The Waterhole Archives

This summer, the black-footed ferret (BFF) breeding program at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo saw a record number of kits born: 37. Conservationists tested multi-partner breeding to see if females could conceive and whelp kits from different dads in the same litter, and to see if having multiple breeding partners impacted the number of kits born overall.

Out of seven females in the trial, two had litters with two fathers represented. Of the twelve breeding females in the CMZoo program, eight had babies this year.

“That’s a really high rate of reproduction, and we saw a higher rate of successful birth with the females that participated in the multi-male study, compared to those that didn’t,” says Jeff Baughman, Wyoming Toad and Black-Footed Ferret Program Manager at CMZoo. “We’re not getting ahead of ourselves, but the results are promising because there’s potential to increase the genetic diversity and sheer number of kits one female could contribute to the recovery population.”

BFFs have incredibly few breeding opportunities. Females are only typically reproductive from 1 to 4 years old, and they only breed once per year – during a 72-hour window. In human care in the past, females spent all three breeding days with the same male. In this trial, they spent the first 24 hours with one male, the second day with another, and the final 24 hours with a third male.

Because female BFFs are induced ovulators, the act of breeding with the first male could trigger ovulation that could possibly make the second and third males’ breeding more successful. However, some females successfully bred and conceived with their first partners, according to the genetic testing.

“It’s always good to replicate a study to see if you can recreate the same results,” Jeff says. “We’d want to use the same trial methods with different breeding females, and we’d want to compare several seasons’ results before we made any official recommendation for or against multi-partner breeding. For now, this is exciting because it’s the first time we can prove that female black-footed ferrets in human care can successfully conceive and whelp kits with different fathers in the same litter.”

BFFs were considered extinct until the 1980s. On Sept. 26, 1981, a ranch dog named Shep caught a BFF. Shep’s catch led to the discovery of a small population of the elusive animals in Meeteetse, Wyoming. That population became the hope for the recovery of the entire species.

Since then, zoos, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, National Black-footed Ferret Conservation Center and other organizations have banded together to breed, prepare, release and monitor BFFs to increase the population. CMZoo joined the fight to save ferrets in 1991, when its BFF breed-and-release program began. In the last 33 years, 647 kits have been born on Cheyenne Mountain. The Zoo is a major contributor to recovery efforts, releasing BFFs to protected wild places in Colorado every year.

Some of the kits with the most underrepresented genes in the breeding population will stay in human care, as part of the breeding program, so they can pass on their underrepresented genes to another generation. Others go to boot camp, to see if they have the skills to thrive the wild. In mid-September, all surviving CMZoo kits and four adults (two of which are mothers, going to ‘boot camp’ with their kits) will start their 35-day pre-conditioning journey in a semi-wild environment at the National Black-footed Ferret Conservation Center in Fort Collins, Colo.

Of those, some are released and some – who do not prove they can hunt, seek shelter and protect themselves in the wild – return to human care, to serve their species in breeding programs or as ambassadors in zoos and other educational settings.

Samosa is the newest black-footed ferret ambassador in The Loft, where guests have a rare opportunity to see this native and critically endangered species up-close at our Zoo.

“Samosa is a great representative of the species,” Jeff says. “She’s energetic and bold, but unfortunately dental issues prevent her from hunting successfully in the wild. As she’s past breeding age, she won’t participate in the breed-and-release program, so we’ll take care of her in The Loft for her remaining natural years.”

Sept. 26, the date Shep discovered the foundational BFF population in Wyoming, was later named Black-Footed Ferret Rediscovery Day – a day BFF advocates celebrate annually. At CMZoo, guests can meet Samosa in The Loft and participate in a variety of activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sat., Sept. 28 and Sun., Sept. 29, 2024.

Black-Footed Ferret Rediscovery Day details:

Sat., Sept. 28 and Sun., Sept. 29, 2024
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Stations will be set up in Scutes Family Gallery, in My Big Backyard near the Tree House and outside The Loft. Activities will include:

Coloring stations – make a black-footed ferret mask and color a prairie scene

Prairie Jenga – learn how the prairie ecosystems depends on all its residents to thrive

Matching game – match cards representing different elements of the prairie

Board game – learn about the black-footed ferret life cycle

Scavenger hunt – locate prairie species

Keeper talk – enjoy a black-footed ferret keeper talk at 11:30 a.m. in The Loft

Advance daytime admission tickets are required, and all BFF Rediscovery Day activities are included with admission. CMZoo memberships and admission directly support black-footed ferrets through the Zoo’s Quarters for Conservation program, which, since 2008, has raised $5 million for frontline conservation efforts, including breeding and releasing BFFs.

