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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
Dr. Lynn Von Hagen and Sean Ploysa of DZCA have been on the ground in Rwanda and Uganda training field rangers and conservation teams from our partner organizations: the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association and the Kyambura Lion Monitoring Project, and other partners including Queen Elizabeth National Park.
When our partners identified a critical need, we listened. Their field teams are working miles from the nearest hospital, in landscapes shared with buffalo, elephants, and lions, and expressed a need for basic first aid and CPR training.
Over two and a half weeks, across two countries and multiple partner organizations, DZCA trained over 80 individuals in lifesaving skills.
This is what meaningful partnership looks like. Not just sharing resources, but sharing expertise, building trust, and showing up for the people on the front lines of conservation every single day.
@savingrwandawildlife
@queenelizabethnationalpark
#SavingWildlifeTogether #Rwanda #Uganda #DenverZooConservationAlliance #DZCA #FieldConservation #AfricaConservation #CapacitySharing
Now that our Sumatran orangutan baby is here, we need your help choosing the perfect name for him! With a $5 donation per vote, you can choose your favorite from three names—Oka, Rambutan or Jamartin—lovingly chosen by his Animal Care team.
Today we`re featuring the name Oka. This traditional Balinese boy`s name has meanings rooted in family, such as "child" or "heir."
Is our new baby an Oka? Voting is open now through June 29 and your donation goes beyond just choosing a name. It helps provide world-class care for Hesty and her mini and supports conservation efforts for Critically Endangered Sumatran orangutans in the wild. Vote now by visiting the link in our bio.
📸: Animal Care Specialist @christa.love
We’re happy to share that Hesty and her baby boy have been thriving behind the scenes for the last few weeks! First-time mom Hesty is doing an amazing job with motherhood and her baby boy is meeting all his developmental milestones. He has even been introduced to dad Jaya and Hesty’s half-sister, Cerah, who are both showing all the appropriate behaviors for meeting a new baby. 🧡🦧
Now that Hesty and her baby are ready, we’re gearing up for member previews and an official public debut! Members, you’re invited to join us in our Great Apes indoor building June 14–17 from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. for an exclusive sneak peek of Hesty and baby, before the public debut on June 18. Simply present your membership QR code for entry.
Please note that visibility may vary. As she continues to bond with her baby, Hesty will keep her little one close and may choose to spend time in behind-the-scenes spaces. Thank you for your patience and understanding as they acclimate.
📸: Animal Care Specialist Christa K. and Lead Animal Care Specialist Shayla B.
You`re invited to join us for a summer-long celebration filled with exciting surprises and all-new experiences in honor of our 130th anniversary! With animal birthday parties, extended Zoo hours, member exclusives, special events and more, there`s something new to discover, all season long.
Here`s what`s in store as we celebrate 130 years together:
🎉 Catch the Celebration Squad roaming the Zoo with fun games, giveaways, and dance parties.
🎂 Celebrate a few wild animal birthdays with special celebrations for our flamingo flock, Harley and his animal Ambassador friends, and our lion cubs!
☀️ Beat the heat and the crowds with member early entry and select extended hours! The Zoo is open exclusively to members 8:00–9:00 a.m. through Labor Day and then on select Fridays + Saturdays this summer, we`re open for all guests until 9:00 p.m.
🐾 Say hi to amazing Animal Ambassadors at the Main Entrance from 8:00–9:30 a.m. and 2:30–4:00 p.m.
📸 Don`t miss photo-worthy moments across the Zoo to help commemorate your visit.
⛰️ Visit the Colorado Lounge in Wildlife Plaza for local brews, local artists and more.
One visit won`t be enough! Join us all summer as we celebrate 130 unforgettable years of wonder, connection and conservation. Learn more by visiting the link in our bio. 💛
