Denver Zoo takes actions to beat this summer’s heat

Look, if you’re sweating through your shirt just walking to your car, imagine being a polar bear in Denver in August. No thanks.

The Denver Zoo is stepping up its summer game as temps creep into the upper 90s — and honestly, they deserve some credit. The zoo is opening earlier on scorching days, so pro tip: get there before the heat turns you into a human puddle.

Animals that aren’t exactly built for a Colorado heat wave are hanging out indoors, while the desert-dwellers are basically living their best lives out there. The zoo has also added misters throughout habitats, which — let’s be honest — sounds more refreshing than anything your backyard sprinkler is doing right now.

Guests have been noticing the extra effort, and the overall vibe is still very much “fun family outing” rather than “slow march through a sauna.”

Bottom line for you and your crew: If a Denver Zoo trip is on your summer bucket list, go early, bring water, wear sunscreen (yes, all of you), and maybe skip the hot pavement between 1 and 4 p.m. Your feet — and your kids’ moods — will thank you.

The animals are good. The zoo’s got it handled.