NAMED THIRD BEST ZOO LIGHTS IN U.S. IN 2020, ELECTRIC SAFARI IS AGAIN NOMINATED FOR NATIONAL USA TODAY READERS’ CHOICE RANKING – More than 50 acres of twinkling lights, 60 artisan-made light sculptures, breathtaking nighttime city views and the nearby sound of roaring lions can only mean one thing in Colorado Springs: Electric Safari is back. New this year, giant illuminated animal inflatables add to the holiday celebration.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s 31st annual month-long celebration of the season will begin Friday, Dec. 3 through Sunday, Dec. 5, and continue Friday, Dec. 10 through Saturday, Jan. 1, excluding Christmas Eve. Members and their accompanying paying guests are granted early admission with a reserved ticket from 4 to 5 p.m. General admission is from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Electric Safari ends at 8:30 p.m.

Electric Safari is free for CMZoo members, and members can attend as often as they’d like! To manage on-site parking throughout the event, advance timed tickets are required for members and the general public. Get tickets and more details at cmzoo.org/electric.

Attendees will enjoy lit trees, structures and sculptures, installed by Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s grounds team over four months. Brand-new larger-than-life illuminated animal inflatables will decorate the Zoo this year, making extra special backdrops for holiday photos. 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 in Safari Lodge through Dec. 23 to hear holiday wishes, collect lists and pose for free photos. The Mountaineer Sky Ride will be open (weather permitting) for incredible once-a-year views of the holiday nighttime glow of Colorado Springs from the mountainside.

Electric Safari wouldn’t be complete without visiting select animal exhibits. Electric Safari offers paid feeding opportunities with CMZoo’s famous giraffe herd and budgie flock. Water’s Edge: Africa, the giraffe barn, the elephant and rhino barn, the African lion relaxation room, Rocky Mountain Wild (except grizzly bears), Asian Highlands, Scutes Family Gallery and Budgie Buddies are open.

Grizzly Grill, Cozy Goat, Pizza with a View and Elson’s will be open to serve food and beverages. The Thundergod gift shop is open every night to serve hot cocoa. Guests can roast s’mores and sip hot cocoa at Rocky Mountain BBQ Co on Saturdays and Sundays. Dippin’ Dots in Rocky Mountain Wild will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays to serve hot cocoa. Warming outdoor heaters throughout the Zoo help keep visitors warm in between the indoor animal exhibits.

Electric Safari was named Third Best Zoo Lights in the nation the last two years, by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, and has once again been nominated. Supporters can vote once daily at cmzoo.org/lights through 10 a.m. MST on Monday, Dec. 6. Winners will be announced Friday, Dec. 17.

Electric Safari is supported by our partners at Children’s Hospital Colorado, Colorado Springs Pediatric Dentistry, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, U.S. 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 2021, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was voted #4 Best Zoo in North America and CMZoo’s Rocky Mountain Wild was named #3 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 242 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.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has earned an incredibly rare clean report of inspection and its seventh consecutive five-year accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). In nearly 50 years of accreditations, CMZoo is only the fourth organization to earn a ‘clean’ report, which means there wasn’t a single major or minor concern reported.

Today, Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers joined Cheyenne Mountain Zoo President and CEO, Bob Chastain, to recognize the Zoo’s staff. Watch highlights from the recognition, here:

“The Greek philosopher, Aristotle, said, ‘We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit,’” said Dan Ashe, AZA president and CEO. “Congratulations to the entire team at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. AZA accreditation is the world’s most rigorous and comprehensive standard for a modern zoo or aquarium. Achieving a completely clean accreditation inspection is extremely rare and reflects a constant commitment and dedication to excellence.”

In the zoo and aquarium profession, the AZA accreditation is considered the gold standard. There are approximately 2,800 animal exhibitors licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), but only 242 are accredited by the AZA.

To maintain accreditation with the AZA, organizations must apply and be inspected every five years. CMZoo has been consistently accredited since 1983. The accreditation process includes a lengthy application and a multi-day on-site inspection by the Accreditation Commission, a team of accomplished zoo and aquarium professionals. The Accreditation Commission inspected 342 standards during their on-site review of the Zoo.

