Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance

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August 20, 2025

Celebrating Two Years of Siska, Our Baby Sumatran Orangutan

A Name That Honors a Legacy

Siska was named in honor of Dr. Fransiska Sulistyo, a renowned orangutan veterinarian, conservationist, and researcher whose work has made lasting contributions to orangutan health and welfare in both human care and the wild. The name is a tribute not only to Dr. Sulistyo’s legacy, but also to the collaborative efforts it takes to protect and preserve these extraordinary animals.

A First for Her Mother—and for Conservation

Siska is the first baby for her mother, Eirina, who came to DZCA from Germany’s Zoo Dortmund in September 2016, bringing her playful spirit to her new home in Primate Panorama. Once at DZCA, Eirina was recommended for breeding as part of the Sumatran Orangutan Species Survival Plan (SSP)—a vital cooperative program that manages orangutan populations in accredited zoos to ensure genetic diversity and the long-term survival of the species. Every birth under the SSP is carefully planned and monitored, making Siska’s arrival a milestone not just for DZCA, but for the global effort to save orangutans from extinction.

Fun fact: During Eirina’s pregnancy, she and her care team made national news when one of our previous Animal Care Specialists was able to soothe the first-time mom’s morning sickness by making her the same tea she drank when pregnant with her own daughter!

The Smallest Member, the Biggest Joy

Now approaching her second year of life, Siska is thriving—and making it clear that she’s not just any baby orangutan. She’s known for her playful, adventurous nature—much like a human toddler (we do share about 97% of our DNA with orangutans, after all!), always climbing high into the trees, jumping into soft beds of woodwool or hay, or playing elaborate games of hide and seek with blankets and sheets. Her bond with her older sister Cerah is especially sweet, as the two often engage in energetic play sessions that mimic the social learning typical of young orangutans in the wild.

Siska has also started forming relationships outside of her immediate family. Recently, she’s taken an interest in spending more time with her dad, Berani, and has even been spotted climbing into his lap during public demonstrations—a clear sign of her growing social curiosity and confidence.

Food-wise, Siska is eager to try anything the group is eating. While she hasn’t chosen a favorite yet, there’s one treat she definitely can’t resist: diluted fruit juice—originally prepared to help keep Berani hydrated. Siska is known to make a dash for the straw whenever she spots someone sipping from it, eager for a sweet taste.

And while she’s venturing out more independently now, Eirina keeps a watchful eye, often sitting nearby as Siska explores the world around her—learning the fine art of swinging, balancing, and foraging. Orangutans stay with their mothers longer than most mammals, sometimes up to eight years, so this early time is essential for learning survival skills.

A Symbol of Hope

The birth and development of orangutans like Siska are crucial at a time when wild Sumatran orangutan populations face severe threats from deforestation, habitat loss, and illegal wildlife trade. With fewer than 14,000 individuals remaining in the wild, every birth in captivity offers hope for education, awareness, and potential future reintroductions.

Your financial support helps ensure a brighter future for our little one and ALL our orangutans. Here’s how you can help:

Symbolically Adopt an Orangutan:

With your adoption of a plush orangutan, you’re helping to ensure that Siska and the other five, amazing individuals continue to get world-class care. You’re also supporting our work with the Species Survival Program, which helps zoos and aquariums around the world optimize the health and breeding of their animal residents.

Adopt an Orangutan

Make a Financial Contribution:

Enrichment for the whole family: $50
- Highly intelligent, orangutans require a great deal of enrichment for mental and physical wellness. Make sure the family always has exciting new items to discover!
Vet visits and vaccines for a year $166/month:
- Your donation will ensure that this beloved bambino continues to receive regular exams and critical vaccines from our veterinary team.
Nutrition: $267/month
- Shower the whole family with nutritious and delicious treats like cashews and fresh mango. Your kindness keeps the care flowing!

Donate Now

Your support of DZCA is critical not only to our orangutans, but to the other 2,500+ animals that call DZCA home!

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August 14, 2025

Keeping Groucho Sharp: Cognitive Care for DZCA’s Oldest Elephant

At 55 years old, Groucho is a living legend at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, and well beyond the median life expectancy of 47 years for Endangered Asian elephants. As the oldest member of our bachelor herd in Toyota Elephant Passage, Groucho enjoys the same gold-standard physical care as all our elephants, but his care team is also investing in something just as important: his mind.

