News Archive

WRITTEN BY KEAN KEARNEY, PALM OIL COORDINATOR My experiences representing CMZoo at the 2025 RSPO annual conference were extremely eye-opening. Working at a zoo, so much of my role’s direction is driven by a passion for wildlife conservation, but it is impossible to ignore how critical the transformation of human industries is to achieving sustainable . . .

WRITTEN BY KEAN KEARNEY, PALM OIL COORDINATOR As the palm oil coordinator at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, I work to immerse myself in the complexities that define the global palm oil industry and the threats that unsustainable palm oil production poses to wildlife, people, and the planet. As the most widely utilized and versatile edible vegetable . . .

Last month, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo members cast their votes to help the Zoo decide how to spend $75,000 of member conservation funds among staff-championed conservation projects vying for members’ support. The three projects with the most votes received the full funding they requested. Every membership and every visit to the Zoo is conservation in action. . . .

Say hello to Thistle, Waffles’ new companion! Thistle is settling in well and doing great with his training. Thistle and Waffles have a breeding recommendation through the Cape Porcupine Species Survival Plan, which helps manage genetic diversity and healthy populations in human care for their species. Waffles and Thistle have quickly bonded and can often . . .

Written by Jessi DiCola, Asian Highlands animal keeper Cora is Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s first red panda in over 20 years! Cora joined the CMZoo family in July 2024, and as part of her care team, I have loved getting to know more about her and her wild counterparts. Cora’s name is a nod to wildlife . . .

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 . . .

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. . . .

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 . . .

In Encounter Africa at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, five beloved female African elephants, affectionately referred to as the Golden Girls, are aging with dignity and the support of their dedicated care team. Missy, LouLou, Kimba, Lucky and Jambo each has unique needs, care plans and preferences. “Because we’re so in-tune with their subtle behaviors as individuals, . . .