News Archive

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 . . .

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 . . .

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 . . .

Celebrate our seventeen ‘flockstars’ on International African Penguin Awareness Day (IAPAD), on Sat., Oct. 11 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Zoo! You won’t want to miss six-month-old Sparrow’s very first IAPAD! Penguin enthusiasts can join us in Water’s Edge: Africa for crafts, games, and other activities available throughout the day. Don’t miss . . .

THE SIX-YEAR-OLD SLOTH PASSED AWAY ON WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 24, DUE TO HEART DISEASE – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is reflecting on the impact that Bean, a Hoffmann’s two-toed sloth who lived in The Loft, made on members, guests and staff. Bean passed away on Wed., Sept. 24 after a short illness. Last week, Bean lost her . . .

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is inviting guests to help name Asha’s gorilla baby while fundraising for the new Primate World! Asha, a 32-year-old critically endangered Western lowland gorilla, gave birth to an adorable baby boy on Mon., July 21, 2025. It had been nearly 13 years since a gorilla was born at CMZoo. A $5 minimum . . .

QUARTERS FOR CONSERVATION PROGRAM HELPS MEMBERS AND GUESTS CONTRIBUTE DIRECTLY TO FRONTLINE CONSERVATION ORGANIZATIONS WORLDWIDE – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and its members and guests are celebrating a huge milestone, having raised $6 million for wildlife and wild places, since the Zoo’s Quarters for Conservation (Q4C) program launched in 2008. Every visitor to the Zoo receives . . .

MON., SEPT. 8 THROUGH SUN., SEPT. 14, MILITARY FAMILIES CAN ENJOY 50% OFF DAYTIME ADMISSION; SEPT. 11, COMMUNITY INVITED TO SILENT NIGHT AT THE ZOO – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s annual Military Appreciation Week is in full swing, and continues through Sun., Sept. 14, 2025. All active-duty, veteran and retired military members and their dependents who . . .

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 . . .

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 . . .