DENVER ZOO MAGAZINE FOR THOSE THAT SLITHER … · OFFICERS Dennis J. O’Malley, Chairman Lou...

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DENVER ZOO MAGAZINE | FOR THOSE THAT SLITHER AND CLIMB AND ROAR AND SOAR | VOL. 1, 2013 | MAY – SEPT FEATURING KIMBO ARRIVES P.3 LION CUBS VISIT P.5 BISON OF RIO MORA P.7

Transcript of DENVER ZOO MAGAZINE FOR THOSE THAT SLITHER … · OFFICERS Dennis J. O’Malley, Chairman Lou...

DENVER ZOO MAGAZINE | FOR THOSE THAT SLITHER AND CLIMB AND ROAR AND SOAR | VOL. 1, 2013 | MAY – SEPT

FEATURING

KIMBO ARRIVES P.3 LION CUBS VISIT P.5 BISON OF RIO MORA P.7

OFFICERS

Dennis J. O’Malley, ChairmanLou Clinton, Executive Vice ChairmanLyne Andrich, Vice Chairmanof FinanceBei-Lee Gold, SecretaryKatie Philpott Schoelzel, Immediate Past Chair

TRUSTEES

Rob AlvaradoRobert Bach Veronica BarelaLauri DannemillerPanayes John Dikeou Ivette DominguezKelly EisingerKevin T. Fitzgerald, PhD, DVMCharles R. Frederickson Paul K. FreemanLaurie Lind GalbreathConstance F. GrahamPatrick E. GreenDebbie J. JessupRobert KaufmannLynn Luce Kitt Sherri Koelbel Mike Long Katherine Magner

Kelly Matthews Nancy Simonds McGrathJulie Moore Mills Richard L. Monfort Nina Henderson MooreKathleen M. Ogsbury Sheri L. PearcePatricia Barela Rivera Meyer M. SaltzmanDr. Charles H. Scoggin Elizabeth B. Searle Jo Ann Semple John SkaradowskiStephen L. StienekerSharon K. Swiatek Bruce S. WagnerSid Wilson Rob Witwer

HONORARY LIFE TRUSTEES

Bruce D. Benson Ruth M. Keesling William H. KistlerGene N. Koelbel James B. Kurtz John C. North III Marynelle C. Philpott Edward A. Robinson Dr. Robert B. Sawyer Charles L. Warren

TRUSTEES EMERITI

Barb CardKenneth I. GartMary Pat McCormick

DENVER ZOOLOGICAL FOUNDATION, INC.

2300 STEELE STREETDENVER, COLORADO 80205-4899

WEBSITEwww.denverzoo.org

ZOO INFORMATION720.337.1400

EDUCATION720.337.1488

DEVELOPMENT720.337.1460

VOLUNTEER SERVICES720.337.1486

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES720.337.1478

GIFT & ESTATE PLANNING720.337.1463

ZOO PARTIES & RENTALS720.337.1473In cooperation with the City and County of Denver

If you wish to opt out of receiving the printed version of ALIVE please email [email protected]. View ALIVE online at denverzoo.org/membership.

A NEW PAGE IN DENVER ZOO HISTORY

WELCOME TO DENVER ZOO’S NEW MEMBERSHIP PUBLICATION, ALIVE. Why the new name and look you may ask? It’s based on many conversations with our members, board of trustees, staff , volunteers and other community leaders about Denver Zoo and the stories you want to hear. We learned that people love to visit Denver Zoo for the diff erent sights, sounds and smells that fi ll your senses on each visit. In essence, what sets Denver Zoo apart is that it’s so…ALIVE! It’s alive with memorable, ever-changing encounters among animals, family and friends.

Our team decided we needed a member publication that is more refl ective of the Denver Zoo experience. We want Alive to share inspiring stories about animals, how we care for them and the zoo’s critical conservation and education programs here in Denver and around the world. Our goal is to capture the special connections you make with animals every time you visit.

At Denver Zoo, we celebrate life in all its forms every day — whether it walks, runs, crawls, fl ies, slithers, hops or swims. We hope you’ll have as much fun reading about our celebration of animals and people in ALIVE as we had creating it.

