Events & Programs Archives

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL COLORADO – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s partners at Children’s Hospital Colorado have seen pets improve their family members’ lives – and health. A family pet can lower heart rates, reduce loneliness, increase physical activity and improve kids’ ability to read emotions and respond. There are factors to consider before adding a pet to the family. Read Children’s Colorado’s advice on family pets here.

One way to get outside and enjoy time with a four-legged family member is at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Dog Days! Finn, a one-year-old great Pyrenees-poodle mix, has attended Dog Days three times, experiencing the stimulating sights, sounds and smells at the Zoo, while enriching Zoo animals’ lives with his presence. His person, Amber Gates, says she’s not sure who has more fun: Finn, as he enthusiastically explores, or her, as she watches his pure joy unfold.

“Because we’ve gone to Dog Days a few times, Finn starts getting excited in the car when we turn up towards the Zoo now,” Amber says. “His ears perk up like, ‘Hey! I know this place and it’s really fun!’ Once we’re inside the Zoo, he knows exactly where he wants to go: straight to the penguins. He likes to watch them swimming, and they pause at the glass to check him, too. It’s so fun.”

On scheduled Dog Days at CMZoo, guests are welcome to bring their well-mannered family dogs with them to the Zoo. Since offering the sporadic event since May 2023, the guest experience team and animal care team have fine-tuned the experience so it’s enriching for Zoo animals and enjoyable for visiting dogs and humans.

Service dogs are always welcome at the Zoo, so seeing a dog is not an entirely new experience for animals that live at the Zoo. But, service dogs behave differently than a family pet, and they visit in much smaller numbers.

Most Zoo animals do not behave any differently on Dog Days than they do on a normal day. Others are excited for a short time, and then return to their normal behaviors. Some animals, like ring-tailed lemurs and meerkats, noticeably strengthened their bonds as a group.

“Meerkats are well known for their sentinel antipredator behaviors, observed in the wild and in human care,” Rick Hester, CMZoo’s curator of animal behaviors, says. “During Dog Days, we have observed the meerkats working together, presumably with the goal to remove dogs from their view. We have seen the meerkats huddle together and approach a dog, which is called ‘mobbing.’ All the dogs eventually move away, and the meerkats, having seemingly accomplished their goal, would resume other activities like foraging for food. From the perspective of the meerkats, they were successful!”

African lions and mountain lions are typically intrigued by the dogs, exhibiting classic big-cat stalking behaviors.

“The mountain lions were definitely out and watching the dogs,” Amber says. “I imagined them watching and wondering, ‘Is that a friend or a snack?’ Finn didn’t pay a lot of attention to the mountain lions, but his reaction to the African lions was interesting. The lions were laid back while we were there, but Finn positioned himself between me and them, as if he was feeling an instinct to protect me. I haven’t seen that from him before, so that was a new experience for both of us.”

Dog Days at CMZoo is a special event with limited availability. Advance tickets are required for humans and their canine companions, and tickets can sell out fast! Each dog must have a dog ticket to enter the Zoo; human tickets will not be honored for dog admission.

For upcoming Dog Days dates, requirements and ticket information, visit cmzoo.org/dogdays. See a guide to Dog Days here.

“It’s such a unique opportunity to see animals interact,” Amber says. “The goats were totally smitten with Finn. It was like they were thinking, ‘You kind of look like me, but I don’t think we’re the same.’ Watching the dogs explore and engage with animals they wouldn’t normally encounter is incredible.”

There are currently four Dog Days on the calendar:
– Friday, March 14, 2025
– Friday, March 21, 2025
– Friday, April 11, 2025
– Friday, April 25, 2025

As for Finn, Amber says they’ll definitely be back – ears perked, tail wagging and ready for another unforgettable day of exploration together.

“We 100% recommend it,” Amber says. “It’s a great way to bond with your dog while experiencing something totally unique.”

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Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s highly competitive Summer Teen Program application period opens on Sat., Feb. 1. The three-month program takes a unique approach to fostering nature stewardship and inspiring young people to take part in protecting the wild world. Soon, it will welcome new and returning participants for summer 2025.

Applications for the program for sixth through 12th graders open Sat., Feb. 1 at cmzoo.org/teenprograms. Applications will only be accepted for 10 days, so nature-loving teenagers should start considering the program now.

After orientation on May 17 and 18, the program runs from May 27 to Aug. 8, 2025. Summer Teen Program participants work alongside CMZoo staff to interact with animals, guests, keepers and each other. Lynn Joseph has been in the Teen Program since summer 2021, and in 2025 she intends to return as a Junior Zoo Keeper and a Teen Leader. She is also a member of the Zoo’s Youth Leadership Action Board, which serves the Teen Program similarly to how a student council would serve a school.

