G Matz
Google
The Denver Zoo offers a decent day out, especially if you have young children or are looking for a casual stroll. While there are certainly highlights, my recent visit left me with a mixed impression, landing it firmly in the "average" category for me.
On the positive side, the zoo does boast a good variety of animals, and some of the newer exhibits, like the Toyota Elephant Passage, are genuinely impressive. These areas provide expansive and well-designed habitats, offering good viewing opportunities and seemingly ample space for the animals. The grounds are generally clean, and there are enough amenities like restrooms and food stalls to get by. It's also a relatively easy zoo to navigate, which is a plus.
However, where the Denver Zoo falls a bit short for me is in consistency. A number of the enclosures feel dated and somewhat uninspired, particularly when compared to the newer, more modern sections. These older exhibits can feel a bit cramped for the animals and offer less engaging viewing for visitors.
We went during the week and crowds were minimal. Food and drink options, while available, are also on the pricier side, as expected, but nothing particularly noteworthy.
Ultimately, the Denver Zoo is a perfectly acceptable way to spend a few hours, and you'll definitely see some cool animals. But if you're looking for a truly immersive, cutting-edge zoological experience, you might find yourself wanting a bit more. It's good, but not great.