Originally posted on Blooloop by Adam Whittaker

Event Network, the leading experiential retail partner to cultural attractions across the US, is proud to announce its retail partnership with Denver Zoo. The Zoo’s shops, operated by Event Network beginning January 14th, debut a variety of new product collections that highlight Denver Zoo’s conservation initiatives and celebrate its unique heritage and sense of place in the wondrous state of Colorado.

Denver Zoo welcomes nearly 2 million guests a year, who visit to connect with well-cared-for wild animals in immersive habitats, and get inspired to live wildlife-friendly lifestyles through exploration, events, and educational and access programs. Spanning 80 acres within City Park of Denver, Colorado, Denver Zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals representing 450 species, including many that are endangered or critically endangered. As a recognized global wildlife conservation leader, Denver Zoo’s impact is measured in saving species and inspiring action and empathy for wildlife at the Zoo and through local and global conservation programs. Since 1996, the Zoo has dedicated staff and/or funding to more than 600 wildlife conservation, rescue and rehabilitation projects in 62 countries.

CUSTOM PRODUCT LINES HELP PROTECT LOCAL WILDLIFE AND DEEPEN COMMUNITY TIES

Local artist collaborations and eco-friendly product collections designed specifically to support Denver Zoo’s unique wildlife conservation initiatives are just a few examples of the exciting things that guests will discover when they visit the Zoo’s shops.

For example, a custom assortment was created to enhance Denver Zoo’s Colorado Front Range Pika Project, whose mission is to conserve American pika across the Front Range (eastern slope of the southern Rocky Mountains). Through the use of a tracking app, citizen Pika Patrollers are encouraged to explore the beautiful territory and collect data on the presence of pikas and the characteristics of their habitat at nearly 200 locations in the scenic high country of Colorado.

The product collaboration with the Denver Zoo’s Colorado Pika Project is an example of one of the many ways the gift shop can help the Zoo activate and engage citizen scientists.

“These special collections of Pika Project-inspired apparel, journals, and accessories are an effective – and adorable - way to build awareness, instill pride in the community effort to protect the species, and encourage participation in the program,” says Julie Ricci, Purchasing Vice President at Event Network. “Denver Zoo’s involvement with so many important and interesting conservation initiatives provides us with a tremendous platform from which to be creative with our product development, as well as the way in which we present the product stories.”

“It is an exciting time to help drive support for all that the Zoo does, and it is a true honor to collaborate with the Denver Zoo team to deliver an outstanding guest shopping experience going forward…what a special opportunity,” adds Jerry Gilbert, Chief Marketing Officer and Principal.

Budding Pika Patrollers can search for hidden Pika in the shop.

To honor the Zoo’s rich Colorado roots, Event Network sources locally whenever possible to engage artists and vendors from Denver and nearby regions who share a vested interest in preserving the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains; and to share their story with visitors from across the world. This integration of design inspiration and local collaborators is an example of the detail and intentionality behind Event Network’s merchandising philosophy.

“Event Network was selected to be our retail partner based on their visible commitment to sustainability and conservation, and their holistic and creative approach to delivering an unforgettable shopping experience that inspires our guests to save wildlife for future generations. We are impressed with their philosophy and practice of being in service to this beautiful planet we share,” said Amber Christopher, Chief Operating Officer, Denver Zoological Foundation.

“Event Network is as passionate about operating in a sustainable manner behind the scenes as they are about the eco-friendly products offered in the shops. The environmentally thoughtful store environments, which will evolve as we move further into the partnership, and product vision reinforce our values and help support our critical programs! We are excited for guests to engage with the Zoo’s retail team, feel good about the impact they are making with every purchase, and come away from their Zoo visit feeling enlightened and inspired to be good stewards for our planet. We could not be prouder to partner with Event Network on delivering a shopping experience that reflects Denver Zoo’s vision of a world where wildlife thrives.”

Every purchase from inside the gift shop helps support Denver Zoo’s important work in wildlife conservation.