Recently, our animal care specialists designed a custom cognitive training program to help Groucho stay mentally sharp as he ages. Inspired by the advanced training already enjoyed by younger herd members like Bodhi, these brain games are tailored to Groucho’s unique needs and learning style.

Groucho’s new game might sound simple, but it’s a mental workout. He’s presented with a lineup of canisters—some empty, some containing a distinct scent: coffee beans. His task is to sniff each canister and indicate the one with coffee by lifting a front foot. To keep the game unpredictable, his team varies the sequence and sometimes add a distractor scent like lemon to make him think harder.

“Some days he nails it on the first try, and other days we start over a few times,” says Lauren Cahill, Animal Care Specialist. The key is that he never knows when the coffee scent will show up. That unpredictability keeps him engaged.

At first, Groucho was cautious and sometimes confused by the new routine. His dedicated caretakers took it slow, using positive reinforcement and short, rewarding sessions to build his confidence. After nearly two months stuck at the same training step, something clicked and now Groucho looks forward to the challenge.

“He’ll even leave hay, his favorite snack, when he sees the canisters,” Cahill says. “For Groucho, that’s a big deal.” The training has also deepened his bond with his care team, especially meaningful given that he hasn’t always been eager to work closely with female staff members.

The benefits go beyond the brain game itself. His care team has noticed Groucho showing more enthusiasm in all his training sessions, even physical exercises. “It’s like he’s thinking differently, more like the younger boys,” says Cahill.

And there’s more ahead. Future cognitive challenges could include matching shapes, copying another elephant’s behavior, or match-to-sample games, all designed to keep Groucho’s mind as active as his body.

Groucho’s story is a reminder that caring for aging animals means addressing their whole well-being—physical, emotional, and mental. We invite you to visit Toyota Elephant Passage to see Groucho and the rest of our bachelor herd, and learn more about the innovative ways we’re supporting these incredible animals.

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August 14, 2025

Partnering for Pollinators

Written By: Satya Akquia, Community Engagement Manager and Marcelle Condevaux, Horticulture Production Coordinator

The idea for community-supported pollinator pathways started in late 2023 to early 2024. DZCA’s Community Engagement team was tasked with creating conservation programs that community members could participate in. The initial idea focused on creating pollinator pathways using wooden pallets—which the Zoo has in excess—as planters. This approach would allow community members to create more pollinator habitats in their own yards, porches, and community centers, wherever they had space!

Two community members offered to test the newly-built pallet planters, along with maintaining Zoo-provided plants and seeds. They learned fairly quickly from this trial run that pallet planters do not work well in Colorado due to our arid climate. In fact, the pallets dried out so fast that most of the plants failed along with all the seed sprouts. For the next round, hanging pots were used that could work with fences or limited-space porches for participants that didn’t have yards. For those with more space, metal rings were used to contain the gardens. These options proved more effective for Colorado’s climate.

In her role as Community Engagement Manager, Satya also attempted to grow plants from seed on her porch but was unsuccessful. It was ultimately determined that, for the Pollinator Pathway to be effective, the Zoo would need to provide semi-mature plants and use different types of planters.

After analyzing community data, the Five Points neighborhoods (80205 and 80216) were identified as the best area for the project. Community Engagement already had connections with the My Outdoor Colorado group and, through them, Neighbors Together.

From January to May 2025, Satya attended the organizations’ meetings to present the Pollinator Pathway Project and hosted an animal meet-and-greet at the Tramway Nonprofit, welcomed community members to the Zoo, and participated in an Easter celebration to reach residents outside of formal organizations. She also looked to community leaders to help spread the word and listed the project in the Nextdoor app.

A key supporter of the work and project was Mrs. Sandy, who personally called her neighbors and advocated for the project. Without Sandy’s endorsement and personal involvement, the project’s success would have been far less likely.

A strong community leader in the Cole neighborhood, Sandy has been one of our greatest success stories! While installing her garden, our Community Engagement team noticed small bugs initially thought to be flies. Upon closer inspection, they found they were ground dwelling stingless bees.

Sandy was quick to suggest getting rid of them, despite the work to install her own pollinator garden! The team asked her to wait until they could identify the insects and determine whether they were dangerous. As suspected, they were harmless stingless bees, and she agreed not to spray them.

