December 29, 2006
Weather Complications Close Denver Zoo & Zoo Lights Dec. 30
Zoo Clearing Tree Branches & Clearing Snow, Unsure of Status for New Years Eve
Denver Zoo announced it will not open during the day or for its nighttime Zoo Lights event on Dec. 30, after grounds crews working 12 hour shifts were unable to complete necessary snow removal for parking and visitor pathways. The zoo is not sure it will complete necessary work to provide a safe experience for visitors by Dec. 31. Visitors should www.denverzoo.org or call 303-376-4800 for the latest information.
“We have done our best to open to the public. However, our first priority is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our animal collection. Those needs have been met, but they took a great deal of time due to the weight of the snow, the ice created by the high moisture content and damage to tree limbs. It will take more time before we are able to open to the public,” says VP for Operations Dennis Smith.
The latest storm blanketed the Zoo’s canopy with heavy snow, breaking tree branches and weighing down mesh on animal enclosures. In addition to these safety hazards, the significant amount of snow remaining from the last storm added to the complicated process of keeping paths clear to the animal hospital, commissary and animal holding areas.
“Zoos have many special duties that other businesses would not have to consider. When you’re operating a zoo, the battle with snow is a little more complicated than just plowing visitor pathways,” Smith said.
Thanks to grounds and maintenance crews and especially animal staff efforts, there have not been any problems related to animal care, buildings or structures. However, the time spent caring for those crucial needs, did not leave crews the necessary time to clear parking lots or all of the pathways.
Parking is an additional factor in the zoo’s decision to close. Needing to deploy all available personnel to address the internal operations of the property, clearing all of the surface lots would be impossible. The zoos limited underground parking would be quickly overwhelmed if we received many visitors.
“Being hit twice in such a short time with these conditions has been very taxing on all of our resources. We strive to meet the public’s expectations and provide a fun family venue year round. I just hope people understand that we have given it our all,” said Denver Zoo VP for Marketing Ana Bowie.
Zoo Lights is Denver Zoo’s largest annual event and the largest lighting event in the Rocky Mountain region.
December 22, 2006
 DENVER ZOO PLANS TO REOPEN DEC. 23 AT 5 P.M. FOR ZOO LIGHTS
Denver Zoo and its nighttime lighting event, Zoo Lights, will be closed today, Friday, December 22, 2006. Crews on-grounds are working to clear pathways in preparation of opening tomorrow evening for Zoo Lights at 5 p.m. An announcement will be made regarding the zoo’s status on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2006. Visitors should check the zoo’s web site at www.denverzoo.org or call 303-376-4800 for the zoo’s status.
“We have a dedicated staff working to reopen the zoo as soon as possible. With the amount of snow that has fallen, we will need most of Saturday to finish clearing the snow and hope to open the zoo Saturday evening for Zoo Lights,” says VP for Operations, Dennis Smith.
At the time this press release was sent out, a section of 23rd Avenue had not yet been cleared, making entry into the zoo difficult for visitors and staff. Key personnel, some working around the clock, have remained on zoo grounds throughout the blizzard caring for the animals.
Zookeepers and veterinarians have been monitoring the animals throughout the storm. After 108 years in business, the zoo has weathered several storms and is accustomed to accommodating the needs for more than 650 species throughout blizzard conditions. Animals have shelter within their exhibits and many are given indoor/outdoor access, allowing them room to roam and warm shelter from the elements. Aside from warm shelters, many animals also have hot rocks to enjoy the winter scene in comfort.
December 18, 2006
DENVER ZOO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN SWEEPS COMPETITION -
"Preservation with Admission" Takes Best of Show in International Competition
Denver Zoo’s 2006 advertising campaign “Preservation Included with Admission” was honored with the Best of Show award and three first place Brass Ring awards at the 2006 International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA) award ceremony held in Atlanta, Georgia. The IAAPA Brass Ring Awards program is an annual international competition and awards ceremony that recognizes excellence in marketing for amusement and attraction facilities worldwide.
Developed by McClain Finlon Advertising, the agency that has worked with the zoo for more than eight years, the new campaign won first place awards in the radio, outdoor and television categories for attractions, and Best of Show for the print campaign for attractions and amusement parks submitted from around the world. Other finalists included LEGOLAND, Knott’s Berry Farm, SeaWorld San Diego and World of Fun/Oceans of Fun to name a few.
“This was a completely different approach than the zoo has taken in the past. We wanted to create awareness of the zoo’s leadership role in conservation and let people know that by visiting the zoo they are supporting the preservation of animals and their habitats around the globe,” said Ana Bowie, Denver Zoo’s VP for Marketing & PR.
McClain Finlon met the challenge using preservation messaging while still showing the zoo’s recreational attributes. Combining animation with actual photos of the animals, ads were developed from a child’s perspective showing quirky ideas kids might suggest to help animals around the globe. From giving pillows to monkeys who might fall out of trees, to equipping giraffes with laser beam eyes to ward off evil-doers, the ads were wildly popular among children and their parents.
”Research shows that children have a predisposition to activism,” said Cathey Finlon, CEO of McClain Finlon. “They are also passionate about animals so we helped the zoo create a fun campaign kids and parents could understand and appreciate. Both were motivated to visit the zoo knowing they could have fun and also help animals here and throughout the world.”
