Denver Zoo offers a range of immersive animal experiences that allow visitors to get up close and personal with some of the most fascinating creatures on the planet. From meeting animal ambassadors to feeding giraffes, these unique encounters provide an unparalleled opportunity to learn about and appreciate the diverse wildlife that call the zoo home.
Denver Zoo’s Up-Close Look Program
The Denver Zoo’s “Up-Close Look” program is the centerpiece of its animal experience offerings. These 30-minute sessions give visitors a chance to interact with and learn about various species, guided by knowledgeable zookeepers.
Ambassadors Up-Close Look
- Age Restriction: 6 years and up
- Price: Not specified
- What: Meet-and-greet with one of the zoo’s Animal Ambassadors
- When: Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 1:45 PM, seasonally
- Restrictions: Masks required, hand sanitizer provided. Not recommended for people with airborne nut allergies.
Elephant Encounter
- Age Restriction: 12 years and up
- Price: $200 per group (maximum of 6 people)
- What: Meet-and-greet with the zoo’s elephants and their keepers
- When: Sundays at 2:30 PM
- Restrictions: Masks required, hand sanitizer provided. Closed-toed shoes recommended, not recommended for people with severe hay allergies.
Rhino Encounter
- Age Restriction: 12 years and up
- Price: $75 per person (maximum of 6 people)
- What: Host-led tour and meet-and-greet with one of the zoo’s resident rhinos and their zookeeper
- When: Thursdays at 2:00 PM
- Restrictions: Masks required, hand sanitizer provided. Closed-toed shoes recommended, not recommended for people with severe hay allergies.
Backstage Experiences
In addition to the Up-Close Look programs, the Denver Zoo offers a Backstage Experience Junior Encounter, which provides a 30-minute behind-the-scenes tour with some of the zoo’s most personable and interactive animals.
Backstage Experience Junior Encounter
- Age Restriction: All ages
- Price: $50 per guest
- What: 30-minute behind-the-scenes tour with some of the zoo’s most personable and interactive animals
- When: Dates vary; check registration page for availability
- Restrictions: Open to guests of all ages, but children under 16 must be accompanied by a paid participant who is 16 years or older. Not recommended for guests with airborne nut allergies.
Other Unique Animal Experiences
In addition to the Up-Close Look and Backstage Experience programs, the Denver Zoo offers several other unique animal encounters:
- Giraffe Feeding Up-Close Look: Exclusive encounter with the reticulated giraffe herd
- Animal Hospital: Intimate tour of the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Animal Hospital
- Sloths: Encounter with the two-toed sloth, Wookiee
- Camel: Private experience with the camel herd
- Predator Ridge: Encounter with the African savannah’s most social stalkers
- Tropical Discovery: Encounter with fish or lizards
- Bongo: Private experience with the forest antelope, Bongo
- Llamas: Private experience with the llamas, Jorge and Fernando
Whether you’re a seasoned zoo enthusiast or a first-time visitor, the Denver Zoo’s animal experiences offer a chance to create unforgettable memories and deepen your appreciation for the natural world.
Reference:
- https://denverzoo.org/up-close-look-ambassadors/
- https://denverzoo.org/up-close-look-elephant/
- https://denverzoo.org/up-close-looks/
- https://denverzoo.org/backstage-experience-junior-encounter/
- https://denverzoo.org/up-close-look-rhino/