DENVER ZOO CELEBRATES BIRTH OF DE BRAZZA'S MONKEY - Visitors Can See Active Youngster on Exhibit in Primate Panorama, Weather Permitting
Denver Zoo is thrilled to announce the birth of a male De Brazza's Monkey named Kanoa! He was born to mother, Marinda and father, Kisoro, on November 27. This is the second birth for Kisoro, who came to Denver Zoo under extraordinary circumstances. Weather permitting, visitors can see Kanoa climbing around his habitat in Primate Panorama.
Like his sister Kanani, born December 19, 2009, Kanoa is described as very independent and precocious despite his mother's early attempts to be protective. This makes his name all the more appropriate. "Kanoa" is Hawaiian for "free one."
Kanoa's father, Kisoro, came to Denver Zoo in 2006 and is believed to have been born in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He was rescued off the black market as an orphan illegally up for sale to be used in the pet trade or as bush meat. He was not returned to his native habitat because he lacked the skills to survive in the wild. Marinda was born at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo and came to Denver from the North Carolina Zoo in 2009. The two were paired under recommendation of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) which ensures healthy populations and genetic diversity among zoo animals. Fortunately, the couple has proved to be an excellent match.
De Brazza's monkeys live in both swamps and forests of central Africa. They are difficult to find, though as they are excellent at hiding and can freeze in place for several hours if they sense they are in danger. In fact, because they hide so well it is unknown how many exist in the wild. Though they are not considered endangered, their greatest threats come from habitat loss.
They typically live in small social groups that generally consist of a dominant male and many females. Adult males weigh around 15 pounds. Females can weigh about half as much. They have grayish fur with black limbs and white backsides. Their faces are distinguishable by orange, crescent-shaped markings on their foreheads and white muzzles and beards. They get their names from Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, a French explorer in the late 1800s.
Dec. 16, 2010
DENVER ZOO'S FIRST ANDEAN CONDOR HATCHLING TO ENJOY OPEN AIR - Young Male Condor will soon Travel to Colombia for Reintroduction into Wild
An Andean condor that hatched in May 2007 at Denver Zoo will soon spread its long wings in its native habitat as part of a collaborative reintroduction program. This unnamed male, along with another condor from San Diego Zoo's Safari Park, just took flight last night aboard a plane bound from Miami to Bogota, Colombia. They were both housed at the White Oak Conservation Center in Yulee, Florida as part of a partnership with the Center and San Diego Zoo through the Association of Zoo's & Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP).
The reintroduction process takes time. The condors have been housed at White Oaks for about two years. The facility offers limited human contact and large enclosures that allow several condors to be housed together so they can gain important socialization behaviors prior to release in the wild. After their arrival in Colombia they will be transported to the release site in the Andes Mountains where they will be quarantined up to 45 days prior to release in February. Then they will join 80 other Andean condors that were reared by U.S. zoos and sent to Colombia and Venezuela in previous years.
Denver Zoo's condor was actually the zoo's first Andean condor chick. Denver Zoo has since hatched two more chicks. The soon-to-be reintroduced condor was chosen for reintroduction by managers of the Species Survival Plan for this vulnerable species. Numerous SSPs manage the breeding and conservation of a species in accredited zoos, in order to maintain a healthy and self-sustaining population that is both genetically diverse and demographically stable.
Successful reintroduction has bolstered the numbers in the wild. Since 1989, when the first young Andean condors were released into Colombia, monitoring by Colombian biologists has confirmed that the released birds have survived, matured, and are now beginning to breed, a significant milestone of success for any reintroduction program. The Andean condor program is international in scope with assistance from federal and local agencies in North and South America. Although 40 zoos have assisted, 18 zoos in the United States have sent birds to South America as part of this conservation program.
Andean condors once came dangerously close to extinction due in part to aggressive hunting. They were placed on the Endangered Species list in 1973, but have since been making a dramatic comeback, thanks in part to the efforts of zoos' breeding programs and conservation work. There are estimated to be only a few thousand of these birds remaining in the wild. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies them as "near threatened."
The largest raptor in the world and the largest flying bird in South America, adult Andean condors can weigh over 30 pounds, stand over four-feet-tall and have a wingspan of up to 11 feet! These impressive birds may live for 50 years or more, and mate for life.
Dec. 9, 2010
ZOO LIGHTS NAMED TOP 20 LIGHTING ATTRACTIONS IN WORLD ON EVENT'S 20TH ANNIVERSARY - Denver Zoo Offers Great Prizes as Part of 20th Celebration
Bing! The results are in. On the 20th anniversary of Denver Zoo's Zoo Lights celebration, the search engine, Bing, has listed it as the 20th top lighting attraction in the world. Guests are invited to see for themselves. The holiday tradition begins tomorrow night, December 10 and will run nightly through January 2, from 5-9 p.m.
Because you don't turn 20 everyday, Denver Zoo is offering grand prize packages to every 20,000th Zoo Lights visitor. The lucky few will receive a special up-close animal experience, a year-long zoo membership and a $100 dollar gift certificate for the Kibongi Market Gift Shop, perfect for the holidays. Even guests who don't win the big prize can still take home something. Denver Zoo's "Cheer Patrol" will be out and about celebrating the Zoo Lights 20th anniversary and sharing the holiday spirit with random gifts of free carousel rides, hot chocolate and zoo admission.
"We have so much to celebrate here at Denver Zoo. This is our way of saying thanks to our community for 20 years of memories," says Denver Zoo Director of Marketing Patrick Phelan. "We expect to give away one of the grand prize packages on opening weekend!"
Zoo Lights will shine brighter than ever this year with more than 150 animated animal sculptures that swing through trees, jump across lawns, hide in bushes and appear in places where they're least expected. Zoo Lights features more than 38 brilliantly illuminated acres of lights and the opportunity for children to visit Santa Claus.
This year's event also promises a time like no other in Colorado. Festivities will include live animal demonstrations, carolers, instrumental groups, dancers, delicious holiday treats at warming stations throughout the zoo and the ever-popular Zoo Year's Eve party.
Zoo Lights Special Events lineup:
DESSERTS WITH SANTA
DEC. 22 Bring the kids, your camera and an appetite as Santa Claus himself takes a break from his hectic holiday schedule to join you for a variety of decadent holiday treats at dessert.
WILD ICE
DEC. 17-23 See Santa's helpers with power tools create a special ice-carving garden, filled with more animal sculptures than before.
BUNK WITH THE BEASTS DEC. 22 & 31
Our regular Bunk with the Beasts program lights up with holiday cheer for Desserts with Santa Family Bunk. Enjoy the wonders of Zoo Lights as a family, share a snack with Old Saint Nick, explore how wild animals adapt to winter habitats and then, sleep overnight at the zoo, just like our animal residents. Sign up at www.denverzoo.org/education/bunkwithBeasts.asp
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
DEC. 10-JAN. 2
Schedule your birthday party at Zoo Lights! Parties include a Birthday Party room, a private, interactive animal show and Zoo Lights admission for each guest. Sign up at www.denverzoo.org/visitors/birthdayParty.asp.
CELEBRATE KWANZAA
DEC. 26 Denver Zoo will celebrate this African cultural holiday with music, entertainment and activities.
ZOO YEAR’S EVE
DEC. 31 On the brink of a New Year, children also can experience the fun of Zoo Year's Eve, a wild New Year's Eve party that begins at 5 p.m. on Dec. 31 with entertainment, activities and crafts that leads up to an early 9 p.m. countdown to the New Year!
Zoo Lights is the largest lighting event in the Rocky Mountain Region and the largest annual event hosted by Denver Zoo. It takes six members of the Denver Zoo staff three months to set up the displays, and an equal amount of time to dismantle the 38 acres of lights.
This year tickets can be purchased at www.denverzoo.org. Admission to Zoo Lights is $8 for adults (12-64), $4 for children (3-11), $6 for senior citizens (65+), children 2 and under are admitted free. For more information on Zoo Lights, please call Denver Zoo at (303) 376-4800 or visit www.denverzoo.org.
MEMBERSHIP OFFER
THROUGH DEC. 31 Anyone who purchases a new or gift Denver Zoo membership before Dec. 31 will receive two complimentary passes to Zoo Lights. Members can renew early and we will add a year to the date the current membership expires. To purchase a membership or for more information, call 720-337-1476 or visit http://denverzoo.org/involved/membership.asp.
December 1, 2010
DENVER ZOO SEEKS PUBLIC SUPPORT IN PEPSI REFRESH VOTE - Grant Money Would Fund Asian Tropics Gasification System
Denver Zoo is asking the public to help them save the planet with a few mouse clicks! The zoo has entered its poop-to-power gasification system into the Pepsi Refresh Project contest. Winners of the contest are decided by public votes cast every month. If declared the winner, the zoo will receive $250,000 to fund the clean energy system in the forthcoming Asian Tropics habitat. The public is encouraged to cast votes at www.denverzoo.org/pepsi or by texting 104740 to 73774.
"Poop to power may not be the sexiest project on the list, but it could be the most beneficial," says VP for Planning and Capital Projects George Pond. "Poop and trash can be found everywhere, so to utilize it as a green energy resource is something that could benefit the entire planet."
The zoo is offering incentives to voters who support their efforts to win the grant. Mobile phone users who show their sent text message vote to zoo cashiers can enjoy buy-one-get-one-free daytime admission December 3, 4 and 5.
According to the Pepsi Refresh Project website, organizers are "looking for people, businesses, and non-profits with ideas that will have a positive impact." Denver Zoo wants to do just that. A leader in environmental stewardship, the zoo plans to use the biomass gasification system to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable business practices and reduce their own environmental impact.
Denver Zoo's biomass gasification system, nicknamed the "gasifier," is a breakthrough in green technology that will benefit animals and humans alike and will put the zoo a giant step closer to becoming a "zero-waste" facility. It will convert the zoo's diverse waste stream of animal waste and human trash into a usable combustible gas. The gasifier will support the zoo's efforts to reduce its landfill contributions by more than 90 percent, eliminating 1.5 million pounds of trash currently going to landfills annually and reducing energy and waste hauling costs by $150,000 a year.
The zoo is asking supporters to vote early and often. Voters can vote online once per email address per day at www.denverzoo.org/pepsi or they can text 104740 to 73774 to vote as well. Regular texting rates apply.
