Denver Zoo Gorillas Fully Trained For Heart Health – All three of Denver Zoo's male gorillas have successfully had their hearts tested using ultrasound machines. Zookeepers do this because cardiovascular disease is involved in more than a third of great ape deaths, including gorillas and orangutans, and is particularly prevalent in male gorillas. The gorillas need to remain awake during ultrasounds to ensure an accurate reading and they have all been taught to hold their hands high and present their chests to zookeepers for ultrasound probes. The zoo is a member of the Great Ape Heart Project (GAHP). This partnership with nearly 20 zoos across North America is intended to understand heart disease, reduce mortality and improve cardiac health in all four great ape species. Watch video of the male gorillas being tested here.
Sneak a Peek at Toyota Elephant Passage – Denver Zoo's Asian elephants are having a good time exploring Toyota Elephant Passage and you should too! The zoo is offering special sneak peek opportunities of the exhibit between May 19 and May 30. For an additional fee, guests can be among the first to experience the largest project in Denver Zoo's history. You'll get to see elephants swim in their pools and white-cheeked gibbons hang out above the boardwalk all before the exhibit opens to the public on June 1. Sneak peek tickets go on sale April 16 for members and May 1 for the general public! Space is limited. Learn more about how to purchase your sneak peeks here. If you would like to become a member and have first opportunity to enjoy this first access benefit, please go to http://www.denverzoo.org/involved/membership.asp
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Register for Members' Mothers Day Brunch – Pamper your mom and start the day at Denver Zoo for our Members' Mother's Day Brunch on Sunday, May 13. This special members-only event allows families to celebrate Mother's Day with a scrumptious brunch and a day at the zoo. There are two seatings at Conoco Zoo Gardens, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. and 10 to 11:30 a.m. And don't forget the VIP Members' Mother's Day Brunch from 8 to 9 a.m., where guests can take in views over Predator Ridge from our Samburu Grille patio as they enjoy poached eggs, pancake puffs and a bottomless Bloody Mary bar. Reserve your seat now because this event regularly sells out. Ticket sales end at 5 p.m., May 10. Learn more and buy your tickets today.
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Thanks to Our Volunteers – April 15-21 is Volunteer Appreciation Week and we certainly appreciate all the hard work our volunteers give us. In 2011, 683 adult and teen zoo volunteers contributed 73,008 hours in their support of Denver Zoo and its mission! That's the equivalent of the work of 35 full-time employees! So, say thanks to a volunteer when you see one working next week. They deserve our appreciation year-round for their efforts as gate ambassadors, helping and informing guests and performing a myriad of other tasks that are needed to make Denver Zoo such a fun place to visit. Also this year, two of our adult volunteers were honored for 35 years of service. Margaret Zoller and Teri Hanzon served the zoo tirelessly over the past three decades as everything from zookeeper's assistants to "Ask Me's." Learn more about volunteering at the zoo here.
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