“This is one of those milestones that people outside of the Zoo profession may not realize is a huge deal,” said Bob Chastain, CMZoo president and CEO. “Our organization is led by a series of guiding sentiments, which we call our ‘We Believe’ statements. We believe our animals deserve the best home we can provide. We believe we can make the world a better place, and that the work we do and the way we treat people matters. We believe in holding ourselves to standards that put us above reproach. We believe people are the key to the future of wildlife and wild places. We believe every guest’s experience, from gate to gate, is crucial to our success. This accreditation wasn’t earned overnight. Six previous AZA accreditations and our dedicated staff have led us to this really amazing achievement.

“Another of our ‘We Believe’ statements is, ‘We value laughter as good medicine,’” said Chastain. “To put this clean accreditation into perspective, when I asked Dan Ashe, AZA president and CEO, for his comments about how rare this is, he joked, ‘A completely clean inspection report is so unusual, and so unlikely, it brings one word to mind — bribery!’ All kidding aside, this is rare, and we are so proud to achieve this high level of accreditation that has set a new standard of excellence for us.”

During accreditation inspections and through continuous monitoring between inspections, AZA’s rigorous, scientifically based and publicly-available standards examine the zoo or aquarium’s entire operation, including animal welfare, veterinary care, conservation, education, guest services, physical facilities, safety, staffing, finance, master and strategic planning, and governing body.

“Receiving a clean accreditation report is extremely rare, and it’s something Cheyenne Mountain Zoo staff, members and guests should take great pride in,” said Denny Lewis, AZA senior vice president of Accreditation Programs. “For nearly 25 years, I have been a part of the process to inspect about 250 zoos and aquariums in five-year rotations, and a clean report is very impressive – a rare gem. AZA first began accrediting zoos and aquariums in 1974. Since then, this is only the fourth completely clean inspection. It speaks to the high level of animal care and welfare, conservation programming, education and guest experiences that Cheyenne Mountain Zoo consistently provides.”

About Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, animal welfare, education, science, and recreation. AZA is the accrediting body for the top zoos and aquariums in the United States and 12 other countries. Look for the AZA accreditation logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The AZA is a leader in saving species and your link to helping animals all over the world. To learn more, visit www.aza.org.

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 2021, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was voted #4 Best Zoo in North America and CMZoo’s Rocky Mountain Wild was named #3 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 242 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.

TRICK-OR-TREAT AND VISIT THE ANIMALS DURING SEVEN NIGHTS OF HALLOWEEN FESTIVITIES – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will feel the Halloween spirit when little ghouls and goblins attend Boo at the Zoo, starting Saturday, October 16, 2021. This Colorado Springs Halloween tradition is a fun way for families to trick-or-treat and enjoy Halloween festivities in a unique environment. Boo at the Zoo is Oct. 16-17, 23-24, and 29-31 from 4 to 8:30 p.m. Advance timed e-tickets are required and available at cmzoo.org/boo.

In addition to visiting select animal exhibits and trick-or-treating, frightfully fun attractions include a lighted pumpkin patch, a kid-friendly spooky haunted house, Ghoulish Graveyard and Pirates Cove. Attendees can also enjoy rides on the Mountaineer Sky Ride, weather permitting. The Sky Ride provides breathtaking views of Colorado Springs at night and a lift to two additional trick-or-treat stations at the top.

An elephant-sized amount of candy (4.5 tons) will be handed out at trick-or-treat stations throughout 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 habitats in the wild. To find your own Halloween candy that’s orangutan-friendly, download CMZoo’s sustainable palm oil shopping guide at cmzoo.org/palmoil.

The Zoo will close for daytime admission on Boo nights at 3 p.m. Boo at the Zoo will go on, rain, snow or shine. As an all-weather venue, refunds and exchanges will not be honored for weather-related reasons. Be sure to bundle up on cold nights and enjoy a Colorado evening on the mountain!