Thank you for being part of our Denver Zoo family,

CRAIG PIPERPresident and CEO, Denver Zoo

TABLE OF CONTENTSKimbo the Elephant 3

Animal Care 4

Qatar Lion Cubs Visit 5

The Bison of Rio Mora 7

Chewbacca 9

Social Media 9

Goddard Partnership 11

Gerenuk Blossom 12

B-Cycle at Denver Zoo 12

Featured Programs 13

Five Month Calendar 14

ON THE COVER & ABOVE:

Denver Zoo’s newest Asian elephant Kimbo gives us a glimpse of her unique trunk and captivating eyes.

For membership acquisition purposes, Denver Zoo will occasionally exchange its membership lists with other like-minded, non profi t organizations. Our membership list is never sold or provided for the use of for-profi t organizations. If you would prefer that your name is not included in a list exchange, please email us [email protected] or call 720.337.1478.

Accredited by the

Since 1950, when Cookie the elephant arrived in Denver, visitors to Denver Zoo have been enchanted by the mystique of the giant pachyderms. Recently, a new female Asian elephant, Kimbo, moved to Denver and she is sure to capture your heart.

Denver Zoo was home to three other elephants when Kimbo arrived in December. Bodhi, an 8-year-old male, came to Denver Zoo from Columbus Zoo on November 3, 2011, and was the fi rst elephant to live in the brand-new, state-of-the-art Clayton F. Freiheit House in Toyota Elephant Passage. Longtime Denver Zoo residents Mimi and Dolly were soon moved to the building and quickly settled into their expansive new home. They were then joined by Groucho, 42, who moved to Denver from Fort Worth.

Dolly, estimated to be around 48 years old, has lived at the zoo since 1988 and has long been a favorite of Denver Zoo visitors. After Mimi’s passing in October of 2012, Denver Zoo was interested in finding Dolly a new companion. With the opening of Toyota Elephant Passage, the zoo is able to hold up to 12 elephants.

Kimbo was suggested as a perfect friend for Dolly and a recommendation was made to move her to Denver Zoo by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan or SSP, which is a program that determines the best home for animals in North American zoos. Participation in SSP programs helps ensure healthy populations and genetic diversity among zoo animals by carefully placing animals in the best location for the entire zoo population.

Elephants are like people and each one has a unique personality. From the time Kimbo arrived, zookeepers started to learn about her and worked on building trust with the new elephant. Keepers

noticed that she seems to be a little bit shy and is cautious but is becoming comfortable with new sounds, smells and opportunities. She loves her hay and would select some tasty produce as her favorite treat over monkey chow, which some elephants would pick. At just over 8,100 pounds, Kimbo loves to take baths. She enjoys taking long drinks from the hose and playing with the water. Sometimes she fi lls her mouth up with water and will then take it out with her trunk and spray it over herself.

Following the standard quarantine period, Kimbo was introduced to Dolly and the two are getting along well. With Dolly showing her the ropes, Kimbo will continue to learn how to get around her new home. In addition to the Clayton F. Freiheit Elephant House, which features eight large indoor bedrooms and a parlor where the elephants greet their guests, Toyota Elephant Passage has fi ve large yards accesible to the elephants. With two miles of interconnected trails on 10 acres of varied terrain, this beautiful new exhibit is one of the largest and most complex elephant habitats in North America.

HELLO,KIMBO

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Bert the hippo gets a dental check up duringhis daily training session.

During routine health exams zoo veterinarians lookthe animal over from snout to tail.

Almost a decade later, the exhibit has seen nearly a full generation of animals who now use those same secondary steps because they aren’t as steep on their aged limbs.

Older lions also don’t enjoy taking medicine any more than humans do, so every morning zookeepers make the experience a little more palatable. This includes cutting holes and molding “meatball pockets” in beef to hide powders and pills. Before the felines are allowed to eat their little treats, however, zookeepers run them through a training session where they are asked to present different body parts for blood draws, vaccinations and checkups. Dolly, the 48-year-old Asian elephant, is a little less active and prefers to take her ibuprofen for her old, achy joints with a swig of orange juice and a foot wash. Although this and her apple a day do help keep the doctor away, eventually, all animals must visit the doctor.

Denver Zoo is fortunate to have a full-time veterinary team available around the clock. Appointments can be made for specific surgeries or a series of checks and procedures done at

once to be proactive and for better efficiency. For instance, in an hour’s time an otter can get his teeth cleaned, heart checked and eyes examined.

“As they get older many aspects of life get a little more difficult for these animals,” says staff veterinarian Diana Boon. “It’s our responsIbIlIty to make sure we make theIr lIves a lIttle easIer and more comfortable and help them avoId problems down the road If we can.”

