing strong enough to be seen in their outdoor habitat.
Visitors can see the cubs at the zoo’s 24th annual Boo At The Zoo trick or treat event on October 25 & 26. Dress up as your favorite zooper hero and enjoy more than 25 candy stations, while enjoying the wild sites of the zoo – like Amaya and Takeo.
The new pandas were born to red pandas Sophia and He-Ping. He-Ping, arrived at Denver Zoo late last year 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 Aquarium’s (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.
The red panda cubs have grown much in only a few months. When they were born they were covered with cream-colored fur and could fit in the palm of a hand. Now the twins have their adult markings and look like slightly smaller versions of their parents, resembling red-colored raccoons.
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. Like their larger cousins, these lesser pandas eat primarily bamboo shoots. At the zoo they also eat special vitamin-fortified biscuits. 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.
September 25, 2008
RED PANDA CUBS BORN AT DENVER ZOO - Twin Cubs Pass First Physicals
Denver Zoo’s new twin red panda cubs received a clean bill of health and are exploring their outdoor habitat. The new additions were born on June 29. They are Amaya, a female, and Takeo, a male. Both were feisty as zoo vets checked their vitals and gave them their vaccines. The two will remain behind the scenes for a few more weeks before they are big enough to move to their outdoor exhibit where they can be seen by the public.
Amaya and Takeo are quite playful. Born with cream colored fur, the pair is being nurtured behind the scenes by mother Sophia before growing strong enough to be seen in their outdoor habitat. Although smaller, the twins now have their adult markings, resembling red-colored raccoons.
The new pandas were born to red pandas Sophia and He-Ping. He-Ping, arrived at Denver Zoo late last year 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 Aquarium’s (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.
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. Like their larger cousins, these lesser pandas eat primarily bamboo shoots. At the zoo they also eat a special vitamin-fortified biscuit. 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.
September 18, 2008
DENVER ZOO ELEPHANTS GET FIRST TASTE OF ASIAN TROPICS - New Elephant Feeders Provide Enrichment
Denver Zoo elephants Mimi and Dolly are now playing with their food. Recently, the zoo acquired two new special elephant feeders from which the elephants get their meals. These same feeders will be the primary food source for all of Denver Zoo’s future elephants once plans for the new Asian Tropics exhibit are complete.
The feeders, which are roughly six-feet-tall and weigh 8,000 pounds, provide a number of uses. The feeders resemble tree trunks with various nooks and holes to place food for the elephants to find. This along with scent spots and branches are meant to give these giant pachyderms new objects to explore. The feeders also discourage the elephants from hording food from each other.
"We are always looking for new ways to enrich our animals’ lives," says Denver Zoo spokeswoman Tiffany Barnhart. “These feeders offer something new for our two elephants to look forward to and investigate every time they come out to eat as well as provide a sneak peek at what our future elephants will enjoy once Asian Tropics is complete.”
Asian Tropics is a planned conservation center which will be devoted to highly-endangered Asian species including elephants, Indian rhinos and Malayan tapirs. Occupying 10-acres on the southern edge of the zoo, 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. The zoo plans to break ground on the new exhibit next year.
August 21, 2008
NEW GIRAFFE CALF WALKS TALL IN HIS FIRST WEEK AT DENVER ZOO - Visitors Can See Baby "Timber" Now
Denver Zoo visitors might spot a new, wobbly-legged addition to the giraffe yard. On Tuesday, August 12, Heshimu, a female reticulated giraffe, gave birth to a healthy six-foot-two, 164-pound male giraffe, named Timber. Mother and calf originally spent some quiet time in the Giraffe House, but Timber has proven to be very independent and the week-old calf can now be seen on exhibit.
Timber is exploring the giraffe yard under mother’s watchful eye and has been getting acquainted with his father, Dikembe and his aunts, Janie and Masika. Timber is the first calf born to Heshimu at Denver Zoo.
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.
August 14, 2008
Seeing Spots: Snow Leopard Triplets Bring Furry Fun to Denver Zoo - Cubs Receive a Clean Bill of Health from Zoo Vets
Denver Zoo’s new three snow leopard cubs have received a clean bill of health by zoo vets. Snow leopard Natasha gave birth to not one, not two, but three snow leopard cubs on Monday, June 30. Natasha has her paws full with three cubs, which zookeepers say are one male and two females. Suba is the proud father of the cubs. Natasha is an experienced mother having given birth to cubs in 2005 and 2007. The new cubs weighed just over a pound at birth! They will grow to weigh as much as 110 pounds.
They are feisty cubs who stay close to mom and have more purrsonality than you could imagine. The three snow leopards are the result of a breeding recommendation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, which ensures the genetic diversity of select species. In the wild, snow leopards are endangered and are often hunted for their fur.
Snow leopards are usually solitary, but have been known to coexist with up to six other cats in a single territory. Even when territories overlap, little or no conflict among snow leopards occurs. The chest muscles of snow leopards are well developed and their short limbs give them the ability to climb and leap on rocky terrain. Snow leopards have long tails which help them balance on narrow mountain ridges. This species can be found in central Asia and in the Himalayan regions of Pakistan, India and Afghanistan.
July 30, 2008
DENVER ZOO BECOMES HOME TO ORPHANED SEA LION PUP
- Visitors Can See Playful Young Pup Now!
A California sea lion pup that was found orphaned on Seal Rock in North Laguna, California, is now calling Denver Zoo home. The young male pup, named Nick, was rescued by the Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC) in June of 2007. PMMC staff had been caring for the young sea lion until March 31 when he flew to Denver in style on a private chartered plane. Nick has been spending time behind the scenes getting to know his new caretakers but can now be seen in the outdoor harbor seal/sea lion pool.
Because Nick was hand-raised from infancy and is used to relying on humans for his food it was determined that he was not a candidate for release back into the wild. Staff at PMMC began bottle-feeding the young pup immediately, and after six months they began weaning him off his bottle and introducing him to fish. The now fully-weaned youngster receives 7.5 pounds of fish a day from zookeepers at Denver Zoo.
Nick was found with his umbilical cord still attached and was estimated to be only a couple of days old at the most. When he was found by PMMC staff he weighed only 18 pounds, but thanks to the dedication of his caretakers at PMMC and Denver Zoo staff he has grown to a healthy 117 pounds. When he is full grown he could weigh more than 600 pounds!
Nick is described as a sweet boy who stays glued to zookeepers during new activities. At the same time, he is very playful and inquisitive and every bit as limber and acrobatic as Denver Zoo’s three other sea lions, Gidget, Pam and Luci.
California sea lions can be found all along the western coast of North America.
July 23, 2008
DENVER ZOO ACQUIRES 19 FLAMINGO CHICKS FROM FAMED MIAMI VICE FLOCK - Zoo Staff and Supporters Went to Great Lengths to Bring Eggs to Denver
Crockett and Tubbs would be proud. Denver Zoo recently acquired 19 flamingo eggs from Miami Metro Zoo in Miami, Florida. The now-hatched chicks come from the same famous Hialeah Park flock as the one seen in the opening credits of the television show Miami Vice.
The flamingos arrived with the same amount of style as the two detectives from the hit 80’s show. To help with the delicate transportation requirements, Ed Haselden, a longtime supporter of Denver Zoo and President/CEO of Haselden Construction LLC., offered the use of his private plane to fly two Denver Zoo keepers to pick up the eggs. Zookeepers carried the eggs back safely in cooler-style incubators on June 19.
The hatchlings began pecking their way out of their shells days after arriving at the zoo, with the first emerging fully on June 22 and the last on July 1. The entire zoo bird staff have worked around the clock caring for the chicks with regular feedings every three hours and constant supervision. The chicks are anxiously taking their first steps as they learn to walk. Although only a few inches at hatching, these beautiful birds will quickly grow to about five feet tall. Newborn chicks are gray or white and will eventually grow to a very vibrant hot pink. Within their natural diet of crustaceans contains carotenes, which helps support and intensify the intense pink we always recognize.
