The Waterhole Archives

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL COLORADO – Two new fluffy faces are getting to know each other and learning the ropes in Primate World! Meet Keoki (pronounced key-OH-key) and Holmes, CMZoo’s new lar gibbons. While they’ve settled in since their arrivals in August and September, their CMZoo care team has been helping them adjust to their new home.

Similarly, CMZoo’s year-round partner, Children’s Hospital Colorado, offers research-backed tips to help parents and caregivers nurture resilience in their own children. Read more from their child psychologist here: https://www.childrenscolorado.org/just-ask-childrens/articles/resilience-in-children/.

Keoki and Holmes are growing in confidence as they explore new spaces, engage with enrichment and participate in training together, building positive relationships with each other and their care team along the way.

Eight-year-old female lar gibbon, Keoki, arrived at CMZoo in August, and seven-year-old male lar gibbon, Holmes, joined her in September. The two recently started sharing space and quickly took an interest in each other. Since Keoki arrived first, she’s been helping Holmes settle in exploring his new home.

The arrivals of Keoki and Holmes support the Gibbon Species Survival Plan, helping to manage a diverse and healthy population in human care while inspiring gibbon preservation for their wild counterparts. Lar gibbons usually live in small family groups made up of a bonded pair and their offspring — and these two have a breeding recommendation!

Lar gibbons, also known as white-handed gibbons, are endangered primates native to the tropical forests of Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand. Similar to orangutans, lar gibbons are impacted by unsustainable palm oil production, which has led to deforestation and the loss of their natural habitat. When produced sustainably, palm oil is the most productive edible oil available. Oil palms – the trees that palm oil comes from – produce four to ten times more oil than alternatives like soy, olive, canola and coconut. Switching to these alternatives would cause even more deforestation in tropical areas.

Luckily, you can help save their rainforests from the comfort of your own smartphone. Download the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) free mobile smartphone app, PalmOil Scan, from the Apple App Store or Google Play today. Next time you go shopping, just open your app, scan a product’s barcode, and see how that company ranks. If they haven’t committed to sustainable palm oil, consider instead supporting a similar company that has. This app was developed under the direction of WAZA, and is managed in North America by Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. PalmOil Scan is available in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.

Download the app today and learn more at cmzoo.org/palmoil — and stop by to welcome Holmes and Keoki next time you’re at CMZoo!

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For nearly 100 years, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has actively worked to connect guests of all ages to wildlife and wild places. Starting next year, CMZoo’s EdVenture team will take people into the wild to experience wildlife in a whole new way.

Experiences like feeding giraffes at the Zoo, getting to observe animal demonstrations and training sessions with keepers, and off-site ZOOMobile programs help people learn about the existence and importance of the animals that we share this planet with, and feel inspired to help conserve their wild counterparts.

Now, the EdVenture team at CMZoo is offering a new opportunity for guests to connect with wildlife and wild places, by taking them into the natural environments, with a brand-new program that launches in April 2026! Edventure Excursions will provide a fun and educational journey to local wildlife projects that they might not be aware are happening right here.

The program’s inaugural adventure into the wild is a 5-day expedition to northern Colorado and southern Wyoming to learn about the importance of prairie ecosystems and the animals that call them home. Guided by CMZoo staff, the group will explore the wild habitats of critically endangered animals, like black-footed ferrets, Wyoming toads and sage grouse.

Each reservation supports funding to provide free classroom programming for schools in the Front Range region. The EdVenture team receives dozens of requests every year to bring Zoo animals to schools, and this program will help fund even more of those opportunities.

Sign up for the first-ever EdVenture Excursion, Sage Grouse Annual Display, at cmzoo.org/excursions.

Sage Grouse Annual Display Trip Details
Dates: April 20 – 24, 2026
Group size: 8
Cost: $1,250 per person / $2,100 per pair (shared bed)**
Transportation: provided; leave from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Not included in cost: meals

Accommodations:
● 2 nights at a bed-and-breakfast in Laramie, Wyoming (multi-bedroom house shared with other program participants)
● 1 night at hotel in Walden, Colorado (separate rooms)
● 1 night at hotel in Fort Collins, Colorado (separate rooms)

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Written by Park Quality and Special Events Technician, Rachael Selk

Electric Safari is an event that brings together not just our local community, but even travelers from out of state who visit Cheyenne Mountain Zoo during December to experience that extra touch of holiday magic alongside the many creatures who call this place home. The Zoo has hosted Electric Safari for 35 years now, and I have been working to add to the magic for the last four years.

