Lembke Family Preserve

With more than a million species in danger of extinction worldwide, many due to devastating habitat loss, zoo-based conservation has become an essential component of long-term species survival. As an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited institution, Denver Zoo has long participated in the Species Survival Plan (SSP) to ensure genetic diversity in wildlife bred under human care. But as an urban campus with a finite 80-acre geographic footprint, the space we can utilize to make a significant impact has been historically limited—until now. 

Spanning 570 acres in Weld County, Colorado, the Lembke Family Preserve will allow Denver Zoo to dramatically evolve both our animal care and conservation breeding practices. In phase one of the Lembke Family Preserve, we’ll be able to expand our current SSP efforts with more space for our growing animal families as well as the potential to add new species to our program. We’ll also gain greater holding capacity and temporary relocations for habitat maintenance or renovation. In phase two, Denver Zoo plans to transform the facility into a conservation center focused on conservation breeding and wild reintroduction of species that are threatened or endangered in Colorado and beyond. The Lembke Family Preserve will not be open to the public. To learn more, click the button below.