Colorado Springs, CO – At the end of their conference-planning meeting last night, eight teenagers from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Youth Leadership Action Board rewarded themselves with a quick visit to check on potential mom-to-be Luna, our 10-year-old Mexican gray wolf. They had no idea they would get the thrill of a lifetime to witness the birth of the Zoo’s first wolf pup litter in 20 years! The teens were able to identify two squirmy little pups around 8:30 p.m., and Luna’s labor produced more pups throughout the night and into this morning.

The births are not only incredibly exciting for the Zoo staff, who have been actively working to successfully breed the species for many years, but they are also highly significant for the future of the species. It is possible that these pups could go on to help repopulate the species in the wild.

For many years, the Zoo housed a bachelor pack of wolves, but within the past seven years, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA’s) Species Survival Plan (SSP) has placed various breeding pairs at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo with the hopes of offspring. Until now, none of the breeding pairs have been successful. Luna’s successful pregnancy is notable because she has very valuable and underrepresented genetics that the SSP was eager to have carried on in the captive population. When they are older, it is possible that Luna’s pups could be released to the wild to help provide genetic diversity in the wild, as well.

Luna is currently exhibiting great maternal behavior and is caring for the pups in a cozy underground den within the wolf exhibit. Staff members were able to monitor the births and Luna’s care of the litter through a camera mounted inside the den. The camera is connected to a monitor in the guest viewing area, so once the exhibit is reopened to the public tomorrow, everyone who visits the Zoo will be able to see footage of mom and babies at the exhibit. Video clips of mom and pups will also be shared on the Zoo’s YouTube and Facebook sites.

The sire for the litter is Navarro, who came to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo last November. The litter arrived just one day shy of Navarro’s birthday, giving him a wonderful early birthday gift! Navarro’s genetics are considered very valuable, also. Because Luna is showing quality maternal instincts, we have not intervened to determine the exact number or genders of the pups born.

The birth of this litter is significant because there are currently only 114 Mexican gray wolves in the wild, and only about 300 in human care. Until the 1900s, the Mexican gray wolf thrived throughout central Mexico, Arizona, New Mexico and western Texas. But by the 1950s, the species was virtually wiped out, with the last known wild wolf in the U.S. shot in 1970. When the Endangered Species Act went into effect in 1973, it led to the Mexican gray wolf being declared an endangered subspecies. Their number has since been increased through captive breeding programs.

The population of Mexican gray wolves in human care at Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited zoos is an important part of the plan to repopulate the species in the wild. The Mexican Gray Wolf Recovery Program is run by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, with cooperation from the AZA Mexican Wolf Species Survival Plan. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has been a participant in the program since 1994.

“We knew there was possibility that Luna, our 10-year-old female, was pregnant, but it is also fairly common for wolves to experience pseudo pregnancies,” said Dina Bredahl, animal care manager for Rocky Mountain Wild. “Pseudo pregnancies exhibit the same behavioral and physical changes in the mother, so we were cautiously optimistic that this was an actual pregnancy. The keepers and I are thrilled that she has given us pups!”

Imagery: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/d8216ofok19ksz3/AAB_B7-JmLPxg5vNU2gCwR0fa?dl=0

 

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 230 zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of just nine operating without tax support. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo depends on admissions, membership dues and donations for funding.

Colorado Springs, CO – The due date for Muziki, a 20-year-old female giraffe at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, is now within a week, and 10-year-old Laikipia’s due date will follow shortly after. These two calves will be the 200th and 201st giraffe calves born at the Zoo, and the public is welcome to watch the birth live online at cmzoo.org/birthcam.

Giraffe gestations are typically 14.5 months, but, as with humans, can be shorter or longer depending on the individual pregnancy. Muziki bred with our nine-year-old breeding bull, Khalid, on Valentine’s Day 2017, which puts her due date at Saturday, April 28. Laikipia bred with Khalid about a week later, which would put her due date at Saturday, May 5. Keepers report that Muziki is starting to show physical signs that the birth is getting closer, but do not tell us specific timing (a few days to a week would be safe guesses).

The birth of the two calves would bring the number in Zoo’s herd to 19 giraffe.

