BABY BULLETIN: BB’s Baby Is Here!

Welcome BB’s Baby Boy 

Reticulated giraffe BB gave birth to a healthy male calf on Friday, March 7 after a three-and-a-half-hour labor. Delivery went smoothly, according to Maura Davis, Curator of Large Mammals: “Teams have been watching cameras throughout the night during BB’s birth window to check for signs of labor. Little feet were seen at approximately 4 a.m. Friday morning. The calf was on the ground at 6 a.m. and standing and nursing shortly thereafter! BB did a great job.” 

This adorable baby boy is the first offspring for both four-year-old BB and four-year-old Jasiri, who joined DZCA in 2022 from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and Lee Richardson Zoo, respectively. 

This pregnancy was part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Giraffe Species Survival Program (SSP), which works to ensure the long-term survival of this Endangered species. The birth of this calf is a significant step in giraffe conservation efforts, helping to maintain a genetically healthy population in human care. 

Our Animal Care and Veterinary Medicine teams have done an incredible job supporting BB on her journey as a first-time mom! Throughout her pregnancy, BB voluntarily participated in her own care, showcasing the strong bonds she has built with our teams. Now, she’s thriving in her new role as a mom, and we’re excited to see her bond with her baby and for our teams to form new connections with her not-so-little one.  

Bonding Behind the Scenes  

Our Animal Care Specialists report that BB and her calf are thriving behind the scenes in their cozy indoor habitat. New mom BB is showing excellent maternal instincts, and her baby is already very curious about the world.  

Jordan Baur, Lead Animal Care Specialist, Hoofstock, shares, “We are over the moon about the newest addition to our giraffe herd. It’s been eight years since Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance welcomed a giraffe calf, and this little one is already following in Dobby’s “hoof”steps and stealing our hearts. BB is an incredible mom, and the calf seems to be just as friendly and curious as his parents. We are so excited to watch this calf grow and become an ambassador for his species.”  

For now, BB and her baby will remain in their indoor habitat as they bond and adjust to their surroundings. In the coming weeks, they’ll be introduced to dad Jasiri and ‘uncle’ Dobby before making their public debut. To give them time to acclimate, the indoor giraffe habitat is temporarily closed to guests. 

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest updates!

Baby Bulletin presented by our sponsor Intermountain Health. 

Adopt an Animal presented by our sponsor Children’s Hospital Colorado.  

Celebrating Women in Conservation

Through the Denver Zoo Women in Conservation Fund, we’ve had the privilege of supporting six passionate women making a lasting impact on their communities and ecosystems.  
 
From protecting Javan gibbons and Sumatran rhinos to advocating for sea turtle conservation and dugong habitat restoration, these inspiring leaders are breaking barriers, uplifting communities, and creating a brighter future for wildlife. Their work highlights the power of women in conservation and the importance of diverse voices in protecting our planet.  

Join us in celebrating these extraordinary women and their contributions! Learn more about the Women in Conservation Fund recipients and their impactful work below.  

Chantira Saifimar | Indonesia

Chantira Saifimar is a dedicated sea turtle researcher in Indonesia working to protect Endangered turtle populations from poaching and habitat loss. With support from our Women in Conservation Fund, she launched educational campaigns in local schools, mapped critical nesting sites, and empowered her community to take action.

Chantira’s efforts are ensuring a safer future for sea turtles and fostering environmental stewardship among future generations. 

Alia Firdamayant | Indonesia

Alia Firdamayant is a dedicated researcher working to protect the Endangered dugong in Indonesia. With support from our Women in Conservation Fund, Alia conducted critical research on Senayang Island, mapping 82 hectares of vital seagrass habitat—an essential food source for dugongs. She also engaged local communities to raise awareness and inspire conservation efforts. 

For Alia, success isn’t just about protecting wildlife—it’s about empowering communities and fostering human development alongside environmental stewardship. By amplifying the voices of women in conservation, she’s paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future. 

Alifi Nisya | Indonesia

Alifi Nisya is a passionate conservationist working to protect the Leuser Ecosystem—the last place on Earth where Sumatran rhinos, elephants, tigers, and orangutans coexist. 