Through this pollinator garden process, a community member learned that not all bees sting—and now Sandy wants even more flowers! This level of personal community involvement has already demonstrated the power of education in conservation.

Getting the community involved in growing pollinator-friendly perennials was a priority for the Community Engagement team. When we actively take part in cultivating plants, we develop a sense of pride, ownership, and connection to the plants and to the environment. This pride naturally feeds into investment in our gardens and the insects they support.

In partnership with Community Engagement, DZCA’s Horticulture team was excited to bring community members into their greenhouses to learn how to sow seeds and help the group reach its planting goals for the program. As the greenhouse team carefully tended to the seedlings during delicate germination stages, the community eagerly looked forward to plant pick-up, when they could finally take home the plants they had helped to sow.

In just a few years, these same plants will be well-established in our neighbors’ gardens, reaching maturity and offering their unique full pollinator potential.

Four native perennial species were selected for the project, based on their high pollinator visitation potential: Blanketflower, Bigleaf Lupine, Western Wallflower and Mexican Hat Flower.

Together, these species create a strong foundation for a vibrant, diverse pollinator garden. And because they’re native to Colorado, they support local ecosystems while contributing to low-water, sustainable landscapes. By growing these plants together with care, intention, and community involvement, we’re not just planting flowers, we’re promoting an ecosystem for years to come.

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August 14, 2025

BABY BULLETIN: Introducing Our Lion Cub Quartet

Our Growing Pride

Following a 115-day pregnancy, African lion Araali gave birth to four feisty cubs on Wednesday, August 13, after laboring for nearly 18 hours. Mom and babies are bonding well behind-the-scenes, where they will remain for at least six weeks pending vaccinations and neo-natal examinations. This allows Araali and her cubs the time they need to adjust to one another before introductions begin with the other females in our pride.

Araali was born at DZCA in 2020 and Usiku, the proud dad, arrived in 2016 from Lee Richardson Zoo in Garden City, Kansas. Due to their compatible genetics—and Usiku’s notably mild demeanor—the pair was recommended for breeding last year through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ African Lion Species Survival Plan.

Their successful introduction earlier this year has led to a wonderful milestone: a litter of lion cubs representing four generations born at DZCA. Their family tree begins with great-grandma Neliah (13), followed by grandma Kamara (9), mom Araali (5), and now Araali’s cubs—all born here within the past decade.

Assistant Curator of Carnivores, Katelyn Stache, shared what these new cubs mean to our dedicated Animal Care team:

“We are so excited for the birth of these lion cubs and to see Araali already becoming a great mother. Watching Araali grow up here at DZCA makes this event even more special. With successful (and sweet) introductions with Usiku, a male from our lion brother coalition, this matchup was recommended in 2024 to support the African lion population in human care. The team has been monitoring for signs of labor over the last two weeks and consistently checking in on Araali via camera throughout that time. Now that the cubs are here, we are enjoying listening to their noises and watching Araali as she navigates caring for all of them.”

Caring for Cubs in CO + Worldwide

Here at DZCA, it’s been our honor to care for countless lions over the years ranging from our current four-generational pride to brother coalition. While the lions who call DZCA are supporting vital conservation efforts for lions in human care, we’re also proud to support their wild counterparts.

Earlier this year we announced our most recent conservation partnership with the Kyambura Lion Monitoring Project (KLMP), part of the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust to help protect the lion population located in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP). KLMP takes a multi-faceted approach to protecting the QENP lion population, whose numbers have dropped to fewer than 50 individuals. DZCA supports KLMP through their work in the daily monitoring of the QENP lion population, conducting an annual census of lions, leopards, and hyenas in the park, and training local Ugandans in scientific monitoring techniques.

Stay tuned for other ways you can support our growing pride and be sure to follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn for the latest updates!

Baby Bulletin presented by our sponsor Intermountain Health.

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August 8, 2025

News about California Sea Lion Nick

On the morning of Thursday, August 7, Nick, our beloved 18-year-old California sea lion, passed away at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute in Washington, D.C., where he had been temporarily housed since 2023 during the construction of our new sea lion habitat. He was scheduled to return to DZCA this fall to join Luci, Gunnison, Ady, and Maverick.