There are six species of flamingos. Denver Zoo’s newest chicks are the American Flamingo, or Phoenicopterus ruber species, which is found in coastal lagoons around the Caribbean and northern South America. Denver Zoo also is home to the Chilean flamingo.
The chicks won’t be on regular public display for some time, as zookeepers continue to hand raise them in the zoo’s Avian Propagation Center.
July 17, 2008
RARE ENDANGERED PRIMATE, AYE AYE, COMES TO DENVER ZOO - Visitors Can See the Pair of Unique Nocturnal Primates On Exhibit
Denver Zoo has welcomed back an extremely rare and unique looking primate species after a 10-year hiatus, the aye-aye. A rare site in zoos, there are only two other zoos that exhibit these large-eyed, long-fingered primates. Including the two new arrivals to Denver Zoo, there are only 23 aye-ayes in North American institutions. Visitors can see this pair of aye-ayes in Denver Zoo’s Emerald Forest building inside Primate Panorama.
This breeding pair comes to Denver Zoo from the Duke Lemur Center in North Carolina. Zookeepers say the duo is doing great adjusting to their new surroundings. Salem, a 7-year-old female, confidently sets the tone over her 7-year-old male counterpart, Ozony. Denver Zoo staff is hopeful that sometime soon the two will have offspring to support this endangered species. Ozony has a unique connection to Denver Zoo. His father, Mephistopheles, was the first aye-aye for the zoo. He visited while on a brief loan to the zoo a decade ago and proved very popular.
In preparation for the arrival of Salem and Ozony, Denver Zoo staff renovated the nocturnal habitat from its previous three separate habitats into one larger area specifically designed for the aye-ayes. In addition to habitat modifications, one of Denver Zoo’s primate zookeepers traveled to the Duke Lemur Center to get acquainted with Salem and Ozony and see how caretakers there work with these animals.
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, rodent-like face, 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.
The Aye-Aye Species Survival Plan is among 206 conservation breeding programs that Denver Zoo participates in. Under the auspices of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), the cooperative breeding programs work to ensure genetic diversity and demographic stability in North American zoos and aquariums.
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. Their mission is to promote research and understanding of prosimians and their natural habitat as a means of advancing the frontiers of knowledge; to contribute to the educational development of future leaders in international scholarship and conservation; and to enhance the human condition by stimulating intellectual growth and sustaining global biodiversity.
July 8, 2008
HORSESHOE CRABS CRAWL INTO DENVER ZOO -
Visitors Can See Aquatic Living Fossils in Tropical Discovery Exhibit
Denver Zoo’s guests can see ancient history swim before their very eyes with the recent addition to the zoo - five horseshoe crabs from the Gulf Specimen Marine Lab Aquarium in Panacea, Florida. Visitors can now see these odd-looking arthropods in Tropical Discovery.
Horseshoe crabs are named for their unique shaped bodies, which are dome-shaped, armored shells that resemble horse hooves. They’ve looked that way since dinosaurs roamed the earth. Horseshoe crabs are often referred to as living fossils as they have changed little in more than 250 million years.
There are four species of horseshoe crabs. Denver Zoo is caring for the Limulus polyphemus species which is found in the Atlantic ocean along the eastern coast of North and Central America. Migrating birds, shorebirds and sea turtles rely on horseshoe crabs for survival.
Horseshoe crabs aren’t actually crabs at all. In fact, they are more closely related to scorpions, ticks and spiders. They have five pairs of legs and 10 eyes. Females can grow up to three feet in length and are usually about 25 percent larger than males. Males have two front claws that resemble boxing gloves, which they use to grab onto females during mating.
Although their spiked tails may make one think they are dangerous, there is nothing to fear. Horseshoe crabs use their spiked tails as rudders to steer or flip themselves right-side up when they are turned over. These arthropods spend much of their time crawling around underwater or burrowing under mud and sand on the east coast of the United States searching for worms, scallops or shrimp.
Despite their creepy appearance, horseshoe crabs are actually very helpful in medical research. Their blood will clot quickly when it comes into contact with bacteria. Because of this, scientists commonly use horseshoe crab blood to test new vaccines and drugs for impurities.
July 3, 2008
Visitors Can See the 6-Day-Old Foal in the South Zebra Yard
Denver Zoo is celebrating the birth of a brand new, endangered Grevy’s zebra. Born to mother, Topaz and father, Punda, on Friday, June 27, at 7:30 p.m., the new arrival, a male named Elliot, can be seen outside in the southern zebra yard, weather permitting.
Elliot got off to a quick start by standing within an hour after being born. This is the first foal for Topaz and she is already proving to be an excellent mother, keeping a watchful eye over the young colt. Elliot is shy and tends to remain at his mother’s side.
There are three different species of zebra; plains or common zebra, mountain zebra and Grevy’s zebra. Grevy’s zebras are endangered with less than two thousand left in the wild due to loss of habitat, competition with livestock and poaching. As the largest wild equine species, Grevy’s can be distinguished from other zebras by their longer legs, more narrow stripes, white, stripeless underbelly and large rounded ears. Grevy’s zebras are only found in northern Kenya and south eastern Ethiopia.
Denver Zoo is dedicated to saving Grevy’s zebras through conservation in the wild and on zoo grounds. Elliot is the result of a breeding recommendation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, which ensures the genetic diversity of select species. In the wild, Denver Zoo helped save Grevy’s zebras by providing life-saving vaccines during an anthrax epidemic and currently supports research focusing on the interactions between African lions and Grevy’s zebras. The zoo also works with local communities and schools to create awareness of this animal’s plight and encourage grass roots support of conservation, as well as funding scholarships for the next generation of conservation leaders working on Grevy’s zebra research in Kenya.
Although Elliot only weighs about 85 pounds now, when he is full grown he could weigh up to a thousand pounds and stand over five feet tall at the shoulder. This is the second Grevy’s zebra produced by the zoo’s new breeding herd and the fifteenth zebra to be born in the zoo’s history.
Zebra foals are born after a gestation period of 13 months. Young zebras are born with brown stripes instead of black. This protective coloring helps the foal to blend in with its background and be less visible to predators. Zebra’s stripes are like human fingerprints and no two zebras have identical strip patterns.
June 26, 2008
HYENA CUBS CAN NOW BE SEEN AT DENVER ZOO -
Visitors Can Watch Young Cubs Exploring Predator Ridge
Denver Zoo’s spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) born on March 3 are now regularly on exhibit outside, weather permitting. Visitors can see these 3-month-old cubs play, now that they are big enough to explore the maternity den of Predator Ridge. The cubs spent several weeks behind the scenes bonding with their mother.
Visitors can watch the cubs, named Kidogo (Kid-oh-goh) and Kubwa (Koob-wah) through their stages of development at Predator Ridge. Zookeepers gave the cubs Swahili names. Kubwa, who was born with a bigger head, means “big” and Kidogo, who was the smaller of the two at birth, means “little.” The cubs were born to mother, Ngozi (Nuh-Go-Zee), and father, Kibo (Kee-boe) at approximately 10:30 a.m. on March 3. It is normally difficult to discern the sex of hyenas because both males and females have sexual organs that are very similar in appearance, but zookeepers have determined Kidogo is male and Kubwa is female.
The cubs and their pack will rotate use of their yard with the African wild dogs and lions. Although born completely brown, Kidogo and Kubwa will develop spots on their coats and short manes on their necks and backs. Manes slope forward and the hairs of the mane stand erect when the hyenas are excited.
Hyenas are mostly found south of the Sahara Desert, excluding the southern tip of Africa and the Congo Basin. The spotted hyena is the largest of the four hyena species and can grow up to four feet tall and weigh up to 250 pounds. These hyenas have longer forelegs than hind legs and feature sandy brown spotted coats. Spotted hyenas scavenge carcasses or kill prey in packs. These packs can bring down large prey like zebras and can force lions to abandon a kill. A single hyena is capable of chasing and killing prey three times its own weight. The spotted hyena has very powerful jaws that can crush large bones.
