As one of the city’s oldest and most beloved gathering places, Denver Zoo understands that our role is not only to connect humans with the wonders of wildlife—but also to serve as an enduring cornerstone for the communities we serve. Realizing our mission, Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations, is only possible when we are deeply engaged with the people around us.
Providing a warm welcome has always been second nature here at the Zoo. In 2023 alone, we ushered smiling faces through our gates and received a host of beautiful new babies and arriving animals. Last year we became the first Zoo in Colorado to earn the Certified Autism CenterTM distinction and provided guests with free or discounted admission via Free Days, SNAP, EBT and other Community Connections Equitable Access Programs. Our guests feel like they belong here…because they do.
What we’ve come to understand, though, is that belonging begins within. That’s why 2023 saw the creation of an ambitious new department wholly dedicated to building and embodying our vision of an even more accessible and inclusive future.
Scroll on to see how Denver Zoo and our community served one another in 2023.
Bert Vescolani | President and CEO
ACCREDITATION AWARDED
In September, Denver Zoo again received accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums–setting us apart as one of only 238 institutions in the world to meet the highest standards of animal care, veterinary medicine, conservation, education and more.
CERTIFIED AUTISM CENTER
In March, Denver Zoo became the first zoo in Colorado to earn The Certified Autism Center designation from The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. We’re proud to be creating a more welcoming, inclusive and accessible zoo.
ANIMAL HOSPITAL AWARD
The 22,000-sq.-ft. Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Animal Hospital was honored by The Association of Zoos and Aquariums with a 2023 significant achievment in facilities award! Our state-of-the-art hospital was made possible by the 2017 GO Bond as well as our donor family.
WILD WELCOME: 2023 BABY BOOM
Every baby born at Denver Zoo is adorable—but our littlest wild ones are even more precious when they’re the result of a Species Survival Plan partnership. As an AZA-accredited institution, we work with accredited zoos around the country to maintain healthy, genetically diverse populations of the species under our care.
Wicket
Linne’s Two-Toed Sloth
Siska
Sumatran Orangutan
Rocket + Slinky
Asian Small-Clawed Otters
Fiddle
Eastern Mountain Bongo
Well, fiddle-dee-dee: every eastern mountain bongo birth at Denver Zoo is a victory for this Critically Endangered species!
Zola
Mandrill
Swing by Primate Panorama to say hello to Zola and the rest of our colorful mandrill troop!
Marcus + Steppy
African Penguins
Our two newest Critically Endangered African penguin chicks, Marcus and Steppy, have waddled right into our hearts.
Nazca
Humboldt Penguin
Little Nazca’s species is Threatened in the wild due to habitat loss and fishing nets—but our newest Humboldt chick is thriving.
Michelangelo
Sulawesi Forest Turtle
Tropical Discovery Animal Care Specialists have hatched 20+ Critically Endangered turtles.
Grand Openings
FLAMINGO HABITAT
Opened November 2023
Inspired by the stark landscapes of the Andean Highlands, our flock’s new strutting grounds features a shady, circulated lagoon, a dedicated nesting area and space for guest encounters.
GORILLA TREK
Opened October 2023
This realistic virtual reality experience puts you in the heart of African jungle with a real troop of Critically Endangered mountain gorillas—from adorable infants to intimidating silverbacks.
Welcome Wagon: 2023 New Arrivals
Viktor
Amur Tiger
Dusty
Common Ostrich
There’s nothing common about our 9-foot-tall, Backstreet-Boys-lovin’, one-of-a-kind dino-chicken Dusty!
Duncan
Asian Elephant
Lightfoot, Divine, Takeoff + Chandler
Chilean Flamingos
Bruno + Banshee
American Alligators (Albino)
Chicken + Biscuit
Red-Flanked Duikers
These two cuties, both of whom joined us as part of the Species Survival Plan, will make their public debut this summer.
Chlojo
Sumatran Tiger
Beautiful ChloJo the Sumatran tiger is an ambassador for her species, which we’re also working to protect in the wild.
Tristan + Pearl
Matschie’s Tree Kangaroo
PHILANTHROPY IN ACTION
ACCESS + APPRECIATION: 2023 MILESTONES
“Welcoming” is a Denver Zoo core value—one which we strive to live every day. We are proud to be educating the next generation of wildlife advocates with $2.8M in scholarships given to 480,000 students. And, since 2020, two million guests have enjoyed free or reduced admission with scholarships and other discount programs.
On the Horizon
In 2023, we began planning and construction on two incredible new exhibits, continuing our tireless quest for excellence in both animal care and guest experience.
DOWN UNDER
Opening in 2024
With Wallaby Way, an immersive pathway experience offering an up-close look at two of Australia’s most charismatic species, Down Under is our most ambitious project in years.
SEA LION HABITAT
Opening in 2025
New beaches for frolicking, new docks for floating,
a clearer window to wonder and a stronger conservation story to tell—there’s so much for our California sea lions to look forward to!
