The Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Animal Hospital at Denver Zoo is a cutting-edge medical facility designed to provide exceptional care for the zoo’s diverse animal population. Spanning 22,000 square feet, this state-of-the-art hospital is equipped with advanced equipment and features that make it a leader in veterinary care for zoo animals.
Key Features of the Denver Zoo Hospital
Expansive Design and Layout
The hospital was designed by the global architecture and engineering firm Stantec, replacing the zoo’s nearly 40-year-old medical facility. The new hospital includes two treatment rooms, critical care units, and a cutting-edge surgical suite, all within its 22,000 square feet of space.
Advanced Medical Equipment
The Denver Zoo Hospital is outfitted with a range of advanced medical equipment, including a CT scanner, digital radiography, ultrasonography, endoscopy units, and sophisticated anesthesia monitoring systems. This equipment allows the veterinary staff to diagnose and treat a wide variety of animal health issues with precision and efficiency.
Specialized Facilities
In addition to the treatment and surgical areas, the hospital features a pharmacy, diagnostic and research laboratory, ICU zones, quarantine areas, and holding spaces for animals of various sizes and species. These specialized facilities ensure that the zoo’s animals receive comprehensive and tailored care.
Sustainable Design
The hospital’s design prioritizes environmental sustainability, with features such as highly filtered laminar airflow, space pressurization controls, and modern medical gas systems. The hospital is also pursuing LEED Gold certification, further demonstrating its commitment to eco-friendly practices.
Public Viewing and Education
One of the unique aspects of the Denver Zoo Hospital is its public viewing and educational component. The Schlessman Family Foundation Visitor and Education Center offers an elevated viewing platform where guests can observe medical procedures and surgeries through large windows. When the treatment rooms are not in use, video displays and an on-staff facilitator provide information on the many procedures performed at the zoo.
Visitor Experience at the Denver Zoo Hospital
Visitors to the Denver Zoo can witness the incredible work of the veterinary staff firsthand by observing medical procedures and surgeries through the large windows in the Schlessman Family Foundation Visitor and Education Center. The interactive video displays and on-site facilitator further enhance the educational experience, allowing guests to learn about the various treatments and procedures performed at the hospital.
Statistics and Figures
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost | Approximately $24 million |
| Area | 22,000 square feet |
| Capacity | Can accommodate all but the zoo’s largest residents, such as elephants and giraffes |
| Equipment | Features a nearly three-foot-diameter CT scanner, one of the largest on the market |
References
- Stantec. (2021). Denver Zoo opens new animal hospital to the public. Retrieved from https://www.stantec.com/en/news/2021/denver-zoo-opens-new-animal-hospital
- WDM Architects. (n.d.). Denver Zoo Animal Hospital Project. Retrieved from https://wdmarchitects.com/projects/denver-zoo-animal-hospital/
- American Veterinary Medical Association. (2021). Denver Zoo opens new animal hospital to visitors. Retrieved from https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2021-07-15/denver-zoo-opens-new-animal-hospital-visitors
- Denver Zoo. (n.d.). Hospital. Retrieved from https://denverzoo.org/hospital/
- 5280 Magazine. (2021). Inside the Denver Zoo’s New Animal Hospital. Retrieved from https://www.5280.com/inside-the-denver-zoos-new-animal-hospital/.
The Denver Zoo Hospital is a state-of-the-art facility that showcases the zoo’s commitment to providing world-class care for its diverse animal population. With its advanced medical equipment, specialized facilities, and public viewing and educational components, the hospital sets a new standard for veterinary care in the zoo industry.