Denver Zoo Denver Zoo News 2021

Zoofan15

Well-Known Member
10+ year member
Nias the Sumatran Orangutan (1988-2020)

Some sad news regarding Nias the zoo's Sumatran orangutan, who died last Thursday:

Female orangutan, Nias, dies unexpectedly at Denver Zoo | KDVR FOX31

Using the studbook and other resources, I've dug up some info on her:

0.1 Nias
Born at San Diego Zoo 15/07/1988
Sent to Little Rock Zoo 20/04/1992
Sent to El Paso Zoo 28/06/1997
Arrived at Denver Zoo 16/11/2005
Died at Denver Zoo 17/12/2020

Nias gave birth to two offspring at Denver Zoo:

0.1 Hesty
Born at Denver Zoo 19/06/2010

0.1 Cerah
Born at Denver Zoo 25/03/2018

When Nias gave birth to Hesty in 2010, it was the first birth of this species at Denver Zoo since 1985.

Cerah, the Sumatran orangutan infant that was orphaned in December is now being cared for by her father in an unusual turn of events:

Male Orangutan at Denver Zoo Cares for Baby Orangutan After Mother Dies

"In the wild, orangutan males are not involved with their offspring. To see Berani step up as Mr. Mom, is an extremely rare situation—and Cerah couldn’t have asked for a better dad," officials said. "Berani is so attentive and protective of her, seeing to all her needs. He will carry her, comfort her, and even snuggles her when she sleeps."
 
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A video was posted on Facebook detailing some of the things happening at Denver this year including the new vet hospital, new African penguin exhibit (didn't mention a date but considering they had not even broke ground last time I went, I doubt this year), and a new sloth exhibit in Tropical Discovery this Spring.
 
The painted dogs have now take up residency in the old cheetah exhibit. According to the zoo’s Facebook post, this will free up space in Predator Ridge for the Zoo’s growing lion pride. Predator Ridge will still continue to rotate the lions with the Hyenas.
 
Denver Zoo opening new African penguin habitat | 9news.com

So the new African Penguin Habitat officially opens tomorrow but I saw this news article give more of a better sneak preview of the new exhibit. I actually think it turned out pretty good. San Diego Zoos African Penguin Habitat is by far the best one I’ve seen but I do think the one that they build at Denver is better than the newly renovated African Penguin Habitat at the Cincinnati Zoo. That’s my opinion though, but overall I think the Denver Zoos new African Penguin habitat turned out nice
 
Denver Zoo opening new African penguin habitat | 9news.com

So the new African Penguin Habitat officially opens tomorrow but I saw this news article give more of a better sneak preview of the new exhibit. I actually think it turned out pretty good. San Diego Zoos African Penguin Habitat is by far the best one I’ve seen but I do think the one that they build at Denver is better than the newly renovated African Penguin Habitat at the Cincinnati Zoo. That’s my opinion though, but overall I think the Denver Zoos new African Penguin habitat turned out nice
*sniff* goodbye East African small mammals and geographical consistency...
 
I visited Denver Zoo today, and while I will leave the photography up to the more talented members on this forum, I do have some news.

Firstly, the new Penguin exhibit looks to be one of the better ones out there, even if it is a slightly odd choice location wise. Far superior to their old home at bird world. Both Penguins and guests seem to enjoy it quite a lot.

Secondly, I believe Denver has received a new Mata Mata Turtle in Tropical Discovery. Denver also now has a Dwarf African Crocodile in the Lion viewing building (forgot the name). Additionally, not only has the Yellow Backed Duiker moved in with the Okapi and Ground Hornbill (exhibit closest to the giraffe house), but it would seem that Denver has two Duikers now as well. Although admittedly Denver could have already have had two, and just shifted them between indoors and outdoors their old exhibit. Furthermore, the African Porcupine has moved to the old Duiker exhibit, and the two Spider Monkeys have moved to a FAR BETTER home in Primate Panorama.

The area around Bird World is currently fully fenced off and construction seems to be in the works soon. Any ideas as to what they will do there?

For some bad news, Karen the Langur has passed away at 31 years old.
 
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