Denver Zoo also used the campaign to encourage kids to come up with their own creative ideas on helping animals. Radio ads solicited children to drop off their own suggestions of how to protect animals around the world.
“We wanted to encourage children to become aware of animal conservation and get them involved at a young age. However, conservation must be carefully presented to a child so the message is positive and provides a fun learning experience. We want to teach children to care about animals so they will become active conservationists as adults,” says Bowie.
Denver Zoo was so pleased with the campaign they hope to continue the theme in 2007.
November 25, 2006
 Young howler monkey now on exhibit with parents & lion cubs now in big yard
Denver Zoo’s black howler monkey, a female named Violet who was born April 29, has recently moved from the nursery to her exhibit with her parents in Tropical Discovery. Violet was being hand raised in Denver Zoo’s nursery due to an injury she sustained after losing her grip on her mother’s back. The young monkey has fully recovered and zoo keepers say she is doing wonderfully. She can be seen on exhibit daily in Tropical Discovery.
Denver Zoo veterinarians took Violet on a daily trip to visit her parents in Tropical Discovery while she was in the nursery, and once she was old enough, introductions began. The whole family is getting along great, and keepers have even observed Violet “howling” along with her parents. Howler monkeys are known for their remarkably loud and persistent calls described as howls or growls.
Denver Zoo staff is thankful for all the zoo’s animals this Thanksgiving, and to celebrate, lion cubs Razi and Zuri will begin rotation into the big yard of Predator Ridge. The cubs, born August 2, have previously been on exhibit only in the Maternity Den, but since they are older now and growing quickly they will get to explore the larger main exhibit yard.
September 28, 2006
 DENVER ZOO LION CUBS POUNCE ON PUBLIC EXHIBIT - Veterinarians Give Clean Bill of Health to Cubs, Allowing Them to Go on Exhibit
Visitors to Denver Zoo can now see two eight-week-old lion cubs, Razi (which is Swahili for "secret") and Zuri (which is Swahili for "beautiful") on exhibit in "Pahalli Ya Mwana," the maternity den habitat in the Predator Ridge exhibit at Denver Zoo. Born August 2, the cubs have been bonding behind the scenes with their mother, a lioness named Baby.
The two African lion cubs recently were given a clean bill of health from zoo veterinarians after their first wellness checkup and immunization shots at the Denver Zoo's hospital. Zoo vets also weighed the cubs during the exam. Razi weighed 18.3 pounds; Zuri weighed 16.7 pounds.
The two cubs, are lionesses, Baby, and male, Krueger's second litter together; Baby and Krueger are also the parents of ten-month old cub, Asali. Baby gave birth to Asali, her first cub, less than a year ago and despite zookeepers' best efforts, after about three weeks of caring for Asali, Baby lost interest and the cub and quit nursing. This time around zookeepers are very pleased with the how Baby is doing, and say she is a very protective mother.
Krueger and Baby are both eight-year-old African lions on breeding loan to Denver Zoo from Columbus Zoo as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). The newborn cubs are highly valued in North America for their genetic uniqueness.
Aug 23, 2006
 DENVER ZOO THANKS SENATOR ALLARD FOR SECURING
$1 MILLION APPROPRIATION IN SUPPORT OF NEW EXHIBIT
Denver Zoo President/CEO Clayton Freiheit and Denver Zoological Foundation Trustee Bruce Benson will thank Senator Wayne Allard (R-CO), for securing a one million dollar federal government appropriation to support Denver Zoo’s plans to build a new, environmentally-sound, 10-acre exhibit called Asian Tropics at a formal press conference at Denver Zoo on August 23. Zookeepers will also give Senator Allard a chance to meet two of the elephants that will benefit from the project, Mimi and Dolly.
Asian Tropics will be the future home of 15 Asian species including elephants and rhinoceros. An exceptional component of the new exhibit will be the installation of a biomass gasification system designed to convert the zoo’s solid waste materials into on-site energy generation and distribution.
Asian Tropics is a unique zoo exhibit designed to completely change the way zoos care for highly-endangered Asian elephants and Indian rhinos. The biomass gasification system is expected to convert more than 90 percent of the zoo’s trash into useable energy that would be utilized to operate the Asian Tropics facilities. The expansive complex will give guests the opportunity to explore and discover the rich history of animals in Asian culture, their complex relationship with humans and the efforts by Denver Zoo and other colleagues to protect their future. Asian Tropics will provide significantly expanded and enriched space for various animal species, as well as opportunities to rotate Asian elephants, Indian rhinos and Malayan tapirs among the five outdoor enclosures.
The $1 million appropriation is the first donation of this size for the project. Matching City and County of Denver bond funds will be used to double this generous appropriation. In 1999, a bond initiative for $62.5 million dollars was overwhelming approved by Denver voters to support the Zoo’s Millennium Master Plan which envisions $125 million in long-term improvements. Asian Tropics is expected to cost approximately $40 million and take approximately three years to build.
Aug 21, 2006
 LION CUBS BORN AT DENVER ZOO
Newborn Cubs Can Be Watched Via Live Video Feed At Denver Zoo
Denver Zoo is celebrating the recent birth of two African lion cubs. Born to lioness, Baby, on August 2, the two cubs, a male and a female, each weighing about seven pounds, have already opened their eyes! The cubs are currently bonding with their mother behind the scenes, but visitors can watch the trio via live video monitors in “Pahali Ya Simba,” the Interpretive Center of Predator Ridge.