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Four-year-old Atka has grown impressive antlers this year, marking the end of the antler-growing season. Each year, male moose grow a new set of antlers. His antlers, once covered in velvet to help them grow, have now shed the fuzzy layer, revealing the iconic white antlers we associate with moose.

Once his impressive antlers have hardened, he will likely start using them. In autumn, male moose spar for territory and mates. Moose are typically solitary in the wild, and we replicate that for Atka at CMZoo while also providing him with plenty of opportunities to spar with trees and enrichment if he chooses. In the winter or spring, Atka will shed his antlers completely and begin the growth process again.

Stop by Rocky Mountain Wild to see Atka’s 2024 antlers before he sheds them this winter!

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Jumbe, a 21-year-old Eastern black rhino at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, continues to navigate a significant health challenge with the support of his care and veterinary teams. In May, a blood test revealed concerning iron saturation levels indicating a condition known as iron overload disorder.

Despite the diagnosis, Jumbe remains in good spirits. He consistently interacts with his keepers, participates in training and daily guest feedings, and shows no clinical signs of discomfort. His liver and kidney levels, along with other critical markers, are being closely monitored and remain within normal ranges.

This ailment is well documented among black rhinos in human care, affecting about one-third of the population. However, treatment options and results are limited. Iron overload can lead to serious health issues, potentially damaging vital organs and posing a risk of fatal complications over time.

Black rhinos are particularly susceptible to iron overload due to their unique metabolic processes. Knowing this, Jumbe’s care team has always tailored his diet to minimize iron absorption. Following his diagnosis, they made further adjustments to Jumbe’s diet, with support from the Black Rhino Nutrition Advisory Group.

By June, follow-up bloodwork showed a 10 percent improvement in Jumbe’s iron levels. But, his most recent results, in early August, revealed a return to the original high levels. Unfortunately, diet controls alone don’t seem to be working for Jumbe.

So, Jumbe’s care team is focused on voluntary large-volume blood draws as a supplementary treatment, while continuing diet controls. Phlebotomy isn’t new to Jumbe or his team. He has long been an expert in voluntary blood draw behaviors.

“This is a great example of why it’s so important to establish trained voluntary behaviors before you need to rely on them,” Ilana Cobban, Encounter Africa animal care manager says. “He has been blood-draw trained for many years, so he’s comfortable and confident with the setup. When he was first diagnosed, we started increasing the frequency of his blood draw training sessions. Since mid-August, we’ve been successfully drawing large volumes of blood weekly, and Jumbe has been adjusting amazingly.”

During large-volume blood draws, the team aims to collect at least 100 milliliters (mLs)
or about 3.5 fluid ounces per session, in a carefully controlled manner. The team has to be precise with the needle and acutely tuned-in to Jumbe’s behaviors for each session to be successful. They draw multiple vials of blood during a session, but limit themselves to one needle insertion for Jumbe’s comfort. It takes three keepers, meticulous coordination and a lot of Jumbe-specific knowledge.

“We have a trainer, a ‘brusher’ and a ‘mechanic’ during the blood draws,” Ilana says. “The trainer stands at Jumbe’s head, giving him training cues and reinforcing his participation with yummy snacks. They also watch Jumbe’s face and upper body for any behaviors – like a twitch – that might indicate we need to finish soon. The brusher is at Jumbe’s feet with the mechanic, brushing his opposite front leg, so he has a familiar and positive sensation, and a distraction from the sensation of the blood draw. The mechanic does the blood draw from underneath a metal port where Jumbe rests his chin. The three of us are constantly communicating with each other and with Jumbe about what’s happening now and what’s happening next.”

The median life expectancy for Eastern black rhinos in human care, according to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, is 19 years, and Jumbe is 21. The team remains cautiously optimistic, exploring every possible avenue to support his health and well-being.

“We want to give Jumbe every chance to live a long, comfortable and fulfilling life,” Ilana says. “Because this treatment requires his voluntary participation, we will know if he doesn’t want to participate in a session. With a disease like this, we know it could take a turn at any moment, but for now, he’s enjoying life, and we’re determined to help him in the best ways possible.”

