Find Family Friendly Animal Encounters at 7 Colorado Zoos

If you love animals and wildlife it's hard to beat living in Colorado. An afternoon hike can be full of surprises through some of our National Forests and wildlife areas.

If you prefer not to be surprised by a giant moose on a Grand Mesa trail, you can always plan a day trip to one of Colorado's large zoos with hundreds of animals on display.

Read More: See All 11 of Colorado's Beautiful National Forests

Colorado Wildlife

Colorado is a great state for wildlife encounters in the great outdoors. If you know where to look, elk, moose, bears, big horn sheep, and deer can be observed safely in several parks and wilderness areas.

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How Many Zoos are in Colorado?

Several Zoos have come and gone in Colorado over the years. The Zoo at Lincoln Park in Grand Junction was open from around 1939 to 1969. It was home to Leo the Lion and other residents remembered in the link below.

Read More: Remembering Grand Junction's Zoo + Leo The Lion

Today, Colorado is home to several large zoos, a huge aquarium, and even a wildlife sanctuary for large predators. Find out where each of these seven locations is in the gallery below.

Colorado's Wildlife Sanctuary

Some of the largest predators in the state can be found by walking a "Mile into the Wild" at the Colorado Wild Animal Sanctuary. Large walkways and observation decks are placed throughout allowing guests to observe them up close. Take a closer look below.