In a rare delivery, the male cub was born about twelve hours after Baby gave birth to the female cub (making his official birthday August 3). Because zookeepers initially thought that there might have only been one cub, the male cub was named Razi a Swahili word for “secret.” The female cub was named Zuri which is Swahili for “beautiful.”
Baby was a first-time mother less than a year ago when she gave birth to now eight-month old cub, Aslai, on November 23, 2005. Despite zookeepers’ best efforts, after about three weeks of caring for Asali, Baby lost interest and the cub was fostered by surrogate mother, Natal. This time around zookeepers are hopeful that Baby will continue to nurse and care for her cubs without any intervention from zoo staff.
Zookeepers say Baby is doing well caring for her newborn cubs. During this critical bonding period, both mother and cubs will remain off-exhibit. Baby came to Denver Zoo from Columbus Zoo with the opening of the zoo’s Predator Ridge exhibit in June of 2004. This is the third litter for father, Krueger, who had three cubs with lioness, Tawny, in September of 2004.
Krueger and Baby are both eight-year-old African lions on breeding loan to Denver Zoo from Columbus Zoo as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). The newborn cubs are highly valued in North America for their genetic uniqueness.
Lion cubs are born after a relatively short gestation period of between 105 and 110 days and they come into the world with their eyes closed and spotted coats. Lionesses normally give birth to between two and four cubs. For the first two months the cubs drink only their mother's milk and cubs are fully weaned by the time they are seven months old.
PLEASE NOTE: The cubs are not yet on exhibit. An announcement will be made when they are available for public viewing and media opportunities.
Aug 10, 2006
 DENVER ZOO CELEBRATES "BERTDAY" FOR HIPPO'S 50TH - Special Activities Planned to Celebrate Bert the Hippo's 50th Birthday
Denver Zoo’s oldest resident, Bertie the hippo will begin celebrating his 50th “Bertday,” August 17 with activities and cake for the hippo!
Zookeepers have planned a five-day celebration with hippo demonstrations daily at 2:30. From 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. August 17 – 21, visitors can also enjoy an interactive hippo discovery station, a historic display of this well-known hippo and a hippo-sized card for children to sign. Cards from other zoo animals and from some of Bert’s offspring will also be on display. Bertie’s celebration will conclude on August 21, his official birthday.
Bertie, affectionately called Bert, has lived at Denver Zoo longer than any other animal resident. Bert arrived at the zoo on December 16, 1958, from Central Park Zoo and was the first hippopotamus to ever reside at Denver Zoo. Bert is the father of every hippo calf born at the zoo. He only has had two mates his entire life, and has fathered 29 hippopotamuses!
Bertie came to Denver Zoo as a donation from Arthur E. and Helen Johnson. The Johnsons were pioneers in the development of Denver Zoo and long-time supporters. Helen Johnson was a former Denver Zoological Foundation Trustee and chaired its board for many years. The couple bid on Bertie in an auction and secured travel arrangements for him when he was two years old. Upon seeing young Bertie in New York, Mrs. Johnson said “he has a lot of personality and will make a fine addition to the City Park Zoo.”
A fine addition indeed - the young hippo was a media sensation and his arrival was greatly anticipated. Throughout the years Bertie has been one of the most documented animals at Denver Zoo and has been featured in numerous stories in the daily papers. Bertie is one of Denver Zoo’s most well-known animals and a visitor’s favorite.
Download a Bert wallpaper for your computer!
July 2006
 DENVER ZOO'S BABY GIANT ANTEATER NOW ON EXHIBIT
- Six-week-old Giant Anteater Can Be Seen On Mother's Back Daily between 9-11 a.m.
Denver Zoo’s newest addition is a giant anteater baby named Camilo which means "child born to freedom" in Latin. Camilo was born to parents Monita and Freedom on May 13 and can now be seen sniffing out his new exhibit in Primate Panorama riding on his mother’s back between 9 and 11 a.m.
Camilo is Monita's first offspring and she has taken to motherhood wonderfully. The youngster is still getting used to his new surroundings and will gradually spend more time on exhibit as he gets older and more independent. Camilo and Monita spend the rest of their time in an off-exhibit maternity den.
Giant anteaters are born after a six month gestation and climb through their mothers' fur onto the top of her back immediately after birth. Young anteaters normally ride on their mother's back for most of the first year of their lives. Seeing the youngster snuggled on his mother’s back is quite a site. The giant anteater is a very unique species that can weigh anywhere between 44 and 90 pounds. These animals have very distinctive markings including a black and white stripe over their shoulder. This color pattern breaks up their outline and helps camouflage them from potential predators. When the young anteater rides on the mother’s back the position it takes causes the line on the juvenile to line up with the line on the mother, making the youngster virtually invisible to predators.
Giant anteaters have many defining characteristics including a long snout, a long sticky tongue to catch insects and a long plumed tail. Giant anteaters use their long claws and strong sense of smell, which is 40 times more powerful than man’s, to locate their dinner and tear through ant or termite mounds. Their sense of smell is so powerful that they can tell what species of insect they smell before they even reach the colony. Their long sticky tongue is covered with tiny spines and can be pushed two feet out of the mouth to catch ants, termites or grubs. The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is native to Central and South America and is currently classified as vulnerable due to hunting and habitat destruction.