Guests can visit Jumbe in Encounter Africa, and participate in paid rhino feedings daily at noon through September. In October, feedings will be available on Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting. These feeding opportunities give people a rare chance to hand-feed a rhino, and their payment supports the Zoo’s frontline black rhino and African elephant conservation partner, Tsavo Trust, in Kenya.

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Mark the calendar for World Sloth Day and a celebration of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Hoffmann’s two-toed sloths on Sat., Oct. 19. That’s when Scutes Family Gallery and The Loft keepers will host special sloth meet-and-greets and other sloth-inspired activities. The Zoo will close early at 3 p.m. to prepare for Boo at the Zoo, but guests can enjoy a memorable morning and afternoon with Bosco, Aysan and Bean.

Hoffman's two-toed sloth, Bosco — Hoffman’s two-toed sloth, Bosco

Bosco, the gentleman of the group, is Aysan’s companion in Scutes Family Gallery. He’s also Bean’s dad. Bosco is 32 years old, and although he’s slowing down in his old age, he has always been a model of patience. Bosco is known for his considerate nature, typically waiting for his female companion to finish her training sessions with keepers before joining in.

“Bosco is just the best,” Amber Callen-Ward, lead keeper in Scutes Family Gallery, says. “When we ask them to come down for a voluntary husbandry training session, you’ll see him watching Aysan decide if and when she’ll join us. If she doesn’t come down, he’ll make his way over to us. If she moves to us quickly, he watches and waits until she’s finished training and then comes over.”

At 9 years old, Aysan is a very confident sloth. She’s quick to approach and interact with people and has mastered training sessions, including important behaviors like nail trims, targeting in specific locations, voluntary injections and even ultrasound training.

Sloth Aysan hanging upside-down — Hoffman’s two-toed sloth, Aysan

“Aysan is a really fast learner and just fast, in general,” says Amber. “She is comfortable in her environment and she knows she’s in control. We’ve been working on ultrasound and x-ray behaviors that will allow Aysan to voluntarily participate in her health care. Even cold-to-the-touch ultrasound gel does not faze her during training.”

Aysan and Bosco live in the atrium in Scutes Family Gallery, and Bosco’s daughter, Bean, lives just down the walkway, in The Loft. Bosco has darker markings than Aysan and Bean, who have similar light brown and blonde coloration. They all like fruit and vegetables. Bean, just like her dad, prefers less-sweet snacks, like cucumber and sweet potato. Aysan likes grapes, peaches and pears best.

The youngest and most mischievous of the bunch, 5-year-old Bean, is known for her curiosity, intelligence and food motivation. Bean, who was born at CMZoo in 2019, is a favorite among visitors – proven by her status as the top-requested encounter animal in The Loft.

“She’s almost always up for an encounter, and she is surprisingly quick when she’s motivated by her favorite snacks,” Jackie Watson, senior animal keeper in The Loft, says. “She has access to a huge rope and rafter system in The Loft, so make sure you look up next time you visit. She’s probably right above your head!”

While sloths are undeniably adorable, their ‘cute and cuddly’ reputations can be problematic. It’s crucial to practice ethical tourism when visiting sloths’ native homes.

“It’s important not to hold them,” Jackie says. “Sloth-holding opportunities are becoming increasingly popular. The people offering them might have good intentions and talk about conservation, but they sometimes don’t have the knowledge to do these types of encounters and consider the choices of the animals in their care.”

Hoffman's two-toed sloth, Bean — Hoffman’s two-toed sloth, Bean

Sloths that live in reputable and accredited organizations in human care were once considered untrainable because of their ‘slow’ reputations. CMZoo’s three sloths buck those outdated views daily, especially Bean. Having mastered crate, target, x-ray, and injection training (she also paints from time to time), Bean is moving on to voluntary blood draw training.

“Bean has shown us consistently that she’s capable of more,” says Jackie. “We’re working on training her to hold onto a stick and then keep her arm still for blood draws, which is a significant ask. We respect their autonomy and build relationships based on trust and positive reinforcement. We’re taking it slowly (no sloth pun intended), and I really believe Bean could make history with this training. She’s already helping sloth caretakers advocate for voluntary training and husbandry care for sloths by showing what she has learned.”

