Denver Zoo

by Jon
(Chesterbrook, PA)

When vacationing in Colorado, one must stop by and visit the Denver Zoo. The Denver Zoo is the most visited tourist attraction in Denver. Opened in 1896, the Denver Zoo is an 80 acre facility that houses 3500 animals and 650 different species.

The zoo is open every day of the year. The summer hours, from March 1st through November 1st are from 9AM to 5PM. The winter months, from November 2nd through February 28th are from 10AM through 4PM. Admission is $12 in the summer for adults, $9 for seniors, children $7. In the winter, admission is $9 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $5 for children. The Denver Zoo also features eight days in 2010 when admission is free. Check the Denver Zoo website for these dates.

The major exhibits the Zoo offers is Bear Mountain, Predator Ridge, Primate Panorama, and Tropical Discovery.

Bear Mountain mimics the bear’s natural habitat in North America. This exhibit features grizzly, black, and brown bear species.

Predator Ridge, houses 14 different species of African mammals, birds and reptiles. In addition, this exhibit gives visitors an up close look at lions, hyenas, African wild dogs, and many different bird species. Zookeepers can rotate these animals, and this area imitates a natural habitat for the African bred animals.

Primate Panorama features seven acres of monkeys and apes. Gorillas get to roam a one care exhibit. There are many trees for tree dwelling monkeys to swing from. One must visit the Great Apes building. This facility features orangutans, and other lowland gorilla species.

Tropical Discovery is an indoor rain forest. The Denver Zoo constructed this exhibit over an 11 year period. It features waterfalls, swamps, and coral reefs. Within the water exhibit, visitors can view hundreds of fresh water fish and animals.

The zoo also features many interactive exhibits. Zoo personnel hold talks with visitors that explain the various animals, their habitats and their lifestyles. Favorite animals visited at the zoo include, lions, elephants, tigers, rhinos, seals, and hippos.

There is so much to see at the Denver Zoo, one may have to visit multiple times to see all the exhibits. The Denver Zoo, along with the San Diego Zoo are consistently ranked as the best Zoos in the United States to visit.