SELECT ANIMAL EXHIBITS ARE OPEN, INCLUDING:
– African Rift Valley giraffe building
– African lions
– Australia Walkabout Budgie Buddies and wallaby building
– Encounter Africa elephant/rhino barn
– Goat Experience
– The Treehouse in My Big Backyard
– The Loft
– Scutes Family Gallery
– Water’s Edge: Africa

RESTAURANTS OPEN DURING BOO AT THE ZOO
– Grizzly Grill
– Pizza with a View
– Elson’s Place
– Cozy Goat (beverages only)

COSTUME REQUIREMENTS
For the safety of all guests, full-face costume masks and costume weapons may not be worn by guests 12 years of age or older. Masks worn by guests 11 years of age and younger must have openings that allow the eyes to be seen and that do not obstruct peripheral vision. Balloons are not allowed inside the Zoo (even as part of a costume) for the safety of our animals and wild animals.

TRICK-OR-TREAT BAGS
Support the Zoo’s efforts to reduce waste by bringing your own trick-or-treat bags!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteers are crucial to the success and safety of Boo at the Zoo. Positions include handing out or delivering candy, directing traffic and staffing the haunted house. All volunteers must be at least 13 years old. Volunteers ages 13-17 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or school advisor at all times. We will not assign specific positions until the evening of the event. Curious about volunteering for Boo at the Zoo? Visit cmzoo.org/boo.

FAST FACTS
Boo at the Zoo at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Dates: Oct. 16-17, 23-24, 29-31, 2021
4 to 8:30 p.m.
Advance timed e-tickets are required
www.cmzoo.org/boo

Boo at the Zoo is possible thanks to our generous partners, Black Bear Diner, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Colorado Springs Pediatric Dentistry, Earl & Earl Attorneys at Law, GFL Environmental, Les Schwab Tire Centers, and your Colorado Springs Toyota dealers, Larry H. Miller Toyota Colorado Springs and Larry H. Miller Liberty Toyota Colorado Springs.

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 2021, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was voted #4 Best Zoo in North America and CMZoo’s Rocky Mountain Wild was named #3 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 241 zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of very few operating without tax support. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo depends on admissions, membership dues, special event attendance and donations for funding.


When something or someone so unique is part of your everyday life, it could be easy to lose sight of how lucky you are to know them. Yesterday, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo lost an incredibly rare and special individual named Carlotta, a 27-year-old mountain tapir.

“Carlotta’s passing made me stop and think about how lucky we were to know her,” said Bob Chastain, CMZoo president and CEO. “It’s not only because she was a wonderful ambassador for her species in the wild, but because her species is so rarely seen at any zoo in the world.”

Carlotta was one of only seven mountain tapir in the U.S., housed at just two zoos. Cofan, a 17-year-old male mountain tapir who lives at CMZoo, is now one of the remaining six in human care. The other five live at Los Angeles Zoo.

“Losing her made me think of the many unique individuals in our care, and how it’s our honor and responsibility to help people learn about them,” said Chastain. “I try to convey how lucky we are to give our community the chance to meet Amur leopards, an Eastern black rhino or a black-footed ferret. These animals are endangered in the wild and in human care, it’s a rare opportunity for our community to be able to experience them all in one place.”

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo believes that we can save wildlife and wild places by connecting guests and animals, which may inspire them to take action to protect them.

Of 241 organizations accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), only 32 have homes for Amur leopards. Only 24 are home to Eastern black rhinos, and only six facilities in the U.S. house black-footed ferrets. Hippos can be seen at only 31. Asiatic black bears are only visible in five, and Pallas’ cats are in just 16. All of these rare animals have homes at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, where guests can see them and fall in love.