Don’t miss the chance to celebrate and learn about these fascinating creatures at World Sloth Day. All activities will be available in Scutes Family Gallery and The Loft on Sat., Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., including two special demonstrations:

10:30 a.m. Keeper Talk and Meet-and-Greet with Bosco and Aysan in Scutes Family Gallery
2 p.m. Meet-and Greet with Bean in The Loft

Advance daytime admission is required and available at cmzoo.org. On World Sloth Day (and on all days CMZoo is hosting Boo at the Zoo), the Zoo will close for daytime admission at 3 p.m. The Zoo reopens for Boo at the Zoo at 4 p.m. Boo at the Zoo requires separate admission. Details are available at cmzoo.org/boo.

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Mango and Basha, 1-year-old Amur leopard brothers, are growing up – and gearing up for their next big adventure. As the first Amur leopard cubs born at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in nearly 20 years, their highly anticipated births made history in May 2023. Now, their care team is preparing them to leave CMZoo for other zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to continue their important work in furthering the species.

Amur leopard Mango portrait — Amur leopard, Mango.

Mango, with his playful and unpredictable nature, and Basha, known for his quick learning and keen observation, are sure to make lasting impressions wherever they go. Their moving dates have not been set, but they could be as soon as this fall or next spring. The boys will go to separate zoos on eventual breeding recommendations to help support the Amur Leopard Species Survival Plan. Although they’re reproductively mature now, they’re not likely to meet potential mates right away. Male leopards are usually most successful mates when they’re a bit older.

Mango and Basha, who previously lived with their mother, Anya, have most recently been living together, apart from their mom. It is natural at this age for male leopards to leave their mothers, and Anya was showing keepers she was ready for the boys to move out. For the last couple of months, the brothers have been living together and spending more time independently from each other.

Amur leopard Basha up-close portrait — Amur leopard, Basha.

The steady transition is part of a comprehensive plan to foster their independence and confidence as independent leopards in new homes. Basia Dann, lead animal keeper in Asian Highlands, and her team are creating a detailed big cat transport plan and best practices program. They have started sharing the program with other big cat teams at professional conferences. Their hope is that this program can help Mango and Basha, as well as other big cats, make successful transitions between AZA-accredited organizations.

“It’s likely that most animals will move between organizations eventually,” Basia says. “We want Mango and Basha to be comfortable and confident during training, throughout their transport and as they settle into their new homes. We’re preparing them for various environments and situations they might encounter in their new zoos.”

The preparation began early, with keepers training Mango and Basha in a range of skills essential for their upcoming moves, as early as just a few months old. Crate training has been a key component, because the leopards will embark on their journeys by voluntarily entering transport crates and being awake for the trips to their new homes.

“We’ve been ‘practicing’ moving with the boys by asking them to voluntarily enter and sit calmly in a variety of crates and environments,” Basia says. “This helps them get used to being in different settings, and it can reduce their stress during a move. We want them to learn that they can feel confident in a crate, that crates are temporary, and that they’ll get a big treat when they’re done in the crate.”

In addition to crate training, keepers have been rotating Mango and Basha through different spaces within their current habitat. This includes areas that simulate conditions they might encounter in their new homes, such as public viewing spaces and routine quarantine settings. The aim is to familiarize the leopards with varied environments and stimuli, helping them build skills that make them adaptable and resilient.

Communication between zoos is another critical aspect of preparing an animal for a successful move. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is working closely with other facilities to coordinate Mango and Basha’s transfers, including sharing detailed information about the leopard’s individual preferences, tendencies, habitat layouts, experiences, training and behaviors.

“We share information about their favorite resting spots, perching systems, preferred enrichment and feeding habits, too,” Basia says. “This helps the receiving zoos prepare environments that feel as familiar as possible for them. If an animal is most relaxed up high on a branch, let’s make sure they have that waiting for them after their transport.”

As Mango and Basha prepare to leave, there’s a mix of excitement and bittersweet emotion among CMZoo staff.

Amur leopard Basha behind a rock — Amur leopard, Basha.

“Working with their mom through her pregnancy and seeing them grow up have been some of my most rewarding experiences as an animal keeper,” Basia says. “I will definitely miss them, but it’s not about me. We do this work alongside our animals to help save species, and I’m so glad we got to play a supporting role in helping Mango and Basha learn how to do that.”