Camilo his mother are only on exhibit from 9 – 11 a.m. daily while they are adjusting used to their new digs. When the pair goes off exhibit for the day Camilo’s father, Freedom, and the troop of spider monkeys are on display.
June 29, 2006
 NEW GIRAFFE BABY BORN AT DENVER ZOO - NOW ON EXHIBIT! Three-month old giraffe, Luna, now has a baby sister!
Denver Zoo is celebrating its second reticulated giraffe birth of the year. Born on July 6 at 8:30 in the morning, to mother Janie and father Dikembe, this new healthy female calf can be seen on exhibit with three-month old sister, Luna.
Mystic and her mother Janie have been spending quiet-time in the Giraffe House since her birth and the new youngster is now ready to explore the outdoor yard. Mystic will join the rest of her herd including parents, Janie and Dikembe, aunt, Masika, older brother, Dudley and sister, Luna, in the outdoor exhibit as she makes her introduction to the public.
Mystic made an impressive entrance into the world by being delivered after less than an hour of labor, standing within one hour of being born and nursing only two hours after birth. Giraffes are born after a 15-month gestation period. The calf will nurse on her mother’s milk for approximately 6 months, at which time she will be weaned. During the first two years of a giraffe’s life, it doubles its height to be almost 12-feet tall.
Denver Zoo is now home to a giraffe herd of all sizes. As the newest member of the family, Mystic is also the smallest, measuring six-feet, one-inch tall and weighing 136 pounds. Older sister, Luna, has grown significantly since her birth in April and zookeepers estimate her height at around seven-feet, seven-inches and her weight as 212 pounds. One-year old giraffe, Dudley, is estimated to be ten-feet, five-inches tall and weigh 625 pounds. The smaller of the two adult females, Masika, is approximately 12-feet, ten-inches tall and weighs around 1,400 pounds. Janie is significantly larger than fellow mother, Masika, measuring in at an estimated 14-feet, eight-inches tall and nearly 1,800 pounds. Proud father, Dikembe, towers over the rest of the herd at an estimated 15-feet, eight-inches and 2,400 pounds.
Giraffes are the world’s tallest land mammal and can grow up to 17-feet tall. An adult female is between 1,540 to 2,600 pounds at maturity and an adult male ranges from 2,420 to 4,215 pounds at maturity. Like human fingerprints, the markings of a giraffe’s coat are unique to each individual. Reticulated giraffes are native to the dry savannahs and open woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa.
June 29, 2006
 RARE PRIMATE BORN AT DENVER ZOO
Red-Capped Mangabey Infant Now on Exhibit
Denver Zoo is celebrating its first birth of a rare primate species, the red-capped mangabey, since 1999. Experienced parents, Hank and Galina, welcomed their new offspring into the world on June 10 and the infant has been named Kipaji, (Kih-pah-gee) which means gifted or talented in Swahili.
Young Kipaji is doing well and can now be seen on exhibit with the rest of the troop. This curious youngster is very active and has started to leave mom for short periods of time to explore the exhibit on his own.
This species has been classified as critically endangered due to hunting and rapid habitat decline as a result of deforestation. Red-capped mangabeys are also rare in zoos. Kipaji is only the third red-capped mangabey ever to be born at Denver Zoo and one of only 26 in eight North American zoos today. Denver Zoo is a participant in the Species Survival Plan (SSP) initiated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The Species Survival Plan program began in 1981 as a cooperative population management and conservation program for selected species in zoos and aquariums in North America. Each SSP manages the breeding of a species in order to maintain a healthy and self-sustaining population that is both genetically diverse and demographically stable.
Red-capped mangabeys are found in a very small region near the coast of sub-saharan western Africa. This species is known locally as kako because of the distinct vocalizations and alarm calls made by both males and females that sound similar to this given local name (kaa-ko! Kaa-ko!).
This unique species, like its relative the baboon, has very distinct markings. While their bodies are a subtle gray-brown, these old world monkeys have very prominent facial markings including dark maroon-red hair on the top on their heads, white hair in the shape of a collar around their necks and bright white eyebrows. Mangabeys are slender, with long limbs and a long tail. Males range in weight from 24 to 31 pounds and females from 15 to 22 pounds. Males are about 20 percent larger than females.
Breeding takes place throughout the year and mangabey infants are born after a gestation period of approximately 175 days. The young may potentially nurse as long two years. However, nursing becomes less frequent after the first few months when the juvenile begins to supplement mother’s milk with fruit and vegetation. Kipaji has already begun eating endive in addition to his mother’s milk.
Mom has her hands full with this active youngster, as Kipaji is always exploring. Mom does get some assistance from the other two females in the troop, Gerta and Kari, who are very interested in the new baby.
June 27, 2006
 DENVER ZOO FAMILY NIGHT BRINGS FAIRY TALES TO LIFE - Enchanted Evening of Myths & Legends Planned - Thursday, July 6 from 6:30- 9 p.m.
