The Denver Zoo had one of its best years ever in 2016

DENVER – Last year was one of the best the Denver Zoo has ever had.

Through park visits and educational outreach programs, the zoo served a total of 2,050,819 people in 2016. That’s the second-highest number since the zoo was established 120 years ago.

The zoo’s biggest attendance numbers came in 2012, when the park served 2,065,410 people.

Staff say 2016’s attendance numbers can largely be attributed to the traveling exhibit, ‘Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea,’ which featured giant sculptures made out of trash collected from beaches.

“We are thrilled to have had such a successful year and are grateful for our guests’ ongoing support,” Denver Zoo President and CEO Shannon Block said in a statement. “We strive to inspire all of our audiences to love animals in support of our mission.”

2017 could be another great year for the zoo. The park plans to open its new tiger exhibit, ‘The Edge,’ in March. In July, the zoo will host a traveling exhibit called ‘Dinos! Live at Denver Zoo,’ which features life-size animatronic dinosaurs.