With keeper talks and animal demonstrations throughout the day, The Loft provides hands-on and up-close opportunities with smaller animals like tortoises, skunks, snakes, lizards and more. My Big Backyard is home to chickens, bunnies and a treehouse that’s home to lots of amphibians and invertebrates.
What you may not know is that with a little planning, your afternoon at the Zoo could foster lifelong memories, connections and inspiration. Read on to learn about private animal encounters, animal painting experiences, and keeper-led educational programs that will inspire children of all ages to appreciate the little animals of the world who are so vital to our planet’s complex ecosystems.
Animal Encounters
Have you ever been to the Zoo, visited our three-banded armadillo, Frida, and thought, “I wonder what it would be like to feed her?” With an animal encounter, guests can meet reptiles, birds or mammals from The Loft or My Big Backyard up close. With a keeper’s help, guests prepare animal diets, feed the animals, and even help train them. Plus, you can feel good knowing the fee helps support the care of the animals that inspire conservation action, right here at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Visit cmzoo.org/encounter for more information and a full list of animals who can choose to participate.
Animal Art Experiences
It’s no secret that there are several animal artists at the Zoo, and their art is available for purchase online or from their habitats. But, did you know that you can set up an experience to be a part of the painting process from start to finish? Animal art painting experiences allow you to help a keeper train an animal and decide which paint colors will adorn your very own modern art masterpiece, sure to spark conversation. To learn more about animal encounters and painting opportunities, visit cmzoo.org/LoftEncounters.
Animal Care 101 and Backyard Exploration Classes
Maybe you are thinking about bringing a new pet rabbit into your home. Does a backyard chicken coop sound superb, but you’re not quite sure where to start? Or, are you curious about the native birds that live in Colorado and want the chance to learn how to spot them?
The Loft and My Big Backyard have many classes just like these, perfect for a unique afternoon activity. Whether you are curious about to how to care for an animal or want a nature-based Zoo experience, there are options for both! You can even choose to sign up for classes when they occur, or get some friends and family together and schedule your own private program! Visit cmzoo.org/AnimalCare101 to learn more about animal care classes at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.