Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Author at CMZoo

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will reopen to the public at noon today. Advance tickets are available for this afternoon at cmzoo.org/open.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is closed to the public today until at least noon due to a water main break. Refunds for advance ticket holders for 9 through 11:40 a.m. entry times will be processed automatically within a few business days; funds will be returned to their original form of payment as soon as the refund clears the banking system. Ticket holders do not need to contact the Zoo to request a refund.

A decision about whether the Zoo can open at noon will be made by 11 a.m. Please check the green bar at the top of cmzoo.org or our social media channels to see whether the Zoo will open. If the Zoo cannot open, refunds will be processed automatically, as described above.

At about 6 a.m. today, a water main break was discovered within the Zoo. Zoo staff quickly mobilized to address the break, which required water to be shut-off to the entire Zoo. Both ice on roadways and a lack of access to restrooms and water within the Zoo created conditions that required closure to the public for today.

Animal care staff was able to store enough water for our animals to get them comfortably through the shut-down.

The Zoo anticipates being able to reopen on Saturday at 9 a.m., if not sooner. Barring any additional announcements, ticket holders for Saturday and beyond should visit the Zoo at their ticketed time and date.

Further updates will be posted at the top of the page at cmzoo.org, and on our social media channels.

Our mountain lions are – like many of us – adjusting to a new normal. Seven-month-old Koda is now living full-time with 1-year-old mountain lion siblings, Adira and Sitka!

Because Koda was so much smaller than Adira and Sitka, and because he was found alone at such a young age, introducing the three cougars was a delicate process. Koda was excited to be with Adira and Sitka, but because he didn’t have a mother or siblings around to teach him how to be a mountain lion, he didn’t quite know the etiquette.

Learn from Courtney, Rocky Mountain Wild lead keeper, about the adjustments keepers made for the three mountain lions, and how Koda learned from Adira and Sitka throughout the process.

Our partner, Children’s Hospital Colorado, recognizes that we all continue to adjust our lives to find a balance these days. After you learn about how Koda, Adira and Sitka adjusted to their new normal, check out this parenting resource from CHCO, with tips on how your family can continue to adjust to its new normal.

Next time you’re at the Zoo, come by Rocky Mountain Wild to see our three young mountain lions as they grow together as a family unit.

Join Al and Phil, Water’s Edge: Africa keepers, for an update on Biko, Kasai and Zambezi, our three Nile hippos. Biko, our 18-year-old male, joined us in June, and has been developing a strong relationship with Zambezi. Biko is here on a breeding recommendation with Zambezi and Kasai, who are sisters. Learn more from their keepers about how these three are doing, and whether a baby hippo might be in our future!

Since Zena, our 6-year-old female Red River hog, joined us in 2019, African Rift Valley keepers have been working to introduce her and Huey, our 13-year-old male. The two hogs are getting along great, and keepers have even seen promising behaviors to support their breeding recommendation. Join Brooke, African Rift Valley keeper, for an update on these two.

Over the next several months, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo plans to get thoughtful input from the community on the short- and long-term future of the Zoo. We plan to pose various questions and surveys to you, our valued guests and neighbors, to help us identify big ideas that could make your experience at the Zoo even more unique and special.

Our first question has to do with the future of the Monkey Pavilion space. The building will be demolished within the next few months, and after that, we plan to use it as a multipurpose space, featuring 1) some unique adventure/experience/play space, 2) covered outdoor seating, and 3) smaller, more intimate animal exhibits. We’re looking for short-term ideas that could be installed by this summer, and long-term ideas that would be installed in the next two to three years.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

We want to see photos of the most unique interactive experiences you and your family have seen. These can be any adventure or play activities, ideally for both adults and kids.

These experiences can fall in several categories:

non-structured play,
nature play,
“country life” play, etc.

We are looking to go way beyond swing sets and slides!