“Most people had never heard of a mountain tapir before coming to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo,” said Michelle Salido, lead tapir keeper. “Once they met Carlotta, they fell in love with her and her species. She was sweet and gentle. She loved to get chin scratches from guests. I love knowing that we helped thousands of people connect with an animal that’s critically endangered in the wild and extremely rare in zoos.”Carlotta-farewellTapir-4.jpg

In the wild, there are fewer than 2,500 adult mountain tapir remaining in their native Andes Mountains in South America. CMZoo members – many of whom have met Carlotta and Cofan at World Tapir Day celebrations at the Zoo – sent Salido and a team of CMZoo conservationists to track wild mountain tapir in Ecuador to learn more about them. Carlotta, through voluntary blood draw training, also contributed to the care of all mountain tapir in human care, by allowing her team to study her. She also helped to test-fit early prototypes of GPS collars, which were later used to learn about free-ranging wild tapir. Her favorite reward for participating in husbandry behaviors was a belly scratch.

“When we would scratch her belly, she would extend her legs and we knew that meant she’d like an armpit scratch, too,” said Salido. “Of course, we were happy to do that.”

At 27 years old, Carlotta was the oldest female mountain tapir ever in human care in the U.S. She was the oldest living mountain tapir in human care by three years at the time of her death. Because mountain tapir are so rare in human care, not much is known about their life expectancies. Carlotta’s cause of death is suspected to be gastrointestinal issues complicated by her advanced age.

ACTIVE DUTY AND VETERAN MILITARY MEMBERS RECEIVE 50% OFF ADMISSION FOR ENTIRE HOUSEHOLD – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s annual Military Appreciation Week kicked off Monday, Sept. 13 and continues through Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021. All active-duty, veteran and retired military members and their dependents who live in the same household will receive 50% off the base Zoo admission cost for the day and time they choose to attend. Timed-entry e-tickets are required and must be purchased in advance at cmzoo.org/military.

To validate their pre-purchased tickets at the front gate, military personnel and their dependents must present a valid military ID at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s admission booth. Accepted IDs include: a valid military / retired military ID; a copy of form DD214; state driver’s license printed with veteran indicator or military identifier; or ID issued by the VA, VFW or American Legion. If a service member is deployed or absent, dependents are still entitled to this discount with a spouse’s valid military ID.

Fast Facts

Military Appreciation Week at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Monday, September 13 through Sunday, September 19

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

Advance e-tickets are required

Active-duty, veteran or retired military and their immediate family in the same household

50% off base Zoo admission

For more information and to purchase required advance e-tickets, visit: www.cmzoo.org/military

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Military Appreciation Week is possible because of the generous support of our partners, Black Bear Diner, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Colorado Springs Pediatric Dentistry, ENT Credit Union, and your Colorado Springs Toyota Dealers.

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 #3 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 241 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.

THREE-WEEK OLD BABY HIPPO’S DAD CELEBRATES WITH A BLUE WATERMELON SMASH – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo today announced their newest bundle of joy – a three-week-old Nile hippo – is a boy! To celebrate, 18-year-old first-time Nile hippo dad, Biko, smashed a watermelon with the insides dyed blue, with animal-safe food coloring. Enjoy this video, for an up-close view of the smashing good time!

Baby hippo facts:

– Born July 20
– Mom: Zambezi (zam-BEE-zee)
– Dad: Biko (BEE-koh)
– First hippo born at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in 32 years
– Baby weighs 115 pounds
– Guests can visit mom and baby in Water’s Edge: Africa, the Zoo’s newest exhibit
– Advance tickets to the Zoo are required and available at cmzoo.org/visit

About Water’s Edge: Africa

Water’s Edge: Africa opened in June 2020, with brand-new homes for hippos, African penguins, ring-tailed lemurs, warthogs, pink-backed pelicans and more. Hippo breeding was a key focus of the exhibit’s design, which includes a hippo river loop that can be separated to create mom-and-baby nurseries. Guests can get face-to-face with hippos at their knife-edge pool, or get a bird’s-eye view of them in their yards from a giant rope suspension bridge. The exhibit also has an off-exhibit pool, which can be used if Zambezi’s care team sees she’d like more privacy with her calf.