Denver Zoo strives to be greenest zoo in the country. In addition to the gasifier, Denver Zoo has a long list of accomplishments, goals and initiatives. These include becoming the first zoo in the country to receive ISO 14001 certification, which ensures that the entire facility and its operations are attaining the highest environmental standards. Denver Zoo achieved the honor by establishing a Sustainable Management System (SMS), which provides a framework for systematically identifying, implementing and continually reducing environmental impacts in all of the zoo's operations. The zoo also has registered Asian Tropics with the United States Green Building Council and is expecting the site will be LEED certified at the gold level.
Occupying 10-acres on the southern edge of the zoo, Asian Tropics will be a $50 million conservation center devoted to highly-endangered Asian species including elephants, Indian rhinos and Malayan tapirs. The expansive complex will allow visitors to explore and discover the rich history of animals in Asian culture, their complicated relationship with humans and the efforts Denver Zoo and its partners around the world are taking to protect their futures.
Asian Tropics is expected to be a boon for the local economy. In addition to the roughly 300 temporary construction jobs that were created for the building process, Denver Zoo will hire at least 22 new permanent full-time staff once the project is complete. Additional stimulus to the economy also will be created with the additional food, supplies and equipment that will total $600,000 to $700,000 annually to operate the exhibit.
November 11, 2010
DENVER ZOO INSTALLS ELEPHANT BRIDGE - Bridge Marks First Step Toward What Final Product Will Look Like
Denver Zoo’s Asian Tropics construction is bridging the gap between foundation and the final product. This morning crews from Kiewit construction installed the elephant bridge. It is a pivotal point where Asian elephants, Indian rhinos and Malayan tapirs will walk above a public pathway while transferring between two habitats.
“This is very exciting because now people can really see this project come together,” says Denver Zoo Vice President for Planning and Capital Projects George Pond. “For months we’ve been working on the infrastructure of Asian Tropics, but this is one of the first real pieces where the public can see the images we’ve only had on paper take shape.”
The bridge is a major corridor in what will be a large, rotational exhibit. Like the zoo’s state-of-the-art Predator Ridge exhibit, animals will rotate through different outdoor yards throughout a day. While in one yard the animals leave their mark on the habitat by doing things like removing leaves and branches from trees or scraping or digging the ground. When a new animal enters a recently occupied space they will be enriched by these changes in the habitat as they pick up and explore these sensory clues just like they would in their native habitat. The bridge also, along with all of Asian Tropics, promotes walking and exercise, an important thing for elephants. The public will benefit from the bridge as well as they will be able to watch the pachyderms move overhead and may even be treated to impromptu animal demonstrations where zookeepers will practice training exercises and discuss animal management behaviors.
The 17-foot-wide bridge stretches 55-feet in length and stands about 12-feet above the ground. It provided an exciting challenge for the local structural design team, Monroe & Newell, because it was made to look like an abandoned railroad bridge that has been aging for years in the jungle. Though it is structurally similar to a highway or railroad crossing and is made to support animals weighing more than 12,000 pounds, pieces were placed at odd angles as if the bridge were repaired by local villagers using materials they had on-hand.
The bridge will be named to honor a very generous gift from the Bardsley Foundation, which was founded by Peter and Betsy Luce, whose daughter, Lynn Luce Kitt, is a Denver Zoo board member. The family is a longtime supporter of the zoo and made the gift in the names of Kitt’s children, twins Peter and Ella. The zoo is pleased to name the bridge Peter and Ella’s Crossing given by the Bardsley Foundation.
About Denver Zoo: Denver Zoo is home to 3,800 animals representing more than 650 species and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). AZA accreditation assures the highest standards of animal care. Denver Zoo’s mission is to secure a better world for animals through human understanding. Since 1994, Denver Zoo has participated in 526 conservation projects in 55 countries. In 2009 alone, Denver Zoo participated in 80 projects in 22 countries and 4 continents and more than $1 million in funds was spent by the zoo in support of animal conservation in the field.
A leader in environmental action, Denver Zoo is dedicated to ensuring the safety of the environment in support of all species and is the first U.S. zoo to receive ISO 14001 certification for the entire facility and operations. This international certification ensures the zoo is attaining the highest environmental standards.
November 5, 2010
LOCAL BOY BOWLS FOR ELEPHANT-SIZED CAUSE - Evan Conklin will Donate all Proceeds of Bowling Party to Asian Tropics
Bowling balls will be thundering as loud as a herd of elephants this weekend at Denver native Evan Conklin’s 12th birthday party. To help raise money for Denver Zoo’s Asian Tropics exhibit, Conklin will host his fourth annual Bowling for Elephants Birthday Bash. The public is invited to attend the event on Sunday, November 7 from 12 to 2 p.m. at Lucky Strike Lanes in Lakewood. In lieu of presents, Conklin is asking for donations for Asian Tropics.
Conklin, a student at the Ricks Center for Gifted Children, has been an elephant lover since receiving an elephant stuffed animal in kindergarten. It was during visits to the Zoo that he learned about the plight of Asian elephants, an endangered animal with less than 35,000 left in the wild, and about Denver Zoo’s efforts to support this species in Asian Tropics. Four years ago, after being inspired by a friend pursuing a similar wildlife fundraising project he started the Bowling for Elephants Birthday Bash.
“I’m hoping in the short term to help elephants at the zoo and in the long term elephants in the wild,” says Conklin. “It’s horrifying that their numbers are dwindling and it feels good to try and help them. I hope to keep doing it.”
So far he’s raised $1,200 through the support of his friends and family. He wants to double that amount this year. Lucky Strike Lanes has donated two hours of free bowling and shoes. Guests who want to bowl are requested to donate $20 towards Denver Zoo’s Asian Tropics project. All proceeds will benefit the project. Denver Zoo Asian Tropics experts will be on hand to talk about the elephants and the zoo’s efforts to build this extraordinary exhibit.
Lucky Strike Lanes is located at 415 S. Teller St., Lakewood 80226. All Denver Zoo supporters are invited to attend. Children under 12 need to be accompanied by an adult. RSVPs are not required.
Denver Zoo hopes other children will take Evan’s lead and support Asian Tropics with their own fundraising ideas. In 2011, the zoo will officially launch a kids’ campaign to support Asian Tropics by encouraging children to collect “Pennies for Pachys.” Visit www.denverzoo.org/AT to learn more about how you can help support Asian Tropics.
November 4, 2010
DENVER ZOO WELCOMES NEW TAPIR, ALSO NEW ASIAN TROPICS RESIDENT - Visitors Can See “Rinny” in Pachyderm Building Now
Denver Zoo’s Asian Tropics habitat is still under construction, but its first new future resident has just shown up. A 3-year-old female Malayan tapir, named Rinny, has arrived from Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo. Denver Zoo is currently home to one tapir, a 4-year-old male named Benny. Until her new home is ready guests can see Rinny in the Zoo’s Pachyderm Building.
The two tapirs are in for a treat once Asian Tropics is completed. They will have access to the five main yards that the Asian elephants and Indian rhinos will also rotate through, but they will also have a special yard with a shallow pool, just right for tapirs, all to themselves. All together their yard space will expand from their current 3,000 square feet to about 100,000 square feet. Their individual yard will geographically resemble their native habitat as well with mudbanks and limestone rock formations.
Though they are most closely related to horses and rhinos, tapirs are similar in build to pigs, but significantly larger. Malayan tapirs have a large, barrel shaped body ideal for crashing through dense forest vegetation. Their noses and upper lips are extended to form a long prehensile snout similar to a stubby version of an elephant’s trunk. Malayan tapirs are the largest of the four tapir species. They stand more than 3-feet-tall and can stretch from between 6 to 8-feet-long. They can also weigh more than 1,100 pounds. Rinny currently weighs about 875 pounds. They are also excellent swimmers and spend much of their time in water. They can even use their flexible noses as snorkels!
Malayan tapirs have a distinctive color pattern that some people say resembles an Oreo cookie, black front and back parts separated by a white or gray midsection. This provides excellent camouflage that breaks up the tapir’s outline in the shadows of the forest. Young tapirs have spots and stripes which help them blend into the dappled sunlight and leaf shadows of the forest and protect them from predators.
Malayan tapirs are the only tapir native to Asia. Once found throughout Southeast Asia, they now inhabit only the rainforests of the Indochinese peninsula and Sumatra. With a wild population of less than 4,000 individuals they are classified as endangered by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) due to habitat loss and hunting.
October 14, 2010
DENVER ZOO HATCHING KOMODO DRAGONS IN TIME FOR HALLOWEEN Visitors Should Be Able To See Large Lizards at Boo at the Zoo
As Halloween draws near, Denver Zoo is hatching dragons! Komodo dragons, that is. Four have already hatched and four more eggs remain in an incubator. The hatchlings began emerging from their shells a week ago. They are all behind-the-scenes now, but visitors should be able to see them in Tropical Discovery’s nursery in time for the Zoo’s Halloween event, Boo at the Zoo.
“This is a very significant event as Denver Zoo is only the second zoo in North America to hatch dragons this year and the only zoo in the world to hatch dragons on three different occasions,” says Denver Zoo Curator of Reptiles and Fishes Rick Haeffner. “Denver Zoo is committed to being a leader in captive management and reproduction of this magnificent, endangered giant lizard.”
The last time Denver Zoo hatched Komodo dragons was 2003. Besides the most recent hatchlings, Denver Zoo has three other Komodos in its collection. The hatchlings’ genders aren’t yet known, but they all measure about 16 inches from the tip of their noses to the ends of their tails and weigh about 80 grams.
Komodo dragons are the world’s largest species of lizard. They can grow to be 10-feet long and weigh over 250 pounds. They reside on five Indonesian islands: Komodo, Flores, Rinca, Gila Montang and Gila Dasami.
They have a vicious bite as well. They have about 60 razor sharp, serrated teeth that can reach up to one inch long. Lost or damaged teeth are constantly replaced. Dragons can go through four or five sets of teeth in their lifetime. Their teeth allow dragons to tear off large chunks of flesh which they swallow whole. If the prey does not die from the initial attack, the dragon follows the injured animal until it dies due to blood loss or infection. Komodo dragon saliva contains 50 different strains of toxic bacteria that cause deadly infections in the prey animal.
