American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK)

Conservation, Collaboration, Community.

The American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) is a membership association for animal care professionals comprised of numerous local chapters throughout the world. The mission of AAZK is to advance excellence in the animal keeping profession, foster effective communication beneficial to animal care, support deserving conservation projects, and promote the preservation of our natural resources and animal life.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s local AAZK chapter is dedicated to the preservation of wildlife and wild places by promoting community awareness and the professional growth of its members. We accomplish these goals by hosting annual fundraising events that provide funds to various worldwide conservation organizations, sponsor professional development opportunities for our members, and connect us with members of the local community. Follow us on our CMZ AAZK Facebook page to learn more.

Local AAZK Highlights

Take a look at who we are and what we do at CMZoo.

AAZK Events & Fundraisers

Upcoming Events

Cheers for Rhinos will occur in September 2021 – date TBA
Bowling for Rhinos will occur in October 2021 – date TBA

Artists Call for Donations

ART ON THE HOOF needs your art! – AAZK of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is looking for local artists to donate animal or nature themed art to their annual Art on the Hoof fundraiser, June 12, 2021. Glass, wood, fiber, ceramics, wearable art, mixed media, sculpture, painting, metal, photography, basketry, print makers, jewelry, etc. All media types are welcome! Artists will receive a coupon code for a ticket discount.

To Donate Art: Complete this AOH Art Donation Form

Artists can drop off art at ticket booth or ship to:
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo AAZK
4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906

For questions about the event email: [email protected]
For specific art questions email: [email protected]

Art on the Hoof – SAVE THE DATE

DATE: Saturday, June 12, 2021
TIME: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
WHERE: Broadmoor Valley Park (3750 Broadmoor Valley Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906)
Online ticket sales will open in May 2021

More event details coming soon!

For questions about the event email: [email protected]

Featured AAZK Events

Bowling for Rhinos

Strike Out Extinction! Bowling for Rhinos is an annual fundraising event sponsored by the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK), and our chapter at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo wants YOU to join us for a night of bowling, prizes, and fun! Watch for information above, closer to the event.

Art on the Hoof

Join AAZK Zoo Keepers at their annual fundraiser showcasing nature and animal inspired works of art. Artwork with an estimated value of $75+ is featured. All guests receive admission, hors d’oeuvres and a drink ticket. Art-level tickets also include an art drawing ticket.

AAZK Holiday Ornaments

This vulture ornament is an example of AAZK’s special edition ornaments. Watch for them around the holidays. They make great gifts that give twice!

Conservation Connections

AAZK plays a major role in the conservation of wildlife and wild places. Our chapter at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo sponsors two core conservation organizations that are nominated by members as legacy projects to receive funding over the course of a two-year period. Members may also nominate additional organizations to receive funding or support on a case by case basis.

HIghlights of organizations AAZK of CMZoo chapter is currently sponsoring:.

Sumatran Rhino Rescue

The Sumatran rhino is the most endangered species of rhinoceros with fewer than 80 individuals remaining. These rhinos exist only in highly fragmented, protected areas that are guarded by Rhino Protection Units and Wildlife Protection Units.

In 1996, the International Rhino Foundation built the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary and it is currently home to the only reproductively viable captive Sumatran rhinos in the world.

Rhino experts from around the world and Indonesian government officials agree that the only way to bring them back from the brink of extinction is to relocate them to managed breeding facilities designed specifically for their care and propagation. https://www.savesumatranrhinos.org.

The Turtle Survival Alliance

Launched by the Natural Resources Conservation Service in 2010, The Sage Grouse Initiative is a partnership of ranchers, agencies, universities, nonprofit groups and businesses that embrace a common vision: wildlife conservation through sustainable ranching.

Sage Grouse numbers were once around 16 million birds, today those numbers have dwindled to as few as 200,000 that dwell in half of their historic range. The number one threat is habitat fragmentation.

The Sage Grouse Initiative works together across 11 western states to conserve habitat for sage grouse, as well as pronghorn, mule deer, elk, and songbirds that share the same landscape while also helping to manage vast, intact ranchlands in ways that create more nutritious forage for livestock. https://www.sagegrouseinitiative.com.

The International Rhino Foundation & The Lewa Conservancy

The International Rhino Foundation and the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy receive support through the Bowling for Rhinos (BFR) national event. Each year over 85 AAZK chapters contribute a collective total of more than $600,000 to the BFR national fund. To learn more about the National BFR fund and its various beneficiaries, visit the AAZK National BFR webpagehttp://www.aazkbfr.org/.

Additional Resources:

The American Zoo and Aquarium Association – www.aza.org

The American Association of Zoo Keepers – www.aazk.org

Pikes Peak Community College Zookeeping Program – https://apps.ppcc.edu/catalog/current/zoo-keeping-technology.htm

Contact Us

American Association of Zoo Keepers, Inc.
4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road
Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80906 USA

Phone: 719-424-7833
Fax: 719-633-2254
E-mail: [email protected]

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