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.
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.
Rememberinga 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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Earlier this spring, a deadly ecological crisis unfolded off the coast of Southern California. A harmful algae bloom—fueled by warming ocean temperatures and nutrient runoff—stretched across hundreds of miles of coastline. What made this event especially devastating wasn’t just its scale or duration, but the combination of domoic acid toxins released by Pseudo-nitzschia algae, and an unusual spike in saxitoxin. Together, these toxins triggered neurological symptoms in hundreds of marine mammals including confusion, seizures, aggression, and even death.
The Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) in San Pedro, California, was one of the first facilities to raise alarms about the looming crisis. As early as January, their team began noticing an uptick in sea lions displaying signs of domoic acid toxicosis. By mid-March, MMCC had treated more than 140 sea lions—and the numbers were rising fast. Despite efforts to notify city and county officials, few emergency resources were mobilized in time to meet the overwhelming demand.
Faced with one of the worst “harmful algal bloom” events on record, the center put out an urgent call to animal care professionals across the country.
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance answered.
Over the course of the last month, ten DZCA staff members—including Animal Care Specialists, Registered Veterinary Technicians, Clinical Veterinarians, and our Veterinary Pathologist—traveled to San Pedro to support MMCC’s round-the-clock rescue and rehabilitation efforts. Working in tandem with MMCC’s local team, they helped care for over a hundred marine mammals, all suffering from the devastating effects of domoic acid exposure.
A Day in The Life at MMCC
Each day at MMCC begins early and runs long. Animal care teams start by preparing hundreds of pounds of herring—some to be served whole, some blended into a gruel (fish smoothie) for sick or young animals unable to feed on their own. Each sea lion or seal receives personalized feeding plans, vitamins, and medication, which must be monitored closely throughout the day. Between meals, care teams are cleaning enclosures, doing laundry, and assisting with animal transport, husbandry, and treatment—all while preparing healthy animals for release back into the wild.
Meanwhile, our Veterinary Medicine team staff provided essential diagnostics and documentation. Animals arriving at MMCC receive exams, bloodwork, and imaging. While some animals recover quickly, others require intensive, hands-on care for weeks to months. Sadly, not all survive.
But even in loss, there is purpose. Pathologists, including DZCA’s Dr. Sushan Han, perform necropsies that not only provide answers but also build a scientific foundation for future marine mammal care. Tissue samples are banked for toxicology and RNA research, revealing how this year’s dual-algae bloom is affecting animals in ways not previously seen. These findings are already being shared with regulatory agencies and coastal conservation networks to help shape long-term response strategies.
Hopeful News for Marine Mammals
As of late May, MMCC staff reported no new marine mammals showing signs of domoic acid poisoning, and the harmful algal bloom had cleared from local waters. Although this was the longest, most toxic, and deadliest bloom MMCC has ever experienced, they were able to overcome the crisis and give hundreds of marine mammals a second chance at life. This was largely possible thanks to public support, advocacy, and collaboration from wildlife experts nationwide.
“This year’s domoic acid event was the most severe we’ve faced, overwhelming our team with sick and stranded sea lions in need of urgent care. Responding to a crisis like this requires an extraordinary effort, and we’re incredibly grateful for the support of partners like Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance. Their generosity helped us provide lifesaving treatment and gave these animals the second chance they deserve,” said Dave Bader, MMCC Chief Operations and Education Officer.
This isn’t the first time DZCA has supported MMCC’s vital work. In 2023, we sent seven staff members to assist during a similar harmful algae bloom, providing critical hands-on care and expertise.
Dr. Jimmy Johnson, DZCA Senior Director of Wildlife Health & Conservation at DZCA, shared the following: “In our changing world, responding to situations that threaten wildlife is a community effort and we were happy to combine our wildlife care and health expertise with that of our colleagues at MMCC to help two years ago and again in 2025.”
Three DZCA Pinniped Care Specialists who work with reflected on their experience supporting MMCC:
“This is the second time that I was able to help at MMCC, the previous time being in 2023 during the last large DA event, and I am so grateful that I was able to go back and assist with animal care. Each time I have learned so much from the staff and volunteers who spent countless hours helping many seals and sea lions.
The highlight of my week was being part of releasing 15 healthy sea lions back to the ocean, as well as seeing one patient that hadn’t been eating starting to show interest in food and eat. It was a very humbling experience to see how much time and effort is put into these animals.
Now that sea lions are back at the Zoo, I hope we can really make the connection as to how special these animals are and that we can all do our part to help.”
