Note: 10-year-old age minimum for this encounter.
Check in with our three Hoffmann’s two-toed sloths, Bean, Chalupa and Bosco, as they settle into their new homes at CMZoo. Bean, who was born at CMZoo in 2019, is gaining independence just as Bean would in the wild at this age. Bean recently moved into The Loft, where keepers created a ropes course for the young sloth to explore, right above guest areas.
Chalupa and Bosco, both longtime CMZoo residents, moved together into the atrium in Scutes Family Gallery. Check out their lush-and-sunny new location and hear how their keeper team is preparing them for encounters, once we can offer them again.
Because El Paso County, where CMZoo is located, is moving to “Safer at Home – Severe Risk” or “Level Red” COVID-19 restrictions, indoor buildings at CMZoo will be closed to the public starting Saturday, Nov. 28. We’ll keep the sloths company while guests can’t visit, and will continue bringing updates from indoor exhibits. We know guests will be missing them during this time, so we’ll work hard to keep you connected.
We had a baby boom in 2019! From meerkat pups to mountain lion kittens to a giraffe calf and more, the seven species of babies are growing up fast. (Make sure you watch until the end to meet our latest addition: five meerkat pups!)
- Meet & Greets – unique animal interactions year-round, with any one of our smaller animals listed below.
- Animal Encounters – connect with amazing animals and their Keepers, plus options to feed many of the animals listed.
- V.I.P. Tours – behind-the-scenes exclusive animal experiences that make memories for a lifetime!
Once in a lifetime Opportunities
Select your unique experience from the following options:
Encounters
Opportunities to connect with amazing animals and their Keepers and a chance to feed any one of the animals below.
Note: All Encounters do not have any age restrictions unless otherwise noted, however children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Cost:
Tour prices are dependent upon the season.
Member discount: $50 off total tour cost. Group must have at least one active Zoo member on the tour to receive discount.
Summer ( May – August ) : $2,250 for up to (5) five people
Fall ( September – November ) : $2,000 for up to (5) five people
Winter ( December – February ) : $1,750 for up to (5) five people
Spring ( March – April ) : $2,000 for up to (5) five people
— First-time sloth parents took it slow, successfully conceiving three and a half years after introduction —
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 15, 2019) – A Hoffman’s two-toed sloth was born at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Tuesday, May 14 at 12:15 p.m. The baby appears to be strong, and first-time mom, 19-year-old Chalupa, is exhibiting quality maternal instincts.
The pregnancy came as quite a surprise for Cheyenne Mountain Zoo keepers and staff, when it was first discovered during unrelated veterinary testing. First-time parents, Chalupa and Bosco, had shown no signs of breeding in the four years they’ve lived together at CMZoo. However, sloths are nocturnal, so breeding could have occurred after Zoo hours.
“Sloths are famously adored for their slow-motion lifestyles,” said Joanna Husby, Monkey Pavilion animal care manager. “Even successful breeding and conception can take longer for sloth parents than other animals. This baby was worth the wait, though. It’s pretty cute, with dark fur, really dark eyes and the most adorable little nose. Chalupa and the baby are bonding well, and we’re excited to watch this little sloth grow up.”
Husby says the baby’s gender won’t be known for months, and there’s no immediate plan to name the young sloth. Chalupa and her baby are visible to guests in Monkey Pavilion, but will be in an exhibit with a little more privacy for at least a few months. Bosco, the baby’s 27-year-old father, will remain in the sloths’ normal exhibit, hanging out above the guests’ pathways inside and outside of Monkey Pavilion. Chalupa and her baby will return to their normal exhibit with Bosco when keepers and veterinary staff agree it’s safe for them to leave their current enclosed space.
About Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Cheyenne Mountain Zoological Society was founded in 1926. Today, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, America’s only mountain zoo, offers comprehensive education programs, exciting conservation efforts and truly fantastic animal experiences. It is Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s hope that guests fall in love with animals and nature, and take action to protect them. Of the 233 zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of only a few operating without tax support. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo depends on admissions, membership dues, special event attendance and donations for funding.