Giraffe fans are also welcome to “shower” our giraffe moms-to-be with name suggestions for the 200th calf. For a $5 donation, the public can suggest a pair of names (one male and one female) at cmzoo.org/name. Proceeds benefit the enrichment and care of our giraffe herd. Name suggestions must be in PRIOR to the birth of the 200th calf, so we encourage suggestions soon.

The temporary birth cam at cmzoo.org/birthcam is scheduled to stream 24 hours per day until after the babies arrive. The cam shows the Zoo’s giraffe birthing stall, which has been prepared with about six inches of sand to cushion the fall when the babies are born. Giraffe calves can fall nearly six feet when they’re born.

The stall and camera will mostly be active overnight between 4 p.m. and 9 a.m. Mountain time. During daytime hours, our two moms-to-be will typically be with the rest of the herd, until we see signs of the actual birthing process. There may be other giraffes visiting the stall during the day, or viewers could see zookeepers tending to it.

At night, the camera will automatically shift into night-vision mode, and two dim red lights on the stall will help us view the giraffe moms at night. The red lights are enough for the giraffe to be visible with night vision, but not enough to disturb the natural daily cycles that they are used to. Although they are used to it being dark at night, they still only sleep about 20 to 60 minutes per night, just as they would in the wild. Giraffe can sleep standing up, so it is not usual for them to stay standing throughout the night, or to lay down for a portion of the night.

The first thing that viewers will see when the time comes is two front hooves emerging from mom. After that, they should see the head. The back hooves will usually be the last thing to emerge, and then the calf will drop to the ground, naturally severing the umbilical cord and stimulating baby’s first breath. After that, mom will encourage the calf to stand up within about an hour after birth, which can sometimes look like she’s nudging or kicking the baby.

During the down times with the birth cam, giraffe fans can also view our herd via two additional live streaming cams when they’re in the outside yard. These cams are always available at cmzoo.org/giraffecam.

Imagery

Moms-to-Be: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/a3bkznf4bhmb873/AABxq9Ileyl5TK76ZrC-jAEza?dl=0

Giraffe Feeding Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2sm0fmng1vz2nq3/AAAS1RUJS4Q8aWi4KEwD0Fnga?dl=0

Giraffe Feeding Videos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/f96wflb7z9yirzn/AAD1jyG-GisTtTPdByHsFmrGa?dl=0

 

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 230 zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of just nine operating without tax support. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo depends on admissions, membership dues and donations for funding.

New baby giraffe are coming soon!

Colorado Springs, CO – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has begun the live-streaming watch for their 200th giraffe calf…and the 201st…and we’re inviting the public to watch along! Two of the females in the Zoo’s herd of 17 giraffe are pregnant and due at the end of April or early May 2018.

Twenty-year-old Muziki (moo-ZEE’-kee) and 10-year-old Laikipia (luh-KEE’-pee-uh) still have a couple of weeks to go before their anticipated due dates, but just like humans, they can sometimes give birth earlier than anticipated. Because of that, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has made their public live birth cam available now, so the public can watch along with CMZoo staff.

The birth cam can be found at cmzoo.org/birthcam, and it is scheduled to stream 24 hours per day until after the babies arrive. The cam shows the Zoo’s giraffe birthing stall, which has been prepared with about six inches of sand to cushion the fall when the babies are born. Giraffe calves can fall nearly six feet when they’re born.

The stall and camera will mostly be active overnight between 4 p.m. and 9 a.m. Mountain time. During daytime hours, our two moms-to-be will typically be with the rest of the herd, until we see signs of the actual birthing process. There may be other giraffes visiting the stall during the day, or viewers could see zookeepers tending to it.

At night, the camera will automatically shift into night-vision mode, and two dim red lights on the stall will help us view the giraffe moms at night. The red lights are enough for the giraffe to be visible with night vision, but not enough to disturb the natural daily cycles that they are used to. Although they are used to it being dark at night, they still only sleep about 20 to 60 minutes per night, just as they would in the wild. Giraffe can sleep standing up, so it is not usual for them to stay standing throughout the night, or to lay down for a portion of the night.

The first thing that viewers will see when the time comes is two front hooves emerging from mom. After that, they should see the head. The back hooves will usually be the last thing to emerge, and then the calf will drop to the ground, naturally severing the umbilical cord and stimulating baby’s first breath. After that, mom will encourage the calf to stand up within about an hour after birth, which can sometimes look like she’s nudging or kicking the baby.