Meryt Schumacher, DZCA Animal Care Specialist
“After working with non-releasable, rescued sea lions for years, it was incredible to get to put my skills to use to help save the sea lions who can be released back to the ocean. I love caring for the sea lions who don’t have the skills to survive on their own and being able to show our guests just how amazing this species is.
The goal is always to keep as many sea lions out in their natural habitat as possible and getting the chance to contribute to that goal will be an experience I will never forget.”
Leah Swift, DZCA Animal Care Specialist
“Having worked with our DZCA sea lions my entire zoo career, I have spent years speaking to guests about why sea lions often need to be rescued, how they can often be released, but sometimes, like in the case of Nick and Maverick, are deemed non-releasable and need to be rehomed. It is incredibly meaningful to now get to speak to my own time spent being a part of that process, both rescue and release, and to bring those experiences back here to Denver to share with our guests.”
Brandi Taylor, DZCA Animal Care Specialist
Back with a Splash: Sea Lions Return to DZCA
While part of our team supported sea lions on California’s shores, we were also preparing something special back home in Colorado. On June 20, DZCA proudly unveiled our brand-new California sea lion habitat, a vibrant and enriching space that reflects both the energy of the animals and our century-long commitment to their care.
This dynamic new habitat replaces the Zoo’s historic 1987 sea lion home with thoughtful upgrades for both animals and guests. A new saltwater, temperature-controlled pool system supports sea lion health, while behind-the-scenes areas give our Animal Care team more room to support enrichment, training, and social time. A colorful fishing village-inspired exterior echoes the coastal communities where wild sea lions live—and where our teams have been making a difference.
Visitors can now enjoy a 16-foot underwater viewing window for incredible glimpses of sea lion life below the surface, as well as daily training demonstrations that highlight each animal’s unique personality and the expert care they receive every day.
Maverick, one of four sea lions thriving in our new habitat, has a story closely tied to the work our staff supported at MMCC this year. Rescued as a malnourished pup during a 2015 stranding event, he was rehabilitated and released but stranded again after not being able to find enough food. Deemed non-releasable, Maverick found a permanent home at DZCA.
Now nearly a decade later, he’s a powerful ambassador for marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation—reflecting the journey of many animals affected by this year’s harmful algae bloom. Our new habitat allows guests to connect with sea lions like Maverick and see the impact of DZCA’s dedicated Animal Care and Health teams.
Saving Wildlife Together: Connecting Conservation and Care
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance’s mission extends well beyond its 80-acre campus. Whether responding to whether responding to wildlife emergencies, driving conservation impact in the field, or elevating our habitats, care, and impact on campus, our team’s work is rooted in science, compassion, and action.
The story of this spring’s algae bloom—and the collaborative rescue efforts it inspired—reminds us that conservation doesn’t happen in isolation, and collaboration is key to helping save wildlife.
Centered around sustainability, our Conservation Challenge: Rethink Your Rubbish experience is a project-based learning program that helps students explore human impacts on wildlife around the globe and how people are making a difference. Middle school students begin the program with a project launch field trip to Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA), where they meet animals facing conservation issues, learn about a related sustainability practice, and hear stories of success that reinforce conservation optimism.
In following weeks, Conservation Learning staff visit the schools to help students conduct a waste audit, and lead discussion to inspire student-led action projects in their own communities. Teachers guide their students in project work using the program’s educator guide and are invited back to the Zoo in May to participate in the Student Conservation Showcase.
We were so impressed by the student presentations shared at our 2025 showcase, and we are proud to welcome some of these students as guest writers, sharing their experience as young conservationists.
Battery Saver Project
Reflection 1 Written By: Evelynne Gant and Christa McAuliffe School: STEM Academy
“Our Battery Saver Project aimed to reduce the unnecessary use and disposal of batteries. When batteries are thrown away improperly, they can leak harmful chemicals or even explode, contaminating water and soil that animals and plants rely on. This pollution can harm wildlife and ecosystems, and eventually affect humans who consume those animals or plants. Through this project, we learned how important it is to dispose of used batteries responsibly—especially in a world where batteries are everywhere. We built our own collection boxes to encourage proper disposal and prevent environmental harm. This hands-on experience helped us understand the environmental impact of battery waste, while also improving our problem-solving and teamwork skills.
The Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) inspired us by showing how conservation begins with education and action. Their work protecting animals and ecosystems made us think more deeply about how even small changes—like proper battery disposal—can help the planet. Just as DZCA uses technology and awareness to support wildlife, our project represents a small but meaningful step toward protecting natural resources and promoting sustainability.”
