(Courtesy: Woodland Park Zoo)

Honor your late pet at Woodland Park Zoo's animal ofrenda

Abby Luschei

October 16, 2025

Pets hold a special place in our hearts — offering unconditional love that is extremely painful to lose. If you have lost a pet, you can honor them at Woodland Park Zoo this month.

Woodland Park Zoo is creating an animal ofrenda in honor of Día de Muertos, where you can celebrate beloved pets and zoo animals that have passed by submitting photos to be placed on the ofrenda. The ofrenda will be unveiled on Monday, Oct. 27, and showcased through Sunday, Nov. 2. It will be located at the zoo's Briar Oak across from the Historic Carousel.

"The ofrenda will pay tribute to the beloved pets who have touched our hearts, animals that have lived at the zoo throughout history, and the enduring bond between people and animals, recognizing that all life is interconnected and worthy of remembrance," zoo reps said.

The ofrenda is a place for "reflection, remembrance and gratitude" for the animals that have touched our lives and brought magic to the zoo over the years.

If you would like to submit a pet to be featured, zoo attendants will be at the ofrenda to assist guests in printing out photos (admission required) during the following time slots:

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 22 and 24

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 25-26

You can also submit photos digitally through Halloween to be featured in a slideshow playing on the four TVs located inside Briar Oak.

Learn more about the animal ofrenda online.