As a Program Manager for Forum Konservasi Leuser (FKL) in Indonesia, Alifi is dedicated to combating poaching, illegal logging, and habitat destruction. With support from our Women in Conservation Fund, she has strengthened her leadership skills, expanded her global conservation network, and joined the prestigious Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders (EWCL) program—where she collaborated on international conservation strategies. 

Alifi is proof that women’s leadership is essential in conservation. By empowering women, we gain new perspectives, stronger community trust, and innovative solutions that create lasting impact. She hopes to continue inspiring more women to step into leadership roles and drive change in their communities. 

Rahayu Oktaviani | Indonesia

Rahayu Oktaviani is a passionate conservationist dedicated to protecting the Critically Endangered Javan gibbon in Indonesia. As the co-founder and director of Kiara Orangutan Ecosystem Aara, Rahayu works tirelessly in Gunung Halimun Salak National Park—one of the last remaining habitats for these rare primates. 

With support from our Women in Conservation Fund, she has expanded efforts in conservation education, community engagement, and long-term behavioral research. Through her leadership, the program has provided research scholarships for Indonesian students to study Javan gibbons in the wild, mentored young conservationists to become advocates for Indonesia’s wildlife, supported local educators to spread awareness in remote schools, and strengthened monitoring efforts by equipping field teams with essential supplies. 

For Rahayu, success means seeing women step into leadership roles, students become passionate conservationists, and communities embrace the protection of their natural heritage. She believes that when women are empowered, they become some of the strongest advocates for conservation. 

A Collective Impact

We are honored to support these extraordinary women and learn from their expertise. Their collective impact on biodiversity benefits us all, demonstrating that when women are empowered in conservation, entire ecosystems and communities thrive.  

Be sure to follow us on FacebookInstagramX and LinkedIn for more conservation stories and updates. 


Caring for Sumatran Orangutan Berani Through Kidney Disease

In 2024, Berani, the beloved 32-year-old Critically Endangered Sumatran orangutan, was diagnosed with kidney disease. Sadly, his condition has progressed to late-stage kidney failure, meaning his kidney function has declined to the point that the organs can no longer function on their own. Kidney disease is common in great apes, and our dedicated Animal Care and Veterinary Medicine teams are closely monitoring him. The average life expectancy for Sumatran orangutans in human care ranges from 30 to 50 years old. 

Berani voluntarily participates in aspects of his healthcare and treatment, a testament to the incredible trust he has in our teams and the strong bonds they have formed over the years. As part of that trust and care, he takes part in voluntary blood draws, allowing our teams to monitor his kidney values. Over the past few months, our teams have noticed a fluctuation in Berani’s values and behavior, prompting them to adjust his medication as necessary. 

Currently, he is stable and behaving normally. While Berani’s teams monitor his wellbeing daily, he continues to eat well, engage with his care team, and positively interact with enrichment and the rest of our orangutans. Just last week on February 15, Berani celebrated his 32nd birthday with his mate Eirina and daughters Cerah and Siska. He enjoyed trying new fruits as part of an innovative gorge enrichment experience, a monthly event our teams have implemented to enhance our orangutans’ well-being.  

Berani moved to Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance in 2017 from Audobon Nature Insitute on an Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan breeding recommendation. While he quickly became a beloved member of DZCA, he also became an international sensation who shocked the world with his remarkable caregiving instincts and caring personality. When Cerah’s mom and Berani’s mate, Nias, unexpectedly passed away in 2020 , Berani stepped in to care for Cerah—a behavior rarely seen in male orangutans. Since then, Berani has been an incredibly loving dad and it’s been amazing to watch Cerah grow under his watchful eye. Their bond remains strong, and while Cerah has naturally become more independent, she still often enjoys snuggling and spending time with dad. We anticipate that Berani’s upcoming passing could be a difficult adjustment for Cerah. Our teams are preparing to support her and the rest of the orangutans through this transition.  

Although his condition is stable for now, our teams estimate Berani has a few more months before his condition worsens. Every decision regarding Berani’s care will be made with his best interest in mind. 

