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Built in the 1930s, the five historic structures in the Pueblo Zoo Historic District were a product of the New Deal- a federal and local employment program developed during the Great Depression to put Americans back to work. Hand-crafted stonework on the structures is an expression of the American Rustic movement first developed in 1916. Because of its quality, craftsmanship and uniqueness, the Pueblo Zoo Historic District is an architectural treasure worthy of national attention.
The 6,000 sq. ft. historic Animal House represents the most important architectural resource in the District. Originally designed to house animals during the winter months, its important features include three animal sculptures atop a central cupola, a sculpted drinking fountain, and relief sculptures in the cages. Adjoining the building is the historic Monkey Island, surrounded by a stone moat and wall. Atop the island is a miniature lighthouse, and near it lies a concrete and wood miniature shipwrecked boat.
Funded in part by a grant from the Colorado Historical Society, State Historical Fund these two historic structures were rehabilitated into Islands of Life, a new complex of exhibits that opened to the public on April 14, 2007. The outstanding historic elements of the structures have been restored to illustrate their quality of craftsmanship, fine masonry and ingenuity of New Deal artisans. These include the miniature shipwreck and lighthouse, the sculpted drinking fountain, and the three animal sculptures atop the building. One historic cage has been retained and (by removing more than 20 layers of paint) restored to its original condition. A major achievement has been the introduction of modern technology without destroying the historically significant characteristics of these buildings.
The Animal House and Monkey Island now exhibit more than 15 animal species representing isolated habitats. Some species were previously exhibited in the building-hyraxes, meerkats, and ring-tail lemurs-while others are new to Pueblo-Rodrigues Island fruit bats, squirrel monkeys, alligator snapping turtle, San Esteban Island chuckwalla lizards, and an impressively large reticulated python.
A large interpretive graphic panel has been installed inside the building that explains the history of the area with particular attention to the two historic structures that make up the Islands of Life. Docents are available to interpret the history of the site as well as the animal species housed there.
The central rotunda of the restored building features a shipwreck-approximately one-fourth of a life-size ship from sometime in the late eighteenth Century. The sailing ship "Thatcher" has broken apart and the stern section has been grounded. Visitors can view the captain's quarters that contains many of the cultural and biological artifacts collected on the long voyage.
Fun Facts
Pueblo was originally called Independence, after the town in Missouri. Pueblo is a Spanish word meaning "town" or "village."
Pueblo County is one of the seventeen original territorial counties.
Charles Goodnight's Rock Canyon Ranch is located on the Frontier Pathways byway just west of Pueblo. Goodnight is famous for his cattle drives between Colorado and Texas, beginning in 1866. The 2000-mile route became known as the Goodnight-Loving Trail. Goodnight is also remembered as the inventor of the "chuck wagon" which he used to feed his men during the long trail drives.
Pueblo has more Medal of Honor recipients than any other city in the country. On July 1, 1993, the Congressional Record recognized Pueblo as the "Home of Heroes".
EVENTS
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The Zoo's Bloomin' again this year for the Annual Spring Plant Sale on May 2, 2009. This is not your ordinary plant sale. The Zoo, once again, has teamed up with the Colorado Master Gardeners. Unique species, "water-wise", as well as annuals and perennials, will be offered for sale from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm at the Mandari Picnic Shelter. Plant advice from the experts is FREE! Just in time for Mother's Day - beautiful hanging baskets! |
May 2, 2009 - Spring Plant Sale (8:00 am - 2:00 pm) |
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Mothers and Grandmothers - free admission to the Pueblo Zoo |
May 10, 2009 - Mother's Day |
| Hold on tight as we take a jeep ride through Africa. You might see roaring lions, charging rhinos, or laughing hyenas. Along the way, we will greet and meet the people of Africa and learn about their culture and customs. There will be games, art, animal science, and outdoor games. Space is limited. Prior payment and registration is required - $90 per child for members, $100 per child for non-members - call 561-1452, Ext. 100. |
June 8 - 12, 2009 - Safari Summer Day Camp (African Safari) 6-8 yrs. old |
| How is a spider web made? Well, if you like learning about shapes and forms, then this is the camp for you. This camp is about structures seen in nature and our world (like tall buildings or bridges) and is based on the book, Structures, by Kim Taylor. There will be hands-on learning, art, and outdoor games. Think about all the different structures found at the Pueblo Zoo. Space is limited. Prior payment and registration is required - $90 per child for members, $100 per child for non-members - call 561-1452, Ext. 100. |
June 15 - 19, 2009 - Safari Summer Day Camp (The World of Structure) 9-10 yrs. old |
| Fathers and Grandfathers - free admission to the Pueblo Zoo |
June 21, 2009 - Father's Day |
Come and explore the world of animals as we compare and contrast different types of feet. Then we will take a look at the science of flight and compare airplanes to birds. Then there is the matter of fur, which leaves a lot of room for discovery of some fascinating animals. There will be games, art, animal science, and outdoor games. Space is limited. Prior payment and registration is required - $90 per child for members, $100 per child for non-members - call 561-1452, Ext. 100.
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June 22 - 26, 2009 - Safari Summer Day Camp (Feet, Feathers, and Fur) 6-8 yrs. old |
Pueblo Zoo Fundraiser - Call 561-1452, Ext. 100 for more information. Dinner, live and silent auctions, and lots of FUN!
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June 26, 2009 - Zoofari |
| Hop on the jeep and let's go on a safari! Learn how the animals of Africa interact with their environment. Get to know some of the customs and cultures of the African people. The second half of this camp is devoted to the science of light and color. This learning will be accomplished through specific experiments, and then the concepts of light and color will be applied to the world of plants and animals. There will be games, art, animals and plant science, physical science and outdoor games. Space is limited. Prior payment and registration is required - $90 per child for members, $100 per child for non-members - call 561-1452, Ext. 100. |
July 6 - 10, 2009 - Safari Summer Day Camp (African Safari/Light and Color) 9-10 yrs. old |
Have you ever wondered about the shapes and forms of things? If you have, then this camp is for you. The idea for this camp comes from the book, Structures, by Kim Taylor and covers a variety of different structures found in nature. Come and experience hands-on learning along with games, art, and outdoor games. Space is limited. Prior payment and registration is required - $90 per child for members, $100 per child for non-members - call 561-1452, Ext. 100.
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July 13 - 17, 2009 - Safari Summer Day Camp (Shapes and Forms in Nature) 6-8 yrs. old |
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Other Places to Visit While There
Rosemount Museum
Steelworks Museum of Industry and Culture
Union Avenue Historic District
El Pueblo History Museum
Historic Arkansas Riverwalk
Frontier Pathways Scenic & Historic Byway (also one of America's Byways®)
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