Zoo staff even routinely collaborate with outside specialists who offer alternative treatments such as acupuncture or laser treatments to increase blood flow to achy joints. Before his passing in January, Cyrano, an elderly coati, was treated with physical therapy during his last few months to make him as comfortable as possible. He enjoyed it so much that he would even sometimes guide the therapist’s hand with his paw as she relieved stress in his spine. All of this has allowed many animals to live well beyond their average life expectancies. While every animal will eventually pass away, they can trust they will live comfortably at Denver Zoo throughout their entire lives.

Whether they’re tiger cub quadruplets or the first orangutan born in a quarter-century, baby animals always seem to get plenty of attention at Denver Zoo. Not just from guests, but from zookeepers and veterinarians who know the little ones need special care just after birth. It’s important to note this level of attention doesn’t stop when the animals grow to more than a handful.

“Our goal is to take care of animals at any age. From the time they’re born all the way through their golden years,” says Curator of Behavior and Enrichment Emily Insalaco. Sometimes that’s as simple as adding a little extra concrete. Intermediate steps were added between the main stairs inside Predator Ridge not long after the exhibit was completed to allow lion and hyena cubs to bound out to their yards.

ANIMAL CARE

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A lifetime commitment to health and wellness

For the first time since 2006, Denver Zoo welcomed the pitter-patter of lion cub paws. The triplet cubs, made up of two males, Tsavo and Enzi, and a female, Sabi, were born June 24, 2012, and arrived in late October as a donation from the Royal Family of Qatar. Since their December debut, there has been no shortage of smiles at Predator Ridge.

Sabi, for the record, fearlessly leads the way for the three. Though she’s the smallest, she’s also the boldest and is never afraid to tug at her brothers’ tails to get them to join in the fun.

“They’re super popular with guests just because they’re so cute, but they’re also so active and always doing something funny. They’re running around, wrestling and interacting with people up at the glass,” says Curator of Large Mammals Hollie Colahan. “I’ve talked to a number of people who’ve been back multiple times to see them and know their story. It’s great to see guests connect to that.” The trio was donated by Sheik Khalid bin Hamad Al Thani, son of Qatar’s ruling emir. He received the cubs’ parents as a gift from the country of Sudan a few years ago. The lions bred and the female died after a difficult birth. With the lion family having doubled in size, the sheik contacted zoos in the United States that could better meet the needs of this lion pride.

Denver Zoo’s Hollie Colahan is also the coordinator of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Lion Species Survival Plan (SSP), which determines the best home for lions in North American accredited zoos. SSPs are cooperative animal management, breeding and conservation programs that work to ensure long-term species survival. Colahan traveled to Qatar, met with staff and veterinarians caring for the lions and personally oversaw the import process in late October while Shiek Khalid paid for all the expenses associated with the move.

Unfortunately, the cubs’ stay at the zoo is probably a short one. At the time of this printing, Denver Zoo was working with other AZA accredited zoos to fi nd each of the cubs a good long-term home. Predator Ridge is already home to fi ve adult lions, three males and two females. Regardless of

their fi nal home, the cubs’ arrival is exciting news for breeding programs in North American accredited zoos. These cubs are not related to any lions in AZA zoos and do not share any recent African ancestry, making their genetics unique to the North American population.

“They’ve been fun for guests and staff to watch them grow and discover new things, but they are needed elsewhere,” Colahan says. “They bring valuable genes, which ultimately makes the population healthier. And that’s always a good thing.”

sInce theIr december debut, there has been no shortaGe of smIles at predator rIdGe.

Triplets win hearts during short stay in Denver

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Qatar cubs

Regardless of their fi nal home, the cubs’ arrival is exciting news for breeding programs in North American accredited zoos. These cubs are not related to any lions in AZA zoos and do not share any recent African ancestry, making their genetics unique to the North American population.

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It’s almost sunset in northeastern New Mexico on a mid-January day. The only sounds for miles are the gentle grunts and muted munching from a herd of about 50 bison dining on grass on a wide-open prairie. Vice President for Conservation Biology Rich Reading looks on and enjoys the image. “Whenever I see a herd of bison like this, what I try to do is imagine how it used to be on the Great Plains and think of the kinds of things we’re trying to do to bring back wildlife,” says Reading. To Reading, the bison represent more than just a romantic vignette, though. They are the primary part of a project to understand just how much they positively shape their landscape as “ecosystem engineers” and how their species’ replacement by cows on the Great Plains long ago disrupted other species’ habitats.

