Membership at the Denver Zoo has reached its highest level in its 116-year history, with 68,450 member households, up from its previous record of 64,000 member households in 2010.
“Every member helps us work towards our mission — to secure a better world for animals through human understanding,” said Bill Tortorici, director of membership and annual fund, in a press statement.
In addition to unlimited visits, members this summer get an extra perk: entering the zoo 30 minutes before admission gates open to the general public, which allows cooler temperatures, the chance to see zookeepers getting ready for their day — and a chance to snare a coveted parking space.
The zoo can hold about 15,000 people, but parking is limited to about 1,250 nearby spaces.
Zoo membership also includes entrance to the $50 million Toyota Elephant Passage, the new Asian-themed exhibition that opened June 1.
But members still must make a timed-entry reservation through the end of summer. Because of the overwhelming popularity of the exhibit, the zoo for the first time instituted timed-entry tickets, paced at 15-minute intervals.
Reservations can be made , or by visiting the box office on the day of the zoo visit.
Colleen O’Connor: 303-954-1083 or coconnor@denverpost.com