My name is Rachael Selk. I’m the Park Quality and Special Events Technician. You might have seen me stringing lights on trees and bushes as early as September, yet the true start of setup for Electric Safari is on August 1, when all the power and ground lights are placed. When people hear we spend four months decorating for Electric Safari, I remind them that’s just the installation. I usually have the color scheme and placement of archways and sculptures planned as early as January each year. I spend March through July creating and repairing sculptures to be ready for the next year’s event. So, for us, the holidays are a yearlong process.

I use my artistic background to design new animal light sculptures that guests see all through the Zoo during Electric Safari. After proper training, I learned to bend the metal for the frame, weld the pieces together, seal the metal to prevent rust, then adorn the figure with plenty of zip ties and rope light. I try to keep my designs akin to creatures that live at the Zoo. People find magic in our animals, knowing their names and learning their coat patterns, so it’s only fitting to create that magic in the lights! A great example is last year, when our red panda, Cora, found a new home with us. I quickly created a red panda light figure to commemorate our new resident. This year, I created a sleepy red panda friend to accompany the first light sculpture, and people will be able to see them both in Asian Highlands.

I am also excited for something new this year. There will be several sets of wings, made out of rope light that will be mounted in various spots throughout the Zoo – perfect for a photo opportunity! People love to take pictures and videos of our animal lights already, and we purposefully created these wings so guests can stand in front of them, strike a pose and capture a special moment with wings spread behind you! The wings were inspired by a visit to Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance’s holiday lights last year. We loved the idea so much that we just had to make our own version for our community!

The first light figure I got to create from design to physical life was the wolf pack in 2023. Wolves are my favorite animal, so you can imagine my utter joy when that was the very creature I was tasked to create! To this day, they are still my favorite figures that I’ve made myself. When you see them nestled in the trees, surrounded by snow that catches the radiant light as it howls to the sky, I know you’ll love them too!

The fact that Electric Safari has been around as long as I have been alive speaks to not just the team that creates the event every year, but to you, the people who choose to make it a part of your year! I’ve heard many people say how it’s a tradition to see the Zoo lights. I even had someone tell me that their son proposed to his girlfriend, now wife, at the Zoo during Electric Safari. It was unplanned, but the night was so magical that the timing was perfect.

Visiting the Zoo any time of year is such an amazing experience. Combine the magic of the lights with the chance to feed giraffe, hear keeper talks about skunks and hippos and more, and it’s a perfect blend of holiday cheer and Zoo animals at the same time! And with our Zoo ranking high on USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Zoo Lights in the nation, it only inspires me even further to do my best for the Zoo and to push that standard all the higher!

[Editor’s note: Electric Safari is nominated for Best Zoo Lights in the U.S. again! Fans can vote daily for Electric Safari until 10 a.m. on Mon., Dec. 1 at cmzoo.org/lights.]

Knowing that Electric Safari is such a shared part of our community’s traditions, the enjoyment of the holiday spirit, the love of animals and the willingness to brave the cold, it fills me with joy knowing that I get to be a part of that magic. It doesn’t bother me if those who visit never see me and never know that I chose the colors, and that I bent and welded and forced that light sculpture into life. I love standing off to the side and seeing people’s faces glowing with happiness, taking pictures together, listening to the holiday music and howling with the drone show’s wolf pack in the sky.

I truly hope you enjoy this year’s Electric Safari, and know that I have many plans and ideas for more magic in the future!

[Editor’s note: Electric Safari is every night from Fri., Dec. 5 through Thurs., Jan. 1, 2026 – except Christmas Eve. Advance tickets are required. Tickets and details are available now at cmzoo.org/electric.]

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It’s that magical time of year when many people search for the perfect holiday gifts for friends and family. Whether you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience or a truly unique stocking stuffer, these options are sure put a smile on every face on your list. Plus, all gifts purchased from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, support important work. As a nonprofit that doesn’t receive any tax support, the Zoo relies on admission, memberships, events and special programs like these to fund animal care, conservation, Zoo improvements and operations.