DENVER ZOO ELEPHANTS HIT THE SHOWERS BEFORE ZOO GALA - Honorary Co-Chairs Clean Up, Get Ready for DO AT THE ZOO!
Scruba dub dub. The elephants are in the tub! Do At The Zoo Honorary Co-Chairs and resident elephants Mimi and Dolly will splash in for one last bath at Denver Zoo in preparation for the zoo’s fundraiser gala set for June 19.
Do At The Zoo has been Denver’s most popular summer fundraising gala, raising funds for improving animal habitats and worldwide conservation. This year’s event themed Silk & Spice: a night of celebration, preservation and jubilation benefiting Asian elephants, will be bigger and better than ever before! Denver Zoo has a record number of restaurants serving some of the finest food in the city. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.denverzoo.org/doatthezoo.
The elephants are not the only ones getting gussied up for the event. Guests are asked to don their best tropical chic attire, cocktail attire with a Tropical Twist. Mimi and Dolly want to look their best at the Do. The two are prepared to strut their stuff at the party, providing entertaining demonstrations of their many skills. Zookeepers have worked with Mimi and Dolly for years on numerous behaviors that help with their daily care and veterinary procedures. Aside from being able to kneel, lie down and open their mouths for inspection, Mimi and Dolly even know how to recycle, catch and even paint with their trunks!
Anticipated to raise more than $500,000 for Asian Tropics, all funds raised at Do At The Zoo will be matched dollar for dollar by Zoo Improvement Bond funds thereby doubling the effect of each ticket sold and contribution made.
June 10, 2008
DENVER ZOO'S DO AT THE ZOO GALA BREAKS RECORDS - More Restaurants Participating Than Ever Before
Presented by Haselden Construction, LLC, Denver Zoo’s Do At The Zoo gala on June 19, will offer more food from Denver’s finest restaurants than ever before. Dine on exotic dishes from around the city as 48 of Denver’s top restaurants serve their best menu items, while toasting spirits from around the world. Guests can also enjoy the addition of delectable delights from bakeries – another first for the event.
Visit www.denverzoo.org to book your passage to the land of silk and spice for a night of celebration, preservation and jubilation benefiting Asian elephants. Experience music, dancing and close-up animal encounters in the incomparable setting of Denver Zoo at twilight. Net proceeds will help construct Denver Zoo’s newest exhibit Asian Tropics, a 10-acre conservation center devoted to highly-endangered Asian species including elephants, Indian rhinos and Malayan tapirs. All funds raised from the event will be matched dollar for dollar by Zoo Improvement Bond funds thereby doubling the effect of each gift and contribution.
Guests will also have a chance to win a stunning piece of jewelry from John Atencio’s inspiring Nature Collection and Elements Echo Collection! John Atencio has signed each one-of-a-kind piece. Attendees can purchase a $20 raffle ticket for a chance to win one of these six unique jewelry items. Visit www.denverzoo.org/doatthezoo to get a sneak peek of these beautiful pieces.
June 3, 2008
ANKOLE-WATUSI CATTLE, A NEW SPECIES TO ZOO, ARRIVE -
Visitors Can See these African Longhorns in Their New Home at the Zoo
Denver Zoo visitors can enjoy seeing a new species to the zoo, the long-horned Ankole-Watusi (Ann-cole-ee Wah-Too-see) cattle. This striking species, native to Africa, has the longest horns of any cattle breed in the world.
Although similar to the Texas Longhorn, Ankole-Watusi 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! These amazing creatures are very strong and use their horns for defense.
Male Ankole-Watusi can weigh up to 1,600 pounds. The females follow close behind weighing in at 1,200 pounds. Denver Zoo has two adult female cows and a juvenile male. The females at Denver Zoo are mostly brown with white spots and the younger male is mostly white with brown splotches.
May 5 , 2008
DENVER ZOO RECEIVES $100,000 GOVERNOR’S ENERGY OFFICE GRANT - Grant to Support Environmentally-Friendly Features of Asian Tropics Exhibit
Denver Zoo has won a $100,000 grant from the Governor’s Energy Office to support research and development of the zoo’s biomass gasification system planned to heat and power portions of the zoo’s next major exhibit, Asian Tropics. The Clean Energy Fund’s New Energy Economic Development (NEED) grant program selection committee awarded the zoo the grant based on the project’s capacity toadvance energy efficiency and renewable energy.
“As a champion for environmentally friendly efforts around the globe, we wanted to take our conservation efforts to the next level with plans for our Asian Tropics exhibit. This grant will support our efforts to create a system that utilizes our waste to create energy to support our operations within Asian Tropics,” says VP for Planning and Capitol Projects George Pond.
Denver Zoo is a strong advocate for conservation, making the biomass gasification system a critical component of the Asian Tropics exhibit. In the planning stages, Denver Zoo staff researched and gathered input from the National Renewal Energy Lab and other experts, which offered the possibility of utilizing a biomass gasification system as a component of the project. It became clear that the waste-to-energy potential went beyond the scope of the project, and actually could transform the zoo’s entire waste stream into usable energy. However, utilizing a biomass gasification system of this size using a complex waste stream with varied components presented a challenge that others have not overcome.
“This is a complex process and if we are able to unlock some of the mysteries of utilizing a varied waste stream for biomass gasification, then we will have a ground-breaking method that can be used throughout many industries. We are rapidly gaining knowledge that could positively impact industries and the environment on a global level,” says Pond.
Plans for Asian Tropics feature a unique on-site system that will convert a diverse waste stream of animal waste and human trash, from an average of 1.7 million visitors annually, into usable energy through a process called gasification. The project will be a model for promoting the viability of an emerging renewable energy technology – one that is much more environmentally-friendly than fossil fuels.
Benefits of this technology include:
Reduced Air Pollution. Biomass gasification technology is environmentally-friendly, as resources produce fewer emissions than their fossil fuel counterparts. Biomass contains less sulfur than coal, and consequently produces less sulfur dioxide. Emissions of nitrogen oxide are usually lower as well. Biomass used for heat and power is typically considered “carbon neutral” by the EPA, meaning that its use does not contribute to climate change.
Reduced Waste. Biomass technology can be used to convert waste into energy. Using waste from livestock (or wildlife), for example, yields such benefits as production of heat or electricity, odor reduction, reduced risk of water contamination, and reduced exposure to disease-causing organisms.
Reduced Use of Landfills. Landfills are full of biomass from a number of sources. Wastes from food processing, paper and household garbage contain organic matter that can be converted into energy. Using these materials to create energy means less landfill space is needed. It also means cost savings, as the waste is minimized and utilized on site, decreasing landfill and transportation usage.
Occupying 10-acres on the southern edge of the zoo, Asian Tropics will serve as a 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 funds for Asian Tropics and groundbreaking is anticipated in early 2009, with a two-year construction period.
May 5, 2008
DENVER ZOO MOURNING LOSS OF POLAR BEAR OLAF - Famous Polar Bear Dad of Klondike & Snow
Denver Zoo is deeply saddened to announce the death of Olaf, a 22-year-old male polar bear. Olaf, father of famous polar bears Klondike and Snow and Ulaq and Berit, died Saturday, May 3, at Denver Zoo.
“This is a very sad loss for Denver Zoo and our community. Olaf will be missed by all of us including the many families and children who have visited him over the years,” says Denver Zoo President/CEO Craig Piper.
Over the past several weeks, keepers noticed that Olaf’s eating habits were fluctuating and he was acting lethargic. He had good days and bad days. On Friday, May 2, veterinary staff anesthetized the bear for a medical examination and to biopsy a swollen area of his abdomen. Unfortunately, biopsy results showed that Olaf was suffering from an aggressive and terminal form of liver cancer. Necropsy results determined Olaf had a massive tumor in his abdomen. Having lost his quality of life to an irreversible medical condition, Olaf was humanely euthanized on May 3. The longevity of polar bears is 20-25 years.