Located near the small town of Watrous, roughly 80 miles east of Santa Fe, is the Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge. The beautiful, almost 5,000-acre property is full of short-grass prairie and features a canyon carved by the Mora River. Philanthropist Gene Thaw donated the land to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in September 2012 to protect it for conservation purposes. Thaw also asked Denver Zoo, who had already been working on the property, to officially take over management of the programs in late November through a partnership with USFWS. The zoo’s primary goals for Rio Mora are to pursue wildlife conservation, education and research, restore ecosystems and natural water flow, and disseminate information to like-minded individuals in the region.

The bison can roam most of the ranch using a low-stress management strategy. Currently owned

by the Wind River Ranch Foundation, which formerly managed the property, the foundation plans to donate the bison to the Inter Tribal Buffalo Council, which represents several local Native American tribes interested in bison conservation and management. Until the tribes can take the bison for food, to help them establish conservation herds on reservations, Reading and his team test theories, such as how their grazing influences the flora and fauna.

For instance, cattle typically remain in one area and graze it heavily, so managers use fences and active movement to get even management across a property. Bison, on the other hand, constantly roam far and wide, hitting some areas heavily and others lightly, leaving a more diverse set of habitats for other species. Reading says cattle production leaves medium-height grass, often excluding, or even removing, habitat for species that prefer really tall

THE BISON OF RIO MORA

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grass or no grass at all. Garter snakes, for instance, are partial to dense growth while birds like mountain plovers and horned larks favor more barren ground.

Bison have also proved useful in restoring grassland from encroaching plant species like juniper trees and yucca bushes. These invasive plants have far-reaching roots that out-compete grass for moisture, which also decreases habitat diversity as the grasses die off. Fire was once thought to be the sole force keeping such species at bay, but early research around the property demonstrates that bison rip, chew and horn the intrusive shrubs into submission.

Cattle overgrazing has also contributed to erosion and creation of steep-cut arroyos, or dry creeks that seasonally drain water after sufficient rain and snowmelt. Lack of vegetation leads to erosion as water rushes downstream quickly, taking with it soils and the potential to maintain plants and the other species associated with them. Restoration on the property has included meticulous building

of small rock dams and strategically placing large rocks and tree branches along the arroyos’ walls to create meanders, or bends in a river to slow water, thereby encouraging soil deposition.

“It’s ironic that man has to come back and make it look like we were never here and that’s really hard to do, but it’s already working,” says Grasslands and Restoration Specialist Brooks Read. “In a matter of five years you can see a dramatic difference.”

In addition to showing the importance of bison, this restoration model is a primary focus of the refuge’s education outreach.Local ranchers are

taught how to better restore and protect their own lands. “What we’re doing is creating a model they can see and emulate,” Reading says. “We want to show them how to stop erosion and just how much positive difference bison can make.”

“Whenever I see a herd of bison like this, what I try to do is imagine how it used to be on the Great Plains and think of the kinds of things we’re trying to do to bring back wildlife.”

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– Rich Reading

Every day is different at Denver Zoo. We regularly get to stand in awe as we see our animal friends grow and play and learn. You can experience these daily discoveries by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter. We’ll also keep you up-to-date on events and programs. And we encourage you to share your experiences too. We’ll be featuring a favorite moment in each issue.

ALIVE is only one way to stay connected to Denver Zoo. Sign up to receive our weekly e-newsletter with all of the latest news and activities by sending an email to [email protected]. Be sure to include your name, mailing address and preferred email address.

Thank you to a Denver Zoo member for sending us this photo! A volunteer was sharing the story of the lion cubs currently staying at Denver Zoo. When the volunteer got to the part of the story where the cubs’ mother passed away following a difficult birth, this little girl was moved to place her hand on the glass. This lion cub then approached the glass and placed its paw on the window from the other side. Our thanks to Teresa for sharing this special moment with us!

Denver Zoo recently welcomed a new red panda, Chewbacca. The fuzzy, red 6-year-old has been paired with Daisy, also 6, who moved to Denver Zoo at the end of 2011. The pair gets along well and has been recommended for breeding by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan, which ensures healthy populations and genetic diversity among zoo animals. Red pandas enjoy eating bamboo and their thick fur coats help them stay comfortable on colder days in their native habitat, the mountains of southeastern Asia. Because of this they can oft en be seen on exhibit on the cooler days here in Denver.

