For the Animals. For the Earth.

In addition to our commitment to the exhibition and conservation of endangered animal species, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo also strives to be a green business. That's why we have multiple programs for onsite recycling and conservation of energy and natural resources.

Not only do we adhere to tight conservation standards here at our home, but we also try to help you do the same by providing comprehensive conservation information and resources. It is our hope that you will join us in taking action—for the good of us all.

Action Opportunities:

Pawnee Montane Skipper Surveys

Find out how to volunteer to help survey the skipper butterfly's habitat and restoration affects in late summer 2010.

Vulture Viewing & Nature Hike

What:Hike and short persentation on vulture conservation with CMZ's Animal Care and Vulture Enthusiast, Jenyva Turner
When: Sunday, September 5, 2010, 8 am - 10 am
Where: Cheyenne Mountain State Park - more details...
Sign-Up: Email jturner@cmzoo.org

International Vulture Awareness Day

What: Activities that highlight vulture conservation and awareness!
When: Saturday, September 4, 2010, 10 am - 2 pm
Where: At the Zoo

Vultures are vanishing around the world at an alarming rate and are in need of our help! Of the 22 species of vultures in the world, 11 are currently threatened. They are declining due to poisoning from feeding on medicated cattle carcasses, power line collisions and loss of food and habitat. Vultures play a vital role in the environment by cleaning up carcasses and preventing the spread of disease.

The aim of International Vulture Awareness Day is to create awareness of the plight of all vulture species and to highlight the work done by the conservationists who monitor populations and implement measures to conserve vultures and their habitats.

On September 4, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will put the spotlight on vultures for Zoo guests with International Vulture Awareness Day. The day will feature a variety of fun vulture-themed activities for kids of all ages, educational displays, special keeper talks and animal encounters throughout African Rift Valley from 10am to 2pm.

• Learn how strong a vulture’s stomach juices are!
• Make enrichment for our Zoo’s vultures!
• Win a chance to feed our vultures during our Wings of Africa Bird Show on Sept. 4th!
• Go to http://www.vultureday.org/2010/index.php for more on International Vulture Awareness Day
• Go on a hike to view wild turkey vultures the next day (Cheyenne Mountain State Park fee applies) - Sunday, September 5th - see details!

And it’s all free and included with Zoo admission!

• A cuddly vulture plush to call your own
• One-of-a-kind vulture button designed by CMZ's Animal Care and Vulture Enthusiast, Jenyva Turner
• Zoo tote bag
• Certificate of Adoption
• Fact Sheet on vultures
• Invitation to Adopt an Animal "Parents Day" in 2011
• Adopt an Animal parent recognition on website
• Photo of vulture

Learn how you can help Vultures and take action!

Vulture Action Items:

• Get to know our local vultures! Buy some binoculars and become a bird watcher!
• Protect wildlife habitat by getting involved in your local parks, open spaces and sustainable conservation groups. Visit websites from the following groups:
  

  Sierra Club: http://www.sierraclub.org/
  Trails and Open Space Coalition: http://www.trailsandopenspaces.org/
  Wild Connections: http://www.wildconnections.org/
  Wildlands Restoration Volunteers: http://www.wlrv.org/
  Rocky Mountain Institute: http://www.rmi.org/rmi/
  Catamount Institute: http://www.catamountinstitute.org/

• Keep garbage cleaned up to prevent vultures and other wildlife from eating non-food items.
• Report roadkill so authorities can safely remove it. This will protect scavengers, like vultures, from injury or death. Along roads in Colorado Springs call: 719-385-5934. On El Paso County roads call: 719-520-6460. On Colorado state roads call: 719-576-1868.
• Do not leave animal carcasses killed with lead shot lying around; use an alternative type of shot.
• Avoid the use of poisons to kill wildlife.
• Recycle paper and buy recycled products to reduce the need to cut down trees that vultures roost in.
• Vote with your tokens and donate your quarters to vulture conservation at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Quarters for Conservation display.