Denver Zoo Tours

Denver Zoo which includes zoo animals and land animals
This zoo started with a single bear. Now, it’s an award-winning tourist destination housing more than 3,500 animals.

In 1896, a small black bear named Billy Bryan was given to the mayor of Denver and the Denver Zoo was born. Today it has more than 80 acres (32 hectares) of habitats and, with more than 1.6 million visitors a year, is one of the most popular zoos in the United States.

More than 650 different species, about 200 of them threatened or endangered, are housed in enclosures almost identical to their natural habitat. Watch monkeys swing through trees, wolves prowl through a shaded wood and giraffes graze on an open field, all just a 10-minute drive from downtown Denver. It’s easy to get around either on foot or by taking the zoo’s train, which is both reasonably priced and environmentally friendly. Pull-along wagons for kids, strollers and wheelchairs are also available for rent.

One of the first points of call should be Bear Mountain. When the enclosure opened in 1918, it was the first naturalistic zoo animal habitat in North America. Today it’s considered a national historic landmark, with a collection of bears, including grizzlies and the adorable coati.

Predator Ridge offers a safe way to get close up to some of Africa’s most dangerous animals, including lions, African wild dogs and hyenas. The enclosure is a recreation of aspects of the Samburu National Reserve in Kenya.

The zoo lays claim to a number of records: the world’s only rhinoceros that paints with a brush (his artworks are displayed in the Pachyderm Building), the world’s largest indoor Komodo dragon exhibit and one of the largest habitats for endangered gorillas. 

Daily feeding demonstrations draw hordes of curious onlookers. Check the timetable on the zoo’s official website to schedule them into the day. Stop for lunch at one of the restaurants, or pack a picnic. There are plenty of grassy knolls to sit on and large trees to relax under. In summer, between Memorial Weekend and Labor Day, there’s an extensive calendar of free programs, from wild encounters with reptiles to interactive bird shows. During the Christmas holiday season, the zoo hosts a spectacular light display. Millions of sparkling lights decorate the zoo along with animated animal sculptures.

Located within City Park, the Denver Zoo is a ten-minute drive from downtown, and there’s plenty of parking. It’s also easy to get to by light rail or bus. 

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Reviews of Denver Zoo

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
616
" "5 - Excellent 53.24114088159032%
4 - Good
340
" "4 - Good 29.386343993085568%
3 - Okay
144
" "3 - Okay 12.445980985306829%
2 - Disappointing
25
" "2 - Disappointing 2.16076058772688%
1 - Terrible
32
" "1 - Terrible 2.765773552290406%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 14, 2020

Gorilllas are at the beginning, just left of the entrance, dont pass them by!

5/5 - Excellent

HBoo
Oct 14, 2019

arrive early for better parking

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Aug 22, 2019

Elephant show was fantastic.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jul 14, 2019

This is where I spent my 50th bday. Such wonderful memories were made.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jul 13, 2019

Bring your own water and sunscreen!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Jun 25, 2019

We saw hardly any animals, very sad. I wish they stayed open later than 4 o'clock or if they close at 4 then keep grounds open until 6.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Denver Zoo

Warwick Denver
Warwick Denver
4 out of 5
1776 Grant Street, Denver, CO
Warwick Denver
Hampton Inn & Suites Denver-Downtown
Hampton Inn & Suites Denver-Downtown
3 out of 5
1845 Sherman St, Denver, CO
Hampton Inn & Suites Denver-Downtown
Holiday Inn Express Denver Downtown, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Denver Downtown, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
1715 Tremont Place, Denver, CO
Holiday Inn Express Denver Downtown, an IHG Hotel
Hilton Denver City Center
Hilton Denver City Center
4 out of 5
1701 California St, Denver, CO
Hilton Denver City Center
Halcyon - a hotel in Cherry Creek
Halcyon - a hotel in Cherry Creek
4.5 out of 5
245 North Columbine Street, Denver, CO
Halcyon - a hotel in Cherry Creek
The Source Hotel
The Source Hotel
4 out of 5
3330 Brighton Blvd, Denver, CO
The Source Hotel
Residence Inn by Marriott Denver City Center
Residence Inn by Marriott Denver City Center
3 out of 5
1725 Champa St, Denver, CO
Residence Inn by Marriott Denver City Center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.