For volunteer information about animal-related nonprofits not listed here, see listings under Volunteer Opportunities.

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Butterfly Pavilion Explore a lush tropical rain forest brimming with butterflies, then settle in for a visit with Rosie, the center’s “famous” (and friendly) tarantula. Regular daytime admission is only $1 if it’s your birthday. A new exhibit called “Invertebrate World” features interactive play areas. 6252 W. 104th Ave., Westminster. 303-469-5441. See more events, plus yoga and photography classes, at www.butterflies.org. Denver Zoo Feed Heshimu the giraffe at the Giraffe Encounter, help feed the lorikeets, and meet Faith, the red panda who recently gave birth to twins. The Denver Zoo is home to more than 4,200 animals, and the zoo’s calendar is full of special events and classes all year long. 2300 Steele St., 303-376-4800; www.denverzoo.org.

• Through Jan. 16: “Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea” traveling exhibit
• Dec. 2-Jan. 1: Zoo Lights

Humane Society of Boulder Valley The shelter cares for more than 8,000 animals each year, and 93 percent are successfully adopted or reunited with their families. The society also offers classes for dogs, trains volunteers to work with the animals and provides veterinary services to the public. 2323 55th St., 303-442-4030; www.boulderhumane.org.

• April, TBA: Puttin’ on the Leash (see listing under Benefits & Fundraisers)

Longmont Humane Society Besides caring for more than 4,000 animals every year, LHS offers dog training and low-cost veterinary services such as vaccinations, spaying, neutering and dentistry. 9595 Nelson Road in Longmont. The thrift store is at 700 Ken Pratt Blvd., Suite 216. 303-772-1232; www.longmonthumane.org.

• March 18: Homeward Bound (see listing under Benefits & Fundraisers)

National Western Stock Show Jan. 7-22: The “super bowl of stock shows” lasts more than two weeks and features everything from rodeos, horse shows and livestock shows to competitions, demonstrations, sheep shearing, kids’ activities, vendors and much more. The kickoff parade on Jan. 5 weaves through downtown Denver. The National Western Complex is at 4655 Humboldt St., Denver. www.nationalwestern.com. The Wild Animal Sanctuary Meander along the “Mile into the Wild” elevated catwalk as you look for Eddy the black leopard, grizzly bears Gaika and Masha, Kanookie the lynx, and hundreds of other large carnivores. The sanctuary is east of Boulder in Keenesburg, off Highway 52. There have been some recent visitation and policy changes, and a fee increase, so check online for details before going. 303-536-0118; www.thewildanimalsanctuary.org.