“Often with wild animals, they do not show symptoms of illness until they are quite ill. This was the case with our valiant Olaf, who showed no signs of illness until quite recently, despite having terminal liver cancer. He was such a good bear,” says Senior Veterinarian Dr. David Kenny. Dr. Kenny was Olaf’s veterinarian for 21 years.
Olaf was a very popular resident of Denver Zoo for 21 years. He arrived from Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo in March of 1987 as a one-and-a-half-year-old cub. Olaf was named after Saint Olaf, the Patron Saint of Norway.
While at Denver Zoo, Olaf fathered four cubs with his first mate, Ulu, including the famous siblings Klondike and Snow who were born on November 6, 1994. Ulu and Olaf also had a second pair of cubs, Berit and Ulaq, born on December 28, 1998. When Ulu passed away in June of 2000, Olaf was introduced to another female, Soosha. The pair remained together for eight years, but never had any cubs together.
Olaf was a remarkable bear with a distinguished palate. Unlike most bears, Olaf did not like to eat fish heads. He meticulously removed the fish heads, only eating the torso and tails. Olaf also enjoyed pumpkins and watermelon as a treat. Many visitors enjoyed seeing him get pumpkins as enrichment at Boo at the Zoo.
Denver Zoo is home to three other polar bears, females Soosha (21) and Voda (21), and male Frosty (22).
May 1, 2008
SHIPWRECK WASHES ASHORE IN DENVER ZOO’S POLAR BEAR HABITAT- New Structure Provides Hours of Enrichment for Polar Bears
Denver Zoo polar bears are showcasing their natural foraging and pouncing abilities thanks to a new enrichment shipwreck staff recently added to their habitat. After several years of planning, the concept proved extremely successful when the bears showed their appreciation by playing with their new toy and exhibiting natural behaviors!
“The shipwreck is a great way to stimulate natural behaviors in the bears. We are conducting some formal observations, and so far, since the shipwreck was installed, not only have we seen more of some behaviors such as foraging for food, digging and manipulating objects, but we have also seen more variety of behaviors, including vocalizing and a bouncing behavior that we usually only see them do on ice or with favorite toys,” says Denver Zoo Manager of Behavior Programs Emily Insalaco.
Zoo staff’s expectations were exceeded when the bears were given access to the ship for the first time. The curious bears spent a great deal of time exploring the new addition to their home, looking for hidden treats, climbing up the top of the ship and playing with the attached balls and ropes.
Before zookeepers let the bears outside in the morning, they place delicious fish and other treats inside hidden crevasses throughout the ship so that the bears have to search for their breakfast. Zookeepers also rub various scents on the ship and sometimes even squirt the wood with honey, one of the bears’ favorite treats. By having to find their food and sometimes figure out how to get it out of a tricky place the bears are enriched and stimulated.
One of the behaviors zookeepers were hoping the new addition to the exhibit would elicit is an ice-breaking behavior. Bears must push up and down with their front paws in the wild to break through ice and reach their prey underneath. The bears have shown this behavior several times on the shipwreck.
The new structure also encourages the bears to explore and interact with a portion of the exhibit that was not being utilized often in the past. Now the bears have a good reason to explore the western portion of their exhibit. In addition, the shipwreck provides up-close viewing of the bears while at play. This opens opportunities for people to get good bear photos.
“Bringing a vision like this to reality takes a great deal of time and attention to detail. In our design process we reached out to students, recent graduates and local companies in the community to generate new ideas and energy and to keep the project affordable. We are very pleased with the outcome,” says VP for Planning and Capitol Project George Pond.
The shipwreck structure is an excellent example of how the zoo’s Animal and Planning Departments work closely to support the welfare of the animals in their care. Gathering input from the zoo’s animal experts, Denver Zoo Planning Intern Jeramy Boik, a master’s candidate in the Landscape Architect Department at the University of Colorado at Denver, managed the project. Rare Earth Designs, a local company owned by Dan Griner and Devin Gores, recent graduates from the Art Institute of Colorado, were selected to bring the zoo’s vision to life through the construction and installation of the ship.
We have worked with students and graduates in the past and have had a great deal of success with these students. They are talented people willing to put the thought and energy needed into designing creative solutions,” Pond says.
Individual pieces of the ship were constructed off site and assembled in the polar bear yard. Installation of the $23,000 project took four days to complete. The two-part shipwreck, constructed of steel and all-natural woods and finishes, takes up 50 feet in the western part of the polar bear habitat. The bow of the ship is 20 feet long, 14 feet wide and 5 feet tall. The mast is 18 feet long and 12 feet wide.
Denver Zoo is home to two pairs of polar bears, Frosty (m) and Voda (f) and Olaf (m) and Soosha (f) all of whom have been enjoying the new shipwreck since its installation.
April 10, 2008
ENDANGERED EASTERN BONGO CALF BORN AT DENVER ZOO
- Visitors Can See Mother and Calf in Their Outdoor Yard
Denver Zoo is celebrating the birth of an endangered eastern bongo antelope that was born on March 30. Zookeepers named the rambunctious male calf Mkono, (muh-kone-oh) which means “handful” in Swahili. Mkono is the fifth calf born to mother, Megan. Mother and calf have been spending time behind the scenes, but can now be seen in their outdoor habitat along with Mkono’s older sister, 15-month-old Maddie.
At Mkono’s baby wellness exam, zoo veterinarians gave the new calf a clean bill of health. The young calf weighed in at 45 pounds but when he is full grown, he could weigh up to 900 pounds. Zookeepers say the youngster is very adventurous and is enjoying exploring his new outdoor surroundings under mother’s watchful eye.
There are two sub-species of bongo, western and eastern. Denver Zoo is home to the less common eastern bongo which is classified as endangered by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) due to habitat loss and hunting for meat. Unlike their more prevalent western cousins, the eastern bongo can now only be found in parts of Kenya.
Bongos are distinguishable by their deep orange coats, vertical white strips and large slightly spiraled horns. Both males and females have these impressive horns that can grow to more than three feet in length. Although both genders are born with bright coats, as males get older their coats become darker and browner, while the females’ coats remain lighter.
The bongo Species Survival Plan is among 206 conservation breeding programs that Denver Zoo participates in. Under the auspices of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), the cooperative breeding programs work to ensure genetic diversity and demographic stability in North American zoos and aquariums.
April 4, 2008
DENVER ZOO CONSERVATIONIST RECEIVES HIGHEST MONGOLIAN CONSERVATION AWARD - Dr. Richard Reading Recognized For Work with Endangered Species in Mongolia
Denver Zoo Director of Conservation Biology Richard Reading, Ph.D. has been awarded the Distinguished Environmentalist Award by the Mongolian Ministry of Nature and Environment for his contribution to the conservation of Mongolia’s rare and endangered species since 1994. The Ministry presented this, their most prestigious award, to Dr. Reading recently at a special ceremony in Mongolia.
Dr. Reading’s work in Mongolia began shortly after the Mongolian Democratic Revolution and much of the initial work involved working with specialists in other fields to rewrite wildlife laws, create and manage new nature parks, implement education programs, and train local people to more effectively conduct conservation work. Since 1994, conservation efforts have expanded vastly to the current work that involves such poorly understood and threatened species as cinereous vultures, argali sheep, ibex, Bactrian camels, corsac foxes and pallas’ cats.
Denver Zoo’s work has led to positive changes, including improved wildlife management plans; establishing protected areas; delineating conservation zones in protected areas; and incorporating local concerns in conservation initiatives.
Denver Zoo’s initial project focused on argali sheep, but has slowly expanded to include work with several other species. Argali are classified as vulnerable by The World Conservation Union (IUCN) due primarily to poaching and conflicts with domestic livestock production. So far, researchers have radio collared 115 argali to track their movements and better understand their ecology. Additionally, behavioral observations, genetic analyses, collection of biological samples, necropsies (animal autopsies) of animals that died, and fecal analyses also have been conducted. The results of this work are helping to better conserve these magnificent animals.
