Denver Zoo is committed to providing an environment that is safe and secure for guests, employees, volunteers, contractors, vendors, and the animals in its care. Denver Zoo prohibits any person from using or operating any drone or UAS on or above the Denver Zoo campus or parking facilities managed by Denver Zoo except as otherwise stated within this policy or otherwise allowed by law.
This policy applies to all persons on the Denver Zoo campus including guests, employees, volunteers, as well as, individuals who are operating a drone outside of the Zoo campus but flying over campus.
Persons in violation of Denver Zoo’s drone policy may be dealt with accordingly by law enforcement officers, including but not limited to criminal charges as well as fines.
This policy will be published in the guest conduct policy and supersedes any contrary provisions.
The purpose of this policy is to clearly explain the Zoo’s commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment. This policy is a proactive step towards eliminating the use of drones on or over the Denver Zoo campus. The use of any drone or other UAS on campus, or at Zoo managed functions, by any person not specifically authorized, as explained within the policy, is strictly prohibited and will result in action by Denver Zoo. This policy extends to any UAS operators who are operating outside of the Zoo campus with drones flying over campus.
The reasonable restrictions found in this policy will serve to protect the animals maintained on the Denver Zoo campus and will not unduly restrict legitimate visitors from enjoying experiences and educational opportunities provided by Denver Zoo.
This policy is in effect for the Denver Zoo campus, as defined in Section IV below. This policy applies to all persons who at any time are at, on or within the Denver Zoo campus, including guests, employees, volunteers, contractors and vendors. Without limitation of any other policies or contract terms which may be applicable, all such guests, employees, volunteers, contractors and vendors are required to adhere to the terms of this policy.
a. “Denver Zoo campus” or “campus” shall mean the Denver Zoological Gardens located at 2300 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205. The Denver Zoo Campus includes all buildings, exhibits, structures, and outdoor premises at, on, over or within the Denver Zoological Gardens, and also includes all parking facilities and structures for the Denver Zoological Gardens.
The Denver Zoo campus is managed and operated by Denver Zoological Foundation, Inc., a private Colorado non-profit corporation, pursuant to a cooperative agreement between Denver Zoological Foundation, Inc., and the City and County of Denver. The Denver Zoo campus is located within City Park, a designated park under the Denver City Charter, and which is administered and managed under the auspices of the Denver Department of Parks and Recreation and the Executive Director of the Denver Department of Parks and Recreation.
b. “Drone” or “drone” or “UAS” is defined as an aircraft without a human pilot onboard – instead, the aircraft is controlled from an operator on the ground.
This policy does not apply to the following persons or situations:
a. Any employees, agents or officers of the Denver Zoological Foundation acting within the authorized scope of their duties.
b. Any person to whom the Security Operations Manager of Denver Zoological Foundation has given written authorization to fly over the property so long as they follow all rules and regulations of both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Denver Zoological Foundation.
*This Section VI does not contain an exhaustive list of all applicable State and local laws applicable to use and possession of firearms and other weapons, and is not a substitute for review of applicable laws and, where appropriate, consultation with an attorney.
a. Related Denver Department of Parks and Recreation- Park Use Rules and Regulations
i. Denver Parks and Recreation § 14.3 - Flying Objects Banned
ii. Denver Parks and Recreation § 10.1 - Misbehavior (disturbing the peace)
iii. Denver Parks and Recreation § 10.2 - Disturbing the Noise (disturbing the peace)
b. Related Denver Revised Municipal Code ("DRMC") Provisions:
i. DRMC § 37-50 – Public Nuisances Prohibited
ii. DRMC § 38-117 – Offense Against Public Safety
c. Colorado Revised Statutes (“CRS”) Provisions:
i. CRS §
a. Persons in violation of this Denver Zoological Foundation Inc. Drone Policy are trespassers and will be referred to, and dealt with by, appropriate law enforcement. In addition, Denver Zoological Foundation, Inc. may impose a temporary or permanent ban on future entry to the Denver Zoo campus, in the sole determination of Denver Zoological Foundation, Inc.
b. Violations of City and County of Denver and State of Colorado laws will be referred to, and dealt with by, appropriate law enforcement.
c. Nothing in this policy limits any additional penalties or consequences that may be set forth in separate agreements, contracts or other writings with any guest, employee, volunteer, contractor or vendor.
This Denver Zoo Drone Policy may be published in a variety of iterations to accommodate for the appropriate audience and space constraints. A full version of this policy will always be available at www.denverzoo.org/dronepolicy.
Current publications of this policy to Denver Zoo guests are as follows:
i. Website
1. Denver Zoo prohibits any person from using drones in or above a Denver Zoo campus or parking facilities managed by the Zoo.
ii. Printed Map
1. Drones or other UAS of any kind, or similar objects are prohibited.
iii. Posted Signs- Barriers
1. N/A