Clearly, it’s time for a change.

Help Cheyenne Mountain Zoo acquire a more efficient and effective way to care for some of the world’s most unique and endangered animals.

In 1972, the veterinary department at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo bought a new X-Ray machine. The large table model (pictured at right) served us well for many years, helping to diagnose illnesses and injuries in a number of animals.

Thirty-seven years later, we’re still reliant on that machine, whose technology is sorely outdated. We also own a 17-year-old portable X-Ray machine whose weight alone makes it cumbersome and unmanageable, not to mention the poor-quality images it produces.
This machine has recently failed to work at all during risky anesthetic procedures, escalating our need for new, more dependable equipment.

Unlike domestic animals, many Zoo animals require anesthesia in order for staff to take an X-Ray. This means that the animal has to remain under anesthesia until the vet staff can get a clear picture and are able to make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment. Any anesthesia is a risk in itself. An increase in the length of time an animal is anesthetized increases that risk.

A digital, portable X-Ray machine would enable veterinary staff to better care for our animals.

Digital X-Rays are safer and less polluting than traditional “film,” and would greatly reduce the amount of time an animal is under anesthesia by providing vet staff with a fast and accurate image. Digital imagery would also make an animal’s health history more readily accessible, as it is more secure and faster for staff to store and retrieve digital pictures. Digital technology would make it possible for our vet staff to immediately consult with other professionals to provide our animals with the highest level of care. Digital X-Rays would also save money in the long run, as there is no costly maintenance or film to buy.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is calling on friends and supporters to help raise $90,000 for a digital, portable X-Ray machine. Because many Zoo animals require anesthesia in order to have X-Rays taken (tigers just don’t seem to want to lie still!), it’s imperative for the health of our animals that we have the most efficient imaging equipment possible.

Yes! I’d like to support the Zoo!

If you’re interested in supporting the Zoo in other ways, or may be able to help locate equipment at a reduced cost, please contact Kelley Parker at 719-633-9925 ext. 164, or email kparker@cmzoo.org.