denver zoo to see construction of new animal hospital

At a place where the number of resident animals is now above the 3,000 mark, the need for veterinary care is a constant.

Now officials at the Denver Zoo in downtown Denver have received a green light for the construction of a new two-story animal hospital that will feature the latest in technological advances and provide treatment for everything from the tiny Panamanian Golden Frog to the very large Asian Elephant.

The building will replace an animal hospital built in 1969 which zoo officials say is too small for current modern veterinary needs.

As planned, the new facility will feature treatment rooms, critical care units, a surgery suite, laboratory, and pharmacy.

The attractively designed structure will also house a host of digital radiography equipment, ultrasonography, endoscopy units, and advanced anesthesia monitoring.

From the earlier days of putting together the zoo’s larger master plan, an emphasis has also been placed on the creation of science labs at the new hospital, which will allow middle and high school students, as well as university students, to get an up-close view of animal treatment and care.

Funding for the new $10 million hospital is coming out of the first round of the $937 million general obligation bonds approved by Denver voters last year.

Founded in 1896, the 80-acre Denver Zoo is one of the oldest and most highly-rated zoos in the country.

By Garry Boulard

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