According to the animal health and care teams at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Nick had recently begun displaying concerning and uncharacteristic behaviors, including avoiding his care team and fellow sea lions, refusing food, and a rapid decline in weight. In an effort to diagnose and treat his condition, the veterinary team brought Nick in for a full examination under general anesthesia. Nick’s heart stopped during the procedure and, despite every effort to resuscitate him, he sadly passed away.

Nick will be fondly remembered for his impressive size—more than 700 lbs. at his prime—and his even larger personality. He delighted guests at both DZCA and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo with his booming bark and playful spirit, often seen basking in the sun or interacting with his fellow sea lions. As one of many rescued, non-releasable animals who found a permanent home in an AZA-accredited zoo, Nick served as an incredible ambassador for his species. He was rescued as a newborn from Seal Rock in North Laguna, California, with his umbilical cord still attached, and was cared for by the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. Because he was so young, Nick had to be bottle-fed and hand-raised by humans before joining Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance at just 10 months old.

Remembering a Remarkable Resident

Members of our Animal Care and Animal Health teams have shared what working with Nick has meant to them:

“Nicks legacy will forever live on at DCZA. From being heard barking in the evenings in nearby neighborhoods, to Nick’s Picks, to building a sea lion family at DZCA, he has always been a guest and staff favorite. Getting the chance to build a relationship with him is something I will always cherish dearly. Nick was a gentle soul and such a joy to work with. He made me smile every day, from his adorable snuggles with his daughter Ady to his goofy and sideways grin. I’ll miss that no matter how impressively large he got, he was always an even bigger baby, whether it be snow, rain or geese. It was a privilege to work alongside him and he will be forever missed.” — Brandi Taylor, Animal Care Specialist

“I have so many great memories of Nick that it is hard to pick just one to talk about. He was truly one of the best animals to work with, patient, curious and smart. One of the behaviors that we ask our sea lions to participate in is innovate, where they just need to keep doing a different behavior. He was the best at it, and these were some of my favorite sessions! He oftentimes would put multiple behaviors together and create something new. Nick also didn’t always know that he was the biggest sea lion as was evident in how Ady, his 200-pound daughter would push him around and he was fine with it. Or when we introduced him to Duke and Maverick the first time. He just wanted to be friends, and they were terrified of him initially because he was 400 pounds larger! They eventually realized that he wasn’t at all scary and just big. He was a sweet boy and words cannot express how much I am going to miss him and how grateful I am that I was able to work with him.” — Meryt Schumacher, Animal Care Specialist

“I was lucky enough to work with Nick to help build his voluntary medical behaviors. A true gentle giant, I was in awe of him and so proud of every fear he overcame – radiographs, ultrasound, tonovet, and blood draws. I will miss his barks and the skeptical side eye he gave me whenever we started learning something new. My favorite sweet boy, I am going to miss him so so dearly.” — Danielle Coffman, Registered Veterinary Technician

“Nick has been one of the most iconic animals here at DZCA, and I feel incredibly privileged and honored to have known him on a more personal level. As big as he was in size, he was even bigger in personality. He never ceased to amaze me with his intelligence and creativity. Many of the behaviors he knew, he had invented himself. He constantly had us laughing at something goofy he was up to; a trait he passed on to his son. He was a good and patient teacher to all of us that worked with him. One day I was walking next to him and slipped on a patch of ice. He could have been scared or upset about me suddenly being on my back, but he patiently waited for me to get back on my feet. He will be deeply missed by all the knew him.” — Leah Swift, Animal Care Specialist

“Nick was such a sweet and silly sea lion. Even with his large size, he was incredibly patient and seemed unaware of just how big he was — which made him the perfect animal to help teach many of us how to work with sea lions. He knew so many different behaviors on cue, but his vocalizations were always my favorite. I’m really going to miss his funny grin and seeing the trust he shared with his caretakers. What a special boy.” — Katelyn Stache, Assistant Curator of Carnivores

Nick’s legacy lives on through his two offspring who still call DZCA home, Gunnison and Ady, his mate, Luci, and the countless human lives he touched during his lifetime. In his time both at DZCA and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, he inspired a sense of awe and wonder in millions of guests and was an irreplaceable member of our animal family.

He will be deeply missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing and caring for him. DZCA and our neighboring communities will never sound the same.

If you would like to make a gift in Nick’s memory to support our sea lions, please donate below.

Donate Here

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July 31, 2025

Big Moves for Mahali

Why is Mahali Moving?

