Colorado Zoos and Aquariums

4

AZA-Accredited Facilities

4,500+

Animals Combined

33,000

Acres at Wild Animal Sanctuary

6,714 ft

Highest Zoo in USA Elevation

Top-Rated Colorado Zoos

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance TOP RATED

Location: 2300 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205

Website: denverzoo.org

Overview: Home to 3,500+ animals representing 450 species across 80 acres. AZA-accredited since 1976. Open 363 days a year. Features one of North America's largest elephant habitats.

Signature Exhibits:

  • Toyota Elephant Passage: $50 million, 10-acre exhibit with two miles of trails, formerly world's largest bull elephant habitat
  • Predator Ridge (2004): Lions, spotted hyenas, African wild dogs in rotational habitats
  • Tropical Discovery: 300 species, 1,800 animals including Komodo dragons, 64-year-old Siamese crocodile
  • Primate Panorama: 7 acres with Western lowland gorillas, Sumatran orangutans
  • Down Under: Newest habitat with walkthrough Wallaby Way

Visitor Information:

  • Hours: 10 AM - 4 PM daily (winter hours)
  • Admission: Online timed tickets required; children 2 and under free
  • Parking: FREE in adjacent lots and 4-level garage
  • Free Days: 7 Community Free Days annually (online lottery system)
  • SNAP/EBT: $3 admission for up to 10 guests
  • Food: Outside food and picnics welcome
Conservation Highlight: First zoo to successfully breed boreal toads (2019), releasing 2,200+ tadpoles into Colorado wetlands. New 570-acre Lembke Family Preserve for large-scale breeding and reintroduction programs.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo #2 BEST IN NORTH AMERICA

Location: 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906

Website: cmzoo.org

Overview: Highest zoo in USA at 6,714 feet elevation. Ranked #2 best zoo in North America 2025 by USA Today. Home to 750+ animals representing 170 species, including 30+ endangered species. AZA-accredited, participates in 30+ Species Survival Plans.

Signature Experiences:

  • Giraffe Feeding: $3 per lettuce bundle or 2 for $5, available daily 9 AM - 5 PM
  • African Rift Valley: Walk-through giraffe habitat
  • Will Rogers Shrine: Included with admission, 8,136 ft elevation with panoramic views
  • Giraffe Encounter: Behind-the-scenes experience $475 for up to 4 people

Visitor Information:

  • Hours: 9 AM - 5 PM daily, 365 days/year (last admission 4 PM)
  • Admission: Advance e-tickets required; prices vary by season/day
  • Peak Pricing: Adults $34.75, Children (3-11) $29.75 (Fri-Sun late May-Sept AM)
  • Military Discount: $3 off admission year-round; $25 off membership
  • Parking: FREE on-site

Conservation Programs: Black-footed ferrets (647 kits bred, 33 released 2024), Wyoming toads (41,629+ tadpoles released since 1992), Mexican gray wolves (pack of 7). Quarters for Conservation program raised $6M+ for global projects.

Pueblo Zoo

Location: 3455 Nuckolls Ave, Pueblo, CO 81005

Website: pueblozoo.org

Overview: 25-acre AZA-accredited zoo (through Sept 2028) with 420+ animals representing 140+ species. Historic buildings from 1933-1940 on National Register of Historic Places. Managed by Pueblo Zoological Society.

Major Exhibits:

  • Serengeti Safari - lions, zebras, antelopes, ostriches
  • North American Grasslands - elk, bison, prairie dogs, swift foxes
  • Colorado Wetlands - white pelicans, trumpeter swans
  • Australian Outback
  • Ecocenter - underwater penguin viewing (only in Colorado)
  • Pioneer Ranch - farm animals, donkeys, miniature horses

Visitor Information:

  • Hours: Oct-Apr 9 AM-4 PM; May-Sept 9 AM-5 PM (last admission 3 PM)
  • Admission: Adults $12.25, Children (3-17) $10.25; Under 2 free
  • Military: Children $7.25 with valid military ID
  • Museums for All: $5 for up to 4 people with EBT card
  • Parking: FREE
  • Library Pass: Check out zoo passes at Pueblo City/County Library (up to 5 passes, 7 days)

Downtown Aquarium Denver

Location: 700 Water St, Denver, CO 80211 (intersection I-25 and 23rd Ave)

Website: aquariumrestaurants.com/downtownaquariumdenver

Overview: AZA-accredited through March 2026. Entertainment and dining complex featuring over 1 million gallons of underwater exhibits with 500+ species. Formerly Colorado's Ocean Journey.