In addition to the conservation work for cinereous vultures that takes place on zoo grounds, Denver Zoo has been involved with this species in Mongolia since 2002. Researchers are working to better the breeding ecology of the population in the area by monitoring nesting success, growth of chicks, and movements of tagged birds.
Denver Zoo’s work in Mongolia expanded to include work with various other species in the country, including critically endangered wild Bactrian camels, snow leopards, ibex, Pallas’ cats, corsac and red foxes, Asian wild asses, gazelle, Eurasian badgers, hedgehogs, small mammals, plants, lizards, lesser kestrels, and other raptor species.
The overall goal of the program is to help Mongolia develop the professional capacity and methods of resource generation to independently conserve the country’s natural resources in a way that enjoys enduring public support. To help with the latter, Denver Zoo maintains a multifaceted education component focused on training conservation practitioners and developing education and outreach programs for local people.
Several Denver Zoo staff members have traveled to Mongolia to participate in the conservation project; Dr. Reading lived in Mongolia while conducting conservation work from 1994 – 1996 and since then returns between 3 -5 times a year. His next trip is planned for June of this year.
Between 1996 and 2007 Denver Zoo has been involved in 414 field conservation and research projects in 50 countries. In 2007 alone, Denver Zoo was involved in70 projects in28 countries on five continents (Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and South America). In 2007 within the United States, the zoo was involved in conservation and research projects in six states, includingsix projects in Colorado.
April 3, 2008
DENVER ZOO PRIMATES PARTY FOR APE-RIL FESTIVITIES - A Birthday Celebration For Orangutan Kicks Off APE-ril Event
Denver Zookeepers gave one of its male orangutans, Robin, who turned 32 on March 27, an ape-tastic party today to celebrate his birthday. Robin received a wrapped present filled with popcorn, nuts and sugar-free candy as well as a delicious birthday cake layered with monkey chow, berries, peanut butter and raspberry mousse in honor of his birthday and to gear-up for APE-ril, an event all about apes! APE-ril, taking place April 5-6 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. will give guests an opportunity to learn all about apes: what they eat, how they interact, why they are endangered and what Denver Zoo is doing to help them. Orangutans can live up to 60 years in zoos.
Robin and the other Denver Zoo apes including gorillas and gibbons will be enjoying a variety of enrichment items during the APE-ril event. Denver Zoo’s animals receive enrichment daily to stimulate their minds and bodies, but during the APE-ril event guests will get to see the apes enjoying some of the enrichment items that are often used behind the scenes. Visitors are encouraged to notice how different species and different individuals use the same items in varying ways.
During APE-ril, interpretative stations throughout Primate Panorama will give guests the chance to try and move like a gorilla, talk like a gibbon and compare arm spans to an orangutan. Guests will also learn about some of the reasons primates are being threatened in the wild and what can be done to help these amazing animals.
Special feeding demonstrations will take place both days in Primate Panorama for visitors to enjoy. Zookeepers feed the gorillas at noon, orangutans at 2 p.m. and red river hogs at 12:15 p.m. Denver Zoo’s African farm, the Kraal, which doesn’t officially open until Memorial Day weekend, will also be open during the event so guests can get nose-to-snout with some African farm animals. Additionally, African dancers and storytellers will entertain guests during interactive presentations.
Guests at APE-ril will also discover how they can help orangutans when they learn about the repercussions harvesting palm oil has on their habitat. The increased demand for palm oil, which is obtained from the fruit of the oil palm tree and can be grown only in tropical environments, is fueling destruction of the rainforest habitat of Sumatran and Bornean orangutans, pushing those endangered species even closer to extinction. Choosing not to consume products containing palm oil, or only products containing sustainable palm oil, can help preserve the diminishing habitat of Bornean and Sumatran species.
Guests can bring a used cell phone or ink jet cartridge to donate to Denver Zoo on Saturday, April 5 or Sunday, April 6 and receive $2 off general zoo admission to APE-ril!
March 27, 2008
ENDANGERED GOLDEN LION TAMARIN TWINS BORN AT DENVER ZOO
- Visitors Can See Tiny Newborns On Exhibit With Parents and Siblings In Emerald Forest
Denver Zoo is celebrating the birth of two endangered golden lion tamarins that came into the world on March 10. Mother, Rosie, and father, Siamo, have proven to be excellent parents to the pair of twins born in July, Alex and Annie, and again are taking excellent care of the new arrivals! Guests can see the entire family in the Emerald Forest exhibit in Denver Zoo’s Primate Panorama.
Both newborns weigh less than 100 grams, the equivalent weight of an average kiwi fruit. The sex of the infants has not yet been determined, but zookeepers say that both babies appear to be strong and healthy. As is common for this species, both mother, father and even the older siblings have been taking turns carrying the two infants. By watching their parents care for the infants and participating in their care, Alex and Annie are learning valuable parenting skills that will hopefully be able to use themselves someday.
The tamarins were born as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) 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 both genetically diverse and geographically stable. Rosie and Siamo were brought to Denver Zoo in 2006 to be paired together following a recommendation from the SSP. The Golden Lion Tamarin Species Survival Plan is among 206 conservation breeding programs that Denver Zoo participates in. Others include the western lowland gorilla, Sumatran tiger and Komodo dragon.
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
March 20, 2008
DENVER ZOO ANIMALS EGGSTATIC OVER EASTER!
Hop Into Zoo and See Various Animals Receive Colored Eggs on Easter Sunday
Denver Zoo’s pack of 15 banded mongoose enjoyed an early Easter Egg hunt today to announce the zoo’s upcoming Easter festivities. On 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 on Easter Sunday, 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.
Schedule of Easter Egg Feedings on Sunday, March 23:
10:00 a.m. – Banded Mongoose, just inside the zoo (weather permitting)
10:15 a.m. – Polar Bears, Northern Shores
10:30 a.m. – Otters & Arctic Foxes, Northern Shores
11 a.m. – Capuchins, Adjacent to Monkey Island (weather permitting)
11 a.m. – Langurs, Adjacent to Monkey Island (weather permitting)
Noon – Red River Hogs, Primate Panorama (weather permitting)
12:15 p.m. – Gorillas, Great Apes (weather permitting)
12:15 p.m. – Mandrills, Primate Panorama (weather permitting)
12:20 p.m. – Mangabeys, Primate Panorama (weather permitting)
1:45 p.m. – Macaques, Primate Panorama/Emerald Forest (weather permitting)
March 13, 2008
GIANT BUSHMASTER PIT VIPER WEIGHS IN FOR
ST. PATRICK'S DAY SERPENT FESTIVAL AT DENVER ZOO - Snakes the Focus of Festival at Denver Zoo, March 15 - 16, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Denver Zoo’s resident male bushmaster was recently weighed and measured in preparation for the upcoming slithery festivities at St. Patrick’s Day Serpent Festival, set for March 15 & 16, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The 15-year-old snake weighed in at 10 pounds and measured approximately nine feet in length. Bushmasters are the world’s longest vipers, and the most venomous snakes found in the New World.
The health check of this venomous snake was a delicate procedure performed by trained zookeepers. For the safety of the snake and the zookeepers working with it, a clear tube was used to hold the snake and provide a barrier between the snake’s head and the zookeepers. Snakes like small spaces that make them feel safe, so when presented with the clear tube, the bushmaster quickly crawled inside allowing zookeepers to measure the snake. After measuring the snake, zookeepers carefully placed him in a large container which was then weighed on the scale.
Visitors will be able to see this exotic reptile, along with 58 other snake species totaling more than 150 individual slithering residents, at Denver Zoo’s St. Patrick’s Day Serpent Festival. Legend tells the tale of Saint Patrick driving all of the snakes out of Ireland and into the sea, but this St. Patrick’s Day Denver Zoo guests can learn all about this highly-misunderstood animal and why people shouldn’t fear these amazing creatures.
Guests will get nose to snout with some of Denver Zoo’s resident snakes during live animal demonstrations, join Irish dancers in a jig, learn all about snakes at discovery stations and create a fun snake souvenir to take home for good luck. Join Denver Zoo’s nearly 3,500 animal residents as they celebrate this Irish holiday at the third annual St. Patrick’s Day Serpent Festival!
