If anyone can confirm that ‘orangutangs are skeptical about changes in their cages,’ or that ‘monkeys stand for honesty,’ a good source in Pueblo, would be Kyle Davis. Davis is the city’s new associate director of marketing at Pueblo’s Zoo, and he has his hands full with a summer schedule that, he says, has something for everyone.
“It’s our busiest time of the year,” said the Eagle Pass, Texas, native. “And we want to make sure folks who come,” leave with the most positive experience they can have.
Davis is very familiar with a couple of neighboring zoos that are known nationally and internationally. As a result, Pueblo, he said, isn’t competing with either the Denver Zoo or Colorado Springs’ Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. “We’re a regional value,” he said. “There are plenty of things to do in southern Colorado and we can serve as a draw.”
Like all zoos, Pueblo’s Zoo is a work in progress. Some enclosures are waiting to be filled. But visitors can still see more than 100 species and “over 300 animals.” The progress it has made in upgrading facilities shows up everywhere you look, Davis says.
Some of the bigger animal draws, of course, include lions. But there are also African Painted dogs, De Brazza monkeys, Cotton-Top Tamarin, the African crested porcupine and a variety of birds. Pueblo is part of the international effort that has helped the African Painted dog population escape endangered species status.
For birders or those just curious about birds, it’s a visit worth making. The zoo’s bird collection includes African Penguins, Black Vultures, Emus, eagles and nearly twenty other varieties.
Davis said the zoo offers a number of special days that span the summer. Every Mother’s and Father’s Days are free, he said. But there are also discounted admissions for seniors, military, and children. Day tickets to the zoo, he said, are $14.25 for adults, $10.25 for children. Discounts are also available using EBT cards.
Davis says the zoo, now celebrating its 90th year in existence, welcomed more than 100,000 visitors in 2024. He is optimistic that it will exceed that number this year.
The summer’s big event is its annual Zoofari fundraiser. Tickets for the gala are $125 but a meal and drink are included. The event will offer a live auction with prizes provided by local businesses and artists. Zoofari is set for Friday, June 20th, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Davis said besides the Zoofari, the zoo also hosts special and private events.
Because of the vastness of southern Colorado—a vastness that exceeds the size of a number of U.S. states—the Pueblo Zoo is the only real-life animal experience for people from the Kansas border to the east and to the New Mexico state line to the south.
The zoo is just one part of what is known as City Park, a venue that has been a crown jewel of the city for generations. It is also walking distance for a family that might want to enjoy the kiddie rides that have also been a park staple. There is also a water park that is part of the park complex.
The park is open every day through the summer from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information on the zoo, visit Pueblozoo.org.