DENVER ZOO MISSIONSecure a better world for animals through human understanding

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SOCIAL ANIMALS

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MEET CHEWBACCA, OUR NEW RED PANDA

Denver Zoo is deeply saddened to announce the death of Tawny, a 15-year-old female South African lion. Keepers noticed Tawny was showing some lameness in her front right leg. Aft er conducting emergency exploratory surgery, Denver Zoo vets found several critical health issues, including severe liver disease, from which Tawny would not be able to recover and made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize her during the procedure on Wednesday, February 27. Tawny had been an animal ambassador at Denver Zoo since the opening of Predator Ridge in 2004. In 2005, online voters and zoo staff selected Tawny as “Denver Zoo Mother of the Year” for her skills and devotion to her only litter of triplet cubs. The median life span of lions in zoos is 16.8 years, while lions in the wild live approximately 15 years. Tawny will be missed by many.

THANK YOU

Thank you to the presenting sponsor of the 2012 Zoo Lights, Your Neighborhood Toyota Stores. Denver Zoo would also like to thank all of the additional sponsors that helped make this the most memorable Zoo Lights yet. We appreciate your support. Thank you.

Denver Zoo is one of America’s greatest zoos because of help from friends like you! Your charitable gift directly supports Denver Zoo’s mission. Your gift will enrich both the lives of our animals and their species around the world and helps ensure a quality experience for each of our patrons.

Make your commitment today to support Denver Zoo, a leading non profi t working toward securing a better world for animals through human understanding. Support us today by making a contribution that will help us continue to improve the situation for animals, both at the zoo and in the wild. Please visit denverzoo.org/donations.

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FOR A FULL LIST OF OUR DONORS, PLEASE VISIT DENVERZOO.ORG/DONORS.

REMEMBERING TAWNY

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It is no surprise that kids love visiting Denver Zoo. They get to see amazing animals, enjoy the outdoors and spend time with friends and family. While these things get kids excited about going to the zoo, they might not even realize that they also learn when they visit.

Denver Zoo has partnered with The Goddard School for Early Childhood Development to create seasonal activity maps for families with children ages 1–6. Both organizations believe in the importance of learning through play, and hope to promote the activities at the zoo that encourage children to have fun and learn at the same time.

The first map, released in March, highlights activities for children at Predator Ridge and Toyota Elephant Passage. The maps can be found on special signs at the zoo or can be downloaded from Denver Zoo’s website. By using the map as a guide, you can plan your visit ahead of time and create an amazing experience your entire family will enjoy.

When your children have checked off all of the items during your visit, you can stop by the zoo’s Kibongi Market gift shop with the completed map and get a special sticker.

Denver Zoo is excited to partner with The Goddard School and shares their belief in the importance of creating a lifelong love of learning. Visit your local Goddard School and mention the activity map for a free gift! For school locations and information, go to www.goddardschool.com.

THE GODDARD SCHOOLPARTNERSHIP

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Denver Zoo is thrilled to announce the birth of Blossom, the fi rst gerenuk ever to be born at the zoo. The female calf was born March 6 to mother, Layla, and father, Woody, who 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.

Blossom is also Layla’s fi rst calf and she is proving to be a very attentive mother, frequently making sure to clean and check on Blossom. It’s not always easy though, as Blossom thoroughly enjoys running and jumping around her yard to the delight of her visitors.

Gerenuks are a small antelope species native to eastern Africa. Their name means “giraff e-necked” in the Somali language, inspired by their comparatively long, thin necks. Though they aren’t nearly as tall as giraff es, gerenuks do have specially designed hips and pelvises that give them the unique ability to stand up completely vertical on their hind legs. This nearly doubles their height as they browse for hard-to-reach leaves and twigs in trees.

Brand-new, shiny B-cycle stations were installed at Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science in March. B-cycle is an innovative bike-share system that was introduced to Denver almost three years ago. Users are able to purchase access to the system for as little as $8 a day or a one-year membership for $80 and then are able to check out a bike from any B-cycle station, ride it to another station and check it back in. B-cycle provides an eco-friendly way to commute to work and visit your favorite cultural institutions and sporting events around Denver. The system continues to grow and, in 2013, B-cycle Denver hopes to go from 53 to 83 stations and from 530 to 709 available bikes in the system. Join the movement and pedal your way to Denver Zoo on a red B-cycle! Learn more about B-cycle by visiting www.denver.bcycle.com.