March 6, 2008
NEW TAPIR AT DENVER ZOO GETS WELCOME PARTY -
Tapir, Born In Ireland, Gets Green Treats For Early St. Patrick’s Day Fun
Denver Zoo staff is welcoming one of its newest residents, a Malayan tapir, who came from the Belfast Zoo in Ireland. Named Bengkulu, after a province in Indonesia (a part of this species’ habitat), zookeepers fondly call the new arrival Benny. To get into the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, and to celebrate Benny’s Irish origin, zookeepers gave the 2-year-old male some of his favorite green treats, broccoli, kale and cabbage.
Benny has been spending some time behind-the-scenes getting used to his new surroundings, but can now be seen exploring his new digs in the Pachyderm building. Zookeepers say he is doing well adjusting to life in Denver and they will eventually introduce him to the zoo’s resident female tapir, Maggie. Although Benny just turned 2, he is already almost full grown, weighing in at approximately 675 pounds!
Malayan tapirs are the largest of the four tapir species and are the only tapir native to Asia. Once found throughout Southeast Asia, they now inhabit only the rainforests of the Indochinese peninsula. Malayan tapirs are classified as vulnerable by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) due to habitat loss.
Feb. 28, 2008
DENVER ZOO IS HOPPING WITH ACTIVITIES FOR LEAP DAY! - Event to Kick Off Year Of The Frog Conservation Initiative
Denver Zoo jumps on the chance to celebrate the Year of the Frog with special activities planned for Leap Day, Feb. 29, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Currently, at least one third of the world’s amphibians face extinction. Denver Zoo joinsthe Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and zoos around the world in fighting the amphibian extinction crisis by spreading awareness of the issue and sharing ways to help frogs and other amphibians.
A special frog mascot will welcome guests as they enter the zoo. Inside Tropical Discovery visitors will be able to get up close with some of the zoo’s resident amphibians and learn about what they can do to help save them. At 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. zookeepers will speak about amphibians and related conservation projects. Guests can even enter to win a behind-the-scenes tour of Tropical Discovery! The Colorado Division of Wildlife will be at the zoo to discuss amphibian conservation that can be conducted right here in Colorado. To learn more about the global amphibian crisis visit www.yearofthefrog.org.
What’s causing frogs to go extinct?
While the major culprit has historically been habitat loss and degradation, many of the declines and extinctions are now being attributed to the rapidly dispersing infectious disease chytridiomycosis, commonly known as chytrid fungus.
Denver Zoo is currently home to 25 different species of amphibians, 24 of which are classified as threatened or endangered, including the Panamanian golden frog that is extinct in the wild. Denver Zoo works with AZA to manage the captive breeding of these species through Species Survival Plans (SSPs) that ensure the genetic diversity and demographic stability of select species in North American zoos and aquariums.
Denver Zoo is actively involved in amphibian conservation projects in the wild, in addition to conservation work being done on-site.One of Denver Zoo’s newest conservation projects focuses on the Lake Titicaca frog, located on the border of Bolivia and Peru. Due to the superstitious beliefs that these frogs have medicinal and aphrodisiac properties, the main threat to this critically endangered species is human consumption. It’s estimated that 150 Lake Titicaca frogs are killed unnecessarily every day for human consumption! In October of 2007, Denver Zoo sent a zookeeper to work with staff at the University of Peruana Cayetano Heredia in Lima on developing a conservation program and setting up a holding facility for confiscated Lake Titicaca frogs. It is hoped that the university can maintain frogs to help them better understand this frog’s ecology. Denver Zoo staff continues to assist the university in maintaining the frog haven and hopes to assist two local zoos in Lima, to establish frog displays and holding tanks, in hopes of enlightening the locals on the plight of the Lake Titicaca frog.
This year Denver Zoo staff will also be embarking on a project in New Mexico to investigate the feasibility of reintroducing leopard frogs and canyon tree frogs into a conservation property managed by the Wind River Ranch Foundation. Denver Zoo also works to ensure the survival of the Panamanian golden frog, which is believed to be extinct in the wild. Denver Zoo staff has visited Panama several times to support the development of a conservation center to support this valuable species as well as other amphibians. These same staff members oversee the captive breeding of golden frogs inside the zoo’s Tropical Discovery building. Breeding has been a success and several tadpoles were hatched in 2006.
8 Things You Can Do in 2008 To Save Amphibians:
Look, listen and learn: Educate yourself and your family about amphibians. With almost 6,000 frogs, toads, newts, salamanders, and caecilians (legless tropical amphibians) worldwide, there’s a lot to learn. Pick up a book, hop around the internet, or watch your favorite animal television show to educate yourself and your family about amphibians.
Visit AZA-accredited institutions, like Denver Zoo! Every time you visit you help animals. AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums are helping to save frogs and other amphibians through breeding programs and by providing support for field conservation. They are also some of the best places to see and learn about amphibians from around the world.
Create amphibian friendly environments by providing clean water, hiding places, and insects to eat. Prime amphibian real estate includes leaf litter, rocks, logs and a source of water - backyard ponds make a great family project!
Don’t pollute. Do your part to keep garbage, chemicals, and non-native plants and animals out of the natural environment. Amphibians absorb chemicals through their skins easily and are sensitive to competition and becoming prey to non-native species.
Be a responsible pet owner. Discourage your canine and feline family members from pestering wildlife, especially amphibians and birds. Curious cats and digging dogs cause a lot of stress for frightened amphibians. If you or your pet encounter an amphibian, study, look, listen and then leave it where it is.
Conserve waterat home, school and work. The water you save now remains a clean habitat for wild amphibians without being chemically treated.
Reduce the use of fossil fuels, such as oil, coal and natural gas. Climate change is impacting amphibian populations worldwide. By using less energy or choosing renewable sources of energy, you can help slow the rate of climate change. Drive less, buy fuel-efficient cars, and use compact fluorescent light bulbs!
Be an amphibian champion. Donate to wildlife conservation programs. Participate in citizen-science monitoring programs with your family. Be aware of legislation affecting wildlife and their habitat, global warming and land use issues.
FIRST BACHELOR GROUP OF GORILLAS AT DENVER ZOO -
Two Critically Endangered Silverback Brothers Can Be Seen in Great Apes Building
Two male Western lowland gorillas now call Denver Zoo home. Brothers, 13-year-old Curtis and 11-year-old Charlie, from North Carolina Zoo, have been spending time behind the scenes getting acquainted with their new zookeepers, and now can be seen exploring their new indoor digs.
Zoo veterinarians gave both males clean bills of health at their recent check-ups, where Curtis weighed in at a whopping 454 pounds, and Charlie a close second at 434 pounds. Zookeepers say the brothers are doing great adjusting to their new routine and can be seen in the afternoons inside the Great Apes Building.
Although this is the first time Denver Zoo has had a group of all-male gorillas, bachelor groups are fairly common both in zoos and in the wild. Gorillas in zoos across the country are grouped by the gorilla Species Survival Plan (SSP). Overseen by a group of zoo professionals who’ve worked with this species and have a wide knowledge base of gorilla husbandry needs, these plans manage the genetic diversity and social pairings of select species. Gorilla social groupings often contain one male silverback to several females forming a family group. However, in the wild, male gorillas will also form bachelor groups starting around the age of 8 years, until the male gorilla can get a female or females to coexist with them to form a family group.
Representing the amazing intelligence of this species, Charlie and Curtis know several body parts and can even distinguish between their right and left hands and feet. By knowing these behaviors, it helps tremendously during any veterinary procedures.
The fate of Western lowland gorillas in the wild continues to deteriorate. In 2007 this species’ status fell from endangered to critically endangered on the World Conservation Union’s Red List of Threatened Species. The wild population is gravely threatened by poaching and habitat destruction. Western lowland gorillascan be found in a small section of African lowland tropical forests in Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Nigeria.
