Summer is here and the fun in the sun has begun! As the temperatures rise and the days get hot, we keep cool however we can—a dip in the pool, frozen treats and plenty of shade. Our wild and wonderful animals are no different, except they rely on our care to beat the heat.
As the heat rises in Colorado, the challenges for our Animal Care team who look after 2,500+ animals continue to grow. Our staff is working hard at finding new ways to keep our animals cool during the hottest months of the year. Air-conditioned indoor spaces are available to cool off, but unsurprisingly, our wild animals do want to be outside—and we want that for them!
From fans and misters to ice machines and blood popsicles, our Animal Care Specialists are dedicated to coming up with creative ways to keep our residents comfortable in the heat of the summer while also providing fun and beneficial enrichment.
Check out these three unique ways our Animal Care Specialists help keep our animals extra cool and comfortable all season long!
Blood Popsicle, Anyone?
Our Animal Care Specialists love coming up with creative ways to keep our tigers cool in the summer heat, including making meat and blood popsicles!
Popsicles made of frozen blood and meat may not sound appetizing to us, but our big cats sure do love them, especially because they provide mental stimulation. A donation of $100 can provide our tiger with her favorite “bloodsicles.” Sounds delicious…at least if you’re ChloJo!
Rub-A-Dub-Dub, Three Hyenas in a Tub!
Who’s up for a cold plunge? Our spotted hyenas, Ngozi, Kelele and Tavi are—and don’t forget the bubbles! Treat our hyena pack to a sudsy spa day with a nice, cold bubble bath to clean up and cool off. Bubble baths also serve as enrichment, as hyenas like to hide things in water and come back to them later. Our Animal Care staff hides fun items for the pack to find and ups the challenge level by making the items hard to see. Whenever the suds come out, the pack gets extra excited to play! For just $48/month you can provide tubs of bubs for our spotted pack of three. If you’re a big fan of bubble baths, we’ve got some well-pampered hyenas who totally agree.
Throw Shade at Our Flamingos
Because wild animals want to be outside as much as possible, shade is the gold standard for keeping animals cool when the summer sun is hot. While our Horticulture team continues integrating trees into new and current habitat designs, some of our habitats require unique shade solutions, like a custom shade sail. These shade sails require concrete caissons, structural steel for poles, the shade material and installation. Installing custom sails is a big-ticket item at $65,000 a pop, but every little bit helps! Keep our flock fabulous and donate any amount today.
As a non-profit organization, your donations continue to provide world-class care for all our animals, including keeping them extra cool and comfortable all season long.
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@DenverZoo in the Wild
Our Carnivore team recently shared some adorable nighttime footage of our African lions snuggled up in a behind-the-scenes den box. We`re not lion, these photos are too cute not to share! Happy Valentine`s Day from all of us at DZCA! 🩷🦁
Spring Safari Camp is Here! 🐾
Looking for a wild way to spend Spring Break? Spring Safari Camp is the ultimate adventure for animal-loving kids! This year, campers will explore how animals use their super senses to communicate, find food, and stay safe in the wild.
🦉 March 24–27 | 9 A.M. – 4 P.M. | Grades K–4
🌿 Each day features a unique theme!
🌟 Hands-on Exploration | Animal Encounters | Zoo Adventures
Join us for one day or all four—it’s going to be an unforgettable experience for young explorers!
Spots are filling fast—sign up now! Link in bio.
💡 Scholarships Available
#SpringSafari #ZooCamp #SpringBreak #DenverZooConservationAlliance
Happy #LoveHornbillsDay a day celebrating the king of birds! Hornbills are incredibly smart and curious and here at DZCA we’re home to three species and six individuals. Just check out Bunsen playing with Animal Care Specialist, Amanda F.!
One of the most recognizable features of hornbills is their casque - a hollow, horn-like structure on top of their beak made of keratin. In some species, like the rhinoceros hornbill, this casque can make up over 10% of their total body weight! It’s often used to amplify calls. Attract mates, and protect their beaks.
Sadly, hornbills face major threats in the wild, with the illegal ivory trade and habitat loss, pushing some species toward extinction. The casque, sometimes called “red ivory,” has made them a target for poaching.
Next time you visit, stop by their habitats and show some love for these incredible birds!
#Hornbill #Conservation #DenverZooConservationAlliance
We are sad to mark the end of an era with the passing of Captain America, our 24-year-old blue-streaked lory and the oldest bird in Lorikeet Adventure. Captain began experiencing neurological issues that affected his ability to perch and move safely in his habitat. Given his declining health, our dedicated Animal Care and Veterinary Medicine teams made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize him on February 6.
Captain America was a standout from the moment he arrived at DZCA in 2002 as part of the first interactive public habitat in the Primate Panorama Forest Aviary. Instantly a crowd favorite, he captivated guests with his striking colors and lively personality, maintaining his popularity when Lorikeet Adventure opened.
Captain was truly one of a kind—bold, charismatic and deeply loved by volunteers, staff and guests alike. Much like his hero namesake, he was a leader among his flock and beloved by visitors around the world who would come just to catch a glimpse of him. He was a confident bird, respected among the flock, and selective with his trust. He chose only a lucky few human and feathered friends to form deep bonds with.
He was also playful and mischievous, often stealing feeding cups from visitors. But above all, he was loyal to those he loved. He spent most of his time with his longtime companion, Toothless, playing, bathing, and preening one another. Another lorikeet, Trey, joined their close-knit circle in recent months, offering additional comfort in Captain America’s last days.
Captain America will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Animal Care Specialists Jennifer P. and Ashley S. shared heartful tributes to this lovely lory, which you can read in the comments below. We also invite you to share your favorite moments and memories as well. 💙 ❤️
