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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
Step into a dazzling after-dark adventure at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, where more than 175 new, larger-than-life lanterns illuminate the night. Handcrafted by our partners at @tianyuartsculture, these stunning displays bring the beauty of wildlife to life in a truly unforgettable way. 🏮✨
Here are five reasons you won’t want to miss it:
🌟 Spectacular lanterns and immersive scenes
🫧 Interactive experiences like bubble bikes and whimsical games
🌸 Fan-favorite installations, including the return of the Fog Flower
🎶 Nightly entertainment featuring live music and Animal Ambassadors
🎉 Special themed evenings, including our last K-Pop Night on April 18 and Adult Night on May 7
💡 Pro tip: The later you go, the brighter the glow!
Glowing Wild runs on select dates through May 10, so don’t miss your chance to wander the world in a single evening.
🎟️ Get your tickets today through the link in bio.
#GlowingWild #DenverZooConservationAlliance #DenverEvents #ThingsToDoInDenver
JUSTB 🫶 DZCA
While the Zoo’s elephant boys were safely and securely sleeping in their indoor bedrooms, @justb_ig_official brought True Heart to Toyota Elephant Passage at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance! 👀🐘🌹
@geonulife @_s.w_oo @sang_wooo @6a1n__ #justb #denverzooconservationalliance #kpop #trueheart #denver
We had a blast showing JUSTB around Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance! 🫶🦥🐘🦒🔥
Geonu, Siwoo, Sangwoo and Bain got to meet a few of our animals behind the scenes, bring True Heart to our elephant habitat, enjoy a sneak peek of our Glowing Wild lanterns and learn more about our work.
Catch JUSTB tonight, April 15, at the Roxy Theater, and don’t miss DZCA`s final Glowing Wild K-Pop Night on April 18!
@justb_ig_official @geonulife @_s.w_oo @sang_wooo @6a1n @theroxydenver #justb #denverzooconservationalliance #denver #denverevents #kpop #snowangel #TrueHeart #geonu #siwoo #sangwoo #bain
✨ See the Zoo in a whole new light! ✨
You may have spotted our 175+ colorful lanterns during your daytime visit, but the real magic begins after sunset. As night falls, Glowing Wild transforms Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance into an immersive, illuminated wonderland. 🌙🏮
Watch as these iconic displays transition from day to night and experience the glow that has everyone talking. But don’t wait! This fan-favorite event is only here through May 10!
Mark your calendars for these special themed nights:
🎶 K-Pop Night – April 18
🍻 Adult Night – May 7
Experience the real Glowing Wild after dark! Check the link in bio.
Presented by @tianyuartsculture
#GlowingWild #DenverZooConservationAlliance #DenverEvents #ThingsToDoInDenver