Amur leopards are widely known as the rarest big cats on the planet. Only around 100 individuals remain in the wilds of Eastern Russia and China. CMZoo’s four Amur leopards represent four percent of the wild population. Helping Basha and Mango master the skills needed to successfully adapt to a new home in the future will hopefully give them the opportunity to breed and have families of their own, increasing the number of Amur leopards in the world.

When their moving plans are more concrete, CMZoo will share details. Visit the boys now to ensure you can wish them well on their way, and stay tuned to the Zoo’s social media channels for updates.

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL COLORADO – As summer vacation ends and school bells start to ring, many families are embracing a new academic year. For some, this means managing the whirlwind of new routines, teachers and environments. Long before the first day back, parents help their children prepare and adjust with earlier bedtimes, school shopping and teacher visits. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo partner, Children’s Hospital Colorado, has advice for helping kids settle in to the new year.

For Cora, a 1-year-old red panda who recently moved to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (CMZoo), her transition has been a bit like starting at a new school, but with bamboo snacks and triangle hammocks!

Cora’s arrival at CMZoo in July was a big event for the Zoo and the little panda. This adorable red panda, with her button nose, extra-fluffy tail and twinkling eyes, is the first of her kind at the Zoo in over two decades. Her new home in Asian Highlands was thoughtfully prepared to help her settle in smoothly.

“We’ve gone all out to make Cora’s new home as comfy as possible for her,” says Kelsey Walker, senior animal keeper in Asian Highlands. “We’ve been thoughtful about creating a peaceful space for her and incorporating some of her favorite things from her previous habitat to help her feel at ease.”

Cora’s new digs include everything from triangle hammocks – her favorite napping spots — to recycled firehose ‘vines’ she loves to climb. She also has lots of tree branches for climbing, perching or relaxing in her adorable ‘leopard lay’ position, where she lies on her tummy with her legs dangling on either side.

“Before Cora arrived, our team met with her keepers at her previous home to learn all about her favorite things, learned behaviors and individual tendencies,” Kelsey says. “We work to create a space and routine that meets her needs as a red panda and makes her feel comfortable, confident and in control, as an individual.”

Her previous primary keeper and CMZoo Asian Highlands team members met via video conference. On those video calls, Cora’s keeper introduced them to Cora and showed the CMZoo team some of her favorite habitat features.

In addition to creating those triangle hammocks, fire hose ‘vines’ and perching systems, CMZoo also installed a mister system in her main habitat and air conditioning in her den, because red pandas prefer cool climates.

Just like human children, who need time to get used to new classmates and teachers, Cora was given time to adjust to her new surroundings. In her previous home, she lived behind the scenes, so meeting guests is a new experience for Cora. To help her ease into her new environment, keepers initially set up a ‘quiet zone’ around her enclosure.

“At first, we had some guest barriers set up, and we added some leafy branches to the front windows, so guests could see her, and so she could get used to seeing guests a little bit at a time,” Kelsey says. “They were sort of like curtains. She’s really curious, so it wasn’t long until we saw her start to peek between the branches to check out her adoring visitors.”

Seeing Cora was comfortable, her team removed the barriers, and later the ‘window curtain’ branches a bit at a time. Cora has adjusted so well that she doesn’t need them at all anymore, and guests can get face-to-fuzzy-face with her at the windows. Cora’s welcome plan also includes training to help her get comfortable with her new routine and keepers.

“Her previous keeper team did a great job preparing her for the move with voluntary crate training and interactions that make Cora feel confident around people,” Kelsey says. “Since she arrived, we have been working on simple tasks, like asking her to move between her den and her main habitat. That helps build her confidence and establishes a foundational behavior that will help us expand her training repertoire. It also helps us build trust with her.”

The team at CMZoo is keeping a close eye on Cora’s behavior, even when they’re busy caring for other animals or greeting guests. Cora’s habitat has a 24-hour video surveillance system, so keepers can track data and quickly observe her behavior, routines and interactions with enriching items in her environment when they’re with her. As CMZoo does with all animals, the priority is creating a home that’s enriching for the animals, so they’re not entirely dependent on keepers for stimulation.

Making Cora feel confident in her new home allows her to do her job: connecting with guests and inspiring them to care for her wild counterparts. With only around 2,500 red pandas left in the wild, her arrival supports the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) Red Panda program. By providing Cora with a top-notch home and care, CMZoo is helping support a diverse and healthy population of red pandas, both in human care and in the wild.