Komodo dragons are classified as endangered, with between 3,000 and 5,000 individuals remaining in the wild. They are also rare in the world’s zoos. As an island species, they are more likely candidates for extinction than mainland species due to increased vulnerability for disease, human encroachment, deforestation, competition for food and natural disasters.
October 7, 2010
DENVER ZOO HATCHES CAIMAN LIZARD FOURSOME - Zookeepers Hope to Learn More about these Snail Crunchers
Denver Zoo has four young caiman lizards crawling around inside its Tropical Discovery exhibit. They hatched on September 22 and 23 and October 3. Their genders are not yet known. Guests can see the hatchlings in Tropical Discovery’s nursery now.
Caiman lizards are known to be snail specialists. Their jaws are so strong that they can crack open, in seconds, hard snail shells that can resist the jaws of various other predators. Their teeth and tongues are also specialized to clear the broken parts of the shell out of their mouth while keeping the actual snail inside of their mouths to eat.
While not considered endangered, not much is known about caiman lizards. There are only 55 specimens in 15 North American zoos. Denver Zoo maintains a current collection of two males, one female and the hatchlings. Denver Zoo zookeepers want to learn more about this species such as their life spans and breeding habits.
This species is also quite aquatic. While many of their lizard relatives are primary terrestrial, caiman lizards spend at least half of their time in or near water in flooded, swampy habitats.
Caiman lizards get their name from their appearance, because they so closely resemble caiman crocodiles, particularly from the neck down. One significant difference is the lizard has a reddish-orange head. During mating season the male’s head turns an even brighter shade of red.
In the wild, caiman lizards live in the South America’s Amazon Basin, in countries such as Brazil, Peru and Ecuador. They can grow to between 2 to 4 feet long and weigh up to 6 pounds.
September 22, 2010
DENVER ZOO ANNOUNCES WILD RIDE CHALLENGER - Tiffany Barnhart Will Commute to the Zoo Car-Free for One Year
Denver Zoo Director of Communications Tiffany Barnhart is in for one wild ride. She is the winner of the Zoo’s first Wild Ride challenge, a challenge to one zoo employee to give up their car for commuting to work for one full year by cycling, riding the bus or carpooling to work instead. It is also intended to challenge all zoo employees to join her and increase their use of alternative transportation. Barnhart began curtailing the use of her car keys on August 1, 2010.
The challenge was created by Denver Zoo’s Workplace Conservation Committee, a committee which implements green practices and develops sustainable strategies at the zoo. One of the committee’s goals is to reduce single-occupancy-vehicle (SOV) commuting by Denver Zoo employees by 10 percent in 2010. Barnhart was chosen from a number of impressive applicants because she admitted she faces many challenges in succeeding, but has already started to develop solutions to problems that may come up during the year and can be an inspiration to her peers.
“A number of things occurred to me when I considered applying for the challenge,” said Barnhart. “I’m a mother, have a demanding job and emergencies happen. In the end, though I want to show people that if I can do it, anyone can do it.”
Barnhart will have some motivation on her year-long commuting adventure. As the Grand Prize winner of the challenge she will receive a “Sentinel” messenger bag and jacket from Mountain Hardwear, bike maintenance sponsored in part by Jackrabbit Bike and Trail, a chiropractic treatment from Petersen Chiropractic, LLC, a free massage from Everett Wolfe, CMT, gear from Green Guru Gear, a Netbook sponsored in part by Verizon Wireless, and a one night stay at Hotel Monaco-Denver. At the six-month mark, Barnhart will also receive a beautiful, hand crafted bamboo bicycle from Fort Collins based Panda Bicycles.
“Panda Bicycles wholly supports the use of bicycles for transportation, sport, and general fun,” said Panda Bicycles Co-Founder Jacob Castillo. “When we were approached by the Denver Zoo to be a part of the Wild Ride challenge we were immediately interested. Their goals with the program are totally aligned with our company’s ethos and we wanted to help them succeed in their mission to get more people commuting in ways other than cars. We also figured this would be a great way to get a “Panda” at the Denver Zoo.”
Other Zoo personnel will join Barnhart as part of “Team Wild Ride.” Five other applicants so impressed the Workplace Conservation Committee that they have been encouraged to also find ways to limit the use of their cars for commuting every week. They are James Purcell, Diana Boon, Heather Crandall, Jessica Glick and Greg Henry. The committee will meet with each applicant to determine how they can help them reach their goal.
A community leader in sustainability, Denver Zoo hopes all six candidates use their stories to encourage a zoo-wide shift in commuting habits and a step toward bigger changes in the future.
As an organization whose mission is to secure a better world for animals through human understanding, Denver Zoo hopes to encourage the public to use responsible commuting methods in support of the environment and all of its inhabitants. Barnhart began a public blog to support this outreach. Follow Barnhart’s blog at http://dzwildride.blogspot.com/ to learn more about her experience.
August 31, 2010
DENVER ZOO’S FOUR TIGER CUBS MEET THE OUTDOORS - Visitors Can See the Quadruplet Tiger Cubs Now
Denver Zoo’s four endangered, Amur tiger cubs took a breath of fresh air Monday as they explored their outdoor habitat for the first time. The cubs – females Zaria and Akasha and males Nikolai and Thimbu – were each given a clean bill of health in their last exams and are ready to meet the public. The quadruplet cubs, born May 31, are the first of their species to be born at Denver Zoo since 2003. Just in time for Labor Day, visitors can see the foursome now at the Feline II Building. The best time to see them will be between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The cubs were born to mother, Koshka (Koosh-kuh), and father, Waldemere (Wald-uh-meer). Waldemere was born at Denver Zoo in 2003, but Koshka was born at the Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, Connecticut in 2005 and came to Denver in late 2008. The two were paired under recommendation of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) which ensures healthy populations and genetic diversity among zoo animals. Fortunately, the couple has proved to be an excellent match.
Amur Tigers are seasonal breeders and in North America generally breed January through June. After a gestation period of approximately three months, two to four cubs are born in a sheltered den. They are nursed by their mother, who rarely leaves them. At about two weeks old their eyes open and their first teeth begin to erupt.
Amur tigers are classified as critically endangered, with an estimated population of less than 400 individuals remaining in the wild. These animals were once called Siberian tigers because they were found throughout Siberia. They are now almost completely confined to the Far East portion of Asia along the Amur River and because of this they are now commonly called Amur tigers. In addition to habitat loss, the biggest threats to these tigers comes from poaching, both for their fur and their other body parts which are used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Amur tigers are the largest member of the cat family. They can grow to nearly four-feet-tall and more than seven-feet-long. Koshka is smaller than Waldemere, weighing in at more than 280 pounds during her wellness exam, while Waldemere weighs an estimated 360 pounds. Amur tigers also have longer hair and more white on their coats than other tigers.
Denver Zoo visitors can still enjoy expanded shows and demonstrations of the summer season, running daily through Sept. 6. These daily programs are a great way to get a sneak-peak into the life of Denver Zoo’s zookeepers, see some of the amazing talents of the zoo’s animal residents and even get up close and personal with a few!
July 28, 2010
DENVER ZOO HELPS ORANGUTAN MOTHER WITH NEW INFANT - Zookeepers & Vets Take Every Precaution to Ensure Infant is Healthy & Raised by Her Mother
Behind the scenes at Denver Zoo, a Sumatran orangutan infant is back with her mother after a rocky start. Hesty (Hess-tee), a female and the first of her species born at the zoo in 25 years, is doing fine with her mother thanks to the dedicated efforts of the zoo’s primate care team. Zookeepers and veterinary staff needed to place the infant in an incubator 11 days after birth. After receiving critical care, she’s now doing well with mom behind the scenes. An annoucement will be made when the baby can be seen by the public.
“It’s important for young orangutans to bond with their mothers and learn the skills to raise their own offspring in the future. In our planning, we brainstormed solutions for every possible scenario we could come up with that would ensure the infant’s wellbeing and keep her with her mother,” says Area Supervisor Ronda Schwetz.
Hesty was born to mother, Nias (Nee-us), and father, Mias (Mee-us), on June 19. She is only the fourth birth of this species at the zoo and the first since 1985. Orangutans are tiny at birth, weighing three to four pounds and are completely dependent upon their mothers.
Although initially Hesty seemed to be doing fine, staff could not tell for sure if she was nursing regularly and on June 22, the infant appeared weak. Denver Zoo veterinarians sedated Nias to exam her and Hesty. During the examination veterinarians discovered Hesty was significantly dehydrated and placed her in the proper nursing position. Hesty ingested about 70 milliliters of breast milk and weighed 3.67 pounds at the end of her feeding.
“After the exam, we tried to help Hesty locate mom’s nipple through operant conditioning training. Nias also let us feed the infant formula through the mesh in her enclosure. We planned to assist Nias and Hesty in this manner until she could nurse on her own. However unfortunately she took a turn for the worse,” Schwetz said.
On the morning of July 1, staff found Hesty nearly unresponsive. Veterinary staff examined her immediately, finding she was dehydrated and unable to maintain her body temperature.
“We moved her into an incubator next to her mother’s quarters and bottle fed her. We made sure Hesty and Nias could see each other the entire time. Nias remained interested in the infant while we provided critical care,” Senior Veterinarian Dr. Felicia Knightly said.
Over the next 18 days, Hesty nearly doubled her body weight from 2.86 pounds to 4.4 pounds under the care of veterinarians and zookeepers. Nias responded well when staff was able to reunite the two on July 19. However, Hesty still didn’t immediately know how to nurse. Staff sedated Nias on July 23 to teach her how to find Nias’s breast and ensure she could nurse on her own. Fortunately this time, the training appears to be successful as Hesty has begun nursing on her own.
Staff continues to be ready to assist Nias by providing supplemental formula to Hesty if necessary.
“Hesty is so important to us and her species. We will continue to do everything possible to ensure her wellbeing. We’re watching her very closely and taking it day by day, but we’re pleased with her progress so far,” says Schwetz.
Planning for this infant began months ago with consistent monitoring of the pregnancy, consultations with neonatologists and regular ultrasounds of the fetus. Zoo staff worked with Nias to train her to present her abdomen for inspection and to receive ultrasounds through a hole in the mesh of her enclosure. An exceptionally intelligent animal, staff was able to monitor Nias’s successful progress.