Old Pachyderms, the building that has housed Mahali and dozens of other hippos, rhinos and elephants since 1959, needs maintenance and repair to remain up to standards set by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), from both an animal husbandry and guest perspective. In our most recent inspection conducted by AZA, the facility was flagged for significant updates and is no longer considered suitable for the species. We are aware that Old Pachyderms would not pass future inspections without substantial upgrades.

The Past, Present And (Sustainable) Future Of Old Pacyderms

The Old Pachyderms facility has been a cornerstone of DZCA’S campus and a huge part of our history. Our institution has done incredible things to contribute to the advancement of animal husbandry, and Old Pachyderms has had a lot to do with that. But as the Zoo advances as a conservation organization and our resource stewardship deepens, we must look to the future with sustainable goals and focus on our commitment to reduce waste, especially where water is concerned.

Current operations, including daily pool maintenance, habitat cleaning and continuous freshwater access, consume nearly 21 million gallons of water annually, representing 27% of DZCA’s total water usage in 2024 and equivalent to the annual consumption of more than 350 four-member households. Combined with the cost of natural gas to heat the water, Mahali’s habitat creates nearly $200,000 in expenses in utilities each year.

As part of our sustainability commitments, DZCA established an ambitious water reduction target a few years ago. As of December 2024, we were 7 million gallons short of this goal. Mahali’s move will not only help us achieve this target but exceed it significantly, while simultaneously reducing the Zoo’s demand on the local water supply and demonstrating our commitment to conserving resources.

Following Mahali’s move to Texas, his previous habitat in Old Pachyderms will remain vacant as maintenance is performed, and decisions are made about what species may be housed in this space. Because large hippos are not included in our master plan there is no discussion about bringing in a new Nile hippo or similar large hippos.

Why Now?

We have known that the Nile hippo was never intended to be a part of our long-term plan and that we would eventually phase out the species. Over DZCA’s long tenure, we have housed and cared for nearly two dozen hippos. Despite this notable history, our cooperative partnership with the wildlife preserve in Texas presented a timely and interesting opportunity for Mahali’s future and for our goals in water conservation.

Colleagues from a fellow AZA-accredited zoo conducted an inspection of the preserve for DZCA approval and discussions about Mahali’s disposition began earlier this year. Our partnership with the wildlife preserve has resulted in the arrival of the desert big horn sheep that we recently welcomed to Sheep Mountain, the arrival of our red-flanked duiker, Biscuit, that arrived in June 2023 and will be the future home of lesser kudu, Vinny. Mahali will be introduced to an older female hippo in his new home.

What Happens Next?

A crate will soon arrive on campus and be placed in Mahali’s yard. Large animals require ample time to prepare for a move as significant as this one. It is important from an animal wellbeing perspective that Mahali feels comfortable in the crate and is able to participate in training to be at his pace between now and the fall. In preparation for the move, Mahali’s care team is working hard to support both his overall health and his comfort in travel, ensuring that Mahali is going to be well-supported and resilient when the time comes.

Preparing to Say Goodbye

Mahali was born at DZCA in 2002 to mother Samantha and father Bert and has been a fan favorite among staff, volunteers and our guests ever since. Crowds gather around Mahali’s pool to watch him play with his toys, drink from his firehose and sunbathe. Kids and adults alike delight at his antics and even the occasional splatter as he would spray his poop around in a territorial gesture. Mahali’s departure will leave a hippo-shaped hole in our hearts and on our campus.

Between now and the fall, our staff, volunteers, members and guests have time to enjoy Mahali’s special contribution to the Zoo and wish him well on his next journey. Mahali will be deeply missed as his impact on campus and on all of us was nothing short of “huge.”

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July 25, 2025

A Chance for Corals

When you think of coral reefs, you might picture vibrant rock-like structures sprawling across ocean floors, teeming with sea creatures weaving through their intricate forms. But what many don’t realize is that those colorful, unmoving shapes aren’t just part of the scenery, they’re living animals. Corals eat, breathe, grow, defend themselves, reproduce, and eventually die, just like the creatures that swim around them.

Coral reef ecosystems are among the most biodiverse and visually stunning habitats on Earth. One key group, stony corals, build rigid calcium carbonate skeletons that form the foundation of reef structures. These reefs, found mostly in warm, shallow waters rich in sunlight and nutrients, support countless marine species that rely on corals for food, protection, and shelter. Their remarkable biodiversity draws people from around the world to experience their magic firsthand.