As we prepare for the difficult road ahead, our teams are ensuring Berani’s final chapter is filled with comfort, dignity, and love.  

For updates on Berani and our other orangutans, please be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. 

Say G’Day! DZCA Welcomes First Joey Born in Down Under  

Baby on Board! 

Born September 2024 to first-time parents Adeliade and Cricket, this little one is still spending most of its time safely tucked inside mom’s pouch. Like all marsupials, red-necked wallabies are born extremely underdeveloped, about the size of a jellybean. Immediately after birth, the joey instinctively travels from the birth canal up into mom’s pouch, where it continues growing in a warm, protected environment. The joey develops in the pouch for about six months and is fully independent after nine months.  

Milestone Moments 

Our Animal Care Specialists are closely monitoring Adelaide and her joey and are thrilled to report that both are doing well. Lately, they’ve noticed the baby peeking out of the pouch more frequently—a sign that it’s getting curious about the world beyond its cozy hideaway! 

Over the next few months, this joey will reach new milestones including peeking out of the pouch, taking short trips outside and eventually becoming fully independent and graduating from the pouch for good.  

Say G’Day at Wallaby Way! 

Weather permitting, you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of this adorable new arrival during your next visit to Wallaby Way in Down Under. Down Under opened May 2024 and our newest multi-species habitat has quickly become a guest favorite.  

Thanks to generous community support, we received more than $1.5 million for the construction of Down Under as part of our “Into the Great Wild Open” campaign. This campaign supports all the great work we do, including access and education, animal care and new animal habitats and field conservation and sustainability efforts. For more information, to support our mission or to purchase tickets, visit DenverZoo.org

For updates on the newest member of the mob, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. 

Elevating Women in Conservation

In 2024, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) was honored to announce the recipients of the 2023 DZCA Women in Conservation Fund and Indigenous Bighorn Fellowship.

The Women in Conservation Fund provides support to women working in the field of conservation and who are creating solutions that benefit both wildlife and communities. Each received $5,000 that they can apply to supporting their work including: professional support, network building, learning exchanges, visibility and community building. DZCA’s Indigenous Bighorn Fellowship, a multi-entity collaboration, aims to break down educational and vocational barriers for Native conservationists.

We are humbled to not only be able to support the work of these extraordinary women, but to be able to learn from their expertise and knowledge. We also recognize that together, their collective impact on biodiversity benefits all of us. 

Read on to learn more about these women and be sure to stay tuned as we share their stories.

Chantira Saifimar (Indonesia)

With a background in Environmental Geography, and a team member at the Batum Serendit Philosophy Center, Chantira’s work focuses on protecting sea turtle habitat. With increase pressures facing these turtles and their habitat, Chantira’s increasing her efforts to focus on stronger relationships and partnerships with local communities to collectively seek sustainable solutions to protecting these species through education and workshops.

Nesha Inchida (Indonesia)

Nesha Ichida is a marine conservation scientist working as a program manager for an Indonesian NGO called Thrive Conservation. Ichida has been primarily focused on shark and ray research and conservation, marine protected area management, and community-based conservation initiatives in eastern Indonesia. She is also Co-founder and advisor to a youth-driven NGO focusing on marine debris issues called Divers Clean Action.   

Alia Firdamayanti (Indonesia)

Alia is a forestry engineer with a primary focus on preserving the key tree species in the lowland tropical forests. She is also focused on protecting the Dugong dugon, a marine mammal in the same family as manatees. Alia’s goal is to fill research gaps related to the Dugong dugon and its mangrove habitat in order to develop long term strategies for its survival. 

Fanny Cornejo (Peru)

Fanny is a Peruvian biologist and anthropologist working to save and protect Peru’s Yellow Tailed Monkey. She is Director of Yunkawasi, an organization focused on sustainable development and biodiversity conservation. Fanny was also a recipient of the Emerging Conservation Award from the Indianapolis Prize.    

