Español
Indonesia’s Leuser Ecosystem is the last place on Earth where Critically Endangered Sumatran elephants, tigers, orangutans and rhinoceroses coexist in the wild. This remote UNESCO World Heritage site is home to countless fragile habitats and threatened species. Yet due to illegal farming and development, the entire area is in grave danger. That’s six million acres at risk.
When looking for global conservation work to support, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance specifically seeks out landscapes like Leuser: where there is strong alignment with the species in our care and our new strategy and where we can make a measurable impact with modest resources. The Leuser partnership is just one of several new Field Conservation efforts we’re launching this year throughout Asia. Read on to learn exactly what we’re doing, how—and why!
SUMATRA | CONSERVATION CAPACITY STRENGTHENING
In the Leuser Ecosystem, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance is excited to be working with Forum Konservasi Leuser (FKL), a passionate grass-roots NGO working to protect this unique area and its wildlife. Through this partnership, Denver Zoo will help FKL build a field station for research and monitoring, assist with the restoration of local habitats and much more.
We’ll also support work in surrounding communities in Aceh province, Sumatra, to raise awareness about the long-term effects people have on these fragile ecosystems—with a focus on helping local people secure livelihoods with lower environmental impact. And here at the Zoo, our Sumatran tiger and orangutan family are also raising awareness! By helping our guests form a connection with individuals like ChloJo and Siska, we can spread the word about the dire need to protect their relatives in the wild.
LAOS+ | ASIAN ELEPHANT RESEARCH + EDUCATION
Once called Lan Xang, Land of a Million Elephants, Laos was home to one of the largest elephant populations in Southeast Asia. But today, habitat loss, human-elephant conflict and the illegal wildlife trade have taken a devastating toll. Only about 400 wild elephants remain in the entire country, with the largest group found in Nakai-Nam Theun National Protected Area. More data is needed to address the unique threats to this important elephant population.
We’re proud to partner with Association Anoulak as they study Asian elephant population size, genetic diversity and social dynamics to inform Laos’ National Elephant Action Plan. We’re also working with the Elephant Conservation Center (ECC) to support the education of a Lao veterinarian and lab technician. By providing access to specialized training not currently available at the National University of Laos, this partnership will benefit both the ECC and the Lao conservation community as a whole.
Denver Zoo has also become a Conservation Partner of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Asian Elephant Specialist Group, a group of global experts dedicated to managing and protecting the species across the continent. And right here in Toyota Elephant Passage, Denver Zoo experts continue to study our beloved Asian elephant bachelor herd! Our ongoing findings are shared not only with our colleagues in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums—but with elephant conservation organizations all over the world.
LAOS | NORTHERN WHITE-CHEEKED GIBBON RESEARCH
In the dense forests of the natural range of the northern white-cheeked gibbon, they’re incredibly difficult to see—and study! The Annamite Range, which straddles Laos and Vietnam, is one of the last strongholds for this Critically Endangered species. Here, we’ll expand our work with Association Anoulak to support a research program using cutting-edge acoustic recorders. Using sound to monitor gibbon populations isn’t new, but this technology is much more accurate than the previous method: human hearing.
WALKING THE WALK—INTO A GREENER FUTURE
Everything in nature is connected. That’s why our strategy follows the One Health model—a unified approach that connects humans, animals and ecosystems for the health of all. In addition to our work with wildlife and habitats, we must also work with local people to identify and address the root cause of threats. The goal? A world in which humans and animals can share resources in a way that’s sustainable for both. There’s much work yet to be done. Our new partnerships in Asia are only part of the bigger picture…stay tuned for more announcements!
Wondering how you can help? All visits, memberships and donations support our wildlife conservation efforts in Colorado + worldwide. For updates on our conservation work, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.
@DenverZoo in the Wild
Colorado Gives Day is HERE! 🎉 🐾🩺
At DZCA, our dedication to veterinary excellence comes at a high price with medicine and hospital equipment costing over $367,000 per year. Today, your gift allows us to continue to provide our beloved residents with the gold standard of zoological medicine. For every donation made today, a group of generous donors have agreed to give an additional $100*.
Maximize your impact and donate today! Link in bio. 💚
Colorado Gives Day is TOMORROW! Our dedication to veterinary excellence comes at a high price, with medicine and equipment alone costing $367,000. But with your support, we can continue to provide state-of-the-art care for every animal at DZCA. Visit the link in our bio to donate now!
Now is the BEST time to give! Every donation made now through Colorado Gives Day (tomorrow, December 9), will be increased by $100 thanks to a group of generous donors:
💚 Donna Devine
💚 Kelli Frame
💚 Laura Mitzner Paletz
💚 Kugler-Nalty Family
💚 Charles Scoggin
💚 Carol and Bill Tomerlin
*up to $42,000
🤍 NEW EXCLUSIVE ARRIVAL ALERT 🤍
Hop on the chance to snag this limited-edition Marshmallow plush and adoption kit tomorrow, December 9, during Colorado Gives Day! Check our Instagram Stories from 10–11 a.m. MST and 3–4 p.m. MST to learn how you can get one before they’re officially released to the public. 👀
A very limited number of custom-made Marshmallow plushies, designed after our very own albino wallaby, will also be available in the DZCA Gift Shop later this month, but tomorrow is your best chance to snag one!
You asked; we listened! We`re offering more Zoo Lights Adult Nights this season on December 8 and January 1. ✨
Whether you’re going for a date or gathering with friends, Adult Night is just for kids at heart, ages 21 and up. Enjoy silent disco and everyone’s favorite Conservation Carousel karaoke—unleash the performance you were born to give to an audience of merry-go-rounders! Your admission also includes a complimentary canned alcoholic drink (non-alcoholic and GF options available). Join us for a night out at Zoo Lights without the kids!
Visit the link in our bio to get your tickets!