Unfortunately, coral reefs are under threat from multiple directions—rising ocean temperatures due to climate change, destructive trawling practices, pollution, and the spread of disease. One of the most urgent and devastating threats is Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD), a rapidly spreading condition that’s causing widespread mortality among coral populations, particularly in Florida’s reef systems.

In response to this crisis, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance has joined forces with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Florida Reef Tract Rescue Project (FRTRP) to help safeguard coral species and support efforts to halt the spread of SCTLD.

Earlier this year, DZCA received a special shipment of live corals unaffected by the disease. These animals are now housed in state-of-the-art aquarium systems that replicate the precise environmental conditions they need to survive. But our work goes far beyond cutting-edge tanks. Our Veterinary Medicine and Animal Care teams are also performing regular ultrasounds and health assessments to gather new insights into coral physiology. Corals remain one of the least understood animal groups, and this work could be pivotal in improving both emergency response and long-term care for sick or injured individuals.

By studying and protecting these corals, we’re not just advancing science; we’re giving these animals a second chance. Our ultimate hope is that, with collaboration among zoos, aquariums, scientists, and conservation groups, healthy corals can one day be reintroduced to the wild, helping to restore the reefs and all the life that depends on them.

Want to see our coral care in action? Visit Tropical Discovery and witness these fascinating creatures up close. Together, we can give coral reefs a fighting chance.

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July 14, 2025

Hope for Colorado’s Endangered Amphibian

One year ago, Denver Zoo officially rebranded as Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, embracing a name that reflects our commitment to protecting wildlife not just within our campus, but across Colorado and around the world. While guests still enjoy unforgettable encounters with beloved species like Tundra, the grizzly bear, our bachelor herd of Asian elephants, and towering reticulated giraffes, the new name highlights the mission-driven conservation work happening behind the scenes every day.

That work includes helping to save one of Colorado’s smallest, but most important, native animals: the boreal toad. This State-Endangered amphibian once thrived in the montane wetlands of Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and New Mexico. But in recent decades, populations have plummeted due to habitat loss and a deadly skin disease caused by chytrid fungus, which has caused amphibian declines around the world. Today, it’s estimated that fewer than 800 adult boreal toads remain in the wild in Colorado.

In partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), our field conservation, animal care, and veterinary medicine teams are working to change that. Since 2021, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance has participated in a multi-year, multi-agency effort to breed and reintroduce this sensitive species into protected high-country wetlands.

Last summer, our teams released more than 2,200 tadpoles and toadlets into restored habitat near Creede. And on July 2, 2025, we proudly released another 300 toadlets into a pristine alpine lake near Leadville, Colorado.

During the release, the team was thrilled to spot several adult boreal toads already occupying the area, wallowing in mud holes and thriving in the wetland habitat. Their presence is a promising sign that the site is suitable for young toads to grow, feed, and hopefully return to breed. (And yes, our team can confirm there are plenty of mosquitos for them to enjoy.)

These efforts are a true collaboration. From field biologists to amphibian specialists, wildlife veterinarians to volunteers, the boreal toad initiative brings together diverse teams with one shared goal: to secure a future for this species in the Southern Rocky Mountains.

Efforts like these are only possible because of people who care deeply about wildlife. If you want to make a difference, consider joining Team Toad, our community science program that helps monitor the health of high-elevation wetland habitats and search for these hard-to-find amphibians.

Together, we’re not just releasing toads, we’re restoring balance, rebuilding ecosystems, and reinforcing what it means to be a conservation alliance.

Join Team Toad

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July 10, 2025

Dreams Come True: A Penguin Encounter Decades in the Making

At 96 years old, Doris’ life has been filled with adventure, perseverance, and a dream left unfulfilled. But thanks to a special collaboration between Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance and Compassionate Hospice, she recently experienced something she’s waited nearly a lifetime for: an up-close encounter with penguins.

A Trailblazer Ahead of Her Time

In the 1940s, Doris broke barriers by earning a mathematics degree from George Washington University, a rare accomplishment for women at the time. She went on to work for the U.S. government, and in the 1950s, she was stationed in Ushuaia, Argentina, performing groundbreaking research using the Monroe, one of the world’s first automatic calculators.

Her next assignment? A historic research trip to Antarctica.

