Denver Zoo updates name, logo to put focus on wildlife conservation
The 128-year-old City Park institution said its mission has evolved over the years with dozens of global partnerships
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The 128-year-old Denver Zoo will now be known as the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, officials said Tuesday, reflecting the nonprofit organization’s emphasis on wildlife conservation and research.
Zoo officials decided to change the name and logo — a major update to their brand identity, they said — after taking into account the more than 600 conservation programs they’ve sent staff and funding to over the past three decades. That includes 62 separate countries that are home to animals and habitats represented in Denver Zoo exhibits and enclosures.
The zoo also recently launched new conservation partnerships in Africa and southeast Asia, according to a press statement, to help protect vulnerable species such as Asian elephants, Sumatran orangutans and mountain gorillas.
“The key word in our new name is ‘alliance’ because conservation means collaboration and we need our community of guests, members, donors, staff, volunteers, neighbors and partners to join us in fulfilling our mission,” said Bert Vescolani, president and CEO, in the statement. “Together, we are more than our individual actions and we can work in partnership to create a world where wildlife thrives.”
Denver Zoo over the past decade-plus has moved away from traditional, gallery-like zoo exhibits to larger enclosures with fewer animals and more realistic habitats, spending tens of millions of dollars to stay on top of similar industry trends. Zoo officials in May opened a $7.8 million new habitat for wallabies, kangaroos and cassowaries. Visitors can walk among dozens of examples of the first two species, which are typically docile, sans gates or fences.
Denver Zoo on Tuesday also announced a delayed opening at 10:30 a.m. due to a heat alert that warned “Some animal viewing and activities may be limited due to extreme heat. Check today’s schedule and get tips for staying cool during your visit.” The National Weather Service forecast highs of 96 degrees for the metro area on Tuesday.