Exhibits & Attractions:

  • Shipwreck: 400,000-gallon exhibit with 5 shark species
  • Stingray Reef: Interactive touch tank
  • Flash Flood Simulator: 2,000 gallons rushing through canyon
  • Shark Cage Experience: Dive with sharks and fish
  • Under the Sea Shows: Mermaid performances
  • Rainforest, Sunken Lagoon, At the Beach, Under the Sea exhibits

Visitor Information:

  • Hours: Mon-Sun 10 AM - 8 PM
  • Restaurant: Mon-Thu 11 AM-8 PM; Fri-Sat 11 AM-9 PM; Sun 11 AM-8 PM
  • Features: Aquarium Restaurant, Dive Lounge, Nautilus Ballroom, family amusements

Wildlife Sanctuaries and Specialized Facilities

The Wild Animal Sanctuary LARGEST IN USA

Location: 1946 WCR 53, Keenesburg, CO 80643 (40 miles NE of Denver)

Website: wildanimalsanctuary.org

Overview: 33,000-acre sanctuary rescuing large exotic carnivores since 1980. AZA-accredited related facility through Sept 2028. Operates 4 facilities (3 in Colorado, 1 in Texas). Home to 550+ lions, tigers, bears, leopards, mountain lions, wolves, and Colorado's wild horses.

Signature Feature: Guinness World Record "Mile Into The Wild" - 1.5-mile elevated walkway providing views while ensuring animal comfort.

Hours: 9 AM - sunset daily (except holidays and bad weather)

Admission: Visiting is free for educational purposes

Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center

Location: Divide, CO (90 miles south of Denver)

Overview: AZA-accredited related facility through Sept 2028. Houses wolves and coyotes. Participates in Species Survival Program for Mexican Grey Wolves and Swift Foxes. One of few US sanctuaries with AZA certification.

Best Time to Visit Colorado Zoos

Recommended Seasons

Late Spring & Fall - BEST

  • Better temperatures for walking
  • Fewer crowds
  • Lower ticket prices
  • Animals more active in mild weather
  • Denver Zoo: Spring for zoo babies
  • Cheyenne Mountain Zoo excellent in fall

Summer - BUSIEST

  • Most expensive and crowded season
  • Hot weather (90°F+) challenging for walking at Cheyenne Mountain (steep uphill sections)
  • Afternoon storms common
  • Visit weekdays for better experience

Year-Round Access:

  • Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: Open 365 days/year, all-weather venue
  • Denver Zoo: Open 363 days/year
  • Dress in layers (Colorado weather changes quickly)

Planning Tips

What to Bring:

  • Good walking shoes (Cheyenne Mountain has steep terrain)
  • Extra layer for unpredictable weather
  • Sunscreen and hat (high altitude sun)
  • Water bottle (refill stations available)

Altitude Considerations:

  • Denver: 5,280 ft (Mile High City)
  • Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: 6,714 ft (highest in USA)
  • Stay hydrated, take breaks if needed

Average Visit Duration:

  • Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: 1-2 hours for quick visit; 3-4 hours full experience
  • Denver Zoo: 3-4 hours (80 acres)
  • Pueblo Zoo: 2-3 hours (compact 25 acres)
  • Downtown Aquarium: 2-3 hours

Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado has 4 AZA-accredited facilities: Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (accredited through Sept 2028), Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (implied accreditation), Pueblo Zoo (accredited through Sept 2028), and Downtown Aquarium Denver (Landry's, accredited through March 2026). Additionally, Colorado has 2 AZA-accredited related facilities: Colorado Wolf & Wildlife Center in Divide (through Sept 2028) and The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg (through Sept 2028). AZA accreditation is held by fewer than 10% of approximately 2,800 licensed animal exhibitors in the United States, making it a significant quality mark.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is the highest zoo in the United States at 6,714 feet elevation, located on the side of Cheyenne Mountain in southwest Colorado Springs. Ranked #2 best zoo in North America by USA Today in 2025, it offers unique experiences including hand-feeding giraffes for just $3 ($5 for two lettuce bundles) available daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. The zoo is open 365 days a year regardless of weather and participates in over 30 Species Survival Plans, breeding critically endangered species like black-footed ferrets (647 kits produced over 33 years), Wyoming toads (41,629+ tadpoles released since 1992), and Mexican gray wolves. Your admission includes access to Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun at 8,136 feet elevation with breathtaking views. The zoo has raised over $6 million through its Quarters for Conservation program to support frontline conservation organizations globally.

Yes, Denver Zoo offers 7 Community Free Days throughout the year with tickets issued through an online lottery system. You can book up to 5 tickets per Free Day based on group size, with one registration per person per Free Day. Tickets are available online only, not at zoo entrance. Additionally, SNAP/EBT Explorer cardholders receive $3 admission for up to 10 guests at Denver Zoo. Pueblo Zoo participates in the Museums for All program, offering $5 admission for up to 4 people with an EBT card and valid photo ID. The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg offers free visiting for educational purposes. Children ages 2 and under receive free admission at all Colorado zoos.