She had the skills, the experience, and even a custom-made snowsuit. But just one day before departure, she was told she couldn’t go—not because she wasn’t qualified, but because she was a woman.

Unfortunately, Doris never set foot on Antarctica, but she never stopped dreaming about the penguins she hoped to see there.

A Wish from the Heart

Now in hospice care, Doris shares her Antarctic story with nearly everyone she meets. Moved by her legacy and unfulfilled dream, the team at Compassionate Hospice Care reached out to DZCA with a heartfelt request to help fulfill a small part of her dream by meeting the African penguins who call DZCA home.

Our answer was simple: absolutely.

“When I saw the email come through about Doris’ wish, I knew this was something we had to make happen,” said Jamie S., one of our Guest Experience Experts who helped with this request. “While she may not have been able to see penguins in Antarctica, witnessing her joy meeting our African penguins was amazing. Doris has such an incredible story, and I’m glad we could help make her dream come true.”

A Penguin Experience to Remember

In a special behind-the-scenes visit, Doris got to meet a few of our beloved Critically Endangered African penguins up close at Pinnacol African Penguin Point. Surrounded by caregivers, loved ones, and members of the DZCA team, Doris beamed with joy while she met our flock. Though thousands of miles from Antarctica and visiting a different species of penguin, she was finally in the company of the birds she had waited decades to see.

It was a powerful moment of healing and full-circle connection—not just for Doris, but for everyone lucky enough to witness it. Her determination, brilliance, and resilience continue to inspire us, and we are honored to have played a small role in helping fulfill her lifelong wish.

Pinnacol African Penguin Point is presented by Pinnacol Assurance.

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June 18, 2025

Sea Lions Make a Splash

Sea lions Luci, Ady, Gunnison, and Maverick are back and living it up in their brand-new state-of-the-art habitat, with our final flippered friend, Nick, set to return this fall. These playful pinnipeds aren’t just back—they’re back in style with a habitat that’s unlike anything you’ve experienced before. Schlessman Shores, with a beach area and beautiful façade of vibrant, colorful row homes, reflects the real-life communities where sea lions and people coexist. And that’s just above the surface.

The Gene N. Koelbel Underwater Viewing area offers guests an incredible view of sea lions gliding, diving, and darting through their new saltwater pool. It’s your front-row seat to their incredible underwater acrobatics—and a chance to connect with the species like never before.

Of course, the biggest upgrades might be the ones you don’t see. When construction kicked off in early 2024, we realized the old 30-year-old infrastructure needed a total overhaul. Now, a fully modernized aquatic habitat designed with every detail in mind—right down to the salt in the water. The new system includes heated pools, efficient saltwater filtration that cuts water turnover time in half, and behind-the-scenes pools that help maintain healthy skin, eyes, and coats. Bonus: it also saves more than 8 million gallons of water each year. The Anschutz Foundation Sea Lion Island also features expanded bedrooms and private pools—giving our Animal Care team more flexibility to support each sea lion’s unique social, emotional, and medical needs.

And our care for the species extends far beyond our campus. Just this spring, 10 of our staff members, from Animal Care Specialists to Clinical Veterinarians, traveled to California to help rescue sick and stranded sea lions during the worst toxic algae bloom on record. Working with the Marine Mammal Rescue Center, they helped save hundreds of animals affected by domoic acid exposure—a heartbreaking reminder of the challenges wild sea lions face.

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None of this would be possible without our generous supporters. Thanks to incredible gifts from the Koelbel Family Foundation, the Anschutz Foundation, the Schlessman Family Foundation, the Kintzele Family, Jenna and Walker Stapleton—and so many others—we raised over $5.5 million to bring this habitat to life. But there’s still one important piece we need your help with: the final stretch of the sea lions’ journey home.

Getting five sea lions safely to DZCA is no small task. In total, over $23,000 was spent to make their homecoming possible, including:

$11,700 to transport four sea lions this spring

$5,700 for Nick’s return this fall

$1,500 per staff member to accompany and care for the animals in transit

If you’ve ever laughed at a sea lion’s bark or watched a pup do barrel rolls beneath the waves, you know what this means. These moments matter. And they’re made possible by people like you. Your donation—of any amount—will go directly toward the costs of bringing these beloved animals home and ensuring they thrive in the care they deserve.

Support Our Sea Lions