By Natasha Lovato

As the sun sets, the party begins afterhours at the Denver Zoo. Step into the zoo for a completely new scene without crowds, strollers and screaming kids. Best of all, step into the zoo for drinks, apps and one on one conversations with the zookeepers. Dance to the live music, put on a funny face in the photo booth, grab a taco from a food truck, an IPA from the bar and have all your burning questions about the animal kingdom answered. This past summer was full of adult-only events, but just because summer is ending doesn’t mean the fun has to end.

Public relations coordinator Carlie McGuire was excited to continue the second year of their 21 and over events to remind people that the zoo is for every person of any age. McGuire explained the hope to pull in audiences that wouldn’t go to the zoo if it weren’t for their kids.

“We want to give them something that will entertain them but also educate them,” McGuire said.

Demos are found throughout the zoo on endangered animals, or endangered habitats and how the general public can help or be informed. Upcoming highlights include National Bison Day on Nov. 3; National Recycle Day on Nov. 11 (bring old cell phones for discounted admission); and the Denver Zoo Lights, Nov. 30 - Jan. 6.

Graduate and adult programs manager Molly Maloy said there are highlights for all ages at the zoo’s events.

“We work with the guests at an adult level, so we don’t dilute the content,” Maloy said. “We really want everyone to understand our purpose, our mission and the depth of our work here and in the field in regard to conservation.” In other words, you will have the chance to learn about the breeding programs of lions, tigers and elephants, oh my.

Senior director of guest operations Patrick Phelan is eager to put on at least one adult only event every month throughout the year.

“We started looking at what a younger millennial crowd was doing around town and it turned out to be a popularity with food trucks, so we thought, ‘let’s bring the food trucks in and have them experience the zoo demos at night’,” Phelan said.

Though it is young, the adult swim program of the Denver Zoo is beaming with the promise of new experiences throughout the year for party animals everywhere.

Visit denverzoo.org to see a full list of upcoming family and 21 and over events.