You don't have to wait for "Once Upon a Time" or visit "a land far, far away," for families to “live happily ever after.” Just join in Denver Zoo’s first annual Family Night on Thursday, July 6, from 6:30- 9 p.m. Themed "Animal Myths and Legends" Family Night offers children and their parents an enchanted evening where fairy tales will come alive complete with costumed characters, story telling, animal demonstrations, and a feast fit for a king.
This event will teach children of all ages more about some of the zoo’s favorite animals, celebrating some classic fairytales as well as dispelling myths about some of the zoo’s residents. The Three Bears, Little Miss Muffet, The Three Little Pigs and Little Red Riding Hood will entertain visitors and zoo guests can also get in the spirit of the evening by dressing up as fairytale characters and joining in the zoo’s costume contest. All guests that dress up will be entered into a drawing where they could win a family membership or a behind the scenes tour of the Gates Education Center animal housing and a private live animal demonstration.
In addition to fun with fairytales, Family Night will also include live animal demonstrations, activities and games to help tell the true story of some zoo animals that are misunderstood, such as bats, snakes, spiders and insects.
This after-hours family party will be a night of fun, food and learning for parents and children of all ages. Admittance for zoo members is $15 or $55 for a family four-pack and for non-members admission is $18 or $65 for a family four-pack. For more information call 303-376-4894
June 15, 2006
 TWO RARE MARES ARRIVE AT DENVER ZOO - Severely-Endangered Przewalski's Wild Horses now on Exhibit at Denver Zoo
Two one-year-old Przewalski’s (chi-vaal-ski) wild horses recently arrived at Denver Zoo from San Diego Wild Animal Park. This rare endangered horse was once extinct in the wild and there are only 97 in zoos in North America today. The two new girls, Yisun (Yee-sun) and Saikhan (sie-KAHN) which means “beautiful” in Mongolian, can now be seen on exhibit with fellow mare, eight-year old Bernia and 14-year-old gelding Bonsoir (Bone-swaa).
Przewalski’s wild horses (or P-horses as affectionately used by zookeepers) were considered extinct in the wild from 1969 until 1992 when reintroduction began in Mongolia. Today, there are less than 300 free-ranging horses in Mongolian National Parks. Reintroduction of this species into their natural habitat faces numerous challenges. The steppes where this species lives is in jeopardy due to overgrazing from livestock. The hunting of Przewalski’s wild horses and the possibility of interbreeding with feral horses (i.e. formerly domestic horses now living wild) hinders this species’ success in the wild. Since 1996, Denver Zoo has participated in numerous projects throughout Mongolia working with local collaborators and students on research and conservation efforts for multiple species in this area.
Przewalski’s wild horses are also known as takhi, which is Mongolian for “spirit” or “spirit horse” and are important to Mongolian culture because they are considered symbols of the nation’s heritage.
Although there is some debate surrounding the topic, this species is believed to be the direct ancestor of the modern day domestic horse, but there are some distinct differences. Przewalski’s wild horses are smaller than most domestic horses, measuring between 12 and 14 hands (about four feet tall) and weighing between 450 and 700 pounds. While domestic horses have 64 chromosomes, Przewalski’s wild horses have 66. Unlike the mane of domestic horses, Przewalski’s wild horses manes are made of short, stiff black hairs that stand up-right.
The color of Przewalski's wild horse varies throughout the year. In warmer months, their coats are beige, brown or dun. Their underbellies and muzzles are paler. The tale and mane are dark brown or black. In colder months this horse’s coat lightens.
May 23, 2006
 DENVER ZOO TO OPEN NEW LORIKEET EXHIBIT
- New Exhibit Offers Up-Close Interaction with Lorikeets
Denver Zoo will open its newest exhibit, a new open-air aviary designed for public interaction with Lorikeet parrots on May 27. The new Lorikeet Adventure exhibit will provide visitors an up-close and personal experience with some fine-feathered friends.
“Denver Zoo visitors have enjoyed close interaction with lorikeets since Lorikeet Adventure opened in 2002. The new aviary will provide an even better experience for our visitors,” says Denver Zoo VP for Planning & Capitol Projects George Pond.
The $1.9 million exhibit includes a 3,500 square-foot mesh walkthrough aviary designed to allow visitors to hand feed these brightly-colored parrots nectar throughout the year weather-permitting. The new exhibit will provide guests with easier entry, wider pathways for navigation and a rolling brook that winds through the exhibit and seating areas. The structure, just west of Primate Panorama will also provide more room for bird housing.
Visitors can enter Lorikeet Adventure free with admission. Nectar to feed the birds can be purchased for only $1. Visitors feeding the birds should expect a close encounter of the feathered kind – these birds have been known to land on arms, hands and even heads!
Lorikeets (also referred to as Lories), native to Australia, are specially adapted to eat flower pollen and nectar by using their brush-like tongues. Lories come in a wide variety of colors, ranging from scarlet and green to royal blue, fiery orange and violet. Red, violet-necked, blue-streaked, ornate and rainbow lories are the five colorful species that will be free-flying through the exhibit landscape.
May 18, 2006
 DENVER ZOO HAND-RAISES INFANT HOWLER MONKEY
- Monkey can be seen being attended to at the Zoo's Nursery
Denver Zoo veterinary staff members are working around the clock to care for an infant black howler monkey. The young female born on April 29 is recovering well after losing her grip on her mother just hours after her birth in the zoo’s Tropical Discovery exhibit. The infant broke her finger due to the fall and is now being cared for by veterinary staff.
