Zealand-themed experience that will allow guests to get up-close with many of the region’s diverse—and often extreme—species. At its core will be a walk-through wallaby area where guests will be immersed in the animals’ habitat, and the Zoo’s first “conservation station,” which will allow guests to put into practice conservation learnings and actions. It will also feature new and improved habitats for some of the Zoo’s current residents, including cassowaries and keas, and space for educational programming and small events.
“The closure of Bird World in 2019 presented us with an incredible opportunity to create better habitats for our animals and experiences for our guests,” said Bert Vescolani, President and CEO of Denver Zoo. “’Down Under’ will give us the unique opportunity to tell a story about a region that shares a lot of climatic and environmental similarities with Colorado, and inspire wildlife-friendly behavior changes in our community.”
Encompassing the former Bird World site and surrounding areas on the south side of the Zoo, “Down Under” will connect guests and members to the region’s wildlife and ecosystems through awe-inspiring design and engagement opportunities to spark conservation action. It will cover almost 2 acres of the Zoo’s campus with landscaping that mimics the region’s ecosystems, and prioritize outdoor spaces that are resilient and adaptable to Denver’s varying climate. The Zoo is also building relationships with colleagues and indigenous collaborators from these regions to incorporate the role of indigenous knowledge and practices regarding native species and ecosystems.
Denver Zoo has a long history of supporting conservation and wildlife rescue programs in Australia and New Zealand. Since 2018, the Zoo has supported the Kea Conservation Trust, which works to assist in the conservation of the endangered parrot species native to New Zealand, through the contribution of radio transmitters that allow experts to monitor their movements and breeding activity. And in 2020, when bushfires ravaged Australia’s eucalyptus forest, affecting more than 3 billion animals, the Zoo and its donors responded with their support to help wildlife rescue efforts across the continent.
Demolition of Bird World is currently underway, with construction on “Down Under” starting this summer. The Zoo is also in the process of building a new habitat for its Chilean and American flamingos, which is also scheduled to open in 2023. For more information, visit DenverZoo.org.
