(PUEBLO, Colo.) — The Pueblo Zoo said 2024 has been a challenging year as it worked to invest in the zoo and meet “ever-rising” standards to retain the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Accreditation.

According to the Pueblo Zoo, while it did receive accreditation for 2024, it is looking at an even tougher 2025 with city budget cuts creating a $270,000 budget gap. The Pueblo Zoo did recently raise more than $60,000 as part of Colorado Gives Day on Tuesday, Dec. 10

Pueblo Zoo said the zoo is not only a fun place to go for a couple of hours but it also contributes more than $20 million in economic impact and educates more than 12,000 students annually.

Pueblo Zoo reminds Coloradans who give a gift of over $250 are eligible for the Enterprise Zone tax credit.