Animal Art Holiday Ornaments

The Loft animals and their keepers have been painting the perfect stocking stuffers or gifts for your holiday party gift exchange. These 3” x 3” canvases with twine hangers are one-of-a-kind, because they were painted by an animal ambassador! Skunks, reptiles and other small animals from The Loft will add their artistic touches to the ornaments by participating in voluntary training with their keepers. Some animals walk through paint and onto the canvasses, leaving their adorable footprints in a variety of flashy colors while others slither through the paint! These ornaments are only available for purchase for $15 each in The Loft. They’ll be available from Thanksgiving through the end of Electric Safari. (Additional Animal Art may be available online.)

V.I.P. Tours

If you really want to spoil someone, give them the up-close animal experience of a lifetime: a CMZoo V.I.P. Tour! During this private tour, your group of up to five people will experience three behind-the-scenes animal encounters of your choosing, plus a meet-and-greet with one of our ambassador animals in The Loft and a super-sized giraffe feeding. You can help train our lion pride, get up-close with the grizzly bears, say hello to the hippos, or choose from our many other animal encounter options. Along the way, one of our experienced guides will tell you all about the Zoo, our animals and our conservation impacts around the world. When your tour ends, enjoy the rest of the day at the Zoo, because admission is included. To see animal encounter options, all the details and to sign-up, visit cmzoo.org/viptour

CMZoo Annual Membership

How about a gift that keeps on giving all year long? Memberships can be purchased as gifts! CMZoo members can take advantage of free daytime admission (with advance ticket reservations), discounts on programs and merchandise, free members-only summer nights, free Electric Safari visits in the winter and more. Visit cmzoo.org/membership or email [email protected] for more information.

Tickets to Electric Moonlight and Electric Safari

Give the gift of memories made by purchasing tickets to a holiday special event at the Zoo, and be early to the gift-giving season! In December, Electric Moonlight offers an adults-only date night (there will be a lot more than milk and cookies on the menu) or choose Electric Safari tickets for a festive evening on the mountain for the entire family. Electric Moonlight returns to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo on Thurs., Dec. 4 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. This event is just for 21-and-up guests, complete with holiday lights, live music, food and drink samples, a drone show and access to most animal areas. Plus, an elf told us that jolly old Saint Nicholas will be there to hear holiday wishes from the grown-ups! Tickets are available now at cmzoo.org/em.

Starting Fri., Dec. 5, the Zoo opens its gates in the evenings for Electric Safari, where guests of all ages can explore the Zoo and enjoy the wonder of 50 acres of twinkling lights, illuminated enormous inflatable animals, a drone show and more than 80 handmade light sculptures on display throughout the Zoo. Until Dec. 23, Santa Claus will be at Electric Safari to meet guests and listen to holiday wishes. This event is a magical way to get into the holiday spirit on the side of Cheyenne Mountain, where the views of the city lights below the Zoo can’t be beat. Electric Safari runs Dec. 5-23 and Dec. 25-Jan. 1, 2026 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. CMZoo members have access to early-entry by reserving tickets between 4 and 5 p.m. Get all the details and reserve timed entry at cmzoo.org/electric.

Small group events and programs also make great gifts! See all of our options at cmzoo.org/events.

Adopt an Animal

Lions, tigers, and bears – oh my! Gift a hippo, giraffe, moose or another CMZoo animal to be mailed directly to you or a loved one. Depending on the level of adoption package chosen, it could include a plush animal toy! All adoption packages include a certificate of adoption, an animal fact sheet and a photo of the animal at CMZoo. Each adoption directly supports the care of Zoo animals. Find an array of adoption packages at www.cmzoo.org/adopt.

Tile Program

Searching for a meaningful holiday gift that makes a lasting impact? Imagine visiting CMZoo and seeing your very own commemorative tile alongside your favorite animals! Our tiles offer a beautiful way to honor and celebrate loved ones while creating cherished memories. Our Water’s Edge: Africa tiles will be installed inside the hippo building, and there are six animal engraving options: hippo, lemur, penguin, warthog, crane and pelican. Each purchase directly supports the care of our animals. This season, give a gift that lasts – a beautiful tribute that brings joy and remembrance to your loved ones! More information about our tiles can be found at cmzoo.org/tiles

View more gift options in our Zoo Store

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Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s annual Boo at the Zoo is coming up, packed with family fun, spooky surprises and animal demonstrations. Check cmzoo.org/boo for tickets and event details! Advance tickets are required and some nights sell out. Members, check these tips for easy Boo ticketing.

