The latest installment in the Denver Zoo’s 28-year conservation history is the new Lembke Family Preserve designed to further efforts towards animal conservation in Colorado and beyond.
In recent years the zoo has focused largely on field conservation due to its limited space. While they have assisted in conservation efforts in over 62 countries, some of their most notable work has been right here in Colorado. Efforts include reparative donations of bison to indigenous communities, pika community preservation, boreal toadlet conservation in Utah and Colorado and spreading mountain lion urine at Mount Blue Sky to discourage contact with humans.
The goal of the zoo’s expansion is to “dramatically expand our capabilities for our animals and Colorado wildlife as we build it out in the coming years,” according to Bert Vescolani, President and CEO of Denver Zoo.
The most recent project has been approved for two phases. According to the release, the first one will focus on holding and breeding using the additional space. “[There is] the potential to add new species to our program,” the release reads. “We’ll also gain greater holding capacity as well as temporary relocations for habitat maintenance or renovation.”
The second phase focuses more on research and reintroduction of native species. “The center…will allow Denver Zoo to make a more meaningful impact on the future of regionally Threatened and Endangered species in our home state.”
With over 70 animals on the state’s threatened and endangered list, the zoo feels they have the potential to make a difference in Colorado’s animal conservation efforts. Some of the endangered species they may be able help include those most at risk such as the federally endangered black-footed ferret. Phase two of the project will largely focus on breeding efforts and wildlife reintroduction programs for many at risk native Colorado species.
“We are deeply grateful to the Lembke family for their generosity and mutual understanding that saving wildlife for future generations requires a dedicated community of donors, members, partners and neighbors,” Vescolani said.
Bob Lembke stated in the release that the zoo has been part of his family’s traditions since the 1950s, and he hopes that through this gift the zoo and their work with endangered species can remain a family tradition for generations.
DU student and environmental science minor Kenzie Claflin said “I’m so excited that the zoo is doing even more in the field of conservation. Especially for native species, this kind of work is so important and deserves recognition.”
The zoo that began with a singular bear in City Park now has the potential to bring dozens of Colorado species back from the brink of distinction through the Lembke Family Preserve.
