Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance to speak, West Entrance to reopen?

 

The Denver Zoo has renamed itself the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance according to CEO and President, Bert Vescolani. The move underlines the institution’s efforts not just in Denver but around the world to conserve wildlife. In the Zoo’s Annual Report for 2024, Vescolani states: “Together, we have supported over 600 conservation projects in 62 countries, and we are just getting started. On our 80-acre campus, we provide access to wildlife and nature, igniting the spark of conservation empathy within our community. We take pride in the fact that 25% of our guests enter our gates at a free or reduced rate, ensuring that everyone can join our alliance. Around the world, we are partnering with communities to protect wildlife where they live.”

DZCA is also planning for the possible opening of their West Entrance in City Park, Gate 19 for public access in addition to their main entrance. Please join us on September 2 at Carla Madison Recreation Center in the Multi Media Room at 5:30 pm for a presentation by DZCA’s Chief Operating Officer, Cristal Torres DeHerrera and Communications Director, Jake Kubie about the proposed pilot project.

City Park Friends and Neighbors (CPFAN) was contacted in June about this proposed project. Here’s what we learned:

In the 2018 City Park Master Plan Update, it was suggested that a pedestrian entrance to the Zoo at the West Entrance might be desirable. DZCA has expanded that vision to opening the West Entrance to motorists. In preparation, the Zoo has  renovated the  parking lot just north of the West Entrance. The West Entrance would become an alternate way to access the Zoo.

 

 

DZCA says the proposed opening would not affect the new City Park West circulation plan in the park (including one way traffic, bike lanes or reduced parking). They maintain that access will be promoted through Zoo communications (emails, member updates and website).DZCA reports extensive community outreach for this project, but CPFAN has learned that many of the neighborhoods bordering City Park may not have received or responded to the communications about this important project that could impact City Park profoundly. In standing with our mission at CPFAN, we are calling for and supporting more community outreach.

A community project survey will be the primary tool for evaluating the success or failure of the opening of the Zoo’s West Entrance for motorists. The draft survey is now    available on the City website  {via this link}  on the City Park Projects page on DenverGov.org.

CPFAN looks forward to seeing you on September 2 at 5:30 pm for a friendly discussion about the pros and cons of opening City Park’s West Entrance as an alternate access to the Zoo.

CPFAN Meeting 9/2, Calendar & RSVP