February 12, 2008
DENVER ZOO RESCUES ORPHANED MOUNTAIN LION CUBS - Visitors Can See Two Cubs in Their New Home
An orphaned mountain lion cub found roaming alone near a Washington highway at just six weeks old and another two-month old mountain lion cub discovered orphaned in South Dakota during hunting season have found refuge at Denver Zoo. Having little chance of survival in the wild after loosing their mothers, these two young mountain lion cubs have found shelter and care at Denver Zoo. Denver Zoo officials answered the call from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Mountain Lion Population Management Group (PMP) asking the Zoo to assist the South Dakota Department of Game and Fish and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife in rescuing the young cubs.
“Our preference is that these two young cubs would have grown up in the wild. However, without their mothers, their survival in the wild was highly unlikely. We are happy we can provide good homes for these two cats and offer our visitors a chance to see these amazing animals,” says Denver Zoo Spokeswoman Ana Bowie.
Mountain lions normally stay with their mothers until they are 12 to 18 months old. Both cubs moved to Denver Zoo’s nursery in December where they became acquainted with each other. The pair has recently been moved to their new home, an outdoor yard on the south side of the zoo, where visitors can see these active cats at play.
The older cub was found by South Dakota Department of Game and Fish. This male has been named Dakota and is estimated to be 4 months old. The cub weighs more than 40 pounds. The female cub is estimated to be 3 months old has been named Cassy. Cassy was found by the Washington Division of Wildlife. She continues to grow and now weighs 22 pounds.
At their first baby wellness exams, both cubs received clean bills of health from veterinary staff. Zookeepers say the two cubs are both very playful and adventurous and have adjusted to their new surroundings.
Mountain lions, also called pumas, panthers or cougars, are can grow to weigh 150-230 pounds.
February 7, 2008
SHAKE OFF WINTER'S CHILL AT DENVER ZOO'S PAW THAW
Enjoy Activities Regardless of Weather at Denver Zoo, Feb. 16-17, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Thaw your paws inside Denver Zoo’s balmy Tropical Discovery building and enjoy special activities in celebration of the zoo’s second annual Paw Thaw event, February 16-17, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Special activities abound at the zoo’s Tropical Discovery and Northern Shores exhibits, where guests can enjoy animal demonstrations and interactive educational games that teach about what it takes to survive in the harshest environments – the arctic and the tropics.
Guests will learn about numerous charismatic animals including polar bears, Arctic foxes, sea lions, Komodo Dragons, tropical fishes and many more. Guests also will have the opportunity to stay warm and toasty as they walk through the tropical jungles of Bird World where rare and colorful birds fly over head or surround themselves with animals from the Nile River region, including endangered primates, at Emerald Forest.
Guests can also meet giraffe calves Kang and Turbo, resident elephants Mimi and Dolly and visit other zoo favorites like the golden lion tamarins, Western lowland gorillas and howler monkeys! Daily events include the popular Sea Lion Show, Penguin feedings, demonstrations at Predator Ridge and Bird Bug Toss, where kids can feed the birds meal worms inside Bird World.
DENVER ZOO RECEIVES FINAL HIPPO REPORT - Key Findings to Assist in Future Transports
Denver Zoo received late Monday afternoon, the final report commissioned by Calgary Zoo, Calgary AB to review the circumstances leading to the death of Hazina, a 6-year-old river hippopotamus who died in Calgary October 27, 2007, shortly after being transported from Denver Zoo to Calgary Zoo. The independent, third-party review was conducted by Dr. Jacques Dancosse, M.Sc., DVM a zoo veterinarian in Canada and a consulting veterinarian for the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Denver Zoo cooperated fully to provide information to the reviewer.
“Denver Zoo appreciates Dr. Dancosse’s efforts,” stated Craig Piper, Denver Zoo President and CEO, “his findings combined with what we at Denver Zoo have learned during own investigation helps to identify transport modifications that could be beneficial when relocating animals. No one has been more impacted by the loss of Hazina than the Denver Zoo staff that cared for her since her birth and planned her move with our colleagues in Calgary. We continue to analyze our information and look for areas where we can improve the transport process and assist our colleagues with similar moves.”
Dr. Clement Lanthier, President and CEO of the Calgary Zoo, when referencing Dr. Dancosse’s report agreed the findings are positive, stating, “The report indicated that proper care was provided for the animal before, during and at the end of the journey and the medical treatment she received after her arrival in Calgary was appropriate.” Dr. Dancosse says in his report, “…it is clear to me that Hazina’s death was an accident that none could have reasonably foreseen.”
“Although we just received the final report last night, and are still reviewing its contents,” shared Ana Bowie, Denver Zoo spokesperson. “We agree with a number of Dr. Dancosse’s recommendations and that they could help in attempting to prevent a similar tragedy.”
For a copy of the Calgary report, terms of reference and the Calgary Zoo’s media advisory, visit www.calgaryzoo.org. Dancosse’s recommendations are below, with Denver Zoo’s clarification and comments.
DANCOSSE RECOMMENDATIONS
DENVER ZOO'S COMMENTS
Visual stops at regular intervals should be made mandatory when large animals are being transported;
Regular stops for inspection must be made during transport, as is required by the USDA, Title 9,Chapter I, Sec. 3.140Care intransit. As Dr. Dancosse states, the transporter checked on Hazina at least every 4 hours as is mandated. This directive was followed.
Containers in which hippos are shipped should allow the animal to stand and lay on its side without being cramped, but not allow them to turn around;
The container used in shipment met all IATA and USDA guidelines. If this recommendation is accepted, additional guidelines must be developed to determine the proper crate width to accommodate side lying and meet standards currently set to assure the animal is unable to turn around during transit.
The crate should have a non-slippery floor to give the animal sound footing when it wants to get up;
Appropriate flooring materials must be defined to determine what is “non-slippery.” IATA guidelines do not currently state what material is considered “non-slippery.” Denver Zoo followed guidelines using the wooden floor and has not had issue in the previous use of this crate.
Abundant bedding should be provided;
Denver Zoo agrees, and therefore provided the recommended amount of six inches of hay and wood shavings for bedding throughout the entire crate.
Some means of looking at the animal remotely while en route, such as a closed circuit television camera, should be available;
Denver Zoo agrees and has used cameras in some transports in the past. However, in this case it would have been difficult to determine whether Hazina was standing or sitting like a dog without installing the camera directly near the floor of the crate, in which case Hazina would have destroyed the camera.
The animal should have free access to drinking water during the trip.
Denver Zoo agrees. In this case, Hazina was trained to drink from a hose and the transporter provided her water at every stop.
Denver Zoo conducted its own internal investigation immediately following the death of Hazina and concluded that all required permits were obtained, the crate met all required standards and that Denver Zoo’s protocols were consistent with many other successful hippo moves. Denver Zoo conducted multiple interviews with the large mammal keeper staff, interviewed the transporter, sought council from other professional colleagues and reviewed the specifics of the last 14 successful hippopotamus shipments Denver Zoo has conducted.
KEY FINDINGS FROM DENVER ZOO’S INVESTIGATION:
Increase Standing Time: Denver Zoo has previously shipped 14 other hippopotamus successfully. All of these animals were under the age of 2 and weighed significantly less than 6-year-old Hazina. It seems clear that getting a hippo of this age and size to stand and move more frequently may have reduced the likelihood of myopathy.
Staff Accompanying Shipment: Prior to shipment Denver Zoo staff had significant discussions about whether or not there was a need to send a Denver Zoo keeper or veterinarian on the transport. Based upon institutional knowledge, the general behaviors of the species and past experience with 14 successful previous hippo transports, it was agreed that sending staff was not necessary. While it has not been found to be necessary in our previous hippo shipments or those of many other zoos, it may be a wise step for hippos of this size and age. In this particular incident, the hippo may have been more comfortable and willing to stand if attended by one of her keepers.
