News Archive

BOB CHASTAIN, PRESIDENT & CEO WILL RETIRE IN JUNE 2026 – After an international executive search, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Board of Directors announced today that they have elected Dave Ruhl, CMZoo’s current executive vice president, as the Zoo’s incoming president & CEO, effective June 12, 2026. “The Zoo’s future is in excellent hands with Dave . . .

CMZOO IS NOMINATED FOR BEST ZOO IN THE U.S. BY USA TODAY’SREADERS’ CHOICE AWARDS Supporters can vote daily at cmzoo.org/vote. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo wants you to vote for Sully – or Viv, or Som, or Digger, or Cora! For the tenth consecutive year, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is nominated for Best Zoo in the U.S. in . . .

It’s a big year at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo! In 2026, CMZoo is celebrating its centennial year, welcoming a new President & CEO and opening a brand-new Giraffe Center. Celebrating the Centennial Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was established in 1926 by Colorado Springs legend, Spencer Penrose. Having earned considerable wealth from mining enterprises, he expanded his entrepreneurial . . .

We’re marking six months of Sully sweetness! Since his birth on July 21, 2025, Sully has been growing more curious, confident and lovable every day. In six months, Sully has reached several major milestones, including learning to balance while standing on Asha’s back, crawling independently near Asha, interacting with Goma and Kwisha, trying solid foods, . . .

Say hello to Jasiri, a 5-year-old reticulated giraffe who recently arrived at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo from Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance for a temporary stay. Jasiri’s move supports giraffe conservation through the Giraffe Species Survival Plan (SSP), a program managed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Jasiri’s arrival went smoothly — he calmly walked . . .

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s highly competitive Summer Teen Program will begin accepting applications on Sun., Feb. 1. Applications will close on Tues., Feb. 10 at 11:59 p.m. MT. Designed for sixth through twelfth graders, this immersive, three-month summer program empowers teens to become confident leaders, wildlife advocates and dedicated stewards of the natural world. The Summer . . .

Written by Amy Schilz, senior animal behaviorist at the International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe As a senior animal behaviorist for Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe (the Giraffe Center), I have the incredible opportunity to participate in a wide range of exciting and meaningful initiatives. . . .

We know. This is unheard of, but this is a big year and we want to celebrate the community that has supported the Zoo for 100 years! In 2026, CMZoo is celebrating 100 years of growth in animal care, conservation, education and community. We’re kicking off our centennial year with free daytime admission on Jan. . . .

CONSERVATION Every visit and every membership to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is conservation in action. Between local projects supported by the annual Members-Only Conservation Vote, and ongoing global efforts supported by the Zoo’s Quarters for Conservation program. Conservation never stops at CMZoo, and here are a few highlights from 2025. In September, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and . . .

Biggs and Percy welcomed their first chick on October 18, 2025, and they’re doing a great job caring for her! She already weighs about 6 pounds — nearly the size of an adult African penguin. This adorable chick is already making a big impact as an ambassador for African penguins. In 2024, African penguins were . . .