Learn about some of the planet’s most interesting creatures at these Colorado havens

Thirst staff reports

WILD ANIMAL SANCTUARY

The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg offers room to roam. For visitors, that means 1.5 miles of soaring walkways. For animals, that means 789 acres of open habitat. Roughly 45 minutes from Denver, the sanctuary is home to more than 520 lions, tigers, bears, wolves and other large carnivores. The rescued animals are rehabilitated and left to roam with plenty of space free from cages. Elevated walkways cross over the reserve and allow visitors to see these majestic creatures in action. New this year, audio kiosks will be added to the walkways with informative dialogs about the animals and the park. As the summer heats up, sanctuary operators say early mornings and evenings are the best times to see the animals when they are most active. Keep an eye out for the Summer Safari Dinners including gourmet eats and in-depth conversations with animal caretakers.

COLORADO GATORS REPTILE PARK

Originally a working fish farm, the Colorado Gators Reptile Park in Mosca has evolved, adding a reptile refuge. The park offers plenty of opportunity for everyone to experience creatures from other climates. Guests can see alligators, Nile crocodiles, Burmese pythons, a 17-foot reticulated python, anacondas, red-tail boas, monitor lizards, tegus, geckos, iguanas, African Sulcata tortoises, caiman and other species. And if all the animal interactions don’t provide enough action, grab a fishing pole and catch catfish and tilapia from the fish farm. The park’s claim to fame are its two albino alligators, Mr. Bo Mangles and Morris. You may recognize Morris from the popular Hollywood hit “Happy Gilmore.”

CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOO

Who wants to feed a 20-foot-tall giraffe? Or play with goats? Or soar above animals on the Mountaineer Sky Ride? These adventures and more can be found at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. The zoo prides itself by saying it provides an adventure that is “way beyond watching.” The 146-acre mountainside zoo features more than 30 endangered species, scores of unique experiences and encounters with the animals and mountain views of the Colorado Springs area. On top of all that, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo takes a proactive role in conservation. Green initiatives, education and wildlife conservation are just a few of the ways that they are making a difference for wildlife.

DENVER ZOO

Want to get up close and personal with your favorite animal in a safe and enjoyable way? The Denver Zoo is offering a plethora of experiences for guests to enjoy close encounters with several majestic animals. Don’t miss the Toyota Elephant Passage that details the animals’ complicated relationship with humans. With warm weather, the Stingray Cove experience returns this year offering interactive fun for all ages. Enjoy the sights of cownose rays and southern stingrays along with peaceful bamboo sharks and bonnethead sharks. The 15,000-gallon exhibit invites guests to touch and feed passing stingrays in a setting mirroring Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. Colorado-based artist Armando Silva has created a beautiful mural at the center of the exhibit blending sea life and art. Check out the zoo’s “Up Close Looks” for an intimate experience with some of the quirkiest creatures. In a socially distant pod, you can meet Wookiee, the Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth, or say hello to Sekele, Romakari or Kali, members of the Okapi herd.

COLORADO WOLF AND WILDLIFE CENTER

If you are hanging out near Divide and you feel the need to howl at the moon, you just might get a response from nearby canines. At the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, visitors can mix and mingle with the center’s pack of wolves, foxes and coyotes. The Center has been rescuing animals and educating visitors for nearly 30 years. The mission is to educate people on the role the animals play in our environment and the need to keep wild spaces open for them. Visitors can take an educational tour and get great views of the animals in a natural setting. Special offerings include full-moon tours, feeding tours and other encounters.