Staff Exchange: It may be advisable with future hippo shipments to have a member of the recipient zoo come and train with our staff to get to know the animal(s). Then, we would send one of our staff to help out following the transfer to ease the transition. Again, this has not been found to be necessary in our previous hippo shipments, but it may be a wise step when transferring hippos of this size and age.
Transit Training: Hazina’s training largely focused on acclimation to the crate used for transport. In this case, it would have been helpful to train Hazina to stand on command in the crate. This was not considered since she stood during training sessions and we expected that, like other hippos, she would tend to lie down while the truck was moving and would stand at stopping points when offered food and water.
Data/Tracking: There are many discrepancies on the exact times that different events occurred during the transit. In the future, Denver Zoo will require transporters to keep detailed time logs. While this may not have changed the outcome in this case, detailed records would have provided valuable data quickly for our analysis.
Crate Design: Although large transport crates can be very difficult to acquire or construct, in the future, Denver Zoo will consider modifications to crate designs to allow for easier inspection of the animal while in transport. It would make it easier to ensure that the animal is standing for an appropriate amount of time.
January 30, 2008
GROUNDHOG DAY? FEBRUARY 2 IS PRAIRIE DOG DAY AT DENVER ZOO - Guests Can Enjoy Animal Activities From Noon - 4 p.m.
In cooperation with the Prairie Dog Coalition’s Prairie Dog Day, celebrate Groundhog Day at Denver Zoo with Punxsutawney Phil’s distant cousin, the prairie dog! Join the celebration by getting nose to whisker with Denver Zoo’s resident prairie dogs and other prairie wildlife and discovering how prairie wildlife rely on prairie dogs for survival. Activities are free with regular admission and will run from noon until 4 p.m.
Throughout the zoo visitors will be able to learn more about these threatened animals and the prairie ecosystem they are a part of. Activity stations will focus on how important prairie dogs are to the health of the prairie ecosystem. Visitors will also be able to get up-close with some of the zoo’s resident prairie dogs and other native creatures during live prairie animal demonstrations. In celebration of the prairie ecosystem and way of life, a Native American Plains Tribe will perform traditional dances during the event. Zoo visitors will leave Prairie Dog Day with knowledge of what they can do to help prairie dogs in the wild.
A lecture on prairie dog ecology and social behavior will take place from 1 – 2 p.m., where conservation biologist, Dr. John Hoogland of the University of Maryland, will show photos and talk about his 36 years of work with prairie dogs in the wild. The lecture is free with admission, but requires an RSVP to 720-337-1629. Denver Zoo has been helping Hoogland fund his “Ecology and Behavior of White-Tailed Prairie Dogs” conservation project since 1999. Denver Zoo also funds several other conservation projects involving prairie dogs. Visit www.denverzoo.org for more information on these projects.
Prairie dogs are threatened in the wild, which affects other prairie species as well. Prairie dogs are a keystone species, which means that multiple other animals in the ecosystem depend on them for survival. At least nine different prairie animals, such as hawks, owls, foxes and ferrets depend on prairie dogs for food, or their burrows for shelter. Over the last 150 years, prairie dog populations have declined by more than 95 percent and the decline continues today.
In addition to the event activities, visitors can enjoy viewing the zoo’s nearly 4,000 other animal residents including giraffe calves, Kang and Turbo. Between enjoying Prairie Dog Day activities, guests can also enjoy Sea Lion Shows at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., a Pachyderm Demonstration at 11:30 a.m., a Predator Ridge Demonstration at 2 p.m. and African penguin feedings at 10:15 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
January 24, 2008
NEW RED PANDA COUPLE ARRIVE AT DENVER ZOO - Visible To Public In Outdoor Habitat For First Full Day Today!
Two new red pandas are now calling Denver Zoo home. Male, He-Ping, arrived from Milwaukee Zoo and his new mate, Sophia, came from Mill Mountain Zoo in Virginia. The two new arrivals have been spending time behind the scenes getting to know each other, but today, for the first full day, they can be seen exploring their new outdoor habitat.
He-Ping is 9 years old and Sophia is 5 years old. In zoos red pandas can live to be more than 15 years old. He-Ping is distinguishable from his new mate by his whiter face and bushier tail. The two have been paired together under recommendation of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) in hopes that they will some day have cubs. Zoos participate in SSPs to ensure healthy populations and genetic diversity among animals.
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. Like their larger cousins, these lesser pandas eat primarily bamboo shoots. 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.
Zoo Lights Runs Nightly Dec. 12 –Jan. 4 Featuring 38 Acres of Lights and Zoo Animals!
DENVER ZOO POLAR BEAR TAKES INAUGURAL PLUNGE FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS - Polar Bear To Entice Others To Participate in Colorado’s First Polar Plunge Nov. 15
JUST IN TIME FOR BOO AT THE ZOO: RED PANDA CUBS ARE RED-DY FOR THEIR CLOSE-UP - Twin Cubs on Exhibit Now For the Public to See
NEW GIRAFFE CALF WALKS TALL IN HIS FIRST WEEK AT DENVER ZOO - Visitors Can See Baby "Timber" Now
August 14, 2008 
DENVER ZOO BECOMES HOME TO ORPHANED SEA LION PUP
- Visitors Can See Playful Young Pup Now!
DENVER ZOO ACQUIRES 19 FLAMINGO CHICKS FROM FAMED MIAMI VICE FLOCK - Zoo Staff and Supporters Went to Great Lengths to Bring Eggs to Denver
RARE ENDANGERED PRIMATE, AYE AYE, COMES TO DENVER ZOO - Visitors Can See the Pair of Unique Nocturnal Primates On Exhibit
HORSESHOE CRABS CRAWL INTO DENVER ZOO - 
Visitors Can See the 6-Day-Old Foal in the South Zebra Yard
ANKOLE-WATUSI CATTLE, A NEW SPECIES TO ZOO, ARRIVE -
Visitors Can See these African Longhorns in Their New Home at the Zoo
DENVER ZOO MOURNING LOSS OF POLAR BEAR OLAF - Famous Polar Bear Dad of Klondike & Snow
SHIPWRECK WASHES ASHORE IN DENVER ZOO’S POLAR BEAR HABITAT- New Structure Provides Hours of Enrichment for Polar Bears
DENVER ZOO CONSERVATIONIST RECEIVES HIGHEST MONGOLIAN CONSERVATION AWARD - Dr. Richard Reading Recognized For Work with Endangered Species in Mongolia
The tamarins were born as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) 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 both genetically diverse and geographically stable. Rosie and Siamo were brought to Denver Zoo in 2006 to be paired together following a recommendation from the SSP. The Golden Lion Tamarin Species Survival Plan is among 206 conservation breeding programs that Denver Zoo participates in. Others include the western lowland gorilla, Sumatran tiger and Komodo dragon. 
NEW TAPIR AT DENVER ZOO GETS WELCOME PARTY -
Tapir, Born In Ireland, Gets Green Treats For Early St. Patrick’s Day Fun
FIRST BACHELOR GROUP OF GORILLAS AT DENVER ZOO -
Two Critically Endangered Silverback Brothers Can Be Seen in Great Apes Building
knowledge base of gorilla husbandry needs, these plans manage the genetic diversity and social pairings of select species. Gorilla social groupings often contain one male silverback to several females forming a family group. However, in the wild, male gorillas will also form bachelor groups starting around the age of 8 years, until the male gorilla can get a female or females to coexist with them to form a family group.
DENVER ZOO RESCUES ORPHANED MOUNTAIN LION CUBS - Visitors Can See Two Cubs in Their New Home
SHAKE OFF WINTER'S CHILL AT DENVER ZOO'S PAW THAW
In cooperation with the Prairie Dog Coalition’s Prairie Dog Day, 
Two new red pandas are now calling Denver Zoo home. Male, He-Ping, arrived from Milwaukee Zoo and his new mate, Sophia, came from Mill Mountain Zoo in Virginia. The two new arrivals have been spending time behind the scenes getting to know each other, but today, for the first full day, they can be seen exploring their new outdoor habitat. 