“We prepared extensively for this birth. Nias is an amazing animal, and is so intelligent. However, with this being her first infant, we weren’t sure she would know exactly what to do,” Schwetz said.
Training with Nias was extensive and focused on ways to help her know how to properly hold her infant and to allow zookeepers to closely examine the infant and provide supplemental feedings through the mesh of the maternity enclosure, if necessary.
Mias, Hesty’s father, was born in 1983 at Toronto Zoo and arrived at Denver Zoo in 1997. Nias was born in 1988 at San Diego Zoo and came to Denver Zoo from El Paso Zoo on a breeding loan in 2005. The two were paired together under recommendation of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP®) which ensures healthy populations and genetic diversity among zoo animals. Fortunately, the couple has proved to be an excellent match.
Orangutan means “person of the forest” in Malay and the species is among the closest relatives to humans. Physically they are known for their stout bodies, long arms and shaggy, red hair. The orangutans at Denver Zoo can often be seen showing off their arboreal talents, swinging from ropes and trees in their expansive habitats.
Sumatran orangutans are only found on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. In the wild, they are critically endangered due to habitat loss stemming from logging, mining and forest fires. Also, the practice of killing a mother to secure an infant or juvenile for the live animal trade is a common practice. Currently there only about 6,000 left in the wild.
Chronology of Events after Hesty’s Birth
June 19: Hesty born at 4:55 p.m. Hesty appeared strong and mother was attentive.
June 20: Staff monitoring Nias and Hesty 24 hours a day. Staff is unable to confirm nursing. However infant is believed to have nursed over the night.
June 21: Hesty and Nias pass the 72-hour critical period, which supports belief Hesty is nursing at night. Zoo staff ends 24-hour watch, to allow Hesty and Nias rest time during the night. Staff continues to monitor the pair during the day.
June 22: Hesty appeared in a weakened state. Nias is sedated and both she and Hesty are examined. Hesty was placed on Nias in proper nursing position and successfully nurses.
June 23: Hesty appears alert during a recheck, but seems unable to find her mother’s nipple.
June 24: Hesty is fed formula and Pedialyte as zookeepers attempt to teach her through operant conditioning how to nurse. She remains strong during day, but appears tired in the evening.
June 25-30: Hesty continues supplemental feeding program. Appears strong most days, but often tired toward evening.
July 1: Hesty is found unresponsive. Nias is sedated to examine Hesty. Hesty is found dehydrated and unable to maintain her body temperature due to low blood sugar. She is placed in an incubator. Zookeepers feed her every three hours around the clock. During feedings staff wears a vest of synthetic fur material that Hesty clings to, simulating the experience she would have with her mother. Hesty remains within eyesight of her mother and father, while staff cares for her 24 hours a day.
July 4: Hesty seems much stronger, grabbing onto her bottle and pulls it closer.
July 5-18: Hesty makes steady progress. Slowly doubles her weight to 4.4 pounds.
July 19: Hesty is reunited with her mother at 9:30 a.m. Nias picked up Hesty and cradled her immediately. Staff continues to monitor pair 24 hours a day.
July 19-22: Staff continues with little success to attempt to guide Hesty to mom’s breast. Staff is successfully supplementing feeding Hesty with formula.
July 23: Nias is sedated. Staff places Hesty on Nias’s right breast. Staff offers the artificial nipple used in bottle feedings to Hesty. Once her sucking reflex is spurred, staff transitions Hesty to Nias’s nipple. Hesty successfully nurses. Staff then repositions Hesty on Nias’s left side to see if she could locate Nias’s left nipple on her own. She found the left nipple and nursed on her own. Both Hesty and Nias appeared well during vet exam.
July 24: Hesty nurses on her own!
July 25 – 28: Hesty continues to nurse on her own throughout the day and into the night. Staff continues to monitor Hesty and Nias 24 hours a day.
July 13, 2010
FORMER DENVER ZOO INTERN BRIAN AUCONE COMES HOME TO LEAD ANIMAL DEPARTMENT - Aucone to Serve as Zoo’s General Curator
Denver Zoo’s new general curator has come home. Brian Aucone, whose first career experience was working as a Denver Zoo intern, will lead the zoo’s animal care team filling the zoo’s general curator position. Previously serving as the Oklahoma City Zoo’s assistant zoo director, Aucone joins Denver Zoo with more than 14 years of experience
“Brian comes to us with a great deal of experience in the animal care profession combined with great strengths as a leader. He is a fantastic addition to our Denver Zoo team and it’s great to have him back,” says Denver Zoo President/CEO Craig Piper.
A Denver native, Aucone’s career comes full-circle with his return to Denver Zoo. Beginning his career as an intern in Denver Zoo’s Tropical Discovery facility, he quickly grew into a leader in the field of animal care. After working as a zoo keeper and interim supervisor at Dallas Zoo, Brian was promoted to curator of reptiles, amphibians, aquatics and marine mammals at the Oklahoma City Zoo. In Oklahoma, Brian advanced to become director of animal management in 2006 and last year was named assistant zoo director, serving as second in command of the 203-acre zoo and overseeing 595 species.
“I have to say I am ecstatic to move back to Colorado and rejoin the Denver Zoo team,” says Aucone. “I’m eager to take on this new challenge and use my experience to benefit the Denver community and the zoo’s animals. It’s a pleasure to reconnect with so many excellent zoo staff members.”
Aucone also understands the intricacies of projects like Denver Zoo’s forthcoming Asian Tropics habitat, which will house animals such as Asian elephants, Indian rhinos and Malayan tapirs. While at Oklahoma City Zoo he was instrumental in the exhibit design and construction management for the zoo’s upcoming Expedition Asia project, of which elephants will be a main component.
Aucone has a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from the University of Northern Colorado and is currently completing his Masters in Biology from the University of Texas at Arlington.
At Denver Zoo, Aucone provides day-to-day leadership of the Animal Care Division, including all animal care staff and the zoo’s commissary.
July 1, 2010
WWII & KOREAN WAR VET CELEBRATES 92 BIRTHDAY AT DENVER ZOO Recipient of Purple Heart & Three Bronze Stars Celebrates with Family Reunion at Zoo
Denver Zoo gave a decorated war veteran an up-close animal encounter for his birthday on July 1 when he and his family visited the zoo to celebrate the man of honor’s 92nd birthday. Major Jack Kemper Cauch (kouch), war veteran and recipient of three Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart celebrated turning 92 with his family and a special animal guest, a bearded dragon.
“I can’t think of a better way to kick off the Fourth of July weekend than celebrating with a highly decorated veteran like Major Cauch. It’s an honor to have him and his family enjoy time together with us. Major Cauch reminds us that the zoo is a great place for animal lovers of all ages” says Denver Zoo President/CEO Craig Piper.
A Colorado native, Major Cauch began his career in 1935 with the National Guard and joined the Army Air Corps in 1940. He was honored for his service in World War II with two Bronze Stars and for his service in the Korean War with a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.
Major Cauch annually celebrates his birthday at Denver Zoo with family, including relatives that make the trip to Denver each year from Kentucky.
An avid fan of Denver Zoo, Major Cauch became a member of the zoo in 2006. His membership expired in May 2010 when he was unable to renew it due to an illness. In addition to this animal encounter, the zoo offered him a membership as a birthday present.
Denver Zoo will honor all armed service members with a special evening on July 18, Armed Services Appreciation Night. Military members and their families can enjoy animal encounters and demonstrations at this event. Advanced tickets are required and may be purchased for just $6 per adult. Children 2 and under enter for free. For advanced tickets visit http://www.denverzoo.org/visitors/events/armed_services.asp.
For those unable to attend Armed Service Appreciation Night, Denver Zoo will be open to the general public on July 4.
June 29, 2010
DENVER ZOO WELCOMES FOUR TIGER CUBS - The Little Quadruplets are doing GRRREEAATT Behind the Scenes
Denver Zoo is celebrating the birth of four endangered, Amur tiger cubs which were born May 31 in a private maternity den. The cubs cannot be seen by visitors yet and are being monitored by keepers via a closed-circuit camera. Zoo veterniarians gave the cubs a clean bill of health at a recent exam.The quadruplet cubs are the first to be born at Denver Zoo since 2003. An announcement will be made when the cubs are big enough to be seen in their zoo habitat.
The four unnamed cubs, two male and two female, were born to mother, Koshka (Koosh-kuh), and father, Waldemere (Wald-uh-meer). Waldemere was born at Denver Zoo in 2003, but Koshka was born at the Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, Connecticut in 2005 and came to Denver in late 2008. The two were paired under recommendation of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) which ensures healthy populations and genetic diversity among zoo animals. Fortunately, the couple has proved to be an excellent match.
Amur Tigers are seasonal breeders and in North America generally breed January through June. After a gestation period of approximately three months, two to four cubs are born in a sheltered den. They are nursed by their mother, who rarely leaves them. At about two weeks old their eyes open and their first teeth begin to erupt.
Amur tigers are classified as critically endangered, with an estimated population of less than 400 individuals remaining in the wild. These animals were once called Siberian tigers because they were found throughout Siberia. They are now almost completely confined to the Far East portion of Asia along the Amur River and because of this they are now commonly called Amur tigers. In addition to habitat loss, the biggest threats to these tigers comes from poaching, both for their fur and their other body parts which are used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Amur tigers are the largest member of the cat family. They can grow to nearly four-feet-tall and more than seven-feet-long. Koshka is smaller than Waldemere, weighing in at more than 280 pounds during her wellness exam, while Waldemere weighs an estimated 360 pounds. Siberian tigers also have longer hair and more white on their coats than other tigers.
NEWBORN SEA LION PUP MAKES SPLASH AT DENVER ZOO Visitors Can See Playful Young Pup Now!
On the heels of a sad loss of a polar bear at Denver Zoo, the zoo celebrates a new special birth. On Sunday, June 13 zoo staff welcomed the birth of a female sea lion pup, the first birth of this species at the zoo since 1993. It has not yet been named. Denver Zoo visitors now can see the pup as it explores the seal pool in the zoo’s Northern Shores area with her mother.
“We have a very vocal pup with this one as she likes to make sure mom knows exactly where she is at all times. This is a common behavior but we are asking the public not to mimic this sound around the sea lion pool. We don’t want to confuse this first time mom,” says Curator of Large Mammals BJ Schoeberl.
