Denver Zoo

Denver Zoo is an animal park in the City Park neighborhood that displays over 3,000 animals from more than 600 species across open grounds. Enclosures follow geographic zones, letting visitors move through African savannas, Asian tropics and polar habitats in succession.

A black bear called Billy became the first animal in the collection in 1896, housed initially in a simple pen at the city park. Later, cage bars were removed in favor of open enclosures, a shift that marked a new approach among North American animal facilities.

Families with young children gather near the sea lion pool, where trainers explain feeding routines and answer questions about marine mammals. The zoo takes its name from the city and remains supported by community donations and volunteer programs.

Gates open daily around 10 in the morning, and visitors should plan at least three hours for a full walk through. Paths are mostly paved, and a hat with water is recommended on hot days.

During winter months, millions of lights transform the grounds into an evening landscape that visitors walk through after dark. Animals active at night, such as snow leopards and arctic foxes, remain visible along the pathways.

Location: Denver

Inception: 1896

Address: Steele Street

Website: http://denverzoo.org

GPS coordinates: 39.75000,-104.95000

Latest update: December 20, 2025 13:59