Visitors can see the young female named Violet in the zoo’s nursery during regular zoo hours for the next couple of weeks during her recovery. Daily, veterinarians walk the infant to Tropical Discovery to visit her parents and nightly they take her home to care for her. Once fully recovered, the monkey will move to Tropical Discovery and will go through introductions with her parents in an off-exhibit area. She will then move onto exhibit with her family. This is the seventh birth of this species at Denver Zoo.
Howlers are particularly noted for their remarkably loud and persistent calls described as howls or growls. Some calls have been known to carry up to one-and-a-half miles in the forest and up to three miles over water. The male howler has the loudest call of any primate. The adult males are entirely black while the adult females are a gold color with black faces. All babies are born a buff color and gradually change to their adult color.
May 11, 2006
 DENVER ZOO'S ANIMAL MOMS HOST MOTHER'S DAY - New Giraffe Mom & Calf are One of Many Pairs Celebrating Mother’s Day - Interpretative Stations 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday, May 14
Take your mother to Denver Zoo this Mother’s Day to see and learn more about zoo mothers and how they care for their young. On Sunday, May 14, Mothers of the Wild Kind Interpretative Stations will show how mothers raise offspring in the wild, featuring many new Denver Zoo additions, including the zoo’s Western lowland gorilla baby, Mishmi takin calf, Asiatic black bear cubs, lion cub and a new baby giraffe calf!
The giraffe calf is the newest baby at Denver Zoo. Luna was born to Masika on April 22 and both mom and calf are doing well. The six foot tall, 158 pound bouncing baby girl received a clean bill of health and is now on exhibit. Zookeepers say the new calf is feisty and playful and that she is always following her mother very closely. On Mother’s Day at the giraffe interpretative station, visitors will learn more about why giraffe mothers, like Luna’s mom, Masika, raise their young in herds. Masika has raised five other calves and is a very attentive mom to her newborn.
Visitors will discover how and why lion mothers, like Asali’s adoptive mother, Natal, live in a pride and work together to raise cubs at the Preditor Ridge interperative station. Asali was born to first-time mother, Baby, on November 23, 2005, but when her birth mother did not know how to care for her she was adopted by her aunt, Natal. Lion cubs usually are born with their eyes closed and have spotted coats. For the first two months, they drink only their mother's milk.
At the Mishmi takin interpretative station visitors will discover why Mishmi takin mothers, like Binggao’s mom Tien-Tien, have such a strong bond with their young. Tien-Tien has given birth to four other calves and is currently taking wonderful care of her new playful young calf, Binggao. This unique species is a distant cousin of the Musk ox and is found in western China, Bhutan and Myanmar. Mishmi takins are classified as endangered due to rapid habitat decline and hunting threat. Binggao is the fifth Mishmi takin born at Denver Zoo and one of only seven Mishmi takins in two North American zoos.
At the Bear Mountain interperative station visitors will learn how mother bears, like Tenzing, work alone and protect their young in dens. Because the young are born blind with their eyes closed, cubs need a lot of care from mother bear. In January of 2003, Asiatic black bear mother, Tenzing, raised Ginseng and is now the proud mother of the three bear cubs (Chai, Thai, Omai). These cubs were born on January 16, 2006 in an off-exhibit maternity den and just went on exhibit with their mom on Monday, May 1. The Asiatic black bear is sometimes called the “moon bear” because of its long, jet black fur and distinctive white crescent shaped chest marking.
Visitors will find out about how Tinga’s mother, Rapunzel, overcame her obstacles and learned how to be a good mother at the Primate Panorama interpretative station. Although young Tinga is Rapunzel’s second baby, this is the first time Rapunzel has raised a baby on her own. With her first baby Rapunzel did not how to care for her infant. Rapunzel learned how to be a good mother to Tinga from watching veteran gorilla mom JoRayK with her baby.
May 2, 2006
 DENVER ZOO’S RARE ASIATIC BLACK BEAR CUBS ON EXHIBIT
- Denver Zoo Has Second Successful Rearing of Black Bear Cub
Denver Zoo’s three black bear cubs (Selenarctos thibetanus), Chai (Cheye – like the tea), Thai (Tie) and Omai (Oh-my) can now be seen on exhibit! Born on January 16, 2006, the young bears have been bonding with mom behind the scenes but are now big enough to move to their outdoor habitat in the historic Bear Mountain exhibit.
This is the second successful rearing of Asiatic black bear cubs at Denver Zoo. There are only 32 Asiatic Black Bears in North American zoos. The two male cubs and female cub are on exhibit with their mother, Tenzing (Ten-zing). Moktan (Mock-tan), the cubs’ father, is not involved in the rearing process, just like in the wild.
The Asiatic black bear is sometimes called the "moon bear" because of its long, jet black fur and distinctive white crescent shaped chest marking. Asiatic black bears once were native to a wide range of Asia but now are threatened and can only be found in Southeast and East portions of Asia. The Asiatic black bear is hunted for its body parts (especially the gall bladder), which are used in Asian cuisine and medicines.
