There's always something new at the zoo! Mark your calendar for our special public events and membership events below. Also check out the daily schedule of fun, interactive events, including special shows and animal demonstrations.
Denver Zoo Keeper Experience
Call for available dates
Advance registration is required
Member: $225.
Non-member: $250 (includes zoo admission)
Ever wonder what it’s like to be a zookeeper? Come spend a morning with Denver Zoo Education animal keepers while you learn about what is involved in being a zookeeper and have the opportunity to get some hands on experience working around live animals.
Learn More! Register Now! Call 303-376-4808
 NEW! VIP Tour at Denver Zoo
Come experience the zoo that few visitors get to see! Your tour guide will meet you at the front gate and escort your group through our award-winning Predator Ridge exhibit. Then it’s time to go behind the scenes with the animals in our Education collection and Wildlife Theater. Meet these animal stars up close and participate in a feeding or training demonstration. Finish the tour at Tropical Discovery, where your VIP access lets you learn how keepers care for some amazing reptiles, amphibians, and fish!
Your VIP Tour package includes:
- Guided tour of Predator Ridge (front of house, not behind the scenes)
- Tour of Denver Zoo’s Education animal collection with participation in a feeding or training demonstration
- Tour of Wildlife Theater with up-close animal encounters
- Tour and meet a keeper in Tropical Discovery
- Souvenir photo
- One carousel token per participant
- Discounts on food, drink and gift shop purchases
- Admission to the zoo
Who: Adults and children over 3 years who would love an insider’s look at some of the zoo’s most popular attractions!
When: Tours are offered daily—call early for best selection. Preregistration and 48 hours’ notice required. Only one VIP tour per day is offered.
Time: Tour from 9:15 a.m.−12 p.m., then enjoy the zoo at your leisure!
Cost: Group of 4 — Members, $225; Non-members, $250. Zoo admission is included. Each additional participant: $45. Maximum group size is 8. Children under 3 are free but count toward the maximum group size.
What to wear: Closed-toed shoes, a comfortable shirt, and pants or shorts. Dress for the weather! Portions of the tour will be held outside regardless of weather conditions.
What to bring: Your confirmation sheet and your camera (photo opportunities will be provided)
How to register: Please call 303-376-4837 to register or for more information about the program.
Cancellation fees: A cancellation fee of 50% will be charged for cancelling with less than two weeks’ notice. A cancellation fee of 100% will be charged for a missed program.
 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. The Denver Zoo Art for Animals auction is now open. The auction will run from November 6, 2009 to December 12, 2009. Support Denver Zoo and tell your friends, family and community. Let the bidding begin!
 NEW! ZOO LIGHTS MEMBERS’ PREVIEW WEEKEND
November 27 - 29
5 – 9 p.m.
Please note that this special preview weekend will replace the original Member’s Preview Night December 10
We are delighted to invite our members the first annual Zoo Lights Members’ Preview Weekend. This exclusive event will allow members a sneak-peek at Denver Zoo’s largest annual celebration before it is unveiled to the public on December 11.
Ticket prices for members for this preview and throughout Zoo Lights are $6 for adults, $2 for children and $4 for seniors.
Entertainment Includes:
Visit with Santa 5 – 9 p.m. Conoco Zoo Gardens
Ice Carvers 5 – 8:30 p.m. Conoco Zoo Gardens
Fire Dancers 6 and 8 p.m. Conoco Zoo Gardens
Purchase your tickets online now!
Not a member? Learn more about Denver Zoo Memberships
 NEW! DESSERTS WITH SANTA
December 5
Inside Tropical Discovery
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Space is limited. Reserve your tickets now.
Bring the kids, your camera and your sweet tooth as Santa Claus himself takes a break from his hectic holiday schedule to join you for a variety of decadent holiday treats served inside one of Denver Zoo’s most popular exhibits, Tropical Discovery. Enjoy live animal encounters and special keeper demonstrations. After sharing your holiday wishes with Santa and visiting with Denver Zoo’s mascot characters Froggles and Holiday Bear take a stroll around Denver’s most popular holiday event, Zoo Lights and take a spin on Denver Zoo’s Conservation Carousel.
Denver Zoo Members:
Adults (Ages 12 and older) $15
Children (Ages 3-11) $10
Children 2 and under: Free
Non-Members:
Adults (Ages 12 and older) $20
Children (Ages 3-11) $15
Children 2 and under: Free
 Night of the Dragon! - Nighttime Photography at Denver Zoo
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Learn More and Sign Up!
Photograph our dragon light sculpture, dragon moray eel, Komodo dragons, bearded dragons, and so much more!
