Donations are needed to help cover the $1 million annual food budget and other operational costs.

COVID-19 has taken its toll on Colorado residents as we have struggled through shut-downs, job losses, illness and loss of loved ones, and social distancing. 

It has also taken its toll on our local attractions, including the Denver Zoo.

After a shutdown of three months and continued restrictions on visitor capacity, the zoo has taken a huge hit in revenue in 2020. That has made it tough to meet the costs of operation, including covering the $1 million food bill the zoo incurs every year. In order to ensure that the needs of all of the animals were met every day, the zoo had to make some tough operational decisions. 

"The health and happiness of our animals is our absolute priority, and we have adjusted our operations across the organization to make sure they never miss a meal. And thanks to you—our guests, members, donors, and supporters—we have begun to recover from the significant financial losses that resulted from our 87-day closure and ongoing mandated reduced capacity. You can rest assured that all of our 3,000 animals have been exceptionally well-cared-for throughout the COVID-19 pandemic," the zoo said in a press release. 

However, as the zoo continues to recover, there is more work to be done. You can keep the momentum going by making a donation to support the zoo's needs, including covering food costs. Learn more and make a donation at https://denverzoo.org/support/zootrition.

"As we turn the corner into 2021, we are in a much better financial position than earlier in the year—and are feeling optimistic about our future," said the zoo. "As a nonprofit, we also rely in part on fundraising to help operate the Zoo and our programs. That support has been more crucial than ever this year, and words cannot express our gratitude to those of you who have visited, purchased or renewed membership, or made a gift to the zoo."

Check out the top five biggest eaters at the zoo to learn a little more about the nutrition needs that you can help support: 

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