April 26, 2006
 DENVER ZOO CELEBRATES "APE-RIL" WITH NEW FEMALE ORANGUTAN
Denver Zoo's newest resident, Nias, a 17-year-old female Sumatran orangutan has joined Mias, the zoo’s resident male orangutan in Primate Panorama. Visitors can see the orangutans’ acrobatic tree-climbing abilities and learn more about all the zoo’s primates with a guided tour of Primate Panorama on April 30. These docent-lead Wild Walks are open to all ages and free with admission on the hour 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Nias, comes to Denver Zoo from El Paso Zoo on a breeding loan sanctioned by the American Zoo and Aquarium Associations’ Species Survival Plan (SSP). The SSP helps maintain genetic diversity of rare and endangered species in captivity. Animals often move to and from different zoos to help ensure a viable population of the species for years to come through this plan.
"We have already observed breeding, so things seem to be going quite well for this pair. Nias is fitting right in and is very comfortable in her new habitat and with her new mate, Mias. They are great to watch together on exhibit," says Curator of Primates Beth Jo Schoeberl.
Orangutan means “person of the forest” in Malay. The orangutans of Denver Zoo can often be seen showing off their arboreal talents, swing from ropes and trees in their expansive habitats. In the wild, orangutans are critically endangered due to logging, fires and to a lesser degree, the practice of killing a mother to secure an infant or juvenile for the live animal trade.
April 11, 2006
DENVER ZOO HAS RARE MISHMI TAKIN BABY BORN - NOW ON EXHIBIT!
- Infant is One of Seven Mishmi Takins in Zoos across North America
Denver Zoo is celebrating the birth of its newest resident, a baby Mishmi takin (Mish-mee Taw-kin) born to Tien-Tien (Tee-en-Tee-en) on February 18. Mother and baby are doing well and are now on exhibit. Binggao (Bing-gow) is the fifth Mishmi takin born at Denver Zoo and one of only seven Mishmi takins in two North American zoos. This species has been classified as endangered due to rapid habitat decline and hunting threats.
Zookeepers found the newborn on February 18, when temperatures were recorded at -5 degrees. Zookeepers brought the calf to the Zoo’s animal hospital where veterinary staff slowly warmed the infant with heating pads and gave her intravenous fluids. The calf’s temperature rose from 92.6 degrees to a normal range of 99.2 degrees within two hours. Under veterinary care, the calf recovered quickly. With bottle feedings of double-strength goat’s milk, Binggao has grown from 15 pounds to 43 pounds, a remarkable recovery. Zookeepers also brought Binggao’s mother, Tien-Tien to the hospital to stay with the infant during this critical bonding period. Both are doing well and can be seen together on exhibit.
Mishmi takins are distant cousins of the Musk ox and are found in western China, Bhutan and Myanmar (formerly Burma). Their sturdy legs and large hoofs allow them to live in groups on steep terrain in the alpine and sub alpine forests of the eastern Himalayas. They have a large head with a humped nose and a broad muzzle. Both sexes have horns and their dark, yellowish gold coat is covered with natural musky oil that helps them stay dry in Asia’s misty highlands. When full-grown they stand approximately 3 ½ feet high, 4 – 6 feet in length and males can weigh up to 700 pounds.
March 9, 2006
 DENVER ZOO HAS A NEW HYENA CUB IN PREDATOR RIDGE!
Denver Zoo welcomes another birth at the zoo, a spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) born to mother, Ngozi (Nuh-Go-Zee) and father, Kibo (Kee-boe) on January 19, 2006. This is the second hyena birth at Denver Zoo within the last year. There are only 50 spotted hyenas on exhibit in 19 North American zoos.
Zookeepers named the cub Pinduli (Pin-doo-lee), which is Swahili for “catalyst for great change.” The cub will go on exhibit sometime this spring. However, visitors can see the young cub via a live video feed on monitors in the interpretive center of Predator Ridge. The hyena cub weighed approximately three pounds at birth and now weighs 12 pounds! Zookeepers have not identified the sex of the newborn yet.
The hyenas share the use of the habitat with African Wild dogs and lions on a rotational basis since the opening of the Predator Ridge exhibit in June of 2004. Like the other animals in Predator Ridge, spotted hyenas are native to Africa. The spotted hyena is the largest of the four hyena species and can weigh up to 250 pounds. These hyenas have longer forelegs than hind legs and feature sandy brown spotted coats. Spotted hyenas scavenge carcasses or kill prey in packs. These packs can bring down large prey like zebras and can force lions to abandon a kill. A single hyena is capable of chasing and killing prey three times its own weight. The spotted hyena has very powerful jaws that can crunch large bones.
Please note: The cub will go on exhibit sometime this spring. However, visitors can see the young cub via a live video feed on monitors in the interpretive center of Predator Ridge. An announcement will be made when the cub goes on exhibit.
March 2 , 2006
 THREE ASIATIC BLACK BEAR CUBS BORN AT DENVER ZOO - Denver Zoo Has Second Successful Rearing of Black Bear Cubs
Denver Zoo is celebrating the birth of three black bear cubs (Selenarctos thibetanus), Chai (Cheye – like the tea), Thai (Tie) and Omai (Oh-my), born January 16, 2006 in an off-exhibit maternity den. The two male cubs, female cub and their mother, Tenzing (Ten-zing) will be on exhibit in the early spring. Zookeepers say the three cubs are doing well and have opened their eyes. This is the second successful rearing of Asiatic black bear cubs at Denver Zoo. Asiatic black bears were native to a wide range of Asia but now are threatened and can only be found in Southeast and East portions of Asia. The Asiatic black bear is hunted for its body parts (especially the gall bladder), which are used in Asian cuisine and medicines.
