The Denver Zoo’s Tiger Enclosure, known as “The Edge,” is a state-of-the-art habitat designed to provide an immersive experience for visitors while ensuring the well-being of the Amur tigers and Sumatran tiger residing there. This expansive and meticulously crafted exhibit offers a unique opportunity for visitors to get up close and personal with these majestic felines.

Key Features of the Denver Zoo Tiger Enclosure

1. Proximity to Tigers: The habitat allows visitors to get as close as six inches from the tigers, thanks to heavy-duty perforated panels in the central area.
2. Enriching Habitats: The Edge features two interconnected habitats, each with logs for climbing, scratching, and feeding, as well as pools for swimming and plenty of shady spots for the tigers to rest.
3. The Catwalk: An elevated walkway connects the two habitats, enabling the tigers to move freely between them.
4. Natural Environment: The habitat spans over an acre of land, mimicking the tigers’ native environment with 120-year-old pine trees, providing shade and a natural setting.

The Residents of the Denver Zoo Tiger Enclosure

1. Amur (Siberian) Tigers: The Edge is home to Amur tigers, one of the most critically endangered species, with fewer than 400 individuals in the wild.
2. Sumatran Tiger: The habitat also houses a Sumatran tiger, another endangered subspecies.

Amenities and Visitor Experience

1. Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream: Visitors can enjoy Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream while observing the tigers.
2. Viewing Area: The habitat features a viewing area where visitors can observe the tigers up close, with the possibility of being sprayed by the tigers from the elevated walkway.
3. Interactive Experience: The perforated wall and elevated walkway provide a unique and immersive experience for visitors, allowing them to see, hear, and smell the tigers.

Conservation Efforts at the Denver Zoo Tiger Enclosure

1. Anti-Poaching: A portion of the proceeds from the exhibit and sales of tiger-themed items will be donated to anti-poaching efforts in Russia.
2. Captive Breeding: The zoo’s captive tiger population could play a vital role in re-introducing the species if they become extinct in the wild.

Cost and Timings

1. Cost: The daily cost of caring for the three tigers is approximately $685.
2. Timings: The Denver Zoo is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended hours during summer months.

The Denver Zoo’s Tiger Enclosure, “The Edge,” is a remarkable example of how zoos can create immersive and enriching experiences for visitors while prioritizing the well-being of the animals in their care. With its unique features, diverse residents, and commitment to conservation, this exhibit offers a truly unforgettable encounter with these magnificent felines.

References:

1. Denver Zoo – The Edge. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://denverzoo.org/habitat/the-edge/
2. Denver Zoo’s The EDGE habitat provides excellent care for its Amur tigers. (2017, November 2). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKDJ9U957XQ
3. Habitats – Denver Zoo. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://denverzoo.org/exhibits/
4. LOOK: The Denver Zoo’s new tiger exhibit lets you get close enough to smell. (2017, March 8). Retrieved from https://denverite.com/2017/03/08/look-denver-zoos-new-tiger-exhibit-lets-get-close-enough-smell/
5. Denver Zoo Debuts New Tiger Exhibit, ‘The Edge’. (2017, March 8). Retrieved from https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/denver-zoo-debuts-new-tiger-exhibit-the-edge/