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.

BID ON AMAZING ITEMS, LIKE THE CHANCE TO NAME OUR BABY LEMUR OR RED RIVER HOGLET! – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s annual fundraising gala is going virtual! You can be part of this CMZoo tradition from the comfort of your couch through online trivia, the Zoo’s social media channels and a virtual auction!

“Our Zoo Ball auction has incredible items this year, including the opportunity to name our new baby lemur and our Red River hoglet,” said Kelley Parker, director of development at CMZoo. “We’re excited to be able to invite more people to participate in Zoo Ball this year by offering it online instead of exclusively in-person. No matter where you are on Thursday evening, you can join in the fun and test your Zoo knowledge as we share CMZoo trivia videos on Facebook and YouTube.”

The online auction opens Monday, June 14, 2021 at 8 a.m. MT at cmzoo.org/ZooBall.

Auction items include:

– Naming privileges for our 6-week-old ring-tailed lemur
– Naming privileges for our 7-week-old Red River hoglet
– Breakfast with the sloths
– Breakfast with the African penguins
– Breakfast on Safari Trail with the giraffe, zebra, vultures and more
– A photograph on canvas of BB, our 9-month-old giraffe calf, and her mother, Bailey, taken the day BB was born
– Painting session with a North American porcupine
– Paintings created by our elephants and orangutans
– Giraffe hoof print painting
– A decorative “Poo Planter” pottery piece created with CMZoo elephant dung
– A tour of Lemur Island
– Private cocktail party at the Zoo
– A Waterford Crystal sculpture, “Eagle’s Wing”
– And more! See photos and full descriptions here

Save the Dates

Online Virtual Auction
8 a.m. MT, Monday, June 14 – 8 p.m. MT, Sunday, June 20

Online Zoo Ball Trivia
6:30 p.m. MT Thursday, June 17
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Facebook
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo YouTube
cmzoo.org/ZooBall

All proceeds from Zoo Ball will benefit the Zoo’s general operating budget, which funds all of our critical work in conservation, education and animal care. In addition to bidding on auction items, CMZoo supporters can purchase VIP tickets or a Premier Patron “table.” These enhanced tickets come with an exclusive Zoo Ball swag bag and invitations to an exclusive cocktail party at the Zoo on Friday, September 10, 2021.

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.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN WILD NAMED #3 BEST ZOO EXHIBIT IN NORTH AMERICA – For the fifth consecutive year, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has been voted one of the top ten zoos in North America in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This time, America’s mountain Zoo was recognized in two categories: #4 Best Zoo in North America and #3 Best Zoo Exhibit in North America, for its Rocky Mountain Wild exhibit.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo aims to set itself apart by making every guest experience inspiring. With its simply stated vision, “Every Kid. Every Time. Goosebumps.” at its cultural core, CMZoo creates environments and experiences that bring people closer to animals. Exhibits are designed to remove as many physical barriers as safely possible between guests and animals. Guests can experience this for themselves by hand feeding the giraffe herd – one of the largest herds in North America, with 17 giraffe – or by waddling alongside penguins or getting eye-to-eye with a hippo at CMZoo’s newest exhibit, Water’s Edge: Africa. CMZoo’s goal is to foster connections that inspire guests to take action to protect animals and their habitats in the wild.

Rocky Mountain Wild, an area of the Zoo that is home to animals from the Zoo’s native region, was named #3 Best Zoo Exhibit in North America. Rocky Mountain Wild opened in the summer of 2008, appropriately hugging the highest elevations of CMZoo’s developed mountainside acreage. The area is home to a pack of endangered Mexican wolves, four Canada lynx, an Alaska moose, two North American porcupines, a bald eagle, two grizzly bears, three mountain lions, two river otters, free-roaming turkeys and a flock of wood ducks. Rocky Mountain Wild is known for its expansive natural exhibits, exquisite views, and enthusiastic and passionate team of animal keepers.

