100 Archives

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. 1, 2026. Member tickets are always free with a purchased membership, so they can also enjoy 25% discounts on food and retail at the Zoo!

Here’s how it works:

• This offer is for one day only: Thurs., Jan. 1, 2026.
• Everyone gets 25% off at our restaurants and gift shop.
• Attendees will enjoy all of the excitement of a regular daytime visit to the Zoo, plus free rides on the carousel and Sky Ride. (Schedules, tickets and more at cmzoo.org/visit.)
• Tickets are available now at cmzoo.org! Look for the “member and nonmember Jan. 1 daytime tickets” button in “Get Tickets” section of cmzoo.org/visit.
• This offer does not apply to Electric Safari on Thurs., Jan. 1, 2026. This offer is only for daytime admission on Thurs., Jan. 1, 2026. The Zoo closes at 3 p.m. on Thurs., Jan. 1, 2026.
• Tickets are timed and limited, as always, to manage parking, preserve the Zoo experience and avoid overcrowding.
• Rideshare tickets are limited for this offer to preserve the experience and avoid overcrowding, and they will be free on Thurs., Jan. 1, 2026. Just follow the signs to rideshare drop-off and show your tickets with your rideshare receipt at admissions. Reserve Jan. 1 rideshare tickets at http://cmzoo.org/rideshare.
• If you already purchased tickets to CMZoo for Jan. 1, 2026, you’ll receive an automatic refund and you can still use those tickets. You do not need to replace your tickets. Email us at [email protected] if you have any questions!
• BUYER BEWARE. Tickets purchased through third parties are not guaranteed. Only tickets reserved on cmzoo.org will be accepted at the gate.

Every visit to CMZoo supports efforts to save wildlife and wild places through our Quarters for Conservation (Q4C) program. Every admission ticket generates 75 cents for Q4C. A generous donor has agreed to cover that contribution for all of our Jan. 1 visitors, so every free visit is still conservation in action!

Together, we have made a mountain of memories, and our community’s support through Q4C has generated more than $6 million directly contributed to frontline conservation efforts since 2008. Their support by visiting has also helped us invest in scientific research to improve our animals’ welfare, and the resources needed to put what we learn into practice. During their Jan. 1 visit, guests will see their investment taking shape as we make progress on the International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe, opening in summer 2026! (Yes, guests can still visit and feed the giraffe every day!)

In addition to sharing our legacy, historical fun facts and inviting the public to share their CMZoo stories, throughout the year, we’re planning a weeklong celebration when our Giraffe Center opens this summer. More to come later. Thank you for your support, and for making Cheyenne Mountain Zoo 100 Years Strong.

About Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Cheyenne Mountain Zoological Society was founded in 1926. Today, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, America’s mountain Zoo, offers comprehensive education programs, exciting conservation efforts and truly fantastic animal experiences. In 2025, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was voted #2 Best Zoo in North America and CMZoo’s Rocky Mountain Wild was named #2 Best Zoo Exhibit in North America by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. It is Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s goal to help guests fall in love with animals and nature, and take action to protect them. Since 2008, CMZoo’s Quarters for Conservation program has raised more than $6 million dedicated to frontline conservation efforts around the world. Of the 237 zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of just a few operating without tax support. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo depends on admissions, membership dues, special event attendance and donations for funding.

In 2026, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will turn 100! The Zoo’s centennial year will be full of ways (we’ll keep you posted on plans!) to recognize our incredible community, celebrate the Zoo’s growth, reflect on our community’s impact on conservation, recount advancements in animal care, and honor the Zoo’s legacy – all while staying focused on what’s yet to come!

From first encounters with giraffe to family traditions passed down through generations, the Zoo has been honored to play a part in the lives of our members, guests, staff and partners in countless ways. As we prepare to celebrate our centennial in 2026, we want to share the unique stories that make Cheyenne Mountain Zoo your Zoo.

So, we’re launching the “Your CMZoo Story” campaign, and we want you to be part of it. We’re inviting guests, members and friends of the Zoo to share their Zoo history with us – through photos, written memories, or both.

Maybe you have a black-and-white snapshot of your grandparents at the Zoo’s early exhibits. Maybe a milestone in your life, like an engagement, anniversary, graduation celebration or first date took place at CMZoo. Maybe it’s a beloved family tradition of summer trips or attending Boo at the Zoo together. Maybe it’s the first time your child saw an elephant up-close. Maybe it’s a particular animal or staff member that you formed a connection with. Whatever your CMZoo history looks like, we want to hear it.

Now through December 31, 2025, we’re collecting stories and photos from our community. Your submission could be one of the treasures we highlight during our centennial year. Please note, while we hope to honor as many memories as possible, not all stories or photos will be shared.

Submit your Zoo story and photos, and we might share them on social media, in newsletters and elsewhere! Upload photos, tell Your CMZoo Story and grant permissions to the Zoo at cmzoo.org/yourstory.
Share Your CMZoo Story.

We can’t wait to hear how you’ve made the Zoo a part of your story.

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