Event Policies & Guidelines

• All events at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance will occur rain or shine.
• No pets are permitted on DZCA grounds.
• Feeding of zoo animals, including free roaming animals is strictly prohibited.
• Smoking is prohibited on DZCA grounds.
• Children under the age of 16 must be supervised at all times.
• All guests must have an event ticket for entry.
• Animal demonstrations and/or meet and greets are not guaranteed and will be refunded if it does not occur during the event.
• Group is liable for the actions of their invitees.
• For the safety of our animals, DZCA prohibits balloons, balls, piñatas, glitter, and any objects that could fly or be thrown into exhibits.

• To guarantee your event, a signed contract and the full payment for the rental fee is due within two weeks of receiving a contract from Denver Zoo. If the signed contract and payment are not received within two weeks, the event space shall be released for general sale.
• Any fees incurred the day of the event (i.e. additional event tickets) must be paid within two weeks of the event date.
• Denver Zoo accepts most major credit cards and company checks.

In the event of a cancelation, please submit in writing by email or letter to DZF. Cancellation terms apply and are below:

Cancellation Fee(s):

• 181 days or more prior to event date: 0% of rental deposit
• 61-180 days prior to event date: 50% of rental deposit
• 60 days or less prior to event date: 100% of rental deposit

If GROUP reschedules, a portion of the cancelation fee and/or rental deposit may be applied to the new event date at DZF, but is solely at the discretion of DZF.

All events held at DZF will occur rain or shine. Any non-performance of events at DZF is applicable only by a Force Majeure event. For purposes of this agreement “Force Majeure,” is defined as and may include riots, labor strikes, lockouts, civil insurrection, acts of God, acts of war, natural disasters, severe weather, global pandemics* or any other event or circumstance beyond the reasonable control of DZF.

*Global pandemics refer to government mandated restrictions, which prevents 25% or more guests from attending GROUP’s event.

• All guests will need a private event admission ticket to enter the zoo. Although children ages two and under are free, an admission ticket to enter the zoo and attend the event is required.
• All guests, including yourself, employees, attendees and vendors must have private event admission tickets to enter the zoo and attend the event.
• Rental fees include an allotment of tickets based on your contract specifications and event venue.
• Memberships are not valid for private event entry.

• Access gates, closer to the event space may be available. Request for the use of these gates for load-in/load-out purposes must be submitted in advance for approval.
• Client access to the event space for set-up is available 30 minutes prior to the contracted event start time. Additional time may be requested but is not guaranteed.

• Music for events is subject to approval from Denver Zoo.
• For evening events, all bands, DJs and entertainment performances must perform a sound check with appointed Denver Zoo staff before the event begins.
• Vendors have one hour to set up before their designated rental time and one hour after the end of their rental time. Overage costs are $250.00 per hour and per staff member.
• Electrical requirements must be received no later than two weeks from the event date. Denver Zoo does not guarantee additional electricity on the day of the event and does not have an electrician on site.
• Denver Zoo must approve all giveaways, handouts and prizes associated with the event at least one month prior to the event date.

• Storage facilities are not provided for events.
• All items in conjunction with events must be brought on the day of the event and removed immediately after. There is a $150 removal fee for any leftover trash, promotional materials or boxes.
• Any items that must be shipped to Denver Zoo in conjunction with an event need prior approval and will incur a $50 handling fee.
• All deliveries must be prearranged and approved by your Denver Zoo contact and must be delivered during normal shipping hours, preferably on the day of your event.

• Parking is complimentary and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please communicate to your guests to arrive early and allow extra time for parking, especially during peak times such as Zoo Lights or summer weekend events.
• If bus parking is needed for your event, Denver Zoo must be notified at least two weeks prior to your event date.

• Any use of the Denver Zoo logo, pictures, and name for invitations or promotional use for your event must be reviewed and approved by our Corporate Events Department prior to print and distribution.
• The client agrees that they will not sell tickets, market or promote the event to the general public in order to attract, solicit or generate attendance at Denver Zoo without written approval from Denver Zoo. Approval may be withheld at our sole discretion.
• Sponsors associated with the event will require advance approval from Denver Zoo. Please submit a list of sponsors three months prior to the event date.

• All food and beverage catering must be arranged through our exclusive onsite caterer, Taste Catering. We do not allow outside caterers.
• In addition to your venue rental fee, a minimum catering spend must be met.
• Your final guaranteed guest count for catering is due seven business days prior to your event date.
• Although food and liquor may be taken from your private rental location into other areas of the Zoo, we do not allow food or liquor to be taken off Denver Zoo grounds during or after your event.
• Taste Catering is responsible for providing and handling all liquor while on the Denver Zoo campus.