The pup was born to mother, Luci, and father, Nick. Luci was born in Orlando, Florida at Sea World in 2001 and came to Denver Zoo two years later. Nick came to Denver Zoo from the Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC) in Laguna Beach, California in 2008. This is the first offspring for both parents. Luci is a very attentive mother and once the pup is more mobile, he will share space with the other sea lions.
Sea lions are born after a 12-month reproductive cycle. This begins with a 3-month delayed implantation, where the embryo lies dormant before implanting into the uterus. This process is followed by a 9-month gestation period. Although pups can see and vocalize at birth they don’t typically learn to swim for a week or two.
The pup weighs a mere 15 pounds now, but adult females weigh between 195 to 230 pounds. In addition to the pup’s parents, she joins fellow sea lions Gidget, Pam and Bismarck.
California sea lions can be found all along the western coast of North America.
June 24, 2010
DENVER ZOO MOURNING LOSS OF POLAR BEAR “FROSTY”- Bear Was Oldest Male Polar Bear in North American Zoos
Frosty, a beloved 25-year-old male polar bear at Denver Zoo passed away June 24. The bear had been under close veterinary observation for liver cancer. At the time of his death, Frosty was the oldest male polar bear in North American zoos (born Nov. 11, 1984).
“We hadn’t had him very long, but he made his mark on our hearts,” says Curator of Primates & Carnivores BJ Schoeberl. “He was such a dynamic bear. He will be greatly missed.”
Frosty had been under veterinary care for liver cancer. On the morning of June 24 veterinary staff anesthetized the bear. Having lost his quality of life to an irreversible medical condition, Frosty was humanely euthanized. The longevity of polar bears is 20-25 years.
“This is never an easy decision, but it was the right one. We watched Frosty closely and saw his condition deteriorate rapidly. His quality of life had deteriorated to the point that he was not able to sustain a healthy weight and he was not going to get better. We’ll miss him terribly,” says Senior Veterinarian Dr. Felicia Knightly.
Frosty was a relatively new, but still popular resident of Denver Zoo. He was born at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in Cleveland, Ohio in 1984 and came to Denver Zoo from Tulsa Zoo in 2006. He never fathered any cubs.
Denver Zoo is home to two other polar bears, females Soosha and Cranbeary. Cranbeary recently returned to Denver Zoo from Memphis Zoo.
Denver Zoo lost another older bear, Voda on April 27. The 23-year-old bear was euthanized due to a decline in her quality of life caused by renal disease.
June 8, 2010
DO AT THE ZOO ROCKS WITH BEST OF DENVER SHOWCASE - Denver Zoo Announces Musical Entertainment for Do At The Zoo
For those about to rock, we salute you. Do At The Zoo, Denver’s favorite summer party and Denver Zoo’s largest fundraiser, will feature exquisite musical entertainment. This year’s lineup is a Best of Denver Showcase, presented by Westword Magazine. The fun begins 7 p.m. Thursday, June 17 at Do At The Zoo.
On the main stage, Ed Haselden, CEO of Haselden Construction, and his band The Moderators will follow the bands Highland Underground and Action Packed Thrill Ride. The latter was voted “Best Band Reinvention” of 2010 by Westword Magazine. Not to be outdone, two singers, Nathaniel Rateliff and Reed Foehl, will take to the acoustic stage above the zoo’s Northern Shores area. Rateliff was voted best Singer/Songwriter of 2010 by Westword Magazine.
Presented by Haselden Construction, Do At The Zoo kicks off at 6 p.m. for VIP early entrance and at 7 p.m. for regular ticket holders on Thursday, June 17. Join Denver’s wild party animals for the zoo’s best gala to date, featuring more than 50 of Denver’s top restaurants serving their best menu items and signature drinks. Guests will also experience music, dancing and close-up animal encounters in the incomparable setting of Denver Zoo at twilight. Denver Zoo will close at noon on June 17 to set up for the gala. Tickets for the event are on sale now at www.denverzoo.org.
In its 20-year history, 34,000 Do At The Zoo guests have raised nearly $8 million to improve Denver Zoo and support its animal conservation efforts. This year guests’ will support two great causes. First, ticket proceeds will benefit Asian Tropics, the largest conservation project in our history. The exhibit will provide a 10-acre habitat for endangered animals including Asian elephants, Indian rhinos and Malayan tapirs. Second, Do At The Zoo supporters will also make an important contribution to the ongoing field conservation efforts in Asia. Staff booths will be set up to detail all of those efforts.
ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE
Main Stage Highland Underground 7:00 – 7:50 p.m. Best Small Business Owner Fronted Band
Action Packed Thrill Ride8:00 – 8:50 p.m. Best Band Reinvention of 2010 by Westword Magazine
The Moderators 9:00 – 10:00 p.m. Best CEO Fronted Band
Northern Shores – Acoustic Stage Nathaniel Rateliff 7:45 – 8:45 p.m. Best Singer/Songwriter of 2010 by Westword Magazine
Reed Foehl 9 – 10:00 p.m.
June 4, 2010
DENVER ZOO OPENS ONLINE AUCTION - Diverse Items Can Fit Any Budget
Let the bidding begin! As part of its largest fundraising event of the year, Do At The Zoo, Denver Zoo has opened an online auction with more than 50 fantastic items. The auction will run through June 24, a week after Do at the Zoo. Proceeds will support not only Asian Tropics, a new 10-acre conservation center Denver Zoo broke ground on in December of 2009, but also the zoo’s field conservation efforts in Asia. The auction site can be found here.
Interested bidders don’t have to attend Do at the Zoo to support Denver Zoo. They simply have to log on to denverzoo.org and make a bid. Auction items can fit almost any budget and range from gift cards and unique animal experiences to exclusive vacation packages. Some examples include an opportunity to be a zookeeper for a day, front row tickets to the Colorado Rockies and a trip for six to California wine country.
Presented by Haselden Construction, Do At The Zoo kicks off at 6 p.m. for VIP early entrance and at 7 p.m. for regular ticket holders on Thursday, June 17. Join Denver’s wild party animals for the zoo’s best gala to date, featuring more than 50 of Denver’s top restaurants serving their best menu items and signature drinks. Guests will also experience music, dancing and close-up animal encounters in the incomparable setting of Denver Zoo at twilight. Denver Zoo will close at noon on June 17 to set up for the gala. Tickets for the event are on sale now at www.denverzoo.org.
In its 20-year history, 34,000 Do At The Zoo guests have raised nearly $8 million to improve Denver Zoo and support its animal conservation efforts. This year guests’ will support two great causes. First, ticket proceeds will benefit Asian Tropics, the largest conservation project in our history. The exhibit will provide a 10-acre habitat for endangered animals including Asian elephants, Indian rhinos and Malayan tapirs. Second, Do At The Zoo supporters will also make an important contribution to the ongoing field conservation efforts in Asia. Staff booths will be set up to detail all of those efforts.
May 27, 2010
STORK BRINGS A LOT OF LAMBS TO DENVER ZOO - Five Lambs of Two Species Join Sheep Mountain Herds
There will be plenty of “awing” at Denver Zoo’s Sheep Mountain this summer. Recently the zoo welcomed the births of two Dall sheep and three Rocky Mountain Bighorn lambs. Zookeepers will learn the sex of the lambs and name them after their first vaccinations, but all of the lambs appear to be doing well. Visitors can see the fab five now at Sheep Mountain.
The three Rocky Mountain Bighorn lambs were born April 17, May 6 and May 7. They were born to mothers Ivory, Sandy and Buffy. The father of all three lambs is named Cliff. The two Dall sheep lambs were born to mothers Roberta and Mona on April 20 and May 23 respectively. The father of both sheep is named Ridge.
Spring births are quite normal for both species. Their lambs are very active immediately after birth. In the wild, they must be able to run, climb and jump effectively within minutes after their birth in order to keep up with their mother and stay safe.
Dall sheep are found throughout Alaska, the Yukon, Northwest Territories and the northwest part of British Columbia. They have thick, nearly pure-white fur which not only keeps them warm during the winter, but also provides camouflage against their snowy, rocky habitat.
Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep are found in the Rocky Mountains from southern Canada to Colorado. They are typically brown or beige in appearance. As their name implies, males have massive horns on their heads which can weigh as much as 50 pounds.
Information from the Colorado Division of Wildlife shows the state’s bighorn sheep numbers fell more than 10 percent between 2001 and 2009, equaling almost 800 individuals. Believed causes for the fall include loss of habitat, hunting and disease. Federal biologists also believe competition with mountain goats will further stress the bighorns.
May 20, 2010
DENVER ZOO WELCOMES HOME POLAR BEAR CRANBEARY - 8-Year-Old Bear Returns From Memphis, Can Be Seen at Northern Shores Exhibit
A zoo favorite has returned home. Cranbeary, an 8-year-old, 600 pound polar bear born at Denver Zoo, has returned home from Memphis Zoo. Visitors can now see Cranbeary at Denver Zoo’s Northern Shores exhibit.
“We are thrilled to see Cranbeary return. She has always been a favorite at Denver Zoo. She is still a curious, playful and beautiful bear. It’s so good to have her home,” says Curator of Carnivores BJ Schoeberl.
Cranbeary moved back to Denver as part of a Species Survival Plan (SSP) recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) which ensures healthy populations and genetic diversity among zoo animals. At Denver Zoo, Cranbeary will ultimately be paired with Frosty, the zoo’s male polar bear.
Cranbeary moved to Memphis Zoo in January of 2006. Surgeons from the Campbell Clinic and Memphis Zoo veterinarians had to set Cranbeary’s leg when she broke it after a fall in her exhibit in February of 2007, installing two metal plates and 26 screws. Upon her return to Denver Zoo, Cranbeary needed another surgery to improve her range of motion in her back left leg. Fortunately the surgery was very successful, improving Cranbeary’s mobility to the point she has been swimming just a few weeks after the surgery.
Cranbeary has been very popular among both Denver Zoo and Memphis Zoo visitors. Cranbeary captured the hearts of many zoo visitors with her boundless energy and curiosity. An avid swimmer, Cranbeary delights guests watching her through the underwater viewing area of her exhibit, often diving down and getting nose-to-nose through the glass. After her surgery in Memphis, Cranbeary received more than 500 get well cards, an example of her popularity. She was also voted most popular animal by Memphis Zoo visitors during her stay there.