Alifi Nisya (Indonesia)

Alifi is a Project Leader for Forum Konservasi Leuser, an Indonesia based NGO that focuses on the conservation of the Leuser Ecosystem in Aceh Province.  Through this work, Alifi has also channeled her passion and efforts towards the Asian Elephant and seeking innovative solutions to mitigating human elephant conflict in East Leuser by creating early warning system through the use ofbioacoustics. 

Rahayu Oktaviani (Indonesia)

Rahayu is a conservationist that has been focusing her work onresearching the behavior and ecology of the wild Javan gibbons in the Citalahab Forest, Gunung Halimun Salak National Park, West Java, Indonesia. To make the research accessible beyond the circles of scientists, she started translating her work into language that is easily understood by the general public through conservation education initiatives.  These efforts led her to start her own local conservation NGO called KIARA, which is committed to integrating human dimensions into conservation efforts through a holistic approachof scientific research, education, and community engagement. 

Jamie Begay (Indigenous Bighorn Fellowship)

While Jamie is not a receipt of the 2023 Women in Conservation Fund, she is the inaugural fellow of the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance Indigenous Bighorn Fellowship. Jamie Begay is a former field technician for the Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife (NNDFW) and an alumna of Diné College, the first tribally controlled and accredited institution of higher education in the United States. Jamie is currently pursuing graduate studies at Colorado State University where she is researching disease transmission from domestic sheep to bighorn sheep. Through her work, Jamie is reshaping Native conservation and emerging as a powerful leader, particularly for Native women in the field

Be sure to follow us on FacebookInstagramX and LinkedIn for more conservation stories and highlights.

DZCA Joins the Florida Reef Tract Rescue Project

Collaborating for Coral: What is the Florida Reef Tract Rescue Project? 

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums Florida Reef Tract Rescue Project (FRTRP) is a network of AZA-accredited facilities dedicated to rescuing, housing, and propagating corals affected by stony coral tissue loss disease. This project unites more than 20 zoos and aquariums, managing over 19 coral rescue holding facilities across the country. 

While researchers and scientists work tirelessly to find a cure, landlocked facilities like Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) play a critical role in safeguarding over 2,000 rescued corals, ensuring their survival for future restoration efforts. 

What is Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease? 

Florida’s coral reef is experiencing a multi-year outbreak of this disease that has impacted nearly 90% of Florida’s reef (over 109,700 acres). Unlike typical outbreaks, this disease spreads rapidly across vast areas, causing high mortality rates and affecting numerous coral species. 

Stony coral tissue loss disease is transmitted through direct contact and water circulation, making containment a significant challenge. Researchers are still investigating its exact cause, but collaborative efforts like the FRTRP are vital to mitigating its impact.  

(Land) Locked In: Coral Conservation in the Rockies

In January 2025, after a rigorous three-year application and preparation process, DZCA was thrilled to officially join the FRTRP. We welcomed 30 coral colonies from 10 different species, all rescued from Florida’s impacted reef systems.

Our corals are housed in a custom-built rescue coral holding facility within Tropical Discovery and will be cared for by our dedicated Animal Care Specialists who have over 30 years of aquatic expertise. This custom-built environment includes advanced systems designed to mimic natural ocean conditions, such as: 

  • Wi-Fi-Connected Lighting: Syncs with real-time weather patterns in Florida, allowing our corals to experience the same light cycles as their wild counterparts. 
  • Precision Water Quality Controls: Ensures optimal temperature, salinity, and nutrient levels for coral health. 

Protecting Coral, Preserving the Future 

The goal is to safeguard these corals for up to three years, giving researchers time to secure their native habitats and find a cure for stony coral tissue loss disease. Eventually, these resilient corals may be reintroduced to the wild, helping restore Florida’s reef ecosystems. 

Wondering what you can do? No matter where you live, you can make a difference for coral reefs. Here are a few changes you can implement to support coral and our oceans:  

  1. Reduce Water Usage: Less runoff means fewer pollutants entering waterways.  
  1. Recycle & Reduce Waste: Prevent plastic and debris from reaching marine environments.
  1. Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Choose sunscreens free from harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can damage coral reefs.
  1. Support Conservation Organizations: All visitsmemberships and donations to DZCA support our wildlife conservation efforts in Colorado and worldwide.  

