DOD Insider Tour | Denver Zoo: Landscape Architecture

Join us for this in-person Doors Open Denver 2022 Insider Tour at the Denver Zoo. Two tour dates are available:

• Saturday, October 15, 9-10:30am
• Sunday, October 16, 9-10:30am

About the tour: Explore the critical role of landscape architecture at Denver Zoo and how site design, guest flow, guest viewing, sustainability and exploration all factor into a successful operation. Horticulture and the preservation of century-old trees have long been a priority at Denver Zoo, enhancing the visitor and employee experience throughout the 84-acre campus. See firsthand the significant design changes sparked by the 2015 Master Plan, including the decision to segment the Zoo by continent, and hear how landscape architecture also factors into day-to-day planning and operations, from public art installations to the annual “Zoo Lights” display.

About Denver Zoo: At 126 years old, Denver Zoo is one of the oldest and most visited public institutions in Colorado, welcoming more than 1.4 million visitors annually. The experience for both visitor and animal has transformed dramatically over the course of its history. In the last century, Denver Zoo has created award-winning animal habitats, designed to optimize animal health and wellbeing, along with a state-of-the-art animal hospital. The campus is also representative of Denver’s architectural history, as the grounds feature 100 buildings of various styles, from Victorian to contemporary. With over 3,000 wild animals to house, feed and care for, the buildings are not only aesthetically pleasing, but contain highly complex operating systems to keep animals healthy and comfortable.

About the tour guide: Marty Egan, Project Manager, Denver Zoo is currently responsible for overseeing the development of the Zoo’s new flamingo habitat, guest pathways and campus master plans. Marty holds a Master’s in Landscape Architecture from CU Denver and has extensive experience as a landscape designer. His creative focus is the design of inclusive landscapes that celebrate a region’s culture and ecology.

Please note: While Denver Zoo is a beloved family destination, the content of this tour has been developed with adults in mind. Due to Denver Zoo safety protocols, no attendee on this tour may be under the age of 9.

Accessibility: This 90-minute walking tour will cover the Denver Zoo campus along paved walking paths. Benches for brief rest will be available along the route.