Cranbeary was born the day before Thanksgiving on Nov. 21, 2001 to mother Voda. Voda recently passed away at Denver Zoo due to kidney disease.
May 13, 2010
DO AT THE ZOO HIGHLIGHTS WHAT WE DO Guests Will Support Zoo’s Field Conservation Efforts
Denver’s favorite summer party and Denver Zoo’s largest fundraiser, Do At The Zoo is back again! This year, guests can learn and support what we do at the zoo. Presented by Haselden Construction, Do At The Zoo kicks off at 6 p.m. for VIP early entrance and at 7 p.m. for regular ticket holders on Thursday, June 17. Denver Zoo will close at noon on June 17 to set up for the gala. Tickets for the event are on sale now at www.denverzoo.org.
Join Denver’s wild party animals for the zoo’s best gala ever, featuring more than 50 of Denver’s top restaurants and bars serving their best menu items and signature drinks. Guests will also experience music, dancing and close-up animal encounters in the incomparable setting of Denver Zoo at twilight.
A best dressed contest is planned to award the attendee donning his or her best CockTAIL attire. From animal prints and safari khaki to classic cocktail dresses, Do At The Zoo has a singular style. Denver Magazine fashion editors will judge guests based on style, creativity and animal magnetism. Two winners with receive a $500 shopping spree and will be featured in the August edition of Denver Magazine.
In its 20-year history, 34,000 Do At The Zoo guests have raised nearly $8 million to improve Denver Zoo and support its animal conservation efforts. This year guests’ will support two great causes. First, ticket proceeds will benefit Asian Tropics, the largest conservation project in our history. The exhibit will provide a 10-acre habitat for endangered animals including Asian elephants, Indian rhinos and Malayan tapirs. Second, Do At The Zoo supporters will also make an important contribution to the ongoing field conservation efforts in Asia. Staff booths will be set up to detail all of those efforts.
Ticket are on sale now at www.denverzoo.org:
$125 juniors (ages 21-32),
$175 individuals (general admission)
$150 zoo members (buy by May 31)
$200 junior VIP ticket featuring early access and VIP entertainment & toast (ages 21-32)
$275 for VIP tickets featuring early access and VIP entertainment & toast
Animal Experience VIP: Have you ever wondered what it’s like to feed an Asian elephant or perhaps see up-close how our keepers train our African lions, hyenas and wild dogs? Do you have a favorite animal in Tropical Discovery? If so, we’ve got the perfect new Do At The Zoo ticket for you! This ticket includes all the benefits of the VIP ticket and an incredible behind-the-scenes opportunity!
$400/Individual, $1,500/4-Pack. For more details call 720-337-1460. Online Auction: Win amazing items such as a wine tasting in California, an exclusive stock show package, sports memorabilia, stunning art and some unforgettable Denver Zoo experiences! Guests can bid on items at www.denverzoo.org/auction even if they can’t make it to Do At The Zoo.
RESTAURANTS & BARS
A Taste of the Wild
Appaloosa Grill
Avenue Grill
Bastien’s Restaurant
Baur’s Ristorante
Beautiful Sweets
Beatrice and Woodsley
Black Pearl Restaurant
Café Colore
Denver ChopHouse and Brewery
The Duffeyroll Café
duo
Encore Restaurant
Famous Dave’s BBQ
Fogo de Chao Churrascaria
Gaetano’s Italian Restaurant
Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant
Happy Cakes Bakeshop
India House
Lalas Wine Bar + Pizzeria
Le Central French Restaurant
Lovely Confections Bakery
Mad Greens-Inspired Eats
Maggiano’s Little Italy
McCormick’s Fish House and Bar
Mezcal
Olivéa
The Palm Restaurant
Parallel Seventeen
Pearl Street Grill
Rialto Café
Root Down
Sam Taylor’s BBQ
Sketch
Snooze an A.M. Eatery
Steuben’s Truck
Table 6
TAG
Tambien
Te’ Personalized Private Dining
Texas de Brazil Brazilian Steakhouse
The Cav at Fort Sanders
The Oceanaire Seafood Room
The Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant
The Tuscany Restaurant
Vesta Dipping Grill
Wynkoop Brewing Company
Yum Yum’s Delight
Zengo
Denver Zoo’s Do At The Zoo fundraiser gala is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor
Haselden Construction LLC
Stage Sponsor:
Arrow Electronics
CoBiz Financial
Corporate Premier:
Anadarko Petroleum Company
Dr. and Mrs. James S. Ogsbury III
Rocky Mountain Neurological Consultants
Scott and Katie Schoelzel
WhiteWave Foods
Corporate Benefactor
Butler Rents, Inc.
EnCana Oil and Gas (USA) Inc.
Jackson Lewis LLP
U.S. Bank
April 28, 2010
DENVER ZOO MOURNING LOSS OF POLAR BEAR “VODA” Excellent Bear and Caring Mother Brought Joy to Millions of Zoo Visitors
Voda, a beloved 23-year-old female polar bear at Denver Zoo passed away April 27. The bear had been under close veterinary observation for chronic renal disease.
“This is very sad loss for Denver Zoo and the entire community. Voda was an amazing ambassador for her species and helped educate millions of zoo visitors about how people can take action to help ensure these animals do not become extinct. She will certainly be missed by us all,” says Denver Zoo President/CEO Craig Piper.
Voda had been under veterinary care for renal disease. Over the last few days zookeepers and vets saw Voda take a turn for the worse as she began to refuse food. When she would eat, she was not able to keep it down. On the evening of April 27 veterinary staff anesthetized the bear for a medical examination and found that Voda's kidneys were continuing to decline at a rapid rate. Having lost her quality of life to an irreversible medical condition, Voda was humanely euthanized. The longevity of polar bears is 20-25 years.
“We were watching Voda very closely. Unfortunately, she was getting progressively worse and during an emergency veterinary evaluation, we found that her health was declining rapidly. We knew she was not going to get better. It’s always difficult to make these decisions. She will be so missed,” says Senior Veterinarian Dr. Felicia Knightly.
Voda was a very popular resident of Denver Zoo for 21 years. She arrived from Riverbanks Zoo (Columbia, South Carolina) in 1987 and was one of the first residents of the newly-opened Northern Shores exhibit. While at Denver Zoo, Voda gave birth to several litters of cubs with exhibit mate Kavek including Boris and Natasha born in 1999, Cranbeary born in 2001 and twin bears Koda and Nuka born in 2004.
Denver Zoo is home to three other polar bears, including male Frosty, Voda’s sister Soosha and Voda’s daughter Cranbeary. Cranbeary recently returned to Denver Zoo from Memphis Zoo.
April 23, 2010
NEW LONG-LEGGED LADY RUNS LAPS AROUND DENVER ZOO GIRAFFE YARD - Visitors Can See Baby Giraffe Calf “Cricket” at Giraffe House
She’s got legs and knows how to use them. Denver Zoo has welcomed a new addition to its giraffe family, a six-foot-four, 170-pound female reticulated giraffe, named Cricket. Born Wednesday April 14, the calf can now be seen running laps around the zoo’s giraffe yard.
Cricket was born to mother, Heshimu, and father, Dikembe. Cricket’s been busy exploring the giraffe yard under mother’s watchful eye and has been getting acquainted with her aunts, Kipele and Masika as well as her older brother, Timber, Heshimu and Dikembe’s first calf together, born in August 2008.
Giraffes are born after a 15-month gestation period. The calf will nurse on her mother’s milk for approximately six 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.
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 and adult males range from 2,420 to 4,215 pounds. 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.
April 15, 2010
DENVER ZOO WELCOMES A FOSSA Curious New Species to Zoo Shares Traits of Many Animals
Denver Zoo visitors can enjoy seeing a brand new species to the zoo, a fossa (Foo-suh). The curious male carnivore, named Dorian, was born at San Diego Zoo in 2006. Dorian is almost four-years-old and is described by zookeepers as very curious and mischievous and is always checking things out. Visitors can see him checking out his new surroundings now in Denver Zoo’s Feline I Building.
Fossas almost resemble small mountain lions, but their closest relative is the mongoose. They have short, brown coats. Adults stand just over a foot tall at the shoulder and can stretch about two-and-half feet from head to backside. Their tails can be just as long and provide good balance when navigating though trees while hunting for prey. Their teeth, jaws and partially retractable claws resemble those of a cat, but their agility has been described as almost primate-like. They can hang upside down and quickly climb to the top of a tree.
Even though they may only weigh about 20 pounds, fossas are the largest mammalian carnivore on Madagascar. Roughly half their diet consists of lemurs, but they also eat lizards, birds and smaller livestock. Fossas are cathemeral, meaning they are active and looking for prey at any part of the day or night, depending on mood and food availability. They are largely solitary animals except when breeding. Eventually zookeepers hope to bring a female to Denver Zoo to breed with Dorian.
The fossas’ status in the wild is unknown. Once thought to be vulnerable with less than 2500 estimated in the wild, now experts are uncertain due to a lack of sightings.
DENVER ZOO PENGUIN PAIR ADOPT A CHICK FROM PUEBLO ZOO - Zoos’ Quick Thinking Saves Penguin’s Life
Quick thinking and action by staff at Denver Zoo and Pueblo Zoo probably saved the life of an African penguin chick. On March 20, four days past its due date, the chick was assisted with emerging from its shell by Pueblo Zoo Animal Care Coordinator Melanie Pococke. Pococke then sought help from Denver Zoo staff in caring for the tiny bird, when the hatchling’s biological parents at Pueblo Zoo were unable to care for it.
Zookeepers from each zoo met halfway to bring the chick to Denver Zoo where it was placed under the care of experienced parents. The chick’s surrogate father, Durban, and mother, Spencer, are now taking excellent care of their adopted youngster.
“It has been a great collaboration. We are fortunate to have such a strong network of experienced bird caretakers within our Colorado Zoos,” says Pococke, who has been involved with raising 47 penguin chicks in her 20-year career at the Pueblo Zoo.
“We had to act quickly in order for this to be a success,” says Area Supervisor of Birds Mary Jo Willis. “We’re so pleased to be able to help Pueblo Zoo on this project. We’re thrilled that the surrogate parents took to the chick so quickly.”
Zookeepers always prefer animals are raised by their parents or other animals parents of the same species. This helps ensure they have the skills to raise their own young. Upon receiving the chick, Durban and Spencer immediately began “brooding” the chick by covering it with their bodies and wings for protection and quickly began feeding it.
