News Archive

Cofan, our 17-year-old male mountain tapir, is recovering from having a kidney removed in mid-February. In December 2020, his keepers noticed he was starting to act unusually and that his symptoms were progressing quickly. He was uncoordinated, was not shifting to his outdoor yard, and was eating less and losing weight. “Cofan is normally eager . . .

Primate World keepers are working with Sumagu, a 33-year-old female Sumatran orangutan on behaviors that allow her to participate voluntarily in her long-term health care. The incredibly intelligent ape has learned new husbandry behaviors, including EKG and blood draw training. Come behind the scenes with Sumagu and her keepers to learn how they customize her . . .

Abuto, our 9-year-old African lion patriarch, is participating in impressive training that supports his ongoing health care, thanks to the creativity and dedication of his animal care team. We have been keeping you informed as Abuto’s kidney disease and high blood pressure progress, and these two new behaviors – a ‘drink’ cue and subcutaneous fluid . . .

Our mountain lions are – like many of us – adjusting to a new normal. Seven-month-old Koda is now living full-time with 1-year-old mountain lion siblings, Adira and Sitka! Because Koda was so much smaller than Adira and Sitka, and because he was found alone at such a young age, introducing the three cougars was . . .

Join Al and Phil, Water’s Edge: Africa keepers, for an update on Biko, Kasai and Zambezi, our three Nile hippos. Biko, our 18-year-old male, joined us in June, and has been developing a strong relationship with Zambezi. Biko is here on a breeding recommendation with Zambezi and Kasai, who are sisters. Learn more from their . . .

Since Zena, our 6-year-old female Red River hog, joined us in 2019, African Rift Valley keepers have been working to introduce her and Huey, our 13-year-old male. The two hogs are getting along great, and keepers have even seen promising behaviors to support their breeding recommendation. Join Brooke, African Rift Valley keeper, for an update . . .

Since Goma, our 29-year-old silverback Western lowland gorilla, came to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in 2016, Primate World keepers have worked to socialize him with the four female gorillas who live at the Zoo. Each of the ladies has her own personality, which means Goma – who came to CMZoo without much experience living in a . . .

Join Digger and Emmett, CMZoo’s two 15-year-old male grizzly bears, and Rocky Mountain Wild Keepers, Sarah and Kristen, to get up close with the bears and learn about hibernation and torpor. Cooler temperatures mean the boys are preparing for winter, when they go into a slight stage of torpor and generally slow down a bit. . . .

Most people who have been to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo have seen our African lions majestically gazing out over Colorado Springs from atop Pride Rock, or hanging out on the perches and heated floors in their Relaxation Room. Abuto, CMZoo’s 9-year-old African lion pride patriarch, is an amazing ambassador for his species, having formed countless connections . . .

The Wilgruen Elephant Center in Encounter Africa is home to six African elephants named Jambo (37), Malaika (34), Lucky (40), LouLou (38), Kimba (42) and Missy (51). All of these precious pachyderms are considered to be advanced in age, and that’s no coincidence. Our ‘Golden Girls,’ as we affectionately call them, are the beneficiaries of . . .