Battery Saver Project
Reflection 2 Written By: Zoey Mahoney and Christa McAuliffe School: STEM Academy
“This year, our 8th grade class took part in a schoolwide project to help protect animals and the environment by collecting and recycling used batteries. As a group, we collected over 2,700 batteries! This is really important because when batteries are thrown away, the toxic chemicals inside can leak into the water. Animals then drink that polluted water, which can make them very sick or even kill them. To help stop this from happening, we gave the batteries to a recycling company that knows how to safely get rid of them. By doing this, we possibly helped save many animals from being poisoned. Our school decided to do this project because we learned how dangerous batteries can be to wildlife.
I hope our project makes a difference and inspires more people to recycle their batteries. I also hope that future 8th grade classes at our school keep this project going. I personally learned a lot—like how batteries can explode, cause fires, and poison animals if they aren’t disposed of properly. It made me think about all kinds of animals, even pets we love like dogs, cats, birds, turtles, and fish. They can all be affected. Some signs that animals have been poisoned by battery chemicals include drooling, mouth pain, vomiting, burns in the mouth, trouble swallowing, and even fever. It’s scary to think this can happen just from batteries being in the trash.
Thank you to the Denver Zoo for letting us visit and share our project. It felt amazing to do something that could help animals everywhere.”
An Agrivoltaic Garden
Written By: Evelynn Chalupa, Olivia Whitney, and Jill Somershoe School: Ken Caryl Middle School
“Our project began with a big goal: to reduce the emissions it takes to get food to our school and power its operations. The potential impact was clear—less air pollution for our community and healthier food options for all students.
Turning this vision into reality took serious effort. We spent months researching sustainable food sourcing, energy use, and emissions reduction. We carefully planned each phase and identified local and regional partners. The biggest challenge, however, was financial. The total cost was estimated at several hundred thousand dollars—far more than our school could afford on its own.
Despite the obstacles, we stayed committed. Each setback taught us valuable lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and clear communication. We also gained leadership skills and a stronger connection to our environment and community.
Our biggest inspiration came during a visit to the Denver Zoo, where we learned about the Rethink Your Rubbish program. Seeing the creative and impactful projects led by other students with support from DZCA opened our eyes to what was possible. Their staff’s expertise and encouragement gave us the confidence to dream big and act boldly.
With their support, we believe our project will have a lasting impact—not only by reducing emissions but by showing how students can create real change when they work together to solve meaningful problems in their communities.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
From battery recycling to agrivoltaic farming, these student-led projects show what’s possible when young people are empowered to take action for wildlife and the environment. Through hands-on learning, real-world problem solving, and the support of DZCA staff and their teachers, students are not only deepening their understanding of sustainability—they’re becoming leaders in it. By starting with the change makers of today, programs like our Conservation Challenge bring our mission to life by Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations.
If you were at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance on March 28, 2025, you might have seen something wild: dental care for a tiger. Dental health is an important part of overall animal wellness, especially for aging big cats like our Endangered Amur tiger, Nikita. Thanks to DZCA’s expert Veterinary Medicine team and a special partnership with Colorado State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Nikita received world-class care during her exam.
Collaborative Care for Nikita
As part of Nikita’s routine checkups, our Veterinary Medicine team had been monitoring signs of chewing discomfort reported by her Animal Care Specialists. Exams showed that she had a tooth root condition called resorption, which can happen in domestic cats as well. In order to improve her comfort with chewing and due to the extent of the condition, the tooth was removed.
To ensure the best outcome, we worked with Dr. Naomi Hoyer, a Board-Certified Veterinary Dentist from CSU, along with a group of veterinary students. They joined our team at the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Animal Hospital to assist with the complex extraction.
A Comprehensive Exam From Head to Tail
In addition to her dental work, Nikita underwent a full wellness exam while under anesthesia. This included bloodwork, an ultrasound, and a full-body CT scan. This allowed our vets to check for signs of internal issues, monitor organ function, and track the effects of aging. These proactive exams are crucial to maintaining high standards of care, particularly for older animals like Nikita, who require more frequent monitoring.
A Behind-the-Scenes Look for Guests
One of the most exciting aspects of Nikita’s procedure was that it took place in the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Animal Hospital’s state-of-the-art treatment room. This allowed guests to watch the procedure unfold through floor-to-ceiling viewing windows while they could ask any questions to our Guest Engagement Facilitators. The experience provided a unique and powerful look into the kind of expert, compassionate care that goes on every day behind the scenes at DZCA.
Thanks to the skill and collaboration from everyone involved, Nikita recovered quickly from her procedure and is back to enjoying her habitat, enrichment activities, and favorite foods. While she may be missing a molar, she’s happier and healthier than ever.
Español