The chick will continue to be brooded and fed by the surrogate parents for about 3 months while the chick is covered in soft insulating feathers. During this time it is not visible to the public. Even in the wild, newly hatched penguins chicks don’t venture near water because they are covered with soft, downy feathers that provide good insulation on land, but would get soaked in the water. Eventually, though young penguins molt and grow in stiffer water repellant plumage.
African penguins are found in southern Africa. Although most people associate penguins with frigid temperatures, African penguins enjoy warmer weather. Even they have their limits, though. In the wild are mostly crepuscular – meaning, they are most active at dawn and dusk when temperatures are more comfortable in their warm weather climate.
They grow to more than two-feet-tall and can weigh around 10 pounds. Their black and white patterns are unique to each penguin, like fingerprints on humans. More important, though the patterns serve as camouflage from predators in the wild as they are swimming. Seen from above, their dark backs blend in with the water. Seen from below, their white bellies blend in with the sky above.
The African penguin is listed as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). They nearly faced extinction because their eggs were harvested for food and their droppings, guano, are an important burrowing material, but is often used by humans for fertilizer.
They have also been subjected to oil spills from tankers rounding the South African coastline, which have wiped out entire colonies of this species. In the past, Denver Zoo has sent staff to Cape Town, South Africa to assist with a world wide effort following the “Treasure” oil spill that affected over 40,000 penguins in 2000. Staff helped rehabilitate penguins by cleaning oil off their bodies and monitoring their health through lab and blood work. Of the penguins brought in for rehabilitation more than 95 percent were saved!
April 6, 2010
Sculpture from Sister-City Kunming, China Moves from Denver Botanical Gardens to Zoo Gift Reinforces the Kunming-Denver Sister Cities Relationship, Symbolizes Friendship
A bronze peacock sculpture titled “Eternal Good Fortune” arrived at Denver Zoo April 5. The sculpture was originally placed at the Denver Botanic Gardens in 2001 as a gift to the City and County of Denver from the Kunming Government celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Denver-Kunming Sister City relationship.
In 1985, the cities of Denver and Kunming, China, became Sister Cities in the hopes of building a strong relationship of mutual respect, understanding and sharing. To honor the 15th anniversary of the successful Denver-Kunming Sister Cities relationship, the Municipal Government of Kunming commissioned the renowned Chinese master artist and sculptor, Yuan Xiao-cen, who crafted of a family of three peacocks and titled it “Eternal Good Fortune.” This sculpture signifies the people of Kunming’s wish for Denver to have good fortune, and their hope that the friendship between the two cities and nations will continue to last through the generations.
“We are excited about the new peacock family this sculpture will bring to our visitors. It is an honor to have this beautiful addition to the Carousel Meadows area of Denver Zoo. I know our visitors will enjoy it,” says Denver Zoo Director of Communications Tiffany Barnhart.
“Although we loved hosting this beautiful sculpture, our location at Denver Botanic Gardens did not provide the best access for the public. We’re excited to see this sculpture moved to an area of Denver Zoo where more people will be able to see it,” says Denver Botanic Gardens Public Relations Manager Will Jones.
The gift was coordinated through Denver Sister Cities International, a non-profit dedicated to promoting peace through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation with cultural, educational and economic endeavors. Kunming, China, the capital of Yunnan Province in southwest China, is Denver’s eighth sister city. Located in a mountainous area, with a population of 3.5 million, its altitude is a little higher than Denver at 6,200 feet. Kunming is said to be a city of four seasons: all like spring.
April 1, 2010
DENVER ZOO PRESIDENT CRAIG PIPER APPOINTED TO VISIT DENVER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Denver Zoo President and CEO Craig Piper has been elected to the board of VISIT DENVER. Piper brings a history of tourism and convention experience to the board, largely from his experience at Denver Zoo, the region’s top visited paid cultural attraction.
“This is an important commitment to me. Denver is an amazing city and I am proud to share it with the millions of tourists and convention delegates that make this city their destination of choice,” Piper says.
Governed by a board of directors, VISIT DENVER is a private, nonprofit trade association that is responsible for marketing metro Denver as a convention and leisure destination. The organization employs a staff of more than 60 professionals.
Piper began his career at Denver Zoo 13 years ago as the Director of Education & Volunteer Services. Holding a dual degree in Architecture and Zoology, Piper moved from the head of the Zoo’s Education Department to the newly created position of Vice President for Planning & Capital Projects in 2000. In 2005, Piper was again promoted to Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer. He became the President and CEO of Denver Zoo in 2007.
During his tenure Piper has managed the design and construction of the Zoo’s Millennium Master Plan, including the award-winning Predator Ridge exhibit, new entrance, new parking garage, Congo Basin exhibit and the Conservation Carousel. Piper also oversaw the strategic development of the Education & Volunteer Services Department’s staff and programs, significantly expanding the breadth and scope of services provided.
Piper is well known and respected in the zoo community and he is a Professional Fellow of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). He currently serves as Vice Chair for AZA’s Board of Regents and Vice Chair of AZA’s Board of Ethics. Previously, he has served as Chair, AZA Conference Committee (2005-2006); Chair, AZA Conference Management Committee (2002-2004); Member, AZA Trends Committee (2001-2004); Chair, AZA Regional Conference Task Force (1999-2002); Member, AZA Honors And Awards Committee (1999-2002); Member, AZA Public Education Committee (1988-1994); and Instructor, AZA Continuing Education Schools, “Creating Successful Exhibits” Course (2000-present). Piper also serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of The National Elephant Center, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare and conservation of elephants, and as a member of the board for the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
Piper holds a Bachelor of Science degree with studies in Architecture and Zoology from the University of Michigan, as well as a Master of Architecture from the University of Michigan, with a concentration in environmental design and museum planning and programming.
Prior to joining Denver Zoo, Piper practiced his ambidextrous zoo/architecture skills at Zoo Atlanta as the Assistant Curator of Education, Exhibit Coordinator and Curator of Exhibits/Coordinator for Environmental Design Research. However, his first zoo positions began as internships, where in his early years he served as a volunteer and intern for Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Detroit Zoo.
Piper is married to Marilyn Donohoe Piper and has three beautiful and talented daughters.
March 23, 2010
MONGOLIAN STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN ZOO ACTIVITIES AS PART OF INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM - Denver Sister Cities International, Zorig Foundation, Zoo & Area Schools Launch Leadership Program
Mongolian students are convening at Denver Zoo March 23 & 24 as part of an international exchange program aimed at developing leadership skills through ongoing cultural and educational experiences. The high school students are taking part in giraffe and rhino animal feedings as well as exploration station visits at exhibits with snow leopards, cinerous vultures and camels.
The exchange program developed by Denver Sister Cities International, Zorig Foundation and Denver Zoo focuses on leadership development, culture awareness, English language development and environmental education. Local students participating in the exchange include students from Denver Center for International Studies, Greyhills Academy, Ocean Knowledge and Future Complex.
“It is a pleasure to be a part of this important program. At Denver Zoo we have many animal conservation programs in Mongolia. For us, this is a natural fit to participate in this exchange,” says Conservation Education Coordinator Meghan Rubinstein.
Since 1996 Denver Zoo has been working with specialists in Mongolia to create and manage new nature parks, implement education programs and train local people to more effectively conduct conservation work. The current work has expanded to include conservation research on threatened species including cinereous vultures, argali sheep, ibex, Bactrian camels, corsac foxes, Pallas’ cats and more.
This spring exchange is one of several planned throughout the year. Local students will travel to Mongolia in June as part of the exchange as well. Although unable to attend this session, Navajo students will participate in the exchange program at later dates.
March 18, 2010
DENVER ZOO CELEBRATES BIRTH OF DE BRAZZA’S MONKEY - Visitors Can See Active Youngster on Exhibit with Parents in Primate Panorama
Denver Zoo is thrilled to announce the birth of a De Brazza’s Monkey named Kanani! She was born to mother, Marinda and father, Kisoro, on December 19, 2009. Kanani is described as very active and playful despite Marinda’s attempts to be protective. Weather permitting, visitors can see her wiggle away from her mom in Primate Panorama.
Kisoro came to Denver Zoo in 2006 and is believed to have been born in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He was rescued off the black market as an orphan illegally up for sale to be used in the pet trade or as bush meat. He was not returned to his native habitat because he lacked the skills to survive in the wild. Marinda was born at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo and came to Denver from the North Carolina Zoo in 2009. The two were paired under recommendation of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) which ensures healthy populations and genetic diversity among zoo animals. Fortunately, the couple has proved to be an excellent match.
De Brazza’s Monkeys live in both swamps and forests of central Africa. They are difficult to find, though as they are excellent at hiding and can freeze in place for several hours if they sense they are in danger. In fact, because they hide so well it is unknown how many exist in the wild. Though they are not considered endangered, their greatest threats come from habitat loss.
They typically live in small social groups that generally consist of a dominant male and many females. Adult males weigh around 15 pounds. Females can weigh about half as much. They have grayish fur with black limbs and white backsides. Their faces are distinguishable by orange, crescent-shaped markings on their foreheads and white muzzles and beards. They get their names from Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, a French explorer in the late 1800’s.
Feb. 17, 2010
DENVER ZOO MANED WOLF PUPS BEGIN EXPLORING - Zoo Celebrates Rare Birth of This Species
Three rare maned wolf pups have begun exploring outside of their hut over the last few days. They are Cayenne, a female, and Santiago and Diego, both males. The pups, born on Christmas Eve to mother, Itati, and father, Tega, have remained close to mom but are becoming more curious daily. All three pups were just given a clean bill of health by Denver Zoo doctors. Denver Zoo visitors can see the pups as they explore at the zoo’s Feline Building just east of the main entrance.
“This birth is very exciting for us. The last time visitors were able to see maned wolf pups at Denver Zoo was in 1985,” says Curator of Carnivores Beth Jo Schoeberl.
Maned wolf pups are a rare site in zoos. Only a dozen maned wolf pups born over the last two years have survived. Although it is not known why, these shy animals do not always care for their young.