About Nile Hippos

Only 30 organizations accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in North America, including Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, house hippos. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List categorizes Nile hippopotamuses as a species vulnerable to extinction in the wild, estimating 125,000 to 150,000 remain in their native habitats. The primary threats are habitat loss and illegal and unregulated hunting. Hippos are hunted for their meat and for their ivory canine teeth.

As first-time parents, Biko’s and Zambezi’s offspring represents an important contribution to the population of hippos in human care. The Nile Hippopotamus Species Survival Plan manages the population’s breeding recommendations to achieve the highest possible genetic diversity in the pool. More about Nile hippos at CMZoo.

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 2021, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was voted #4 Best Zoo in North America and CMZoo’s Rocky Mountain Wild was named #3 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 very few operating without tax support. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo depends on admissions, membership dues, special event attendance and donations for funding.

As you know, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and our community raised funds in our time of heartbreak after losing our female Amur tiger, Savelii, in March 2020. I wanted to update you on the steps we have taken to put those funds to use and about the importance and conservation impact of this funding.

Please enjoy this recorded presentation on Amur tiger conservation, lead by the coordinator of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Tiger Program in Russia. This one-hour presentation originally aired live on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021. It includes updates on the steps we have taken to put our Savelii Memorial Fund to use and information about the importance and impact this funding will make under the direction of WCS.

As caretakers of endangered and threatened species, we walk a fine line to balance doing what’s right for the individual animals in our care, but also making hard decisions for the future of the species, both in the wild and in human care. When our Amur tiger Savelii passed away earlier this year from anesthetic complications after an artificial insemination procedure, the loss hit our Zoo family and community hard. However, while losing Savelii was difficult, the reality is that there are treacherously few wild Amur tigers remaining – around 500. Unfortunately, the passing of our one tiger might get more attention and discussion than the fact that a future for wild Amur tigers remains uncertain.

In Savelii’s memory, we wanted to make a lasting impact for Amur tiger conservation. With the help of our local and global community, plus funds from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, we were able to raise a total of $88,170 for Amur tiger conservation.

Over the past five months, we have spoken with multiple Amur tiger conservation programs to determine the best way to move Amur tiger conservation forward in a significant way. We have decided to donate the majority of our Savelli Memorial Fund to an exciting and important project taking place in the Russian Far East, where the largest populations of wild Amur tigers reside.

As temperature patterns change, the ranges of prey species can change. Amur tigers are now migrating further north in the forests of the Russian Far East. In support of Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the Savelli Memorial Fund will go to support conservation efforts that protect Amur tigers in these locations, and the projected locations that the tigers are migrating into. Specifically, the work here seeks to provide secure landscapes for tigers to breed and rear young, to monitor populations of tigers and their prey, and to support law enforcement and anti-poaching efforts using trained rangers with new technology.

With our shared donation of $88,170, which was raised thanks to donations from the smallest gift of 35 cents to larger gifts of $2,000, we will all be making a difference for Amur tigers in their natural habitat. While we still feel the tragic loss of Savelli, we are able to also feel hopeful that her legacy will live on to help her endangered kin in the wild.

Warmly,

Bob Chastain
President & CEO
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

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 2021, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was voted #4 Best Zoo in North America and CMZoo’s Rocky Mountain Wild was named #3 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 241 zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of very few operating without tax support. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo depends on admissions, membership dues, special event attendance and donations for funding.


With a final push, a little splash and some adorable baby hippo ear wiggles, 28-year-old Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Nile hippopotamus, Zambezi (zam-BEE-zee), welcomed her first calf on Tues. July 20. At 1:57 p.m., the baby hippo popped up from underwater, bobbed up and down, and swam right over to meet its mom. As long as things continue to go well for Zambezi and her baby, the hippo building will be open and guests can visit them in Water’s Edge: Africa right away. If Zambezi or the baby show signs they need more quiet time, the Zoo will close the area temporarily.

“It was an incredible moment to see this beautiful baby join our family,” said Philip Waugh, lead keeper at Water’s Edge: Africa. “Zambezi’s a first-time mom, but she knew just what to do. As soon as she delivered the calf, she turned around to greet it and started helping it to shallow water. I’m so proud of her.”

