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Denver Zoo breaks ground on new animal hospital

Posted at 3:04 PM, Feb 07, 2019
and last updated 2019-02-07 17:04:37-05

DENVER – Ground is broken for construction of a new animal hospital at the Denver Zoo.

Mayor Michael B. Hancock was among the officials present for the ceremony to kick off construction of the advanced facility.

The zoo says the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Animal Hospital will allow the zoo to provide exception care for the more than 3.500 animals it houses.

It will also offer visitors an inside look at the work the zoo’s veterinary team does on a daily basis.

Construction of the 22,000 square foot hospital is expected to be completed in 2020. It will include a diagnostic lab, indoor and outdoor holding and quarantine spaces, and state-of-the-art treatment rooms and surgery suites.

It will also offer outdoor areas for guests to eat and relax, plus space for animal demonstrations. An elevated lobby inside will provide views into treatment rooms and other spaces, and offer an interactive look at the care animals receive.