Boo at the Zoo is from 4 to 8:30 p.m. on these dates:
• Fri., Oct. 17
• Sat., Oct. 18
• Sun., Oct. 19
• Fri., Oct. 24
• Sat., Oct. 25
• Sun., Oct. 26
• Fri., Oct. 31

Check out these 10 reasons you won’t want to miss it:

Trick-or-Treat Stations — Boo at the Zoo is a unique way for families to trick-or-treat and enjoy Halloween festivities. Trick-or-treat at more than 20 treat stations throughout the Zoo!
NEW THIS YEAR! – Costume Contest — Take a picture at Boo at the Zoo and post it on Facebook or Instagram using #BooCMZoo for a chance to win tickets to Electric Safari! There will be three winners, one per weekend. Winners will be announced on Thurs., Oct. 23, Thurs., Oct. 30 and Tues., Nov. 4.
Haunted House — Enter… if you dare! This kid-friendly house of spookiness is perfect for brave souls ages 6 and up. Watch out! Hidden vampires, flying ghosts, suspicious mushrooms and web-spinning spiders are on the guest list. Find all the frightful fun waiting for you in the Lodge at Moose Lake.
Animal Demonstrations and Feedings — See some of your favorite animals up close and learn about them from their care teams.

Fridays
• 5 p.m. — African lion keeper talk, Lion Relaxation Room | African Rift Valley
• 6:30 p.m. — Hippo demo, Hippo Building | Water’s Edge: Africa
• Open all evening — feed the giraffe herd ($3 for one lettuce bundle or $5 for two)

Saturdays
• 5 p.m. — Meerkat enrichment, Meerkat Yard | African Rift Valley (between giraffes and lions)
• 6:30 p.m. — Elephant talk, Elephant Barn | Water’s Edge: Africa
• Open all evening — feed the giraffe herd ($3 for one lettuce bundle or $5 for two)

Sundays
• 5 p.m. — African lion keeper talk, Lion Relaxation Room | African Rift Valley
• 6:30 p.m. — Hippo demo, Hippo Building | Water’s Edge: Africa
• Open all evening — feed the giraffe herd ($3 for one lettuce bundle or $5 for two)

Boo at the Zoo spooky light sculpture at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo evening event

NEW THIS YEAR! Lighted Pumpkins — Step into a gourd-geous adventure in My Big Backyard! Not your ordinary pumpkins—these giant glowing gourds are ready to light up your Halloween adventure and perfect your photo ops!
Take a Ride — Add a little more thrill to your night! The Sky Ride is $3 per ride (riders should be in line by 7:30 p.m.). The historic carousel is $2 per person, per ride—perfect for a few exhilarating spins under the moonlight.
Pirate’s Cove — Ahoy, mateys! Set sail for swashbuckling fun at Pirate’s Cove. Guests can find an exciting pirate display in Australia Walkabout.
Sustainable Palm Oil — All candy distributed at Boo at the Zoo comes from companies committed to using sustainable palm oil, which helps protect wild orangutan habitats! Passionate about animal conservation? Use the Orangutan-Friendly Halloween Treats Guide 2025 for your shopping. Products in this guide are from companies that are members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and are committed to making a difference for wild orangutans and other endangered species. For even more products, download the free PalmOil Scan App, then scan product barcodes to see how they rank. This app was developed under the World Association of Zoos & Aquariums (WAZA) and is managed for North America by CMZoo and other zoos globally.

Boo at the Zoo table scene at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Boo-tiful Photo Ops — While there are plenty of great photo spots throughout the Zoo, we’ve highlighted a few must-see locations. Keep an eye out and snap some unforgettable Zoo memories!
• Spooky Graveyard by Water’s Edge: Africa
• By the Boo Banner across from Encounter Africa
• By the Boo Banner outside of Scutes Family Gallery
• Lighted Pumpkin Patch in My Big Backyard
Support Wildlife Conservation — CMZoo is one of only a handful of AZA-accredited nonprofit zoos that does not receive tax support. Fundraisers like Boo at the Zoo are vital to supporting animal care, Zoo operations, improvements, and conservation. Every ticket helps the Zoo care for animals, support conservation programs and educate visitors.

Thank you to our Boo at the Zoo 2025 event partners: Black Bear Diner, Blue Federal Credit Union, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Les Schwab Tire Center, Navy Federal Credit Union, Sturgeon Electric Company, Inc. and Toyota.