As Cora gets more comfortable in her new surroundings, she’s been seen lounging on her favorite log or climbing around her perches, often using her tail to make the perfect comfy resting spots.

“She’s ridiculously cute,” says Kelsey. “We have seen her using her tail as a pillow under her chin, or wrapping it around her head as an eye mask for a mid-day nap. We’re still getting to know her, and we’re so excited to share her with everyone.”

Guests can see Cora in Asian Highlands. She has access to her den, behind the scenes, but most often chooses to hang out in her habitat, with guests quietly observing her every joy-inducing move.

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Khalid, CMZoo’s 16-year-old breeding bull giraffe, may be considered aging for an intact male giraffe in human care. But, at 16, he’s tackling new training routines and locations with the enthusiasm, confidence and consistency of a much younger giraffe.

The trusting relationships he has built with his keepers, along with the confidence he has in his environment, set him up for success as he and his keepers adjust his care plan to address issues into his golden years. Recently, Khalid has been experiencing some discomfort, particularly when standing on certain surfaces or at specific angles. Keepers have noticed him shifting his weight unusually and being less interested in participating in hoof care.

“We know him really well, so we can pick up on his subtle ways of communicating that he’s not confident in a certain space, even if he previously has been,” says Kelsey Newman, senior animal keeper in African Rift Valley. “We can also tell if he’s walking slightly differently, or if we need to brainstorm new ways to train with him so he’s more comfortable.”

Shortly after Khalid came to CMZoo, his team recognized a kink in his neck that his team addressed by training him to voluntarily stretch his neck when asked. He also received chiropractic care and laser therapy for his neck. He still participates in neck stretches, and his team keeps that history in mind while adjusting his routine as he ages.

Most giraffe in the CMZoo herd participate in hoof care in a barn stall where keepers are standing on the same floor as the giraffe. In that space, the giraffe walk up to a giraffe-chest-high fire hose connected to two metal doors. The hose prevents the giraffe from entering space with humans, for safety reasons. The open metal doors allow the giraffe to lift one front foot up and place it on a resting block, where keepers can trim hooves or address other issues.

Khalid has participated in voluntary hoof care sessions for many years, but the amount of time he was willing to participate in those sessions became shorter over time. His care team discussed elements in the training area that could be distracting him, or whether they needed to ask him to participate more or less frequently, or if he was physically uncomfortable during sessions.

“When we’re standing on the ground, and he gets a reward for training, we ask him to lean his big body forward to lower his head to get his treat from our hand,” Kelsey says. “You can see how if your front feet were already tender, leaning forward on one of those front feet would make you feel a little unsure. He told us he didn’t feel confident doing that by slowly taking a step back and looking at us as if to say, ‘I’ll do something else if you want, but I don’t like that one.’”

Rather than pushing through, they invited Khalid to participate in his familiar training routine in a different location known as ‘the chute,’ at the back of the giraffe barn. The chute has a platform, so keepers can get face-to-face with giraffe. The chute also has metal barriers on either side, so keepers are safe up high and down by his giant feet, but Khalid can still exit the training whenever he wants. Two sets of keepers work with Khalid at the chute. Two keepers work on his feet while two are up high on the platform, reinforcing his good behaviors without having to ask him to bend down.

Thanks to this tailored setup for Khalid, he participates in hoof trims more often, which is making his hooves and legs more comfortable. He also receives oral pain and anti-inflammatory medications, delivered on his favorite honey-and-lettuce roll-up.

“I keep joking that he prefers the setup in the chute because he has the full attention of four keepers, instead of just two,” Kelsey says. “He’s a giant sweetheart. Sometimes he asks for face scratches from certain people, and I’m honored to say I’m one of them. He’ll put his giant face into your torso and lean in for a good scratch. It’s the best.”

Speaking of faces, Khalid’s is unlike any other at the Zoo. Many visitors ask if Khalid’s face is so bumpy, compared to the rest of the giraffe, because he’s old. But the bumps on Khalid’s face are natural calcium deposits that form as testosterone-producing males reach maturity. The adaptation developed to protect males competing for territory in the wild.

During battle, male giraffe use their heads, and more specifically, they use their ossicones. They swing their heads with incredible force thanks to their long, muscly necks, right into their opponents. To protect their eyes and brains from the offensive impact, they grow thick ‘helmets’ around their ossicones and heads.