This is the third time Rocky Mountain Wild has been nominated in the Best Zoo Exhibit category, and the fifth time Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has been nominated in the Best Zoo category. A panel of travel experts, recruited by USA TODAY editors, nominated 20 North American Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited zoos and exhibits, and supporters had four weeks to cast their votes once per day for the nominees of their choice.

The 2021 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Top Ten Best Zoos in North America, in ranking order, are:

  1. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden – Cincinnati
  2. Fort Worth Zoo – Fort Worth
  3. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium – Omaha, Neb.
  4. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – Colorado Springs
  5. Nashville Zoo – Nashville Zoo
  6. Brevard Zoo – Melbourne, Fla.
  7. Audubon Zoo – New Orleans
  8. Saint Louis Zoo – Saint Louis
  9. Dallas Zoo – Dallas
  10. Denver Zoo – Denver

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.

SPRING HAS SPRUNG WITH THE ARRIVAL OF A RING-TAILED LEMUR BABY AND A RED RIVER HOGLET – Two first-time animal moms at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo welcomed their babies just in time for Mother’s Day this year! Rogue, a ring-tailed lemur, gave birth on Monday, April 26, and Zena, a Red River hog, welcomed her little piglet on Saturday, April 24. Both moms and babies seem to be bonding and doing well.

Rogue, an 8-year-old ring-tailed lemur, is the proud mom of a fluffy 4-day-old baby, with the same markings as adult lemurs – complete with mini tufted ears and a long black-and-white striped tail. The baby’s sex has not been identified, and likely won’t be for several months. Because mom and baby are doing so well, keepers won’t intervene unless necessary.

The baby is showing signs it’s strong. Keepers say the baby even chooses to cuddle upside-down sometimes, with a firm grip on mom’s chest and stomach, as she moves around. Although lemur fathers don’t typically play an active role in raising their young, 3-year-old dad, Hercules, is curious about his baby. Keepers say Hercules has approached Rogue and the baby, and mom lets dad sniff the baby while she keeps it safe in her arms.

This is the first lemur born at CMZoo in 15 years, and the first baby of any kind born at Water’s Edge: Africa – CMZoo’s new exhibit for hippos, penguins, warthogs, pelicans, lemurs and more. Guests may catch glimpses of the baby on Lemur Island, located in the center of the indoor hippo pool, right away.

“We knew Rogue was expecting, and we are excited to welcome our first Water’s Edge baby to the world,” said Philip Waugh, lead Water’s Edge: Africa keeper. “When we came to work Monday morning, we could see Rogue carrying this tiny little baby around so delicately and being really attentive. It’s been exciting watching the baby, but it’s been even more special watching Rogue embrace this role so naturally. It’s amazing how she just knows what to do.”

Seven-year-old Zena’s keepers say she’s adapting to motherhood well, too. The Red River hog is also a first-time mom who seems to know exactly what to do, even though her 6-day-old youngster looks a lot different than she does. The baby’s sex has not been identified and likely won’t be for another few weeks.

“This is the cutest baby you’ve ever seen in your life,” said Brooke Powell, African Rift Valley keeper and Zena’s primary trainer. “It’s about the size of Zena’s snout, and it’s a beautiful orange-red color with white stripes and spots on its body. It’s so small, but it can move! It’s been super active, running and bouncing around. We love it.”

Zena came to CMZoo on a breeding recommendation with Huey. Thirteen-year-old Huey has been a great father in the past, when he welcomed one offspring in 2015 and three hoglets to CMZoo with his mate, Ari, in 2013. Red River hog fathers, unlike many species, are active in raising their young. For now, while Zena is protective of her little one, they’re giving mom and baby time to bond alone, and will plan to introduce Huey later.

“Zena is an awesome mom” said Powell. “She’s really protective, which is great, and she lets her keepers look at the baby. She makes sure baby is following her wherever she goes, too. They’re really snuggly with each other, and Zena is certainly making sure that little piggy gets plenty to eat.”

Guests won’t see the young Red River hog for at least a few weeks, while Zena and the baby bond together and stay nice and warm indoors. They will start to venture out when Colorado’s weather is a little more predictable.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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