During the down times with the birth cam, giraffe fans can also view our herd via two additional live streaming cams when they’re in the outside yard. These cams are always available at cmzoo.org/giraffecam.

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 230 zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of just nine operating without tax support. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo depends on admissions, membership dues and donations for funding.

— Both giraffe moms are due late April/early May –

Colorado Springs, CO – The lab surprised us with results one day earlier than anticipated, and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is excited to report that Laikipia’s pregnancy has been confirmed by hormone blood test. That means that both she and Muziki, another member of the famous CMZoo giraffe herd, are both due to give birth in late April or early May. The next calf will be the 200th giraffe calf born since Cheyenne Mountain Zoo began breeding giraffes in 1954.

This story began when Muziki (moo-ZEE’-kee) and Laikipia (luh-KEE’-pee-uh) bred with our bull, Khalid (kuh-LEED’) around Valentine’s Day last year. Both giraffe initially tested positive in pregnancy tests administered in June 2017, but until now, only Muziki had been confirmed pregnant via a second blood draw. A first attempt at a second blood sample from Laikipia failed last Friday, but was successful on Tuesday during a live broadcast on the Zoo’s Facebook page. The video was originally planned to film a practice session only, but Laikipia cooperated for an actual blood sample.

Giraffe gestation isn’t an exact science. It typically ranges between 14.5 and 15 months, but can be as little as 13 months. Because of these variations, either mom could give birth first. There are plans in the works to put a live-streaming “birth cam” inside the building as the due dates get closer, so giraffe fans will be able to monitor the “Race to 200” in real time. We also have plans to make the moms easily identifiable with markings that are easy for our guests to see. Stay tuned to our e-newsletter and social media for more giraffe baby news to come!

About Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

The 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 just ten operating without tax support. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo depends on admissions, membership dues and donations for funding.

— Two Moms Could Be in a Race to Produce Giraffe Calf #200 –

Colorado Springs, CO – “Romance” that was in the air a year ago on Valentine’s Day is producing some excitement at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo! Baby Rae, who was born April 25, 2017 was the 199th giraffe calf born since our breeding program began in 1954. There is now a possibility that this spring will produce calf #200….AND #201!

Two of our female giraffe bred with our bull, Khalid (kuh-LEED’), this time last year – Muziki (moo-ZEE’-kee) on Valentine’s Day, and Laikipia (luh-KEE’-pee-uh) shortly thereafter. Muziki has been confirmed pregnant, and a second voluntary blood draw to confirm Laikipia’s pregnancy will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday. Media are welcome to cover the blood draw. We will be able to confidently announce the results of the second hormone test a few days following the next successful blood draw. If Friday’s attempt is unsuccessful, we will try again soon. We will share the results with the media and on social media as soon as we know. An initial blood draw from Laikipia in June 2017 showed tentative results that she was likely pregnant.

Muziki’s due date would be around April 30, 2018. If Laikipia is confirmed pregnant, she would be due around the same time.

Since the next giraffe calf born here at the Zoo will be our 200th successful giraffe birth in our history, it will be a race to see which mom will give us baby #200!

Giraffe gestation isn’t an exact science. It typically ranges between 14.5 and 15 months, but can be as little as 13 months. Because of these variations, either mom could give birth first. There are plans in the works to put a live-streaming “birth cam” inside the building as the due dates get closer, so giraffe fans will be able to monitor the “Race to 200” in real time. We also have plans to make mom (or moms) easily identifiable with markings that are easy for our guests to see. Stay tuned to our e-newsletter and social media for more giraffe baby news to come!

About Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

The 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 just ten operating without tax support. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo depends on admissions, membership dues and donations for funding.

— Drill at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17; Colorado Springs Fire Department to Partner on Training —

January 16, 2018, Colorado Springs, CO – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will conduct an emergency preparedness drill on Wednesday to train and troubleshoot on important equipment in the Wilgruen Elephant Center. This equipment was used recently to save an elephant’s life, and it is likely to be needed more frequently as our elephant herd ages.

The Wilgruen Elephant Center was built with the Colorado Springs community’s support as part of the Encounter Africa exhibit that opened in 2013. The Zoo’s goal for the exhibit was to serve as a final home for aging female African elephants.