In addition to hoof care, medication and a good dose of face scratches from his keepers, Khalid’s care plan includes lots of movement. Although Khalid prefers not to explore the big yard (he’s been offered the chance many times, and consistently chooses not to go into that space), he explores a series of connected spaces and outdoor yards, set up with environmental enrichment that encourages him to take long strides and keep those big legs moving.

One surefire way to get Khalid moving is to invite him anywhere near Bailey, his most recent breeding partner in the herd. Bailey and Khalid are parents to 2-year-old BB, who recently moved to Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, and 1-year-old Wednesday, who still lives with the herd.

As a breeding bull, Khalid has helped bring seven giraffe calves into the world, also including 5-year-old Viv, who still lives at CMZoo. When calves are born, Khalid quietly observes from another stall. When the opportunity is right, he usually reaches over the stall fence to give his new calf a good sniff, and usually a big lick on the head.

“Khalid is an icon here at the Zoo, and he does so much for his species, both by inspiring countless people to care for giraffe, and by contributing to the population in human care,” Kelsey says. “We’re going to do everything we can to help Khalid step into his golden years with dignity and comfort, because we want him to be able to continue his work in both of those departments.”

Visitors can see Khalid, and hand-feed him lettuce, in the side yard or barn in African Rift Valley. Exciting improvements are underway at CMZoo! This means normal routes to guests’ favorite animals may be different, but visitors can still see all animals at the Zoo! Watch for signs for alternate routes.

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If you’ve been to Rocky Mountain Wild recently, you might have seen the three bandit-faced raccoons: Benton, Baker and Baldwin! The curious 6-year-old brothers are settling into their new home, spending their days exploring branches, playing on tire swings, napping in hollowed-out logs, and washing their long hands in the pond.

The boys recently came from an AZA-accredited zoo in Louisiana, where they were born in human care. Energetic, curious, and outgoing, these three will help remind visitors how to protect our native wildlife.

You can make a difference for wildlife by securing your trash! When raccoons or bears discover they can find tasty snacks at your place, they’re likely to become repeat visitors. This not only means dealing with scattered trash but also increases the risk of human-wildlife conflicts. Such conflicts can create dangerous situations for both people and animals and, in some cases, may lead to the euthanasia of wildlife that becomes too accustomed to human environments.

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Grizzly bears Emmett and Digger aren’t the only ones engaging with the recent renovations in Rocky Mountain Wild! The new guest path winds through native trees and plants, leading you past three lively raccoon brothers before reaching the updated grizzly bear exhibit. Here, you can get a closer look at Emmett and Digger as they enjoy their training, enrichment activities, pools and dirt piles—or even catch them during one of their naps! And don’t miss the scenic views and the thrill of our brand-new 20- and 30-foot-tall fire tower slides, open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.!

This weekend, join us for a housewarming party for Emmett and Digger from Sat.,, Aug. 31 through Mon., Sept. 2 (Labor Day), featuring special activities and keeper talks!

All weekend long, enjoy these activities:

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
-Show us your best #GrizzlyRizz at our selfie photo station with grizzly-themed photo props.
-Visit our docent biofact station to learn about bears, and how to protect them in the wild.
-Color your own grizzly paw to display for the weekend.
11:15 a.m. watch a daily raccoon keeper talk.
2:45 p.m. watch a daily grizzly demonstration.

Advance admission tickets are required for members* and the general public. Labor Day weekend is a popular time to visit Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and capacity is limited, so don’t wait to get your tickets at cmzoo.org.

(*Advance tickets required for Individual Plus, Family, Grandparent and Family Plus memberships.)

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Australia Walkabout is home to two American alligators, Tommy and Sally. Both regularly participate in voluntary training sessions, including target and touch training, which allow the alligators to choose to participate in their health care while keepers perform general health checks.

As ambush predators, alligators have unique adaptations that help them blend into their surroundings and strike swiftly when prey approaches. Their eyes are positioned high on their heads, enabling them to remain submerged while still keeping watch above the surface. Alligators can have about 80 teeth in their mouth at a time and can go through 2,000 to 3,000 teeth in their lifetime.

Tommy and Sally are great ambassadors for their species, educating guests about the crucial role alligators play in maintaining balance in the ecosystem.

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