CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOO

ANIMAL KEEPER PROGRAMS
Everyone has had a fantasy of being a zookeeper! And now the Zoo’s animal and education departments are working together to give you the opportunity to get right in the trenches, literally, with a new series of fee-based programs for students and adults.

KEEPER SHADOW FOR A DAY
Ages 12 and older:
Have you always wanted to be a Zookeeper? Here's your opportunity to experience caring for animals at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Help clean, feed and interact with the animals through one-on-one experiences with a Zookeeper. Applications for this program must be completed and submitted in advance. All shadows must be pre-scheduled and confirmed.

Half Day - $100 Members, $110 non-members
Full Day - $175 Members, $185 non-members
Sack lunch option is available upon request for $6.

INTERVIEW WITH AN ANIMAL KEEPER
For any age:
Do you have a school project that you need first hand information for? Here's your opportunity to get your curiosities solved, and your questions answered at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo!

Questions can be submitted in writing to the Academic Programs Manager via email for no fee in lieu of a personal or phone interview choice listed below. Questions and any deadline information needed must have a three week turnaround time. Payment must be made in full prior the interview.

One Hour - $30; includes entrance to Zoo for one student and one hour with a keeper in one area of choice.
Two Hours - $55; includes entrance to Zoo and two hours with keepers in up to two areas of choice.
Phone Interview - $15; includes 30 minutes with a keeper in one area of choice.

ANIMAL INTERNSHIPS
For ages 16 and up:
Does your high school or college require internships for graduation? Do you want to see if Zoo keeping is the career for you? Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers internships geared for ages 16 and up who are not affiliated with Pikes Peak Community College.

Parameters:
$500 - includes a one year membership to the Zoo
Minimum 240 hours total required.
Four hour per day shifts; minimum two days per week
One intern per area, very individualized attention.
Application for this program must be completed and submitted in advance.
Payment due two weeks prior to start of internship with a $100.00 non-refundable deposit due one month prior to start of internship.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo reserves the right to discontinue an internship at any time if student does not follow rules/guidelines. No refund will be granted on fees if internship is more than half way completed at time of termination.

ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
For any age (exceptions may apply):
Looking for a unique gift for that special someone? Tired of the same old birthday presents? Want to create a once in a lifetime experience or memory? We have the answer for you! Choose from one of our Animal Interactions or Behind-the-Scenes experiences for your friends or family.

Requests for this program must be submitted and scheduled in advanced. A 10% non-refundable deposit fee is dependent on price of Encounter. For safety, there are group size limitations. Encounters are available daily between 10 am and 3 p.m.

Animal Interactions:
Group size: One to eight guests with two people having the actual hands-on experience.

You may choose from the following for a fee of $250:
- Meet the hippos
- Meet the penguins
- Meet the otters
- Meet the Burmese pythons
- Meet the bears
- Meet the African lions
- Meet the primates
 

You may choose from the following for a fee of $400 for each Encounter,
or pick both options in the same visit for $600:
(a non-refundable $40/$60 deposit is due at time of request):

-Meet the elephant - choose either:
    Kimba the elephant - feeding, touching and photo opportunities
    -or-
    Lucky the elephant - painting; pick colors, watch artist at work and keep the painting!

BEHIND-THE-SCENES:
Group size may have one to four guests on each tour. For some tours additional guests may be added for $25 each.

You may choose from the following tours for a fee of $250:
-Up close with the big cats
-African Rift Valley basement/ giraffe and meet an animal ambassador
-Conservation Center - see our unique black-footed ferrets breeding center
-Vet Hospital - meet the Zoo Veterinarian
-Commissary - see where all the animals’ food comes from.
Others may be done on request and approval of Animal Department management staff.

CMZoo Homepage

4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road Colorado Springs, CO  80906 Phone(719)633-9925  Fax (719)633-2254