– Please submit your photos and a short description of the experience to [email protected]
– We may reply to your email if we want to find out more about the experience.
– Please send your photos ASAP! Our President & CEO, Bob Chastain, will personally review all submissions on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s EdVenture Department is finding new ways to connect you with our animals.

These new programs give guests options that suit their comfort level, while still providing up-close, custom animal experiences. Even with virtual options, we can still get you very, very close!

Take a look at some of the newest programs offered:

Animal Grams: These short-but-sweet programs are the perfect way to brighten someone’s day! You name the place, the person and the custom message, and we will hand-deliver a piece of artwork made by a very special animal artist. Did we mention that an animal helps with the delivery as well? Animal Grams are quick celebrations perfect for any occasion: birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, baby announcements or just because. Find out more at cmzoo.org/grams.
Family Mini Camps: We always hear from parents that they wish there was a camp for them. Well, now there is! Family Mini Camps help families to spend quality time together while connecting with animals, engaging in hands-on activities, and spending time outdoors in nature. Camps include up-close and hands-on animal time at CMZoo and take-home activities to continue your experience in the comfort of your own home. Camps are booked for just one family at a time, so it is a truly custom Zoo experience. Visit cmzoo.org/camp to learn more and register your family!
Virtual Programs: We have an array of different programs offered on virtual platforms to experience CMZoo from anywhere! From live animal presentations with our Virtual ZOOMobile programs, to pre-recorded custom Zoo tours, we are sure to have what you’re looking for. Virtual programs can act as surprise supplements to long distance communications too. Video chats with the grandparents could be even better if everyone meets a sloth first! To find the perfect virtual experience, go to cmzoo.org/virtual.

As always, if there is a program or experience that you do not see, just let us know! We are happy to work with you to create a program that you are excited about!

Back to The Waterhole

Annual holiday lights celebration continues through Friday, Jan. 1, 2021 – USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice today announced that Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Electric Safari won third place in the national Best Zoo Lights category, for the second year in a row. This is the fifth year running that Electric Safari has ranked in the top ten.

The award-winning annual holiday lights celebration continues through Friday, Jan. 1 (except Christmas Eve, Thursday, Dec. 24), featuring 85 one-of-a-kind light sculptures, 50 acres of twinkling lights, and breathtaking nighttime views of Colorado Springs from Cheyenne Mountain.

Advance e-tickets are required for members and the general public, and they are going fast! Make plans to join us after Christmas, and reserve tickets now at cmzoo.org/electric.

El Paso County is at “Safer at Home – Severe Risk” or “Level Red” COVID-19 restrictions. The Zoo is operating under a revised Public Health Order from Colorado Public Health & Environment that allows us to open some buildings at limited capacity. The following changes will be seen at Electric Safari, while under Level Red precautions:

Ticket capacity to the Zoo will remain limited, with advance timed tickets required.
– The outdoor areas of the Zoo will remain open, but some buildings will be closed.
The following buildings will be open at limited capacity:
– Giraffe barn
– Elephant/rhino barn
– Budgie Buddies
– Scutes Family Gallery
– The Loft
– Hippo and penguin buildings
Santa will be available for photos and to hear wishes as he travels around the Zoo during evenings through Wednesday, Dec. 23. Indoor visits and photo opportunities will not be available.
Dining options will be limited, and available for take-out only. No indoor dining available.
Thundergod Gift Shop will be open at 50% capacity, per current guidelines for retail establishments. Online ordering is also available at giftshop.cmzoo.org.
Restrooms with direct outside access will be open. (see Electric Safari Program)
Sky Ride will be operational, weather dependent. Only members of the same household are permitted per seat.

Electric Safari offers paid feeding opportunities with our famous giraffe herd and our budgie flock, and visits to the African lion exhibit, elephant and rhino barn, Rocky Mountain Wild (except grizzly bears), Asian Highlands, The Loft, Scutes Family Gallery and Australia Walkabout.