The brand-new buoyant bundle of joy is the first hippo born at CMZoo in 32 years. The moment brought eagerly awaiting CMZoo staff members to happy tears as the baby Nile hippo – a species vulnerable to extinction in the wild – made its debut. So far, mom and baby appear to be healthy and bonding well. Staff will continue monitoring the two hippos regularly and won’t separate mom and baby for an exam unless they think it’s medically necessary.

3,200-pound Zambezi is a well-known member of the CMZoo family, famous for her laid-back demeanor and loud hippo ‘laughs.’ She first came to CMZoo from Denver Zoo, in 1993. In June 2020, Biko (BEE-koh), a now 18-year-old long-legged male Nile hippo, joined the CMZoo hippo herd on a breeding recommendation with Zambezi and her sister, Kasai (kuh-SIGH). Biko and Zambezi took a shining to each other nearly immediately.

“Like any new couple, their first ‘dates’ had a few awkward moments, but once they connected, it was full-on hippo love,” said Waugh. “The two of them wanted to be together constantly, and we accommodated! They would do a hippo breeding ‘dance’ where they would swim nose-to-rear in a circle. We also saw them taking turns resting their heads on each other’s rear ends for little pool naps. They made it clear they liked each other. We saw their first successful breeding in November.”

Eight months later – a normal full-term gestation for Nile hippos – their little one is finally here. Normal newborn hippos can weigh between 40 and 80 pounds, and this calf appears to be in that range. Because there are no immediate plans to physically check the baby, its sex likely won’t be known for some time. The Zoo will make plans to name the baby after its one-month birthday, following Zoo tradition.

Although Zambezi’s care team was pretty sure she was pregnant, it was scientifically difficult to substantiate, so the team decided to wait and see instead of sharing the pregnancy news. Weight gain is not a reliable way to check for hippo pregnancy, because their daily weight regularly fluctuates by about 100 pounds. Ultimately, Zambezi’s pregnancy tests – including fecal samples and voluntary ultrasounds – were inconclusive. But, there’s no denying it now!

This baby is the fourth member of the hippo herd at CMZoo, and the fourth baby born at Water’s Edge: Africa since April. On April 26, ring-tailed lemur, Rogue, welcomed her first baby. On July 11, Rogue’s sister, Allagash, gave birth to twins. All first-time moms and their offspring are doing great. More about new babies at CMZoo.

(Please note, this video below includes footage of the live birth in the water.)

About Water’s Edge: Africa

Water’s Edge: Africa opened in June 2020, with brand-new homes for hippos, African penguins, ring-tailed lemurs, warthogs, pink-backed pelicans and more. Hippo breeding was a key focus of the exhibit’s design, which includes a hippo river loop that can be separated to create mom-and-baby nurseries. Guests can get face-to-face with hippos at their knife-edge pool, or get a bird’s-eye view of them in their yards from a giant rope suspension bridge. The exhibit also has an off-exhibit pool, which can be used if Zambezi’s care team sees she’d like more privacy with her calf.

About Nile Hippos

Only 30 organizations accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in North America, including Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, house hippos. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List categorizes Nile hippopotamuses as a species vulnerable to extinction in the wild, estimating 125,000 to 150,000 remain in their native habitats. The primary threats are habitat loss and illegal and unregulated hunting. Hippos are hunted for their meat and for their ivory canine teeth.

As first-time parents, Biko’s and Zambezi’s offspring represents an important contribution to the population of hippos in human care. The Nile Hippopotamus Species Survival Plan manages the population’s breeding recommendations to achieve the highest possible genetic diversity in the pool. More about Nile hippos at CMZoo.

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 2021, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was voted #4 Best Zoo in North America and CMZoo’s Rocky Mountain Wild was named #3 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 very few operating without tax support. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo depends on admissions, membership dues, special event attendance and donations for funding.