For updates on this project, be sure to follow us on FacebookInstagramX and LinkedIn. Together, we can protect coral reefs and the countless species that depend on them.  

Important Notice of Guest Impact

UPDATED: FEBRUARY 20, 2025 

Map above shows a one-directional pathway through the zoo as a result of this closure.

Map above shows a one-directional pathway through the zoo as a result of this closure.

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is undergoing a significant upgrade to our Hoofstock habitats while also executing a full replacement of our water main—a $3.2 million project supported by the City of Denver. As a result, some pathways are currently closed, which will impact your visit.

As part of required water main project pathway closures, the North Parkway from Samburu Grille to Primate Panorama will be closed through March 5. Some pathways around Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance’s campus will be rerouted, and guest access to the following facilities and animal habitats will be limited:

  • Zoo Gardens
  • Wildlife Plaza
  • Animal Hospital
  • Sheep Mountain
  • Monkey Island
  • Bear Mountain

Additionally, DZCA will be closed on select dates to facilitate this work:
Full Zoo closures are on February 24, 25, 26, and March 3, 4, 5.

We appreciate your patience and support as we complete these essential upgrades.

Why This Project Matters

Every two minutes, a water main breaks in the U.S., spilling more than 6 billion gallons of fresh drinking water every day—enough to fill over 9,000 swimming pools. These failures waste resources, disrupt businesses, and create challenges for communities.

To ensure a sustainable and reliable water system, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is replacing a 50+-year-old water main, thanks to $3.2 million in funding from the City and County of Denver. This project will prevent future leaks, improve efficiency, and support our conservation efforts.

While this work is underway, we’re also using this time to complete additional improvements, including:

  • Removing Zoo Lights displays
  • Upgrading pathways
  • Enhancing the guest experience

We thank our community for their patience and support as we continue to invest in a stronger, more sustainable future for DZCA.

DZCA Welcomes First Somali Wild Ass Foal

Little Ass, Big Personality

Born on January 14 to mom Daisy (12) and first-time dad Kamowa (16), this little one has quickly become a beloved member of our animal family. Full of energy and curiosity, she’s already made her outdoor debut and is exploring her new home alongside her attentive mom.  

This spunky foal has wasted no time exploring her new habitat. Under Daisy’s watchful eye, she has been venturing outside, delighting staff and guests alike with her lively personality. 

Megan Grady, Lead Animal Care Specialist – Hoofstock, shares more about her excitement for this new addition:

“We are beyond thrilled to welcome the newest member of our herd. She has already shown that she is bright and confident, with a little sass thrown in for good measure. All births are a big deal, but there’s something a little extra special when it’s a Critically Endangered species like Somali wild ass. We are excited to start building relationships and training with this new little lady and are inspired by all the opportunities she represents for our program.” 

A Win for Somali Wild Ass

Somali wild ass are among the world’s rarest wild equids, with fewer than 150 believed to remain in their native eastern African habitats. These Critically Endangered animals face significant threats, including habitat loss and competition with livestock. The addition of this foal to our conservation program is a critical step toward safeguarding the species’ future. 

Only 11 institutions across North America house Somali wild asses, and our herd of four is part of a collaborative effort to boost their numbers and raise awareness about these incredible animals. Peach, dad Kamowa, mom Daisy and this new foal are wonderful ambassadors for their species.  

Each birth is a triumph, representing hope and resilience for this at-risk species.

Supporting Conservation Efforts

Our work to protect Somali wild asses doesn’t stop here. Through breeding programs, habitat protection, and public education, we’re proud to contribute to the conservation of this incredible species.  

How You Can Support Our Wild Babies

Working to save this Critically Endangered species and many others is not only directly aligned to DZCA’s mission—To Inspire Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations—but it’s also a costly endeavor that we cannot do without our donor community. Your financial contributions allow us to continue to provide world-class care for Critically Endangered species like the Somali wild ass, as well as the more than 2,500 other animals at DZCA. Click HERE to learn how you can lend your support!

Weather permitting, guests may get a chance to see Daisy and this energetic new foal during their next trip to DZCA! Stay tuned to learn more about how you can support this new foal, and follow her journey on Facebook, XInstagram and LinkedIn!

