Saving Wildlife Together

Join us in wishing a very happy 33rd birthday to Admiral, one of our most distinguished avian residents at the Zoo!

Admiral is a great hornbill who lives behind the scenes at our Avian Propagation Center, where he’s thriving under the expert care of our Animal Care Specialists.

At 33 years old, Admiral is a shining example of the high standard of care provided here at DZCA. Happy hatchday to a true Zoo legend!

#DenverZooConservationAlliance #SavingWildlifeTogether #Hornbill

We’re excited to welcome three desert bighorn rams to East Sheep Mountain! They arrived in late May and are settling in nicely to their new home. Desert bighorn sheep are a new species for DZCA, and we’re honored to now care for two of the three subspecies of bighorn sheep. These rams are getting comfortable in their habitat and beginning to bond with their Animal Care team. We’ll share their names as soon as they’re decided!

Once widespread across the Southwestern U.S., desert bighorn populations declined due to habitat loss and disease. But thanks to ongoing conservation efforts, they’re making a comeback. DZCA is proud to partner with the Navajo Nation and other conservation organizations around the state to help study and protect these iconic animals in the wild. In 2021, our Colorado Field Conservation team helped launch a new project to study these unique animals and help combat a pneumonia outbreak threatening wild herds.

These new arrivals are a special addition to our animal family and a great connection to the conservation work we participate in across Colorado. Be sure to stop by and say hello on your next visit!

📸: Volunteer Photographer Jo Ashton

We’re hollering with excitement—a family of four howler monkeys recently moved to DZCA!

Please welcome Baya, Bruno, Banjo, and Buster, who came to us from Brevard Zoo through a recommendation from the Species Survival Plan. This is the first time since 2022 that howler monkeys have been part of our animal family, and we’re thrilled to welcome them back!

Baya, the 17-year-old matriarch, is the lightest in color. Her three-year-old son Bruno is the largest and darkest of the group and often plays the role of peacekeeper among his younger brothers. Banjo, age two, is medium sized with a brown coat. And last but not least is Buster, the youngest, who’s still transitioning from blonde to darker tones—and is easily the most rambunctious! Fun fact: male howler monkeys are born blonde and darken as they age!

In the wild, howler monkeys are essential to forest health. By spreading seeds as they move through the canopy, they help grow the plants that sustain countless other species. Their presence in Tropical Discovery is a great reminder of the importance of biodiversity and the benefits of healthy, balanced ecosystems.

Come say hello to our new howlers and their capybara roomies during your next visit!

📸: Volunteer Photographers Mark Rinker and Jo Ashton