Denver Zoo is a renowned zoological park that offers a wide range of interactive experiences for visitors. While the zoo does not have a traditional petting zoo area, it provides several unique opportunities for guests to engage with various animals in a safe and controlled environment.
Types of Animal Encounters at Denver Zoo
Reptile Up-Close Look
The Reptile Up-Close Look experience allows visitors to meet an assortment of reptiles, including snakes, large lizards, turtles, and tortoises, in a 30-minute meet-and-greet session. This encounter is available daily and costs $200 for a group of up to six people.
Rhino Encounter
The Rhino Encounter is a host-led tour where guests can meet one of the zoo’s resident rhinos and their zookeeper. This experience is available on Thursdays at 2:00 p.m. and costs $75 per person, with a maximum of six people per encounter.
Elephant Encounter
The Elephant Encounter offers a 30-minute meet-and-greet with some of the zoo’s elephants and their keepers. This experience is available on Sundays at 2:30 p.m. and costs $200 for a group of up to six people.
Giraffe Encounter
The Giraffe Encounter allows visitors to feed and interact with the reticulated giraffe herd. This experience is available for up to six people and includes a private feeding session.
Sloth Encounter
The Sloth Encounter allows visitors to interact with the zoo’s two-toed sloth, Wookiee.
Lorikeet Adventure
The Lorikeet Adventure is an interactive exhibit where visitors can feed and interact with a variety of lorikeets. This experience is free to enter, and visitors can purchase cups of nectar to feed the birds.
Rules and Guidelines for Denver Zoo Petting Zoo Experiences
To ensure the safety and well-being of both visitors and animals, Denver Zoo has established the following rules and guidelines for its interactive experiences:
- Masks are required for all Up-Close Looks, and neck gaiters and bandanas are not accepted.
- Visitors must be willing to use provided hand sanitizer throughout the experience.
- Age restrictions vary by experience, but generally, children under 16 must be accompanied by a paid participant who is 16 years of age or older.
- Closed-toed shoes are strongly recommended for some experiences, such as the Rhino Encounter and Elephant Encounter.
- There is limited access for service animals during some experiences, and visitors should call 720-337-1400 to confirm.
Timings and Costs of Denver Zoo Petting Zoo Experiences
| Experience | Timing | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Reptiles | Daily | $200 for a group of up to six people |
| Rhinos | Thursdays at 2:00 p.m. | $75 per person (maximum of six people) |
| Elephants | Sundays at 2:30 p.m. | $200 for a group of up to six people |
| Giraffes | Private feeding session | Cost not specified |
| Sloths | – | Cost not specified |
| Lorikeets | Free entry | $3 per cup of nectar |
Contact Information
- Phone Number: 720-337-1400
- Website: www.denverzoo.org
The Denver Zoo’s interactive experiences offer a unique and educational way to engage with various animals, providing an unforgettable experience for visitors. While the zoo does not have a traditional petting zoo, these Up-Close Looks and animal encounters allow guests to interact with the animals in a safe and controlled environment.
Reference:
– Denver Zoo Official Website