Lions and tigers and bears, Oh My! The Denver Zoo has over 4,000 animals from all over the world displayed in naturalistic settings.
The Zoo, founded in 1896, is one of the leading zoological parks in the United States. Not only does it display animals, it is involved in conservation, breeding programs, and education.
The zoo has a thriving breeding program, which is important for endangered species. Visitors can see the latest additions in the nursery – rare Cayman lizards, giraffes, and Sumatran Orangutans are among the babies born in 2010.
The zoo is laid out in a giant loop, with species grouped in display areas. There is a picnic area at the Duck Lake and a miniature train ride through the Primate Area.
In the Bird World, visitors walk through open aviaries with some species and watch through the Bird World Kitchen Window, as specialized meals are prepared.
In the Indoor Rainforest, visitors can explore a temple ruin deep in the heart of the jungle. You then travel along a river to a swamp and coral reef teeming with fresh-water and marine fish.
In the Wild Encounter Area, visitors can hear a hissing cockroach, touch a snake, and pat an alligator. All educational programs are designed to bring visitors in touch with nature and develop a deep appreciation of the importance of animals.
Visitors can watch Gorillas and Orangutans roaming freely in their enclosures, playing with ropes, eating, or just napping in the sun. Tree-dwelling primates live in huge mesh tent structures where they can play and move about just as they would in nature.
Children of all ages will delight in riding the Endangered Species Carousel. The handcrafted animals include elephants, gorillas, and a mother polar bear and her cubs.
A trip to the Denver Zoo is a bargain adventure for the family – fun and educational – at one of the best zoos in the country!









