10/14/2026
To celebrate OAKtober, we're checking in on the oak trees we planted at Pueblo Zoo this spring! After 6 months in the ground, all seven trees have put on new growth and are faring well. Kudos to zoo maintenance staff for keeping them watered throughout our exceptionally hot summer!
Did you know oak trees support more life-forms than any other tree in North America? They are considered a keystone species because of their role in providing food and habitat for hundreds of insects, birds and mammals.
Shumard Oak is a drought-tolerant and relatively fast-growing oak. It is very adaptable and can tolerate our alkaline soils. The two Shumards at the zoo are thriving in their sunny locations.
Don't let the Swamp White Oak's name fool you - it can tolerate both wet and dry conditions. It's latin name, bicolor, refers to the bicolored leaves that are glossy dark green above and velvety white underneath. The three Swamp White Oaks at the zoo are proving to be adapting well to their new home.
English Oaks are known to be able to live up to 1,000 years in ideal conditions. Can the zoo provide those conditons? Only time will tell! For now the two English Oaks are establishing where they will have plenty of room to reach their full potential.