RING-TAILED LEMUR MOM, ALLAGASH, WELCOMES TWINS TO WATER’S EDGE: AFRICA – Keepers at Water’s Edge: Africa were seeing double Sunday morning as they welcomed twins to the ring-tailed lemur family. Around 6 a.m. on Sunday, July 11, animal staff spotted first-time mom, 8-year-old Allagash (AL-uh-gash), holding an infant lemur and then confirmed a second stripy bundle of joy had arrived. The twins are the second and third ring-tailed lemurs born this year at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Allagash’s sister, Rogue, welcomed her first baby on April 26, 2021.

“Allagash is probably our feistiest lemur, so we’re excited to see how her bold personality translates to motherhood,” said Philip Waugh, lead keeper in Water’s Edge. “We’ve heard her cooing gently to her babies while they nurse, which is something we didn’t see with Rogue. She has her hands full with these twins, but she seems to be embracing her natural instincts to groom, feed, snuggle and protect them.”

The tiny newborns can be difficult to spot, since they’re typically cuddled up to mom’s chest for the first couple of weeks. Rogue’s baby has been curious about the new residents, leaping over to its aunt Allagash to get a quick look at the newborns before excitedly pouncing away. Six ring-tailed lemurs now share their waterfront home in the new exhibit, which opened in June 2020: Hercules, 4-year-old dad; Allagash, 8-year-old mom; Rogue, 8-year-old sister/aunt; Rogue’s 11-week-old baby and the newborn twins.

Staff have seen the babies nursing and consistently clinging to mom, which indicate the babies are healthy and bonding well with Allagash. The sexes of the twins have not been identified, but CMZoo will share updates on its social media channels as the team learns more about them. As long as all continues to go well for the lemurs, guests can see them right away.

“They’re so cute with their bandit-like eye markings and big fluffy ears,” said Waugh. “We have a trusting relationship with Allagash, so she’s been happy to let us get close enough to visually check on her and the little ones. She’s doing a great job. We’re going to follow Allagash’s lead as long as things are going well, and we’re here to support her if she needs us.”

CMZoo veterinary and animal staff are closely monitoring mom and her new babies, but won’t get the babies in hand unless they see it’s medically necessary.

According to the Lemur Conservation Foundation, lemurs are among the most threatened groups of mammals. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimates that over 95 percent of lemurs face extinction in the next 20 years. Ring-tailed lemurs are endangered, according to the IUCN. Hercules has breeding recommendations with Allagash and Rogue, as part of the ring-tailed lemur Species Survival Plan, managed cooperatively by members of Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited facilities, like CMZoo.

CMZoo was aware of Allagash’s pregnancy and had been monitoring her and the twins regularly. Lemur gestation periods last about 135 days. Breeding females typically have one baby per year, but twins can be common when food is abundant. Newborn lemurs cling closely to the mother’s abdomen for about two weeks, then will start to ride on her back. After about month, the young lemurs start exploring more independently until they’re fully weaned at about five or six months. More about ring-tailed lemurs at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

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 2021, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was voted #4 Best Zoo in North America and CMZoo’s Rocky Mountain Wild was named #3 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 very few operating without tax support. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo depends on admissions, membership dues, special event attendance and donations for funding.

FOUR DATES, STARTING JUNE 24, OF LIVE LOCAL MUSIC AND YOUR FAVORITE ANIMALS – Ready for an adults-only night out with live music and your favorite CMZoo animals under the stars? Join us for Tails & Tunes on the last Thursday night of the month, June through September! The first summer music event of the season is Thursday, June 24 from 6 to 9:30 p.m.

Enjoy a magical evening on the mountain, exclusively reserved for those age 21 and up. Local musicians will set the mood throughout the Zoo until 9:30 p.m. Feed the giraffe and visit most of our animals while you unwind on a cool Colorado summer evening on the mountain with five local bands and musicians at different locations around the Zoo.

Small plates will be available for purchase and your entry includes two drink tickets. Cash bars are also available.
Tickets are available now at cmzoo.org/tails

6 to 9:30 p.m.
—Thursday, June 24, 2021
—Thursday, July 29, 2021
—Thursday, August 26, 2021
—Thursday, September 30, 2021

This is a popular event and some dates may sell out, so don’t wait to get your tickets. They’re available now at cmzoo.org/tails. Thanks to our Tails & Tunes partners, Cordera and Green for Life!