To prepare, the Zoo outfitted the barn with state-of-the-art equipment that would help address the inevitable complications that come with multi-ton animals that need medical assistance. Equipment includes a remote video surveillance system for animal care staff to monitor the elephants, a crane-and-hoist system that can lift a disabled elephant and a care system that provides a safe area for weighing, veterinary care and husbandry training. Outdoor wellness features of the exhibit include an exercise path, built-in enrichment activities, a pool and a spacious vacation yard, where our elephants can take time to roam and explore by themselves.

On Jan. 1, 2018, the specialized crane-and-hoist system in the barn was used to save our 32-year-old elephant’s life. Surveillance video later showed that as Malaika was falling into a deep sleep, one of her legs wobbled. She lost her balance and fell, and she was unable to get back up on her own. Some elephants are able to lie down and get back up with no problem, but Malaika is one of many elephants that don’t ever lie down. If an elephant can’t get up on its own and is down for too long, it can cause stress to its internal organs and can be fatal. Although Zoo staff were able to successfully use the equipment get her back on her feet under emergency protocols, the hoist broke in the process.

“Luckily, the equipment failure came after Malaika was out of immediate danger,” said Bob Chastain, president and CEO of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, who assisted with the rescue. “However, there was a concern that she may not be stable enough and could go back down. We needed to create a ‘Plan B,’ and the Colorado Springs Fire Department’s Heavy Rescue group was willing to assist.”

Together, Zoo staff and the fire department crew were able to craft a plan to assist Malaika, in case she fell again. To everyone’s relief, Malaika has been steady since the fall, and has not needed further assistance. She had no lasting effects from the fall.

Since the incident, all three shifts of the fire department’s Heavy Rescue group have trained at the Zoo to prepare for any future medical emergencies.

Wednesday’s drill will use multiple 2,000-pound sandbags to simulate an elephant that needs assistance. The goal is to train staff on how to use the hoist more effectively and try to prevent equipment failure in the future. CSFD personnel will be on hand to learn about the hoist and hone their ‘Plan B,’ in case Zoo staff needs assistance in the future.

The Zoo’s female elephant herd consists of Malaika (32 years old, 7,800 pounds), Kimba (40 years old, 9,600 pounds), Lucky (39 years old, 7,700 pounds), Jambo (35 years old, 8,400 pounds), Missy (48 years old, 8,200 pounds) and LouLou (35 years old, 6,800 pounds). The median life expectancy for female African elephants in human care is 38.6 years. Missy is the 3rd oldest living elephant in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited organization.

The indoor elephant viewing area will remain open to the public during the drill.

About Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

The 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 just ten operating without tax support. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo depends on admissions, membership dues and donations for funding.

–The holiday tradition starts this Friday, December 8!

Colorado Springs, CO – There’s only one place in Colorado Springs that you can see over 85 one-of-a-kind light sculptures and 50 acres of lights and wild animals – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Electric Safari! This year’s event will celebrate 27 years of holiday cheer starting this Friday, December 8 and running for 20 nights in December/January. Hours for the event are 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., with the last admission sold at 7:30 p.m. And Santa Claus will be taking holiday wishes all open nights through December 23.

Electric Safari nights are wild – boasting special animal keeper talks all 20 nights, and select indoor and outdoor animal exhibits will be open, including the giraffe barn, Encounter Africa, Rocky Mountain Wild (except grizzly bears), Asian Highlands, Monkey Pavilion, Scutes Family Gallery, The Loft and Australia Walkabout!

Guests can take a break between seeing animals and enjoying the lights to warm up by one of the warming fires located throughout the Zoo, or they can stop into the Grizzly Grill for a sweet treat and a warm cup of joe or hot cocoa (available for purchase).

Fast Facts

Electric Safari at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

DATES: December 8-10, 15-23, 25-January 1

(Electric Safari is NOT open on Christmas Eve, December 24.)

TIME: 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. nightly (last admission at 7:30 p.m.).

COST: FREE for Zoo members
$9.75 adults (ages 12-64)
$8.75 senior (age 65 and over)
$6.75 children (ages 3-11)
75¢ for children 2 and under
$5.75 Military and their dependents in the same household (must present Military ID)

Add a ticket to the Mountaineer Sky Ride for just $4 for adults and $3 for children ages 3-11. Sky Ride for children 2 and under is free.