B-CYCLE ARRIVES AT DENVER ZOO

DENVER ZOO CELEBRATESFIRST-EVER GERENUK BIRTH

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On the following pages you will discover the new calendar format for Denver Zoo events and activities.It is a guideline for all of the amazing opportunities you can fi nd at Denver Zoo. We encourage you to visit denverzoo.org/events for more details, to sign up for a class or purchase tickets for an event.

FOR COMPLETE EVENT DETAILS, PLEASE VISIT DENVERZOO.ORG/EVENTS.

AGES 2–4

It is in a child’s nature to want to explore. Denver Zoo is excited to off er new programming for young children, Early Explorer Expeditions! These highly interactive, nature play-based programs foster deep and meaningful connections with animals and inspire children to explore the natural world. Important relationships will be cultivated between children and the world around them through hands-on experiences, zoo exploration, investigation and play. New exploration opportunities will be announced throughout the year, as well as a new series for older children, ages 5–6, and nature exploration programs designed to engage your entire family. Explore with us! Please visit www.denverzoo.org/education for updates and new programs.

AGES 9–ADULT 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. dailyParticipants meet an Education Animal Zookeeper and begin the day with behind-the-scenes tours. Aft er the tour, participants experience zookeeper responsibilities by trying two or more of the following: • Preparing animal diets • Helping to weigh and care for animals • Taking part in animal training • Assisting with animal demonstrations or shows • And, of course, everyone’s favorite—cleaning!To register, call 720.337.1491. Limited availability; call early for best selection. Only one experience off ered per day. Preregistration and48 hours’ notice required.

OUR NEW CALENDAR

EARLY EXPLORER EXPEDITIONS

KEEPER EXPERIENCE

FEATURED PROGRAMS

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Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

3 – BROWNIE GIRL SCOUTS BUNK WITH THE BEASTS: WATCHING WILDLIFE In this special overnight adventure, Brownie Girl Scouts explore the zoo with exciting tours and animal experiences while earning their Watching Wildlife Try-It badge.

4 – CUB SCOUT BUNK WITH THE BEASTS: RAINFOREST WONDERS In this special overnight adventure, Cub Scouts explore the zoo with exciting tours and animal experiences while meeting achievement requirements.

4, 8, 12 – EARLY EXPLORER EXPEDITIONS: DISCOVERING SENSES – WE TOUCH Third in a four-part series, explore how animals and children use their senses to investigate the environment. Select one day.

8 – GROUP BUNK WITH THE BEASTS: AFRICA PREDATOR VS. PREY Ages 6 and up. Stay overnight for a learning adventure featuring special zoo experiences and investigate the animals of the African savanna.

11 – TOYOTA SAFARI RIDE AND DRIVE Adults. Test drive a variety of Toyota vehicles at Denver Zoo and get free admission or have a donation made to the Red Apple Fund. 14, 18, 22 , 26 – EARLY EXPLORER EXPEDITIONS: DISCOVERING SENSES – WE SMELL & TASTE Fourth in a four-part series, explore how animals and children use their senses to investigate the environment. Select one day.

16 – GROUP BUNK WITH THE BEASTS: AFRICA PREDATOR VS. PREY Ages 6 and up. Stay overnight for a learning adventure featuring special zoo experiences and investigate the animals of the African savanna.

17 – GROUP BUNK WITH THE BEASTS: RAINFOREST WONDERS Ages 6 and up. Stay overnight for a learning adventure featuring special zoo experiences and investigate the layers of the rainforest.

18 – NEW BROWNIE GIRL SCOUT BUNK WITH THE BEASTS: PETS In this special overnight adventure, Brownie Girl Scouts explore the zoo with exciting tours and animal experiences while earning their Journey badge.

25 – FAMILY BUNK WITH THE BEASTS: IT’S A JUNGLE OUT THERE Families with children ages 6 and up are invited to stay overnight for animal encounters, educational games and activities that create lifelong memories.

23, 26, 28 – MIKE’S CAMERA PHOTO SAFARI Adults. The photography experts from Mike’s Camera host this three-part event that includes a classroom session, a zoo photo safari and a follow-up critic review.