Moktan (Mock-tan), the cubs’ father, is not involved in the rearing process, just like in the wild. The Asiatic black bear is sometimes called the “moon bear” because of its long, jet black fur and distinctive white crescent shaped chest marking.
Download a background image for your computer!
February 23 , 2006
 ADOPTED LION CUB NOW ON PUBLIC EXHIBIT - Denver Zoo’s Lion Cub Continues to Thrive Under Adoptive Mother’s Care
After a rough start, Denver Zoo’s new female African lion cub (Panthera leo) is now on public exhibit in the maternity area of Predator Ridge called “Pahalli Ya Mwana,” (Swahili for place of the young). The public can now see the four-month-old cub being cared for by her foster mother, Natal, and two lionesses from their pride, weather permitting.
The lion cub, named Asali, which is Swahili for honey, has made remarkable strides under the watchful eye of her new foster mother and the zookeepers and veterinarians who care for her daily. After being rejected by her biological mother, Asali’s health dramatically declined. Zoo staff began hand-raising the cub and then successfully introducing her to a lioness named Natal, who adopted the young cub. Having gained significant weight and shown increased energy, zoo veterinarians have given the cub a clean bill of health.
The lion pride will be on regular rotation with the male African lions, African wild dogs and spotted hyenas in Predator Ridge.
January 12, 2005
LIONESS ADOPTS YOUNG CUB AT DENVER ZOO - Surrogate Mother Gives Cub Second Chance in Pride
After a difficult start in life, Denver Zoo's seven-week-old lion cub is thriving under the care of her new surrogate mother, lioness Natal, and the zookeepers who bottle-feed her daily. This little female lion cub, named Asali, now has a second chance to be part of a pride of lions.
"Natal has proven to be a nurturing mother. We're so pleased that she is willing to raise this cub as her own. To our knowledge this is one of the first successful introductions of a surrogate lioness and cub in North American zoos," says VP for biological programs Lynn Kramer.
Born to a first-time mother, a lioness named Baby, on November 23, Asali was nursing and appeared to be doing well her first few weeks with her mother. However, after three weeks zookeepers saw a sudden change in behavior, as the mother lost interest in nursing. Zoo staff began offering the cub supplemental bottle feedings by briefly separating the animals - ultimately hoping to keep the mother and cub together long-term.
Despite the zoo's best efforts and continued supplemental bottle feedings, Asali lost weight and appeared lethargic. Zoo staff responded quickly transporting the cub to Alameda East Veterinary Hospital for further examination on December 18. Alameda East Veterinarian and Zoo Board Member Dr. Robert Taylor and the zoo's veterinary staff found the cub was dehydrated. To help the cub gain strength, the veterinarians inserted a feeding tube to supplement the bottle-feedings.
Asali responded immediately showing increased strength and playfulness as her weight began to climb. Staff continued offering the cub bottle-feedings to supplement the tube feedings as veterinary staff cared for the cub around the clock, taking the young cub home nightly.
Continuing to socialize the cub was also a priority and during the day, Asali would visit the other lionesses. Lions are the only feline species living in groups called a pride. A lioness named Natal, who had recently given birth to stillborn cubs, was very interested in Asali. The two would often get nose to nose between a safety mesh barrier during their daily visitations.
Within days the barrier was removed and Natal has adopted the cub as her own, allowing her to attempt to nurse and grooming her daily. She has also proven to be protective and keeps an eye on zookeepers when they offer Asali bottles.
"This is really an amazing success story for us. We want animals to be raised with their species. Natal is a unique animal to adopt another cub as her own and in doing so, she's given this cub a shot at a normal life with other lions," says Dr. Kramer.
Asali now weighs more than 13 pounds and appears to be in excellent health. Although Asali and Natal are not on exhibit, when within the camera's range, the pair can be seen on the zoo's video monitors in "Pahali Ya Simba," the Interpretive Center of Predator Ridge.
Watch a cub movie and download a lion cub background image for your computer!
Jaunary 2005
Denver Zoo's New Residents Will Have You Seeing Stripes
Meet Denver Zoo's new group of zebras! Two mares, named Topaz and Lindsay, and a stallion named Punda can be seen on exhibit on the south side of Predator Ridge. All three zebras come to Denver Zoo on breeding loans, as recommended by the American Zoo & Aquarium Associations' (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). The SSP helps maintain genetic diversity of numerous animal species in captivity.
This is the first time Denver Zoo has had a zebra stallion on exhibit since 1998! Punda, whose name means zebra in Swahili, joins Denver Zoo from the Calgary Zoo. He will be six years old in June. The two-year-old zebra named Topaz, from the Bronx Zoo, is the smaller of the two mares on exhibit. The larger female, named Lindsay, is a 15-year-old mare on breeding loan from Dallas. Denver Zoo's female herd of zebras can still be seen on exhibit with the ostriches in the yard just east of Predator Ridge as well. |
