Celebrating 130 Years—Together

Colorado Gives Day early giving is now open, and this year we have something special: in honor of DZCA’s 130th anniversary, generous donors have created a $130,000 challenge match. Every dollar you give will be matched dollar for dollar, our biggest match opportunity ever!

This year’s campaign funds habitat enhancements that make a real difference in the daily lives of our animals:

🐒 $135,000 — New aluminum ramp system for primates in Emerald Forest
🦘 $7,500 — Humidifier system for tree kangaroos and wallabies
🦥 $10,000 — Shade structures for sloths in Tropical Discovery

Thanks to our challenge match, your $25 becomes $50. Your $500 becomes $1,000. There has never been a better time to give!

Help us reach our goal and provide habitat upgrades to help our animals flourish. Donate now through December 8 at the link in bio.

Zoo Lights is almost here and members get priority access to tickets on November 2 (three days before general sale) plus 10% off. ✨

For 35 years, Zoo Lights has been one of Denver’s most beloved holiday traditions. Three million lights. 80 acres. Countless memories. And this year, it’s back starting November 23.

Not a member yet? There’s never been a better time. Visit the link in bio and make sure you’re first in line for the magic. 🦒🌟

Today we’re celebrating seven very special residents of Primate Panorama: ring-tailed lemurs Waldorf, Dwight, Michael, and Zonker; white-headed lemur Fozzie; and our two aye-ayes, Bellatrix and Tonks; and raising awareness for the urgent conservation needs of their wild counterparts.

98% of lemur species are threatened with extinction, and 31% are Critically Endangered due to habitat loss, illegal logging, and hunting. Every one of our lemurs is an ambassador for a species that needs our attention and our action.

Swing by Primate Panorama today to meet them and wish them a happy #WorldLemurDay! 🌿

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Jorge, our beloved llama, who was humanely euthanized after presenting with a serious gastrointestinal condition that could not safely be treated given his advanced age.

Jorge was 23 years old and had quite the origin story. Born in 2003, he spent his early years as a working llama with Llama Colorado, a local pack company that leads hikes through the Rocky Mountains, until he proved to be a little too free-spirited for the trails. He had a habit of wandering off on his own terms, so he retired early and came to call DZCA home in 2015.

Here, Jorge thrived as an Animal Ambassador. He loved his strolls around campus with his care team, especially when there was a leafy snack to be nabbed along the way. He was gentle, brave, and an immediate friend to everyone he met, whether that was a new Animal Care Specialist or a guest offering biscuits during a daily demonstration. He was also the perfect companion for his shyer partner Fernando, always leading the way.

Throughout his final day, our Animal Care team worked closely with our Veterinary staff to keep Jorge comfortable and give him every possible support. When it became clear that further intervention would cause more harm than good, we made the compassionate decision to say goodbye. His euthanasia was performed in his barn surrounded by the people who cared for him most.

Jorge was a fixture on our campus and a favorite among guests for years. He lived a long, full life, and his impact on everyone who met him was undeniable.

Fernando, our other llama and Jorge’s companion, is doing well. We thoughtfully planned ahead to ensure he wouldn’t face this transition alone.

Thank you for loving Jorge alongside us. He will be deeply missed. 🦙