“We took many precautions to make sure Itati, the mother, would care for her young. We monitored her daily from video cameras and gave her plenty of privacy toward the end of her pregnancy and in the weeks following the births. We even had contingency plans to introduce these pups to another litter should Itati not care for them. Fortunately, she has been a great mom and is taking excellent care of these little guys. It’s exactly what we hoped for,” Schoeberl says.
Maned wolves live in the South American grasslands and scrub forests of Brazil, northern Argentina, Paraguay, eastern Bolivia and southeastern Peru. This species is vulnerable and face loss of habitat due to agriculture in their native lands. It is estimated that there are between 2200 - 4500 maned wolves in the wild.
Covered with golden-red fur, the maned wolf has long legs, standing about three feet tall at the shoulder, which allows the animal to see better in the tall grasses of the savannah.
DENVER ZOO & CITY & COUNTY OF DENVER IMPROVE DUCK LAKE Drainage Marks First Crucial Step to Begin Improvements to Lake Benefiting Wildlife and Citizens
In cooperation with the City and County of Denver, Denver Zoo will begin draining Duck Lake today in City Park. The drainage will allow critical improvements to the lake that borders Denver Zoo.
“We’ve been working on a plan to improve this valuable lake for years. I’m thrilled to see these improvements come to life, bringing benefits to wildlife, park and zoo visitors,” says Denver Zoo VP for Planning & Capital Projects George Pond.
“This is a very exciting project and is just one of many improvements to City Park that will come to fruition this year,” says City Park Planner Britta Herwig.
Duck Lake is a resource in peril. The man-made lake has had marginal water quality conditions due to a buildup of nutrients and organic debris on the lake bottom, while the island, which serves as a valuable rookery for migratory birds, is losing trees annually due to erosion. The zoo and partners plan to drain Duck Lake over the next few days in coordination with construction of the new Asian Tropics exhibit.
“All of these years of planning are coming into place. As we begin the first phases of construction of Asian Tropics, we also are improving the adjacent Nurture Trail. These improvements will allow us to complete the trail, which will end with a wetland feature highlighting the importance of this urban wildlife habitat,” Pond says.
Improvements completed by the City and County of Denver are also planned on the City Park side of the project.
After draining the lake, construction workers will allow the existing sediment to dry out so they can clean and recontour the lakebed. This will also allow work to be done to correct erosion problems on the island, which has served as a critical migratory bird nesting site. Black-crowned night herons, double-crested cormorants and snowy egrets use the island trees annually for nesting. These habitat improvements will maintain this valuable urban wildlife resource.
“Ferrill and Duck lakes make City Park the most significant breeding site for black-crowned night herons and snowy egrets in the state. This improvement will help ensure that migratory birds have a safe rookery for years to come. Without improvement, Duck Lake will continue to decline, becoming a less viable option for these amazing animals,” says Denver Zoo Director of Public Programs Brad Parks. Mr. Parks conducts annual counts of nests and birds for Denver Zoo in partnership with the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory.
Draining the lake has taken years of planning, but officials are unsure of what types of fish may still be alive in the lake, despite its occasional low oxygen levels. The zoo plans to move indigenous fish to the nearby Ferrill Lake.
Feb. 10, 2010
RING IN THE CHINESE NEW YEAR AT DENVER ZOO FEBRUARY 14 - Celebrate the Year of the Tiger with Special Animal Demonstrations, Zookeeper Chats and Educational Activities Focused on Culture & Conservation
If your New Year's resolutions haven't worked out as planned, here's your chance for a do-over. Don't let good fortune pass you by- join Denver Zoo in celebrating the Year of the Tiger this Sunday, February 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with entertainment, education stations and animal activities that would satisfy any party animal. Activities are free with admission.
It’s a Chinese custom to clean your house during this time to remove bad luck while leaving room for good fortune. Free up some space for good luck and keep hazardous materials out of our landfills by properly recycling electronics at Denver Zoo this Sunday from 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. All guests who bring in electronic items to be recycled will receive immediate good fortune in the form of a $6 discount good towards admission or a Denver Zoo membership.
Even some of our animals will get into the spirit. Because red is a color symbolizing good luck in Asian cultures, some of our animals will be given red gifts to enjoy. Our tigers will receive red boomer balls to bop around and find food inside, while our orangutans will get red blankets to cuddle up with, delivered in red wrapping paper.
Activities Include:
Electronic Recycling 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Join the Chinese New Year Tradition of cleaning out your home to make room for good luck by recycling your electronics at Denver Zoo and get $6 off admission or a Denver Zoo membership.
Activity Station: Is Palm Oil In Your Shopping Cart? 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Learn about small changes you can make at the grocery store that can help save orangutans and other animals native to Asian forests.
Craft Station: Origami 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Create your own origami tiger in celebration of the Year of the Tiger using this ancient art form of folding paper.
Animal Encounter: Zodiac Animal Meet and Greet 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Get nose to snout with some of Denver Zoo residents and learn about the Zodiac signs that these animals represent.
Entertainment: Chinese Lion Dancers 11 a.m.
Enjoy Chinese lion dancers as they embark on the zoo to bring good luck and fortune into the New Year.
Entertainment: Taiko Drummers Noon, 12:20 p.m. and 12:40 p.m. Ring in the new year with the sounds of this Japanese great drum.
Komodo Feeding and Keeper Talk 1:30 p.m.
Come to Tropical Discovery to learn about these dragons from Southeast Asia.
Orangutan Enrichment and Keeper Talk 2:30 p.m. Watch our orangutans unwrap their new blankets and learn more about them from their caretakers.
January 7, 2010
RARE ZEBRA BORN AT DENVER ZOO! Visitors Can See the Month-Old Foal in the South Zebra Yard
Denver Zoo is celebrating the birth of a brand new, endangered Grevy’s zebra. Born to mother, Topaz and father, Punda, on Friday, November 27, the new arrival, a male named Lakota, now can be seen outside in the southern zebra yard, weather permitting.
This is the second foal for Topaz and she is still proving to be an excellent mother, keeping a watchful eye over the young colt. Lakota is very shy and tends to remain at his mother’s side, but has been known to venture out on his own from time to time. This is the third Grevy’s zebra from the zoo’s breeding herd and the sixteenth zebra to be born in the zoo’s history.
There are three different species of zebra; plains or common zebra, mountain zebra and Grevy’s zebra. Grevy’s zebras are endangered with less than two thousand left in the wild due to loss of habitat, competition with livestock and poaching. As the largest wild equine species, Grevy’s can be distinguished from other zebras by their longer legs, more narrow stripes, white, stripeless underbelly and large rounded ears. Grevy’s zebras are only found in northern Kenya and south eastern Ethiopia.
Denver Zoo is dedicated to saving Grevy’s zebras through conservation in the wild and on zoo grounds. Lakota is the result of a breeding recommendation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, which ensures the genetic diversity of select species. In the wild, Denver Zoo employs a full-time conservation biologist dedicated to Grevy’s zebra research in Kenya. Kenya is the last stronghold for Grevy’s zebras, as they’ve disappeared from most of their former habitat. The zoo also works with communities and schools in Kenya to create awareness of this animal’s plight and encourage grassroots support of Grevy’s zebra conservation, as well as offering undergraduate scholarships for the next generation of wildlife conservation leaders. In the past, Denver Zoo has also provided life-saving vaccines during an anthrax epidemic to Grevy’s in the wild.
Full grown male zebras can weigh up to a thousand pounds and stand over five feet tall at the shoulder. Zebra foals are born after a gestation period of 13 months. Young zebras are born with brown stripes instead of black. This protective coloring helps the foal to blend in with its background and be less visible to predators. Zebra’s stripes are like human fingerprints and no two zebras have identical stripe patterns.
Your complete resource for Zoo news 
December 30, 2011
Zoo Lights Special Events lineup:
Denver Zoo strives to be greenest zoo in the country. In addition to the gasifier, Denver Zoo has a long list of accomplishments, goals and initiatives. These include becoming the first zoo in the country to receive ISO 14001 certification, which ensures that the entire facility and its operations are attaining the highest environmental standards. Denver Zoo achieved the honor by establishing a Sustainable Management System (SMS), which provides a framework for systematically identifying, implementing and continually reducing environmental impacts in all of the zoo's operations. The zoo also has registered Asian Tropics with the United States Green Building Council and is expecting the site will be LEED certified at the gold level.
DENVER ZOO INSTALLS ELEPHANT BRIDGE - Bridge Marks First Step Toward What Final Product Will Look Like
DENVER ZOO ANNOUNCES WILD RIDE CHALLENGER - Tiffany Barnhart Will Commute to the Zoo Car-Free for One Year
Over the next 18 days, Hesty nearly doubled her body weight from 2.86 pounds to 4.4 pounds under the care of veterinarians and zookeepers. Nias responded well when staff was able to reunite the two on July 19. However, Hesty still didn’t immediately know how to nurse. Staff sedated Nias on July 23 to teach her how to find Nias’s breast and ensure she could nurse on her own. Fortunately this time, the training appears to be successful as Hesty has begun nursing on her own. 
WWII & KOREAN WAR VET CELEBRATES 92 BIRTHDAY AT DENVER ZOO 
DENVER ZOO WELCOMES FOUR TIGER CUBS - The Little Quadruplets are doing GRRREEAATT Behind the Scenes
DENVER ZOO MOURNING LOSS OF POLAR BEAR “VODA” 
“We were watching Voda very closely. Unfortunately, she was getting progressively worse and during an emergency veterinary evaluation, we found that her health was declining rapidly. We knew she was not going to get better. It’s always difficult to make these decisions. She will be so missed,” says Senior Veterinarian Dr. Felicia Knightly. 
DENVER ZOO WELCOMES A FOSSA
DENVER ZOO PRESIDENT CRAIG PIPER APPOINTED TO VISIT DENVER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MONGOLIAN STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN ZOO ACTIVITIES AS PART OF INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM - Denver Sister Cities International, Zorig Foundation, Zoo & Area Schools Launch Leadership Program 
“We took many precautions to make sure Itati, the mother, would care for her young. We monitored her daily from video cameras and gave her plenty of privacy toward the end of her pregnancy and in the weeks following the births. We even had contingency plans to introduce these pups to another litter should Itati not care for them. Fortunately, she has been a great mom and is taking excellent care of these little guys. It’s exactly what we hoped for,” Schoeberl says.
DENVER ZOO & CITY & COUNTY OF DENVER IMPROVE DUCK LAKE
