It began with a man and a dream.

The Spencer Penrose Legacy. In 1926, Spencer Penrose founded the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Spurred into action by a growing collection of animals with nowhere to put them, Penrose was inspired to create the “zoo on the mountain.” When he incorporated the Zoo as a non-profit public trust for the people of Colorado Springs, he could hardly have imagined that his small menagerie would someday become one of the finest private zoological parks in the country. More.

Today, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is thriving, in no small part because of the unwavering community support we receive. Because the Zoo operates without any local or regional tax support, it is our friends and supporters who help us to achieve our mission of conservation, education and animal care. Over the years, many individuals and families have chosen to leave lasting gifts for the Zoo through gift planning and bequests, creating a unique way to leave their own legacy.

Please join us.

Your membership in the 1926 Society is activated once you notify us that your estate plans include the Zoo. Membership includes exclusive activities and events.
For more information about planned giving or the 1926 Society, please contact Kelley Parker, Major Gifts and Planned Giving Manager, at 719-633-9925 ext. 164 or email kparker@cmzoo.org.