The Denver Zoo’s Tropical Discovery exhibit is a captivating and immersive experience that transports visitors into the heart of a lush, tropical jungle. This comprehensive exhibit showcases a diverse array of animals, from reptiles and amphibians to mammals and invertebrates, all thriving in a meticulously recreated tropical environment.
Animals Found in Tropical Discovery
The Tropical Discovery exhibit at the Denver Zoo is home to a wide variety of fascinating creatures, each with its own unique adaptations and behaviors. Visitors can encounter:
Reptiles
- Komodo dragons
- Siamese crocodiles
- Green anacondas
- Venomous snakes, such as the king cobra and neotropical rattlesnake
Amphibians
- Lake Titicaca frogs
- Other species of frogs
Fish
- A diverse array of fish, including those found in coral reefs
Mammals
- Linne’s two-toed sloths
- Capybaras
- Bats
Invertebrates
- Various species of insects and other invertebrates
Highlights of Tropical Discovery
The Tropical Discovery exhibit at the Denver Zoo offers a truly immersive and engaging experience for visitors. Some of the highlights include:
Bat Cave
Prepare to be captivated by the Bat Cave, a fascinating exhibit that showcases several species of bats, including the short-tailed bat, Jamaican fruit bat, and vampire bat. Observe these unique mammals as they navigate their habitat and learn about their vital role in the ecosystem.
Rainforest Area
Step into a lush, verdant rainforest environment and encounter a variety of animals, such as the capybara, Linne’s two-toed sloth, archerfish, and poison dart frogs. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of this vibrant ecosystem.
Coral Reef
Dive beneath the surface and explore the Coral Reef exhibit, where you’ll find clownfish, lionfish, spotted garden eels, and other captivating marine species. Marvel at the intricate and colorful underwater world.
Snake Exhibit
Venture into the hidden Snake Exhibit, located inside a Mayan temple, and come face-to-face with venomous snakes from around the world. Learn about the unique adaptations and behaviors of these fascinating reptiles.
Sloth Tree
Gaze up at the 22-foot tall Sloth Tree, a specially designed habitat that showcases the slow-moving Linne’s two-toed sloths in their natural environment.
Special Experiences and Encounters
The Denver Zoo’s Tropical Discovery exhibit offers visitors the opportunity to engage with the animals in unique and memorable ways:
Up-Close Look
Participate in a 30-minute meet-and-greet with either fish or lizards, including a feeding experience. This special encounter costs $200 per group (maximum 6 people) and is available on Fridays at 2 pm.
Stingray Cove
During the seasonal Stingray Cove exhibit, visitors can touch and feed cownose rays, white-spotted and brown-banded bamboo sharks, southern stingrays, shovelnose guitarfish, and bonnethead sharks. Admission to this exhibit costs $5 in addition to the zoo entry fee.
Additional Information
Hours and Admission
The Denver Zoo is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission prices vary depending on the time of year and visitor age, but general admission ranges from $15 to $25 for adults and $10 to $20 for children.
Directions and Parking
The Denver Zoo is located at 2300 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205. Parking is available on-site for a fee.
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Zoo
- https://denverzoo.org/exhibits/
- https://denverzoo.org/up-close-look-tropical-discovery/
- https://denverzoo.org/history/
- https://denverzoo.org/habitat/tropical-discovery/