Protecting Endangered Species
Denver Zoo’s commitment to saving wildlife dates back more than 125 years.
Today, with at least a million species on the brink of extinction, our role as a Colorado wildlife conservation champion is more important than ever. Wondering how you, our beloved community, can support our work to save endangered species in Colorado and worldwide? Here’s how to protect wild animals—both here on our campus, and around the globe.
Simple Ways to Support Denver Zoo
Easy Ways to Make an Impact
How to Choose Sustainable Seafood
Less than 15% of the world’s fisheries are considered sustainable—resulting in nearly 1,100 endangered fish species, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Choosing sustainably farmed fish helps reduce the pressure on wild fisheries and allows populations to rebuild. To learn more about which sustainable seafood choices are best for you, visit SeafoodWatch.org—a service of our AZA partner, Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Get Inspired. Inspire Others.
During your visit, listen and learn as much as you can about how to help protect endangered species—then teach your family and friends. Here are a few ways to get inspired:
- Attend our daily animal demonstrations and keeper talks.
- Book a spot in one of our Intimate Up-Close Look experiences.
- Sign up for one of our transformative education programs.
- Connect with our dedicated staff and volunteers—we love it!
Use Only What You Need.
Conserving energy and water reduces greenhouse gas emissions and can help reduce the effects of climate change—ultimately protecting endangered species. Here are simple ways to make a difference:
- Follow lawn watering guidelines, purchase water-saving appliances, fix leaking sinks and toilets and take the shortest possible shower.
- Change your furnace filter, put caulking around windows and install an automatic thermostat at energy-efficient set points.
- Install energy-efficient appliances or bulbs, and find other resources to help save energy—and money!
- Bike, carpool or walk whenever possible. Use My Way to Go to find a better commute!
Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
Protect endangered species by preserving their natural habitats and keeping harmful pollutants and toxins out of the environment. It saves you money, too! Learn other ways Denver Zoo protects the environment and our community through our sustainability programs.
Shop Smart to Help Save Animals
As a zoo-based conservation organization, Denver Zoo is dedicated to giving our guests the information they need to make choices that support a healthy planet. That’s why we’ve partnered with Palm Done Right® to spread the word about palm oil and its impact on wildlife habitat.
Volunteer
Become a Denver Zoo volunteer to inspire our guests to help save wildlife, or volunteer for one of our local conservation efforts, like the Colorado Pika Project*. You’ll conduct valuable research that will be used to help threatened alpine ecosystems and species.
Get Out the Vote
Legislation on the allocation of public funds can directly impact conservation efforts and environmental regulations. So, educate yourself around ballot issues and let decision-makers know you value wildlife and wild places.