An Adorable Win for African Penguins

We Love Lucy: Welcoming Our New Penguin Chick

Our flock of African penguins has grown to 26 with the addition of our newest chick, Lucy!

Hatched in October 2024, Lucy faced a challenging start to life. After hatching, she developed a respiratory illness that required several weeks of specialized care. Our expert Animal Care and Veterinary Medicine teams made the critical decision to hand-rear the chick in the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Animal Hospital’s Small Animal Intensive Care Unit, where she received treatment, supplemental oxygen, and devoted round-the-clock care.

Thanks to their dedicated efforts, Lucy made a full recovery and is now thriving at Pinnacol African Penguin Point, presented by Pinnacol Assurance.

We’re excited to introduce Lucy to the public later this month and highlight the vital role our breeding program plays in protecting this Critically Endangered species. 

Behind the Scenes of Penguin Conservation at DZCA 

Helping protect African penguins is no small task. At DZCA, we’ve developed a carefully controlled breeding program designed to maximize the species’ genetic diversity and give each chick the best chance at survival.  

The process begins with a critical step: an egg swap. A wooden egg is temporarily placed in the nest to ensure the penguins continue incubating while the real egg is carefully transported to our Avian Propagation Center. This 14,000-square-foot facility, one of the largest of its kind in the nation, specializes in breeding and protecting endangered and critically endangered bird species and advancing global conservation efforts.

At the Avian Propagation Center, the real egg is placed in an incubator for precise temperature control and development monitoring. Our Animal Care Specialists also meticulously manage the egg’s weight loss during development, a key factor in ensuring the chick is good physical condition to hatch. Once the egg is ready to hatch, it is returned to the parents, who naturally take over caring for their chick.

This approach reflects the unwavering dedication of our Animal Care Specialists, who work tirelessly to ensure every chick has the best possible start in life, contributing to the survival of these precious species. 

A Future for African Penguins 

African penguins were recently reclassified from Endangered to Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. They face many threats in the wild like habitat loss and declining fish populations. Our breeding program contributes to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, a collaborative effort to maintain genetically diverse and healthy populations of animals in human care.  

Each successful hatching contributes to global conservation efforts, offering hope for the future of this incredible species. 

Check out this video to hear from Animal Care Specialists Liz and Ashley about Lucy’s journey and how Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is working to protect this Critically Endangered species.

Be sure to follow Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance on Facebook, XInstagram and LinkedIn for the latest in animal care and conservation.

Feast on This: Innovative Care for Sumatran Orangutans

Top-Notch Care and Innovative Enrichment 

At Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, we’re always looking for innovative ways to enrich and engage the animals in our care. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our first-ever orangutan gorge enrichment feeding, inspired by the natural fruiting seasons in their native habitats. This monthly event is designed to replicate the cycles of scarcity and abundance that Critically Endangered Sumatran orangutans experience in the wild. The hope is to offer our orangutans a unique and enriching opportunity to engage with their food just as they would in their native rainforests. 

Animal Care Specialist Cindy Cossaboon shares more about this innovative experience for our orangutans. 

Natural Behaviors and Abundance

In the wild, orangutans gorge on native fruits during fruiting seasons and consume large quantities of food to sustain themselves during leaner times. To simulate this natural behavior, our orangutans will engage in monthly gorge events featuring 40 pounds of native fruits. These special treats include exotic options like jackfruit, coconut, passion fruit, papaya, guava, and more! Not only do these fruits mirror the textures and flavors found in their natural diets, but they also encourage the orangutans to exhibit the foraging and exploratory behaviors that are essential to their well-being.

Supporting Animal Well-Being and Understanding

A collaboration between our Animal Care and Nutrition teams, this innovative program not only supports the physical and mental health of our orangutans but also deepens our understanding of their behaviors and preferences. By mimicking the rhythms of their wild environments, we’re able to foster a deeper connection between our animals and the ecosystems they’re a part of.

Be sure to follow Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance on Facebook, XInstagramLinkedIn and TikTok for more stories about our excellent animal care!