This morning, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s oldest African elephant, Missy, needed assistance to stand, and her care team helped her back to her feet using specialized equipment. She is recovering in the elephant barn, which may be closed to guests. She is being closely monitored by her care team and receiving a pain and anti-inflammatory medication to help keep her as comfortable as possible.
Missy seems to be doing well and has been moving around and gently taking food from her care team. For now, Missy’s future is uncertain, but her care team is prepared to make the most compassionate decisions for her, empowered with the training and equipment they need to face whatever comes their way. CMZoo’s emergency response team consistently practices protocols for lifting an elephant that can’t get up, and for a humane euthanasia decision.
Missy is a 57-year-old female African elephant and the oldest resident at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. She is also one of the oldest African elephants in the United States. She’s long been the elephant matriarch — never shy about reminding the herd she’s in charge — and she shares a special bond with her best friend, LouLou.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has shared in previous updates that Missy has started to have a few more challenging days as she gets older. Like many geriatric animals, Missy has experienced age-related changes, including loss of trunk strength and dexterity, vision loss in one eye, and changes to her teeth and skin. Her care team continues to thoughtfully adjust her care, focusing on keeping her comfortable while providing enriching opportunities that support her daily well-being.
CMZoo cares for an aging female elephant herd, so the barn is equipped with equipment that helps address the inevitable complications that come with multi-ton animals that need medical assistance. Equipment includes a remote video surveillance system for animal care staff to monitor the elephants, the crane-and-hoist system that can lift a disabled elephant, and a care system that provides a safe area for weighing, veterinary care, and husbandry training. Outdoor wellness features of the exhibit include an exercise path, built-in enrichment activities, a pool and a spacious vacation yard, where elephants can take time to roam and explore by themselves.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will continue monitoring Missy closely, during the day and overnight, and will continue to provide updates on Missy as needed.
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 2026, CheyennevMountain Zoo was voted #2 Best Zoo in North America and CMZoo’s Rocky Mountain Wild was named #2 Best Zoo Exhibit in North America by USA TODAY’s 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. Since 2008, CMZoo’s Quarters for Conservation program has raised more than $6 million dedicated to frontline conservation efforts around the world. Of the 237 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.