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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.