We’re grateful for our 2020 Electric Safari’s partners: Children’s Hospital Colorado, Colorado Springs Pediatric Dentistry, Cordera, US Bank, and your Colorado Springs Toyota dealers. For more information, visit cmzoo.org/electric.

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 2020, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was voted #4 Best Zoo in North America and CMZoo’s Rocky Mountain Wild was named #2 Best Zoo Exhibit in North America by USA TODAY 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. Of the 233 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.

Tune in for an update on BB! Keepers estimate that this growing girl now weighs about 160 pounds, up more than 40 pounds since her birth on September 28. She has also started eating solid foods, like elm browse. Because she is interested in solid foods, her keepers can tell that her rumen – the first chamber of a giraffe’s four-chambered stomach – is developing well.

BB is becoming more curious about her keepers, which is really fun for them. It’s also helpful in building a trusting relationship with BB that will support future training efforts. On warm days, she is outside with the herd, enjoying the sun and zooming around the yard. See BB daily on our giraffe cams and on the temporary indoor cam, available while buildings are closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, at cmzoo.org/giraffecam.

CMZoo’s 50 acres of twinkling mountainside lights, named 2019 Third Best Zoo Lights in U.S., is again nominated for national USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice ranking. More than 50 acres of twinkling lights, 85 artisan-made light sculptures, breathtaking night time city views and the nearby sound of roaring lions can only mean one thing in Colorado Springs: Electric Safari is back.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s 30th annual month-long celebration of the season will begin Friday, Dec. 4 through Sunday, Dec. 6, and continue Friday, Dec. 11 through Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, excluding Christmas Eve. Members and their accompanying paying guests are granted early admission at 4:20 p.m. General admission starts at 5:20 p.m. and the event ends at 8:30 p.m.

Electric Safari is free for CMZoo members, but advance e-tickets are required for all attendees. The general public and members can secure tickets at cmzoo.org/electric.

Attendees will enjoy lit trees, structures and sculptures, installed by the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo grounds and maintenance teams over three months of Electric Safari preparation. If all of those beautiful lights don’t un-Scrooge even the Grinchiest of holiday grumps, a cup of hot cocoa and a visit with Santa ought to do the trick. Kris Kringle will be travelling through the Zoo until Dec. 23 to hear holiday wishes and pose for free photos. The Mountaineer Sky Ride will be open (weather permitting) to provide incredible once-a-year views of the nighttime glow of Colorado Springs as a backdrop from the mountainside of twinkling lights.

All COVID-19 precautions will be in place for this event. Learn more at cmzoo.org/open. Outdoor areas of the Zoo will be open throughout the event, but most buildings will be closed due to Level Red COVID-19 restrictions. Dining options will be limited and available for take-out only.

The following animals will not be viewable, due to these closures:
– Giraffe
– Elephant/Rhino (viewing available through windows)
– Wallabies (viewing available through windows)
– Scutes Family Gallery
– The Loft
– Water’s Edge: Africa (limited access)
– Primate World

Electric Safari was named Third Best Zoo Lights in the nation last year, by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, and has once again been nominated. Supporters can vote once daily at www.cmzoo.org/vote through 10 a.m. MST on Monday, Dec. 7. Winners will be announced Friday, Dec. 18.

Electric Safari Fast Facts

Dates:
Friday, Dec. 4 – Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020
Friday, Dec. 11 – Friday, Jan. 1, 2021*
(*Electric Safari is not open on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24.)

Time:
5:20 – 8:30 p.m. nightly (last admission at 7:20 p.m.)
Early admission at 4:20 p.m. for Zoo members and their paying accompanying guests.
All guests, including those under age 2, and members must reserve an e-ticket in advance.

Electric Safari is sponsored by Children’s Hospital Colorado, Colorado Springs Pediatric Dentistry, Cordera, US Bank, and your Colorado Springs Toyota dealers. For more information, visit: cmzoo.org/electric.