Colorado Zoos

While in our fair state, consider visiting one of our terrific Colorado zoos. Lions, tigers, and bears—oh my! Many zoos are on your way to where you’re going and close to other attractions. Explore Colorado Zoos and add a stop or a few stops to your trip plans.

Denver Zoos (Map)

An 80-acre zoological garden in City Park of Denver houses over 3,000 animal species that serve as ambassadors for their wild counterparts worldwide. The garden offers education for all ages.

Nearby: The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is on the same site. The zoological garden is less than 4 miles from downtown Denver, the Downtown Aquarium, and Union Station. The Denver Botanical Gardens is short 8 minutes, 2 miles south of the zoo. Elitch Gardens (amusement and water park), Coors Field, and many more Denver attractions are nearby.

Downtown Aquarium (Denver)

The Downtown Aquarium is a public aquarium and restaurant in Denver. Considered an Ocean Journey Aquarium with over 500 species of animals.

Nearby: The Downtown Aquarium is in downtown Denver and across the river from Elitch Gardens (amusement park). Combine a visit to the aquarium with a visit to the nearby Denver Zoo and Denver Botanical Gardens.

Butterfly Pavilion (Westminster)

The Butterfly Pavilion is one of the first insect zoos, featuring exhibits, events, education, research, and more.

Nearby: The Pavilion is 15 miles south of Boulder and next to Westminster City Park. Standley Lake and open space are just 4 miles from the pavilion.

The Wild Animal Sanctuary (Keensburg, Colorado)

The WAS is a 1,214-acre animal sanctuary 30 miles northeast of Denver. It specializes in rescuing and caring for large predators that are being ill-treated or whose owners can no longer care for them.

Nearby: Horse Creek Reservoir, a popular water-skiing lake with public access.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (Colorado Springs, CO)

The CMZ is the highest zoo in the country, located at 6,714’ above sea level, and spans 140 acres. Hand feed and interact with some of the animals.

Nearby: The CMZ is less than 3 miles south of the 4-star Broadmoor Hotel. Spectacular national forests surround the western side of this entire area. Visit the scenic Broadmoor Seven Falls and hike the Seven Bridges Trail. Travel north to Manitou Springs and visit the Garden of the Gods.

Pueblo Zoos (Map)

The Pueblo Zoo is a 25-acre zoo located in Pueblo. It is home to 420 animals of more than 140 species. The zoo hosts educational programs, events, and even birthday parties. It even has a mini train and carousel, perfect for the kids.

Nearby: The zoo is between the Elm Golf Course immediately to the south and the City Park to the north. You can walk 2.3 miles from the zoo to the Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center along the Arkansas River. Consider camping at Lake Pueblo State Park, just 4+ miles to the west. There’s plenty to do at the lake.

Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center – River Campus (Pueblo)

The NWDC is a free public multi-campus discovery preserve and educational center. They aim to promote environmental stewardship and community health through nature education, wildlife rehabilitation, and outdoor recreation.

Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center (Divide, CO)

CWWC actively participates in the species survival program by providing a home for Mexican Grey Wolves and Swift Foxes. The center is located on a 35+acre facility.

Nearby: Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is 5+ miles west, and Mueller State Park is a roundabout 7+ miles east.

Colorado Gators and Reptile Park (Mosca, CO)

At the Gators & Reptile Center, you can view hundreds of rescued reptiles, including alligators, crocodiles, caimans, tortoises, and turtles. Hands-on experiences are available.

Nearby: Just around the corner from the Gators and Reptile Park is the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, which has several popular attractions: Medano Creek, sand sledding, and camping.

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