Amid economic gloom and business failures, the Denver Zoo registered its second-highest year in attendance history in 2008.
The zoo attracted more than 1.9 million visitors last year and also set a new “all-time high membership” level with 64,000 member households in July, or about 224,000 individuals.
“There are a number of factors that made 2008 a record year for attendance. However, it is the ongoing patronage from the community that supports the zoo in all of our long-term efforts,” Denver Zoo president and chief executive Craig Piper said in a news release. “Whether it’s supporting conservation, joining as a member or volunteer, or participating in an educational program, it’s the people who continue to support us year after year that must be thanked for making 2008 such a tremendous year.”
Zoo officials point to several factors for the near record-setting attendance pace, including high gas prices last year that resulted in Denverites and Front Range residents “looking for activities close to home.”
The official 2008 attendance count for the zoo was 1,941,789. About two-thirds of the visitors were from metro Denver.
The record-setting year at the zoo remains 1995, when 1,984,097 people visited, with many going to say farewell to polar bears Klondike and Snow, who were born here and moved on to Busch Gardens in Tampa, Fla.
The Denver Zoo, which has been around for 113 years, also is off to a good start this year, officials said.
In January, 92,137 people enjoyed the zoo, compared with 53,507 in January 2008. Attendance for the month is the highest it’s been in 15 years, the zoo said.
“Although we are very proud of 2008’s attendance, we’re working to make 2009 even better,” Piper said. “We want Denver Zoo to be a fabulous place for families to share in the wonders of wildlife.”
Kieran Nicholson: 303-954-1822 or knicholson@denverpost.com
