There's always something new at the zoo! Mark your calendar for our special public events and membership events below. Also check out the daily schedule of fun, interactive events, including special shows and animal demonstrations.
Denver Zoo Keeper Experience
Call for available dates
Advance registration is required
Member: $225.
Non-member: $250 (includes zoo admission)
Ever wonder what it’s like to be a zookeeper? Come spend a morning with Denver Zoo Education animal keepers while you learn about what is involved in being a zookeeper and have the opportunity to get some hands on experience working around live animals.
Learn More! Register Now! Call 303-376-4808
 NEW! VIP Tour at Denver Zoo
Come experience the zoo that few visitors get to see! Your tour guide will meet you at the front gate and escort your group through our award-winning Predator Ridge exhibit. Then it’s time to go behind the scenes with the animals in our Education collection and Wildlife Theater. Meet these animal stars up close and participate in a feeding or training demonstration. Finish the tour at Tropical Discovery, where your VIP access lets you learn how keepers care for some amazing reptiles, amphibians, and fish!
Your VIP Tour package includes:
- Guided tour of Predator Ridge (front of house, not behind the scenes)
- Tour of Denver Zoo’s Education animal collection with participation in a feeding or training demonstration
- Tour of Wildlife Theater with up-close animal encounters
- Tour and meet a keeper in Tropical Discovery
- Souvenir photo
- One carousel token per participant
- Discounts on food, drink and gift shop purchases
- Admission to the zoo
Who: Adults and children over 3 years who would love an insider’s look at some of the zoo’s most popular attractions!
When: Tours are offered daily—call early for best selection. Preregistration and 48 hours’ notice required. Only one VIP tour per day is offered.
Time: Tour from 9:15 a.m.−12 p.m., then enjoy the zoo at your leisure!
Cost: Group of 4 — Members, $225; Non-members, $250. Zoo admission is included. Each additional participant: $45. Maximum group size is 8. Children under 3 are free but count toward the maximum group size.
What to wear: Closed-toed shoes, a comfortable shirt, and pants or shorts. Dress for the weather! Portions of the tour will be held outside regardless of weather conditions.
What to bring: Your confirmation sheet and your camera (photo opportunities will be provided)
How to register: Please call 303-376-4837 to register or for more information about the program.
Cancellation fees: A cancellation fee of 50% will be charged for cancelling with less than two weeks’ notice. A cancellation fee of 100% will be charged for a missed program.
Denver Zoo Fall Discovery Day – Animal Adaptations
Friday November 6
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Activities Free with General Zoo Admission
Interactive interpretive stations will highlight the unique adaptations that are the secret to animal survival.
Art for Animals Art Auction
November 6 – December 12
Place your bid today for a unique art piece created by Denver Zoo's resident Picassos! Rhinos, elephants, gorillas, orangutans and other animals have been painting, an activity that provides mental and physical stimulation for our animals. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the care and feeding of Denver Zoo's animal residents and provide important funds for additional animal enrichment. The Denver Zoo Art for Animals auction is now open. The auction will run from November 6, 2009 to December 12, 2009. Support Denver Zoo and tell your friends, family and community. Let the bidding begin!
 Painting Pachyderms
November 6 – November 14
11:30 a.m. Daily
Watch Mimi and Dolly, Denver Zoo’s resident Asian elephants, create their own masterpieces everyday at 11:30 a.m. November 6 – November 14.
Art for Animals Art Show and Sale
Wednesday, November 11
6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
This event is FREE; however space is limited. Reserve your tickets now.
See a list of participating artists and some of the available art!
Explore a gallery filled with wildlife art pieces from some of Denver’s best artists. Enjoy live animal demonstrations, discussions with the artists and find the perfect photograph, painting or sculpture to take home. Proceeds from the Art Sale will benefit the care and feeding of Denver Zoo animals.
Denver Zoo Fall Discovery Day – All About Animal Habitats
Thursday November 19
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Activities Free with General Zoo Admission
Animals need specific components in their habitat in order to survive. Discover how Food, Water, Shelter, and Space all contribute to a species’ success, and learn about some of the different habitats where animals are found.
 NEW! ZOO LIGHTS MEMBERS’ PREVIEW WEEKEND
November 27 - 29
5 – 9 p.m.
Please note that this special preview weekend will replace the original Member’s Preview Night December 10
We are delighted to invite our members the first annual Zoo Lights Members’ Preview Weekend. This exclusive event will allow members a sneak-peek at Denver Zoo’s largest annual celebration before it is unveiled to the public on December 11.
Ticket prices for members for this preview and throughout Zoo Lights are $6 for adults, $2 for children and $4 for seniors.
Not a member? Learn more about Denver Zoo Memberships
 NEW! DESSERTS WITH SANTA
December 5
Inside Tropical Discovery
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Space is limited. Reserve your tickets now.
Bring the kids, your camera and your sweet tooth as Santa Claus himself takes a break from his hectic holiday schedule to join you for a variety of decadent holiday treats served inside one of Denver Zoo’s most popular exhibits, Tropical Discovery. Enjoy live animal encounters and special keeper demonstrations. After sharing your holiday wishes with Santa and visiting with Denver Zoo’s mascot characters Froggles and Holiday Bear take a stroll around Denver’s most popular holiday event, Zoo Lights and take a spin on Denver Zoo’s Conservation Carousel.
