American Zoo Day is an unofficial holiday that marks the day the Philadelphia Zoo, America's first zoo, was opened to the public on July 1, 1874. The price of admission was 25¢, which would be about $6.65 today.
While zoos originally were small confined spaces that were basically prisons for animals, today's American zoos are enormous and provide an environment that reflects the natural habitat of the confined animal.
Zoos today play an important role by educating the public about animals they may never otherwise get to experience up close and promoting the conservation and protection of species threatened with extinction.
We have five fun ways to celebrate American Zoo Day on July 1 — or anytime you want to embrace your animal-loving nature!
1. Start with a giggle.
Q. How did the animals escape the zoo?
A. They found a mon-key to open the gates!
2. Visit a zoo, aquarium, farm, or animal sanctuary.
Plan an adventure and spend the day learning about different animal species and observing their behaviors. Take your time to appreciate the beauty and diversity of wildlife.
Some of our favorite places:
- Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs
- Denver Zoo and Downtown Aquarium in Denver
- Englewood Farm & Train at Belleview Park in Englewood
- The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg
3. Support conservation efforts.
Donate to your favorite zoo or wildlife conservation organization, such as World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), or Jane Goodall Institute (JGI). This can help support research, rehabilitation, and conservation initiatives.
4. Watch a documentary.
Take the opportunity to educate yourself and your kids about wildlife conservation in the brand-new Infinity Theater at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
Featured films regularly focus on nature and wildlife. This summer, you can see Jane Goodall's Reasons of Hope, Flight of the Butterflies 3D, and Secrets of the Sea 3D.
5. Have a family movie night.
End the day by snuggling on the couch to watch a fun, family-friendly movie! Click on the title to borrow a copy from our Douglas County Libraries.
- The Wild (G)
- Madagascar (PG)
- We Bought a Zoo* (PG)
- Zookeeper (PG)
- Zootopia (PG)
*There is a line in We Bought a Zoo that briefly mentions Santa Claus not being real. It is a passing remark, but perceptive children might pick up on it.