Electric Safari is sponsored by Children’s Hospital Colorado, Colorado Springs Utilities and your Colorado Springs Toyota dealers.

For more information, visit: www.cmzoo.org/electric

Photos are available at: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/514l1bnoim2d7cu/AADI7iBR4Z0-J73vRluTbNv5a?dl=0

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 230 zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of just nine operating without tax support. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo depends on admissions, membership dues and donations for funding.

Colorado Springs, CO – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is sad to announce the passing of Rosie, our 28-year-old Andean bear. During her seven years here at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, she made strong emotional connections with guests and staff alike. There are currently only four other Andean bears in North America that have survived to that age. Andean bears are also known as spectacled bears.

“It’s no secret that the Zoo’s bear grottos are not the fanciest or most modern exhibits,” said Michelle Salido, one of Rosie’s animal keepers. “They’re functional and comfortable for our bears, but they’re not the type of exhibit that draws people in. But that was what made Rosie so special – she had the ability to capture our hearts, despite her modest surroundings.”

Staff started to notice behavior changes in Rosie on Thanksgiving Day, and she was anesthetized on Saturday to give her some medications and evaluate her condition. Zoo veterinarians found signs of declining health, including test results that strongly suggested cancer. After her exam, keepers offered her every possible tempting treat they could find, including food from staff lunches and the Grizzly Grill, but she still would not eat. The humane, but difficult, decision was made to euthanize her on Monday morning.

The first things most people would notice about Rosie were her sweet face and her small stature. If you had time to watch her interact with her former exhibit-mate, Osito, the second thing you would notice about Rosie was that she could hold her own with the much-larger male, who was approximately double her weight.

“Rosie was very small for an adult Andean bear,” said Joanna Husby, animal care manager. “But, even though Osito was about twice her size, she had vocalizations that would put him in his place. She was definitely the boss! When she would ‘yell’ at him, she sounded like a baby dinosaur.”

Osito passed away in June 2016.

Andean bears like Rosie and Osito are considered vulnerable in the wild by the IUCN Red List, which is just one small step away from endangered. Raising awareness about the human conflicts that threaten their survival in the wild is the main goal for animal ambassadors like Rosie.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo first started supporting wild Andean bears when they were chosen as a Quarters for Conservation-benefited species in 2008 and 2009. We originally partnered with the Andean Bear Foundation (ABF) in 2009, with a donation of a radio collar and staff support for in-country Andean bear research. More recently, we have partnered with the organization to research the endangered mountain tapir. The two species are intertwined, sharing the same mountain habitat in South America, as well as facing the same threats to their species’ survival.

In Spring 2016, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo members voted to contribute $22,000 to tapir conservation efforts being led by ABF. We also sent two staff members to the Andes Mountains in Ecuador to assist with the efforts in Fall 2016.

In 2017, our members again voted to give $25,000 of their conservation contributions to the foundation. CMZoo will once again send staff members to assist with research in the field for two weeks in February 2018.

It’s these kinds of connections that our animals make with our members and guests that allow us to make a real difference for species in the wild. Rosie, through her long life as an animal ambassador, was able to make connections with likely millions of people, which translates into real hope for her species.

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 230 zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of just nine operating without tax support. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo depends on admissions, membership dues and donations for funding.

— Realistic full-scale drill will require 2 p.m. closure on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017 —

November 8, 2017, Colorado Springs, CO – Although many people in the Pikes Peak region consider fire danger a thing of the past when the temperatures begin to drop, there is actually still a high risk for wildland fires during the fall and winter months. Because of this, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo plans to run a realistic, full-scale wildland fire safety drill on Thursday, November 9, 2017. The Zoo will close to guests at 2 p.m., with the last admission at 1 p.m.

The Zoo will also conduct an overnight power-outage drill to test their cold-weather emergency preparedness on Thursday night. This may result in temporary website outage from Thursday evening through around noon on Friday.

“Monthly safety drills are a requirement of the accreditation we receive from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, “ said Bob Chastain, president and CEO of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. “While we run a wildland fire drill every year to ensure we have a workable plan, we are going all out this year to ensure maximum realistic circumstances and staging. In order to accomplish that, we also have to simulate the fact that guests would not be in the Zoo if danger was eminent.”