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Written by Lauren Phillippi, lead animal keeper

There have been many changes in African Rift Valley recently, in addition to the brand-new giraffe habitat we’re building. One of the most notable this summer was the opening of the new outdoor mixed species habitat built for three of my favorite animals at the Zoo: our Cape vultures, Godric and Hedwig, and our own prickly superstar, Waffles the Cape porcupine.

Guests can see vultures flying and exploring their perching in their new aviary across from the current giraffe barn. The habitat doubles as a home for one of the most adorable animals at our Zoo – Waffles.

Although the vultures were introduced to the habitat first, when Waffles arrived, she strutted out of her travel crate with a confidence that seemed to say, “Yes of course, this is all for me!” She explored every space during her first day and we watched with awe as she kept interacting with new parts of her exhibit. Even with large vultures keeping a close eye perched in trees above her, and a few curious giraffe neighbors following her along the mesh as she explored, Waffles kept on without a care.

It was exciting when she started using the exhibit features that were designed just for her. Porcupines are nocturnal, meaning many times when you go by to see Waffles during the day, she’ll likely be resting or sleeping. There is an elevated dugout in the new termite mound feature in their yard that she often climbs on to take a nap. Most often, guests can see her resting near or in her burrow at the baobab tree. There is even a viewing window inside of the tree where people can get a unique view of her underground. Next time you visit, you might see her resting there, or doing one of her favorite activities: digging!

The burrow was designed so we can add fresh substrate, like dirt or mulch, to the habitat. Waffles is a real earth-mover and she uses her claws and her strong legs to dig and move dirt around until it is just where she wants it. She chooses digging over most other enrichment opportunities when given the choice, so we are happy to provide her environment with opportunities to do what she does best as a Cape porcupine.

Waffles also shines during training. I’ve worked at the Zoo for 12 years, and during that time I’ve trained a wide variety of animal species and behaviors. The past four years working with Waffles have been especially rewarding as she brings incredible energy and enthusiasm to every training session. Animal training continues to be one of the most fulfilling parts of my day as a keeper.

Waffles knows many voluntary behaviors that allow her to be an excellent ambassador for her species by getting up-close with guests during her unscheduled walkabouts around the Zoo. Waffles also knows behaviors that help us keep track of her health, like stepping on a scale to check her weight and stationing voluntarily for vaccines. Most recently, she has started learning something new (and pretty exciting!): ultrasound training.

Waffles and I have only worked on ultrasound training a few times so far, but she learns fast, making each training session exciting. I plan for one step ahead in each session, as she often masters her training criteria quickly. You might say she’s really sharp – pun intended. At the start of each session, I cue Waffles to place her front paws up on a log stump, creating more room to view her belly, which usually stays low to the ground.

When designing the training plan, I break the behavior into smaller steps so Waffles can choose to participate at each step. We start with stationing on the stump, gently parting her quills on her stomach, introducing the ultrasound equipment, and building a duration hold – which helps her learn how long I need her to stay in that standing position for our veterinary team to get a good ultrasound image. When Waffles was first introduced to the ultrasound wand touching her abdomen, she stayed calmly on her station, eager to earn almonds and walnuts as positive reinforcement for participating. I am so proud of the progress we’ve made!

This will be an extremely helpful behavior for her to know in the future because she has a breeding recommendation by the Cape porcupine Species Survival Plan (SSP) to be matched with a male. Training an ultrasound behavior now will give us the chance to track and monitor a potential pregnancy in Waffles’ future.

Porcupines have a special place in my heart, so naturally I’m very excited to welcome another porcupine to the Zoo, especially if it means the potential for porcupettes (the scientific name for baby porcupines)!

Introducing Waffles and her future mate will require a lot of planning, patience and expertise in reading the animals’ responses to each other. We will follow the porcupines’ lead as we support Waffles and the new porcupine getting to know each other. It will be an honor to be a part of this next journey with her.

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In 2026, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will turn 100! The Zoo’s centennial year will be full of ways (we’ll keep you posted on plans!) to recognize our incredible community, celebrate the Zoo’s growth, reflect on our community’s impact on conservation, recount advancements in animal care, and honor the Zoo’s legacy – all while staying focused on what’s yet to come!

From first encounters with giraffe to family traditions passed down through generations, the Zoo has been honored to play a part in the lives of our members, guests, staff and partners in countless ways. As we prepare to celebrate our centennial in 2026, we want to share the unique stories that make Cheyenne Mountain Zoo your Zoo.

