Denver Zoo Conservation Projects: Protecting Wildlife and Wild Spaces Globally

Denver Zoo is at the forefront of wildlife conservation, with a diverse portfolio of local and global projects aimed at protecting endangered species and their habitats. From monitoring pika populations in the Rocky Mountains to rehabilitating African penguins in South Africa, the zoo’s conservation efforts span across continents, making a tangible impact on the natural world.

Local Conservation Initiatives

Denver Zoo Conservation Projects — Image Credit: Wikimedia

Pika Project

Denver Zoo partners with Rocky Mountain Wild to study and protect the pika, a small mammal found in the high-altitude regions of the Rocky Mountains. Pikas are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, as they rely on cool, alpine environments to survive. The Pika Project involves monitoring pika populations, assessing their habitat, and implementing conservation strategies to ensure their long-term survival.

Colorado Field Conservation

The zoo dedicates over $2 million annually to protecting wildlife and wild spaces within Colorado. This includes efforts to safeguard the endangered boreal toad, as well as mitigating human-wildlife conflicts on Mount Evans. By collaborating with state and federal agencies, the zoo plays a crucial role in preserving Colorado’s rich biodiversity.

Global Conservation Initiatives

Denver Zoo Conservation Projects

Great Lakes Piping Plover Recovery Project

Denver Zoo supports the recovery of the Great Lakes piping plover, a federally endangered shorebird. The zoo’s efforts include incubating abandoned eggs and rearing chicks, which are then released into the wild to bolster the population.

African Penguin Rehabilitation Program

The zoo’s African Penguin Rehabilitation Program provides specialized care and training for endangered African penguin chicks in South Africa. By rehabilitating these vulnerable birds, the zoo helps to ensure the long-term survival of the species.

Kea Blood Level Testing and Radio Transmitters

In New Zealand, Denver Zoo collaborates with the Kea Conservation Trust to monitor the health of the kea parrot. This includes testing kea for lead poisoning and tracking their movements using radio transmitters, which helps researchers better understand the threats facing this unique species.

Grizzly Bears, Huckleberries, and Climate Change Study

The zoo participates in a study examining the impact of climate change on grizzly bears and their food sources in Montana. By understanding how these changes affect the bears’ behavior and habitat, the zoo can inform conservation strategies to protect this iconic species.

Emergency Conservation Projects

Denver Zoo is also quick to respond to urgent conservation needs, providing funding and assistance to projects such as the rehabilitation of radiated tortoises in Madagascar and Asian small-clawed otters in Vietnam.

Mountain Gorilla Conservation

In partnership with Conservation Through Public Health, Denver Zoo supports efforts to monitor the health of mountain gorillas in Uganda and engage local communities in conservation efforts.

Grey Crowned Crane Conservation

The zoo collaborates with the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association to protect the endangered grey crowned crane, which is threatened by habitat loss and the illegal wildlife trade.

Impact and Funding

Denver Zoo’s conservation efforts are far-reaching and impactful. The zoo spends over $2 million annually on conservation projects, and has supported or directly participated in more than 600 projects in 62 countries across six continents.

The zoo’s community engagement programs also play a vital role, inspiring local residents to get involved in protecting their native wildlife. By collaborating with state and federal agencies, other zoos, Native American tribes, and conservation organizations, Denver Zoo amplifies its conservation impact.

How to Support Denver Zoo’s Conservation Efforts

There are several ways for visitors and supporters to get involved in Denver Zoo’s conservation work:

Visit the Zoo: Visiting the zoo directly supports its conservation programs and provides an opportunity to learn about endangered species.
Become a Member or Volunteer: Becoming a member or volunteering at the zoo helps to sustain its conservation initiatives and inspires others to take action.
Make a Donation: Donations to the zoo’s conservation fund directly support the various projects and programs.
Choose Sustainable Options: Making sustainable choices, such as selecting sustainable seafood and reducing energy consumption, can help mitigate the impact on endangered species.