“I’ve been able to grow and learn social skills, gain confidence in public speaking and become a stronger leader,” Lynn says. “The Teen Program is an amazing space to be myself, learn how I operate and make mistakes. I’ve learned how to teach, how to be taught and how to connect with people. I’ve made really valuable friendships in this program, and nothing makes me happier.”

In addition to gaining valuable experience working at CMZoo, teen participants learn to be nature’s best stewards with life-changing experiences off Zoo grounds, in Colorado’s wild spaces. Teens can expect educational, inspirational experiences and mentorship that offer a platform to unearth their passions and discover more about their strengths. Teens are mentored by staff and peers as they learn to be leaders and advocates for wildlife and wild places.

“Ultimately, we hope these experiences connect the hands, the heart and the mind to the natural world, so these teens will defend and advocate for the wild places and wild animals of our world,” Austin Kennedy, CMZoo Extended Education Supervisor in the EdVenture department, says. “We focus on leadership training, animal husbandry, interpretation and public speaking, empowerment, life skills and so much more.”

EdVenture staff recommends purchasing an application as soon as possible when they open so teens have ample time to read through, draft, and submit applications. There is an application fee of $25 per applicant. Once that has been paid, a link will be automatically sent to the email used to submit during purchase. The applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. MST on Mon., Feb. 10, 2025. No late applications will be accepted.

After the application period, EdVenture staff conducts interviews with selected candidates. Around 100 applicants are accepted to the summer program. CMZoo’s Summer Teen Program is a tuition-based experience, and scholarships are available. Email [email protected] with any questions.

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Spending time outdoors is a proven method for combatting stress, anxiety or depression – even if it’s just for 15 minutes. Our partners at Children’s Hospital Colorado say helping kids stay active, despite colder temperatures and shorter days, has countless mental and physical health benefits.

For those who might not know where to start, scheduled group activities can allow children to experience a wide range of programming while they fine-tune what really interests them. Outdoor School at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a year-round program with offerings for all ages. In January and February, middle- and high-school aged programs focus on endangered species wild reintroduction methods and animal tracking.

Attendees get a personalized small-group tour of the Zoo, led by an EdVenture team member who specializes in teen education, conservation and nature-based topics. During these interactive tours, Outdoor School students visit animals at the Zoo and discuss how each animal is relevant to the topic at hand.

“For our Rewilding & Reintroduction course in January, we’ll visit a variety of endangered species at the Zoo, then learn how conservation activities are supporting their recovery in the wild,” Russell Friedman, EdVenture education specialist at CMZoo, says. “We observe animals up-close while we discuss the delicate details of their wild reintroductions. We talk about how we can help, and students have opportunities to ask questions about the animals, their challenges in the wild, and what conservationists are doing to help.”

Black-footed ferrets, Wyoming toads, Mexican wolves, African penguins, Amur tigers, giraffe, African elephants, Eastern black rhinos, and more CMZoo species, are endangered or critically endangered. Conservation organizations dedicated to these species receive funding from CMZoo, so just by visiting the Zoo or participating in a program, guests and Zoo members are funding efforts to save wildlife.

Winter is a great time to learn about animal tracks, because they can be fun to spot in the snow. At the Art of Animal Tracking program in February, students will explore CMZoo’s behind-the-scenes Nature Trail. There, they will learn to recognize native species’ paw and hoof prints, and will then learn about those species that call the Rocky Mountains home.

“We’ve hosted this program several times, and I love hearing that our students have gone home and encouraged their entire families to go on a short hike to spot animal tracks,” Russell says. “Witnessing evidence of these species in our local wild places helps students make deeper connections with them, while encouraging them to get outside and enjoy nature. Imagine how exciting it would be to take a short winter hike and spot tracks and then share what you know about that animal that with your family.”

Additional Outdoor School programs are added to the calendar regularly. Advance registration is required, and it includes admission to CMZoo for that day. Visit cmzoo.org/outdoorschool for more information.

Rewilding & Reintroduction

Date: Sat., Jan. 18, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Cost: $36.75* per student
Ages: Middle School & High School

Trail Tales:The Art of Animal Tracking

Date: Sat., Feb. 1, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Cost: $36.75* per student
Ages: Middle School & High School
Location: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

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Winter at the Zoo is a magical experience! Bundle up and enjoy the mountain views with a cup of steaming hot cocoa in hand. Many animals are extra active on snowy days, while others have cozy indoor habitats. Almost all of the animals are visible to guests, even on the coldest days!