Activities:

  • Feed the giraffe herd
  • Ride the Sky Ride
  • Enjoy five local musicians playing live as you travel through the Zoo
  • Visit your favorite animals
  • Watch the sunset from the mountainside
  • Play cornhole and other party games

Event Details:
– Advance tickets are required. No tickets sales at the front gate.
– Ticket purchase includes 2 drink tickets for use at any bar. Must be used the evening of the event. No outside alcoholic beverages are allowed.
– Small plates are available for purchase at our eateries.
– Full Zoo experience from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Animal exhibits close at 9:30 p.m.
– Live musical entertainment throughout the Zoo until 9:30 p.m.
– Mountaineer Sky Ride will have its last ride at 8 p.m. Be in line by 7:30 p.m. ($4 for Zoo members, $5 for non-members). Tickets available at Sky Ride cashier booth.
– General admission entrance from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
– Dress for a night of dancing, but remember you will be walking up and down the hills of the Zoo!
– Designate a driver, or better yet, don’t drive at all! Take a taxi or use a ride-sharing service like Lyft or Uber.

Food & Beverages:

Multiple Bar Locations (Drink ticket redemption and for purchase):

Grizzly Grill
– Signature Drink – Vodka Strawberry Lemonade
– Canned beer, wine and seltzers
– Blue Bayou ICEE
– Liquor available

Pizza with a View
– Beer and wine on tap
– Liquor available

Elson’s Place
– Signature Drink – Dole Whip Colada
– Canned beer, wine and seltzers

Rocky Mountain Barbeque Co.
– Signature Drink – Arnold Palmer
– Canned beer, wine and seltzers

Selections at our Food Outlets (for purchase):

Small Plates – $5 each

Grizzly Grill
– Double Wild Style Burger Slider – 2 Beef Patties, American Cheese, Grilled Onion, Wild Style Saus’ (Veggie Burger Available)
– Flam’n Hot Cheeto Coney Dog Slider – Nathan’s Hot Dog Slider, Chili, Cheese and Flam’n Hot Cheeto Crumble
– Dry Rub Super Crunch Wings Two Ways (Pick One)
— Jerk
— Garlic Herb (GF/DF)
– The Elvez Sundae – Vanilla Ice Cream, Jalapeno Bacon Praline, Banana, Tequila Caramel (GF)
– Truffle Herb or Garlic Parmesan Frites with Charred Lemon Garlic Aioli (GF/V)

Pizza with a View
– Roasted Lemon Truffle Brussels (GF/DF/V)
– Caprese – Fresh Mozzarella, Grape Tomato, Garlic Oil, Balsamic Gastric, Fresh Herbs (GF/V)
– Baguette Pizza Two Ways (Pick One)
— Garlic Oil, Béchamel, Mozzarella, Roasted Chicken, Bacon, Shaved Red Onion, Fresh Herbs
— Garlic Oil, Pesto, Mozzarella, Feta, Grana Padano, Ground Tomato (V)
– Cannoli’s

Elson’s Place
– Artisan Pretzel Bites with Beehive Beer Cheese (V)
– Pineapple Whip Soft Serve, Toasted Coconut, Lime (V/DF)

Rocky Mountain Barbecue Co.
– Hardwood Smoked BBQ Pork or Beef on a Cuban Roll with Pickles, Onions and Saus’ (DF)
– Pimento Cheese Crudité – RMBBQCO House Pimento Cheese, Celery, Carrot, Crusty Bread (V/DF)
– Elote – Roasted Corn on de Cob, Lime Aioli, Cotija Cheese, Tajin (V/GF)
– Blueberry Crumb Cake

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 2021, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was voted #4 Best Zoo in North America and CMZoo’s Rocky Mountain Wild was named #3 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 very few operating without tax support. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo depends on admissions, membership dues, special event attendance and donations for funding.

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