Colorado zoos are leaders in endangered species conservation. Denver Zoo was the first zoo to successfully breed boreal toads in 2019, releasing 682 tadpoles into Utah wild, and has since released over 2,200 tadpoles and toadlets into Colorado wetlands near Creede and Leadville. The zoo's new 570-acre Lembke Family Preserve will enable large-scale breeding and reintroduction programs. Denver Zoo participates in AZA Species Survival Plans and works internationally in Peru (Lake Titicaca frogs), Indonesia (Leuser Ecosystem), Florida (coral reef rescue), and Africa (mountain gorillas and grey-crowned cranes). Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has produced 647 black-footed ferret kits with 33 released in 2024, released 41,629+ Wyoming toad tadpoles since 1992, and maintains Mexican gray wolf pack. Pueblo Zoo participates in 16 AZA Species Survival Plans and 18 Population Management Plans.

Yes, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers substantial military discounts year-round. Active-duty, veteran, and retired military personnel receive $3 off normal admission for themselves, their spouse, and dependents living in the same household with valid military ID shown at admissions. Zoo memberships receive $25 off for military families. During annual Military Appreciation Week, even bigger discounts are offered. Pueblo Zoo offers military discounts of $7.25 for children with valid military ID (regular child admission is $10.25). Unfortunately, Denver Zoo does not currently offer military discounts, but they do provide 7 Community Free Days annually and $3 admission for SNAP/EBT cardholders (up to 10 guests).

Late spring (May into early June) and fall (September-October) are the best times to visit Colorado zoos, offering mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower ticket prices. Spring is particularly excellent at Denver Zoo when zoo babies make appearances. Fall is ideal for Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and nearby Colorado Springs attractions like Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak. Summer is the busiest and most expensive season with hot weather (90°F+) making walking challenging, especially at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's steep uphill sections. Afternoon storms are common in summer. Both Denver Zoo and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo are open year-round (Denver 363 days, Cheyenne Mountain 365 days), making winter visits possible with comfortable temperatures if you dress in layers. Colorado weather changes quickly, so bringing an extra layer is always recommended.

Denver Zoo requires online timed tickets for non-members. Ticket prices vary but can be bundled with other Denver attractions through Denver CityPASS to save up to 44% (visit any 3, 4, or 5 of Denver's 8 most loved attractions over 7 days). Children ages 2 and under are always free. Members can visit anytime without reservations. Parking is FREE in adjacent lots and a 4-level garage along 23rd Avenue between York Street and Colorado Boulevard. The zoo offers 7 Community Free Days annually (tickets through online lottery), $3 admission for SNAP/EBT cardholders (up to 10 guests), and free admission for My Denver youth cardholders ages 5-18 (includes one adult, unlimited visits year-round with online reservation). Guests are welcome to bring outside food and enjoy picnics. Denver Zoo does not currently offer military discounts.

The Wild Animal Sanctuary is a 33,000-acre nonprofit sanctuary in Keenesburg, Colorado (40 miles northeast of Denver) that has been rescuing exotic wildlife and endangered species since 1980. It is AZA-accredited as a related facility through September 2028. The sanctuary is home to 550+ lions, tigers, bears, jaguars, leopards, mountain lions, lynx, bobcats, servals, wolves, and Colorado's wild horses removed from native ranges. The facility operates 4 sanctuaries total (3 in Colorado, 1 in Texas). Visitors can experience the Guinness World Record-winning "Mile Into The Wild" - a 1.5-mile elevated walkway providing fantastic views while ensuring animal comfort. The sanctuary is open daily from 9 AM to sunset for educational purposes (closed on holidays and during bad weather). Admission is free, though the sanctuary operates on donations. This is one of the most unique wildlife experiences in the United States, allowing you to see rescued large carnivores in spacious, naturalistic habitats.

Yes, Denver Zoo explicitly welcomes guests to bring their own food and enjoy picnics at the zoo. Policies at other Colorado zoos should be verified on their individual websites before visiting. Most zoos allow small snacks and sealed water bottles. Reusable water bottles are recommended as facilities typically have refill stations. All zoos prohibit glass containers and alcoholic beverages for safety reasons. Pueblo Zoo has a seasonal Safari Café open Spring Break through Labor Day. Downtown Aquarium Denver features the Aquarium Restaurant and Dive Lounge with varying hours. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has on-site food service available.

Yes, all AZA-accredited Colorado zoos are wheelchair accessible and comply with ADA requirements. Denver Zoo offers free parking in accessible spaces, wheelchair rentals at guest services, and the FREE Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance app with maps and accessibility information. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo features reserved parking spaces adjacent to front admission gates, a guest service shuttle throughout the zoo that is wheelchair and stroller friendly, and wheelchair and motorized scooter rentals available. However, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is located on the side of a mountain with some steep terrain, so visitors should be aware of elevation changes. Pueblo Zoo's compact 25-acre size makes it particularly manageable for wheelchair users. Service animals are permitted at all Colorado zoos. Stroller rentals are available at major facilities for families with young children.

Last updated on November 27, 2025