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JUNE 2013

3 – SUMMER SAFARI BEGINS For kids pre-K through 8th Grade, these weeklong day camps are a zoo adventure they will remember forever. Programs run through August 9.

10-14 – NEW SUMMER SAFARI ADVANCED CAMP FOR 8TH-GRADERS 8th-Graders are invited to attend a weeklong Summer Safari camp to learn about working at the zoo through hands-on activities with zoo staff .

20 – DO AT THE ZOO, PRESENTED BY ANADARKO PETROLEUM CORPORATION Adults only. Denver Zoo’s most anticipated summer event will feature the best local restaurants and music and support the zoo’s sustainability initiatives.

21 – GROUP BUNK WITH THE BEASTS CAMPOUT Ages 6 and up. Camp under the stars at the zoo! This summertime safari camp for groups features large canvas tents, cots, lanterns and a campfi re in Primate Panorama.

22 – FAMILY BUNK WITH THE BEASTS CAMPOUT Families with children ages 6 and up are invited to camp out under the stars at the zoo in canvas tents and cots in Primate Panorama.

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5 – FAMILY BUNK WITH THE BEASTS CAMPOUT: GO NOCTURNAL Families with children ages 6 and up are invited to camp out under the stars at the zoo in canvas tents and cots in Primate Panorama.

12 – GROUP BUNK WITH THE BEASTS CAMPOUT Ages 6 and up. Camp under the stars at the zoo! This summertime safari camp for groups features large canvas tents, cots, lanterns and a campfi re in Primate Panorama.

13 – FAMILY BUNK WITH THE BEASTS CAMPOUT Families with children ages 6 and up are invited to camp out under the stars at the zoo in canvas tents and cots in Primate Panorama.

18 – NEW JUNIOR GIRL SCOUTS BUNK: HABITATS In this special overnight adventure, Junior Girl Scouts explore the zoo with exciting tours and animal experiences, while earning their Journey badge.

18, 21, 23 – MIKE’S CAMERA PHOTO SAFARI Adults. The photography experts from Mike’s Camera host this three-part event that includes a classroom session, a zoo photo safari and a follow-up critic review

19 – GROUP BUNK WITH THE BEASTS CAMPOUT Ages 6 and up. Camp under the stars at the zoo! This summertime safari camp for groups features large canvas tents, cots, lanterns and a campfi re in Primate Panorama.

26 – SINGLES SAFARI Adults. Meet some of the region’s most active, adventurous and intelligent singles and enjoy appetizers and an evening out at one of Denver’s favorite cultural attractions.

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AUGUST 2013

3 – GROUP BUNK WITH THE BEASTS CAMPOUT Ages 6 and up. Camp under the stars at the zoo! This summertime safari camp for groups features large canvas tents, cots, lanterns and a campfi re in Primate Panorama.

9 – FAMILY BUNK WITH THE BEASTS CAMPOUT Families with children ages 6 and up are invited to camp out under the stars at the zoo in canvas tents and cots in Primate Panorama.

10 – ICE CREAM SOCIAL, SPONSORED BY FRONTIER AIRLINES All ages. Enjoy an ice cream treat while supporting Denver Zoo’s Red Apple Fund for Lifelong Learning and take a ride on the Conservation Carousel or Pioneer Train.

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6 – GROUP BUNK WITH THE BEASTS: AFRICA PREDATOR VS. PREY Ages 6 and up. Stay overnight for a learning adventure featuring special zoo experiences and investigate the animals of the African savanna.

7 – TOYOTA SAFARI RIDE AND DRIVE Adults. Test drive a variety of Toyota vehicles at Denver Zoo and get free admission or have a donation made to the Red Apple Fund.

7 – MIKE’S CAMERA EQUIPMENT TEST DRIVE Adults. Visitors can enjoy complimentary loaner equipment, including cameras and exotic telephoto lenses, and pointers from the professionals at Mike’s Camera.

13 – BREW AT THE ZOO Join Denver Zoo for an adults-only, suds safari featuring Colorado’s fi nest breweries, complimentary appetizers, music and a commemorative mug.

13, 15, 17 – MIKE’S CAMERA PHOTO SAFARI Adults. The photography experts from Mike’s Camera host this three-part event that includes a classroom session, a zoo photo safari and a follow-up critic review.

28 – SCOUT NIGHT Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and their families are invited to spend an exclusive night exploring Denver Zoo a� er hours.

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