Denver Zoo offers a wide range of exciting animal interaction experiences for visitors to enjoy. From up-close encounters with elephants and sloths to the thrilling Stingray Cove and Lorikeet Adventure, there’s something for everyone to explore and connect with the incredible animals that call the zoo home.
Up-Close Looks
Animal Ambassadors
Visitors can meet a variety of animals, including reptiles and mammals, in a 30-minute meet-and-greet experience. This interactive session allows guests to get up close and personal with the zoo’s animal ambassadors. The cost is not specified, but it is for up to 6 people. Participants must be at least 6 years old and wear masks, and hand sanitizer is required throughout the experience.
Elephant Encounter
Spend 30 minutes with some of the zoo’s elephants and their keepers. This unique opportunity allows visitors to learn about these magnificent creatures and their care. The cost is $200 for up to 6 people. Participants must be at least 12 years old and wear masks, and closed-toed shoes are recommended.
Sloth Encounter
Feed and interact with Wookie, the two-toed sloth. This one-hour experience costs $199 for up to 6 people. Participants can feed Wookie but cannot touch him due to the risk of stressing the animal.
Stingray Cove
The Stingray Cove is a seasonal, open-air interactive experience that allows visitors to touch and feed gentle cownose and southern stingrays. The cost is $2 for members and $3 for non-members, and food is available for $2 per piece. The experience is open from mid-March to October, providing a unique opportunity to get up close with these fascinating marine creatures.
Lorikeet Adventure
The Lorikeet Adventure is an open aviary that features a variety of lorikeets. Visitors can pay to hand-feed the birds from a cup of nectar, creating a memorable and interactive experience with these colorful and friendly birds.
Other Experiences
In addition to the animal interaction experiences, the Denver Zoo offers several other attractions:
| Experience | Cost |
|---|---|
| 4-D Experience | $2 for members, $3 for non-members |
| Conservation Carousel & Denver Zoo Railroad | $2 for members, $3 for non-members per ride, or $15 for members and $20 for non-members for a 10-ride punch card |
These immersive experiences, such as the 4-D theater and the carousel and train rides, provide additional ways for visitors to explore and enjoy the Denver Zoo.
Rules and Restrictions
To ensure the safety and well-being of both visitors and animals, the Denver Zoo has implemented several rules and restrictions for the animal interaction experiences:
- Masks are required for Up-Close Looks, and hand sanitizer must be used throughout the experience.
- Some experiences are not recommended for people with specific allergies, such as airborne nut allergies or shellfish allergies.
- Children under 16 must be accompanied by a paid participant who is at least 16 years old.
Cost and Timings
The cost and timings for the various animal interaction experiences at the Denver Zoo are as follows:
- Up-Close Looks: Prices vary by experience, but generally range from $199 to $200 for up to 6 people. Timings vary by experience, but typically occur on specific days and times.
- Stingray Cove: $2 for members and $3 for non-members. Open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from mid-March to October.
- Lorikeet Adventure: The cost is not specified. Open during regular zoo hours.
- 4-D Experience: $2 for members and $3 for non-members. Open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weather permitting.
- Conservation Carousel & Denver Zoo Railroad: $2 for members and $3 for non-members for a single ride, or $15 for members and $20 for non-members for a 10-ride punch card. Open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Directory and Hours
- Denver Zoo: 2300 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205
- Phone Number: 720-337-1400
- Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.
The Denver Zoo’s animal interaction experiences offer a unique and immersive way for visitors to connect with the incredible animals that call the zoo home. Whether it’s feeding the lorikeets, touching the stingrays, or getting up close with the elephants and sloths, these experiences provide a memorable and educational opportunity for all ages.
References
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Denver/comments/z7xsb8/up_close_encounter_with_sloth_denver_zoo/
- https://denverzoo.org/up-close-look-ambassadors/
- https://denverzoo.org/up-close-look-elephant/
- https://denverzoo.org/attractions/
- https://denverzoo.org/up-close-looks/