Join us for an evening of Zoo Lights and close up photography with reptile animal demonstrations inside Tropical Discovery at Denver Zoo with staff photographer Dave Parsons this
Sunday, December 6 (tickets are non-refundable).
 This will be a fun opportunity to learn how to take macro photos, time exposures and experiment with flash photography.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to photograph and touch some of the reptiles including lizards and snakes during the animal demo!
Photographers have the opportunity to explore on their own or join the group. The session is limited to 25 photographers, 12 years and older. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult 18 years or older. Cost is $45 or $40 for members and includes a great variety of photographic opportunities for the entire evening!
NEW! BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
December 6, 13 and 20
One Hour Seatings Are Available At: 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Space is limited. Reserve your seats now.
Bring the kids, your camera and an appetite as Santa Claus himself takes a break from his hectic holiday schedule to join you for a special breakfast buffet. Enjoy live animal encounters, crafts and a spin on Denver Zoo’s Conservation Carousel after sharing your holiday wishes with Santa and visiting with Denver Zoo’s mascot characters Froggles and Holiday Bear.
Denver Zoo Members:
Adults (Ages 12 and older $15
Children (Ages 3-11) $10
Children 2 and under: Free
Non-Members:
Adults (Ages 12 and older) $20
Children (Ages 3-11) $15
Children 2 and under: Free
 NEW! SINGLES’ SNOWFARI
Thursday, December 10
7 - 10 p.m.
Admission $35 – Advance tickets only, purchase tickets now!
Share the holiday spirit with some of Denver’s finest singles at Singles’ Snowfari. Prowl among more than a million illuminating lights while enjoying warm holiday spirits, tempting appetizers and exotic animal encounters. Guests can stroll zoo grounds and preview Zoo Lights while warming up with other singles looking for some holiday romance.
Ticket price includes:
- After hours Zoo Lights admission
- Beer, wine and holiday spirits
- Complimentary appetizers
- Interactive animal encounters
- Sizzling entertainment and activities
- And a chance to spark some animal attraction under the mistletoe
Tickets must be purchased in advance by December 9. This event sells out fast, purchase tickets now (link)
 ZOO LIGHTS
Dec. 11 – Jan. 3
5- 9 p.m.
For More Information on
Zoo Lights Click Here!
Purchase your tickets online now!
 WILD ICE
December 11 – 17
5 – 9 p.m.
Visit a special ice carving garden, filled with numerous carvings created by Santa's helpers with power tools! Witness the creation of these magical pieces from 5 -8 p.m. from Friday, Dec. 11 through Thursday, Dec. 17.
Entertainment Includes:
Ice Carvers 5 - 8:30 p.m. Conoco Zoo Gardens
Fire Dancers 6 and 8 p.m. Conoco Zoo Gardens
Activities included with the price of Zoo Lights admission.
NEW! DESSERTS WITH SANTA
December 21
Inside Gates Education Center
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Space is limited. Reserve your seats now.
Bring the kids, your camera and your sweet tooth as Santa Claus himself takes a break from his hectic holiday schedule to join you for a variety of decadent holiday treats. Enjoy live animal encounters and special demonstrations. After sharing your holiday wishes with Santa and visiting with Denver Zoo’s mascot characters Froggles and Holiday Bear take a stroll around Denver’s most popular holiday event, Zoo Lights, and take a spin on Denver Zoo’s Conservation Carousel.
Denver Zoo Members:
Adults (Ages 12 and older) $15
Children (Ages 3-11) $10
Children 2 and under: Free
Non-Members:
Adults (Ages 12 and older) $20
Children (Ages 3-11) $15
Children 2 and under: Free
KWANZAA
December 26 – 27
5 – 9 p.m.
Gather with friends, family and the community to celebrate the cultural holiday of Kwanzaa, a tradition that honors African American heritage through African dance, music, and education from 5 - 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 26 and Sunday, December 27.
Entertainment Includes:
African Storytelling - 6 and 8 p.m. at Gates Center – Norgren Hall
African Drummers and Dancers - 7 p.m. at Gates Center – Norgren Hall
Activities included with the price of Zoo Lights admission.
 ZOO YEAR’S EVE
December 31
5 – 9 p.m.
On the brink of a brand new year, children can also experience the fun of Zoo Year’s Eve, a wild New Year’s Eve party beginning at 5 p.m. on Dec. 31 with entertainment and activities that lead up to an early countdown to the New Year at 9 p.m. It’s the perfect night for families to celebrate together without stretching the limit on bedtime!
Activities included with the price of Zoo Lights admission.
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