Denver Zoo Members:
Adults (Ages 12 and older) $15
Children (Ages 3-11) $10
Children 2 and under: Free
Non-Members:
Adults (Ages 12 and older) $20
Children (Ages 3-11) $15
Children 2 and under: Free
NEW! BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
December 6
One Hour Seatings Are Available At: 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Space is limited. Reserve your seats now.
Bring the kids, your camera and an appetite as Santa Claus himself takes a break from his hectic holiday schedule to join you for a special breakfast buffet. Enjoy live animal encounters, crafts and a spin on Denver Zoo’s Conservation Carousel after sharing your holiday wishes with Santa and visiting with Denver Zoo’s mascot characters Froggles and Holiday Bear.
Denver Zoo Members:
Adults (Ages 12 and older $15
Children (Ages 3-11) $10
Children 2 and under: Free
Non-Members:
Adults (Ages 12 and older) $20
Children (Ages 3-11) $15
Children 2 and under: Free
 ZOO LIGHTS
Dec. 11 – Jan. 3
5- 9 p.m.
Wildlife meets wild lights at the 19th annual Zoo Lights celebration. This annual holiday tradition will shine brighter than ever this year with added animal viewing opportunities, more than 38 brilliantly illuminated acres of lights and the opportunity for children to visit Santa Claus.
Zoo Lights, runs from 5-9 p.m. nightly, including Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Years Eve. This year’s celebration will again feature multiple animated animal sculptures, carolers, instrumental groups, dancers and the Conservation Carousel. Warming stations throughout the zoo will offer hot chocolate, cider, soft bread pretzels and steamy cappuccino. Several special events are also planned for Zoo Lights this year, including Members’ Preview Night, Wild Ice, Kwanzaa and Zoo Year’s Eve.
Members’ General (Non-Members)
Discount Admission Fees Admission Fees
Adults $6 Adults $8
Children $2 Children $4
Seniors $4 Seniors $6
Children 2 and under: Free Children 2 and under: Free
GET DENVER’S BEST DEAL IN TOWN!
Receive two free Zoo Lights tickets now!
Purchase a Denver Zoo membership today and you will receive two complimentary passes to Denver’s most popular holiday event Zoo Lights (a $16 value)!
Your membership doesn’t expire yet? Don’t worry you can still take advantage of this great offer by renewing now.
Learn more about the benefits of membership.
Media Sponsors:
 
 WILD ICE
December 11 – 17
5 – 9 p.m.
Visit a special ice carving garden, filled with numerous carvings created by Santa's helpers with power tools! Witness the creation of these magical pieces from 5 -8 p.m. from Friday, Dec. 11 through Thursday, Dec. 17.
Activities included with the price of Zoo Lights admission.
NEW! BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
December 13
One Hour Seatings Are Available At: 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Space is limited. Reserve your seats now.
Bring the kids, your camera and an appetite as Santa Claus himself takes a break from his hectic holiday schedule to join you for a special breakfast buffet. Enjoy live animal encounters, crafts and a spin on Denver Zoo’s Conservation Carousel after sharing your holiday wishes with Santa and visiting with Denver Zoo’s mascot characters Froggles and Holiday Bear.
Denver Zoo Members:
Adults (Ages 12 and older $15
Children (Ages 3-11) $10
Children 2 and under: Free
Non-Members:
Adults (Ages 12 and older) $20
Children (Ages 3-11) $15
Children 2 and under: Free
NEW! BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
December 20
One Hour Seatings Are Available At: 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Space is limited. Reserve your seats now.
Bring the kids, your camera and an appetite as Santa Claus himself takes a break from his hectic holiday schedule to join you for a special breakfast buffet. Enjoy live animal encounters, crafts and a spin on Denver Zoo’s Conservation Carousel after sharing your holiday wishes with Santa and visiting with Denver Zoo’s mascot characters Froggles and Holiday Bear.
Denver Zoo Members:
Adults (Ages 12 and older $15
Children (Ages 3-11) $10
Children 2 and under: Free
Non-Members:
Adults (Ages 12 and older) $20
Children (Ages 3-11) $15
Children 2 and under: Free
NEW! DESSERTS WITH SANTA
December 21
Inside Gates Education Center
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Space is limited. Reserve your seats now.
Bring the kids, your camera and your sweet tooth as Santa Claus himself takes a break from his hectic holiday schedule to join you for a variety of decadent holiday treats. Enjoy live animal encounters and special demonstrations. After sharing your holiday wishes with Santa and visiting with Denver Zoo’s mascot characters Froggles and Holiday Bear take a stroll around Denver’s most popular holiday event, Zoo Lights, and take a spin on Denver Zoo’s Conservation Carousel.
Denver Zoo Members:
Adults (Ages 12 and older) $15
Children (Ages 3-11) $10
Children 2 and under: Free
Non-Members:
Adults (Ages 12 and older) $20
Children (Ages 3-11) $15
Children 2 and under: Free
 KWANZAA
December 26 – 27
5 – 9 p.m.
Gather with friends, family and the community to celebrate the cultural holiday of Kwanzaa, a tradition that honors African American heritage through African dance, music, and education from 5 - 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 26 and Sunday, December 27. Activities included with the price of Zoo Lights admission.
ZOO YEAR’S EVE
December 31
5 – 9 p.m.
On the brink of a brand new year, children can also experience the fun of Zoo Year’s Eve, a wild New Year’s Eve party beginning at 5 p.m. on Dec. 31 with entertainment and activities that lead up to an early countdown to the New Year at 9 p.m. It’s the perfect night for families to celebrate together without stretching the limit on bedtime!
Activities included with the price of Zoo Lights admission.
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