News Archive

It’s a huge year at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, with through-the-roof staff excitement for the new Giraffe Center opening in the coming months, new Zoo leadership and strategic focuses, and the Zoo’s 100th anniversary. Now, there’s even more enthusiasm in the mountain air. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo just received another accolade: the first zoo ever to earn . . .

Dave Ruhl has a new nametag as of this week! After six years at CMZoo, with nearly three years as executive vice president, Dave is CMZoo’s president & CEO. Dave’s keen to connect with CMZoo members and the community, and in his typical approachable fashion, he humored the Zoo’s communications team by answering twenty-six questions, . . .

As Cheyenne Mountain Zoo celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, one of its most cherished icons is receiving a level of attention and care unlike any in its century-long history. The Zoo’s 1926 Allan Herschell carousel, a beloved fixture that has delighted generations of members and guests, will remain closed likely through the summer, as . . .

Make the most of your summer adventure at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo! Explore the new admissions plaza, gift shop and Longneck Cafe, and catch a sneak peek of the International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe opening later this summer. From up-close animal encounters and daily feedings to keeper talks, mountain views and sweet . . .

On May 28, CMZoo President and CEO, Bob Chastain, was joined by Executive Vice President and incoming President and CEO, Dave Ruhl, CMZoo board members and staff, our retail partners, SSA, iiCON Construction, and others to celebrate the Admissions Grand Opening! The Giraffe Center opens later this summer. Remarks from Bob Chastain and Dave Ruhl . . .

Our Strategy for Life At the Zoo Two years ago, we announced that our 20-year President & CEO, Bob Chastain, is retiring after 30 years of service to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. In February, we announced that our incoming President & CEO, Dave Ruhl – the Zoo’s current executive vice president – will move into the . . .

Enjoy Episode 1 of our centennial docuseries, A Mountain of Memories, celebrating Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s past, present, and future, highlighting community, conservation, construction, and animal care. In this episode, we showcase some of the many people who make up the CMZoo community. We look back at how CMZoo has been shaped by donors, members, guests, . . .

For the tenth consecutive year, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is nominated for Best Zoo in the U.S. in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Supporters can vote daily through Mon., March 9 at cmzoo.org/vote. A vote for CMZoo is a vote for your favorite animal and for your community, because a high ranking elevates the entire . . .

Two years ago, we announced that our 20-year President & CEO, Bob Chastain, is retiring after 30 years of service to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. On Feb. 10, CMZoo’s board of directors announced Dave Ruhl, current executive vice president at CMZoo, will step into the role of president & CEO on June 12, 2026. As we . . .

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 . . .