So, we’re launching the “Your CMZoo Story” campaign, and we want you to be part of it. We’re inviting guests, members and friends of the Zoo to share their Zoo history with us – through photos, written memories, or both.

Maybe you have a black-and-white snapshot of your grandparents at the Zoo’s early exhibits. Maybe a milestone in your life, like an engagement, anniversary, graduation celebration or first date took place at CMZoo. Maybe it’s a beloved family tradition of summer trips or attending Boo at the Zoo together. Maybe it’s the first time your child saw an elephant up-close. Maybe it’s a particular animal or staff member that you formed a connection with. Whatever your CMZoo history looks like, we want to hear it.

Now through December 31, 2025, we’re collecting stories and photos from our community. Your submission could be one of the treasures we highlight during our centennial year. Please note, while we hope to honor as many memories as possible, not all stories or photos will be shared.

Submit your Zoo story and photos, and we might share them on social media, in newsletters and elsewhere! Upload photos, tell Your CMZoo Story and grant permissions to the Zoo at cmzoo.org/yourstory.
Share Your CMZoo Story.

We can’t wait to hear how you’ve made the Zoo a part of your story.

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Play Hill area site plan 2025 — Play Hill Area – Site Plan 2025

Starting the week of October 6, 2025, the Zoo’s playhill area will be closed for major upgrades including slides, cushier turf playhills, a guest-only sidewalk, more outdoor seating areas and a bigger-than-ever dirt hill.

“When we opened this version of the play area, in 2021, we wanted to test whether guests enjoyed it or if we should transform the area another way,” Dave Ruhl, executive vice president at CMZoo, says. “The area has been incredibly popular, and we have loved watching kids of all ages playing on the hills, digging in the dirt mound and using the sidewalk seating area. When we bring it back, it will be better than ever!”

In addition to bigger and better play and seating areas, the playhills will get a drainage system upgrade. Because the current playhills were never meant to be permanent, there are infrastructure improvements to be made. The better drainage system should reduce puddles in the warmer months and ice patches in the colder months, improving the guest experience.

CMZoo eatery rendering — CMZoo’s restaurant patio rendering, 2025

The shipping container farms will continue to operate behind the scenes before moving to their permanent home near the Zoo’s new International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe.

“We know we are asking for a lot of patience during improvements, and we appreciate everyone’s support and enthusiasm as we take this on together,” Dave says. “We promise the new playhill area will make future visits even more awesome. 2026 is going to be an incredible year at CMZoo!”

The playhill is estimated to open back up in March 2026 – in time for the Zoo’s centennial Spring Break. Until then, we hope these tips are helpful:

Members and guests are welcome to walk on the road between Grizzly Grill and elephants. A brand-new guest-only sidewalk will open next to the road in the coming months as part of this project!
The Zoo’s eateries will lift its customers-only rule for outdoor seating, so anyone can use the restaurant patios to enjoy their snacks and lunches from home. Limited indoor seating is still reserved for restaurant guests.
The Nature Play Trail in Water’s Edge: Africa will stay open (as long as ice and snow are removed, and it’s safe to explore), along with the giant slides in Rocky Mountain Wild, and the play areas in My Big Backyard and Old Gnarly Tree by the carousel.

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL COLORADO – CMZoo’s year-round partner, Children’s Hospital Colorado, has created a guide to first-year doctor visits for human babies. Similarly, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s primate keepers are tracking milestones for Asha’s baby gorilla’s first year of life.

Asha, a 32-year-old critically endangered Western lowland gorilla, welcomed a baby boy on July 21, 2025. Both seem to be doing well! The baby is hitting lots of gorilla baby milestones, including clinging tightly to mom, nursing regularly, mouthing Asha’s solid food, practicing head and limb control and making focused eye contact.

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Thirty-four-year-old Goma moved to CMZoo, in 2016, on a breeding recommendation from the Western Lowland Gorilla Species Survival Plan, supported by Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited organizations, including CMZoo.

Goma joined a tightly bonded group of females after coming from a bachelor group, and with time, introductions, and strong social bonds, the troop became a cohesive group. Though inexperienced, Asha helped Goma learn how to breed and he became a first-time dad on July 21, 2025. It’s exciting to see how far Goma has come and the important contributions he continues to make to his species.

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