The Zoo’s fire plan was developed in conjunction with local fire departments and is regularly reviewed and updated as needed. Through this partnership, the Zoo and local fire experts have identified several safe zones on Zoo grounds for animals. These safe zones are buildings made of fire-resistant materials (concrete block, metal, etc.) that contain fire suppression systems and have been fire-mitigated. In the case of a fire emergency, animals would be moved to these locations and a team of trained Zoo personnel would be stationed on-site to care for the animals.

The Zoo’s fire plan takes into account that moving some animals could be more dangerous and stressful on them than keeping them as safe as possible in place. It could also be logistically impossible to move some species on short notice. (For example, there are less than a handful of companies in the U.S. that can transport giraffes.) Many of the exhibits have defensible spaces that contain sprinkler systems and are buffered by sidewalks, roads, dirt fields and ponds, and the safest decision would be to keep them where they are.

In the case of a fire emergency, the Zoo would also use many of the same techniques the fire department would use to prepare neighborhoods before the fire would reach Zoo grounds – foam, wet lines, dry lines, removal of flammables and preparation of the entrance and egress for fire personnel.

 

About Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

The 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 just ten operating without tax support. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo depends on admissions, membership dues and donations for funding.

–Seven nights of spooktacular activities planned the next two weekends and Halloween night–

Colorado Springs, CO – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will come alive with Halloween spirit when thousands of little ghouls and goblins attend Boo at the Zoo beginning this Friday, October 20. The event is a fun way for families to trick-or-treat and enjoy Halloween festivities in a safe and unique environment. This year’s Boo at the Zoo is Oct. 20 – 22, 27 – 29 and 31. Boo hours are 4 – 8:30 p.m. all seven nights, with the last admission sold at 7:30 p.m. (Cheyenne Mountain Zoo admission windows will close for daytime admission at 2 p.m.)

New this year, Boo at the Zoo attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets online, in advance of the date they want to visit. The advance price is $3 less per ticket than at the gate, and popular evenings are likely to sell out! Tickets will be available for purchase at the gate ONLY if not sold out in advance. Ticket prices increase at the gate. On-site parking is limited and is not guaranteed with advance ticket purchase. If the Zoo’s parking lot is full, follow the signs to our free off-site shuttle parking lot. Purchase tickets online at: cmzoo.org/boo.

Frightfully fun attractions include a Lighted Pumpkin Patch, Haunted Fun House, Ghoulish Graveyard and Pirate Cove. Plus, a visit to the Zoo wouldn’t be complete without animals! Special keeper talks, animal demos and animal encounters will be offered each night. Select animal exhibits will also be open, including giraffes, lions, Goat Experience, Scutes Family Gallery, Wilgruen Elephant Barn, The Loft, Monkey Pavilion and Australia Walkabout.

An elephant-sized amount of candy (more than 9,000 pounds!) will be handed out at more than 20 Spooky Treat Stations throughout the Zoo during Boo at the Zoo. The Zoo’s candy supply is purchased from companies that are members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), which is committed to the use of sustainable palm oil and the protection of orangutan habitat in Indonesia and Malaysia. To find your own Halloween candy that’s orangutan friendly, download CMZ’s sustainable palm oil shopping guide at: cmzoo.org/palmoil.

Fast Facts

Boo at the Zoo at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Dates: Oct. 20 – 22, Oct. 27 – 29 and 31
4 – 8:30 p.m. (last ticket sold at 7:30 p.m.)

Boo Online Advance Pricing:
$17.75 for ages 3-64
$12.75 for Zoo members
$15.75 Military and 65+
75¢ for ages 2 and under

Boo Pricing at the gate (if not sold out in advance):
$20.75 for ages 3-64
$15.75 for Zoo members
$18.75 Military and 65+
75¢ for ages 2 and under

For more information, visit www.cmzoo.org/boo

Boo at the Zoo is made possible by our generous sponsors: 
Children’s Hospital Colorado, Colorado Springs Pediatric Dentistry, Les Schwab Tire Centers, Navy Federal Credit Union, T. Rowe Price and your Colorado Springs Toyota Dealers.

About Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

The 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 just ten operating without tax support. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo depends on admissions, membership dues and donations for funding.

Dropbox link for media photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/i144xdza9ml9frc/AADaLNyio2wFNPTLd14qzasja?dl=0

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