When you’re ready to warm up, head indoors for giraffe and budgie feedings, a visit with our hippos, great apes, sloths, skunks and more, or grab a snack in one of the eateries around the Zoo. Don’t miss the daily animal demonstrations schedule. Keeper talks and demonstrations are great ways to see animals up-close and learn a thing or two about them from our knowledgeable staff.

Visiting in the winter means you can experience the entire Zoo with fewer crowds and save some money while you’re at it! Take advantage of Value Days at the Zoo, happening now through February, and save $5 on daytime admission. Tickets are available at cmzoo.org.

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GUESTS WILL ENJOY FOOD, DRINKS, LIVE MUSIC, A HOLIDAY SAFARI DRONE LIGHT SHOW, AND VISITS WITH THEIR FAVORITE ANIMALS AND SANTA – Make plans for an adults-only mistle-toast to the season at Electric Moonlight from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thurs., Dec. 5, at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. There’s nowhere else you can sip cocktails, sample food, enjoy live local music, feed a giraffe and visit Santa in an adults-only atmosphere on the side of a mountain!

Electric Moonlight incorporates all of the magic of Electric Safari, like 50 acres of twinkling lights displays, 90+ hand-made light sculptures, enormous animal inflatables, and a drone light show, plus the additions of live music and all-inclusive food and drink samplings (while supplies last). Guests can also take in the lights from new heights on the Mountaineer Sky Ride ($3 per rider). Even Santa will be here to listen to grown-ups’ holiday wishes! Inflatables and drone show are weather dependent.

In between sampling delicious food and drinks, donated by local restaurants, breweries, distilleries and more, guests can enjoy scheduled animal keeper talks and demonstrations. Select animal habitats will be open for guests to visit, including the giraffe barn, where guests can hand-feed the 16-member giraffe herd for $3 per lettuce bundle or $5 for two bundles. See lists of open animal areas, musicians and attending vendors at cmzoo.org/em.

This event is popular and is subject to selling out. Don’t wait to secure your spot at the last 21-and-up special event of the year at cmzoo.org/em.

Attendees can get into the holiday spirit and feel good about purchasing a ticket to this important fundraiser for the Zoo. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of the only AZA-accredited nonprofit zoos in the country that does not receive tax support, so every ticket helps fund animal care, Zoo operations, improvements and conservation.

Quick Facts
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thurs., Dec. 5, 2023
• Advance tickets are required and must be purchased at cmzoo.org/em. This event is likely to sell out.
• Electric Moonlight features:
— live music throughout the Zoo
— food and drink samples from Front Range restaurants, breweries, distilleries and more (while supplies last)
— more than 50 acres of twinkling lights
— more than 90 hand-made light sculptures
— giant illuminated animal inflatables (weather permitting)
— a holiday-safari themed drone show (weather permitting)
— access to the Mountaineer Sky Ride (weather permitting; $3)
— access to the historic carousel (weather permitting; $2 per person)
— access to most of the Zoo’s animal exhibits, including paid giraffe and budgie feedings
— scheduled animal keeper talks and demonstrations
• This event is for adults, ages 21 and older, only. No children or infants will be allowed in.
• Each ticket includes a souvenir sampling cup and spork so guests can sample food and drinks located throughout the Zoo. Local breweries, distilleries and restaurants will have samples available for guests while supplies last.

This waste-wise event is supported by Toyota.

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 2024, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was voted #5 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 $5 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.

26 NIGHTS OF ELECTRIC SAFARI START ON FRI., DEC. 6 – AND TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE TODAY! – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is preparing the mountainside with millions of lights for the 34th year of Electric Safari. Twenty-six nights of mountainside lights starts on Friday, Dec. 6, and tickets are available starting today at cmzoo.org/electric.

Plus, Electric Safari is nominated for ‘Best Zoo Lights in North America’ – and Zoo fans can vote daily through Dec. 2 at cmzoo.org/lights. Electric Safari was named Third Best Zoo Lights in North American for the last five years by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Fans of the Zoo can vote once daily at cmzoo.org/lights until the contest ends, at 10 a.m. MT on Mon., Dec. 2. Top-ten national rankings should be announced that week!
VOTE FOR BEST ZOO LIGHTS

This year, attendees can expect more than 50 acres of twinkling lights, 90+ hand-made light sculptures, giant illuminated animal inflatables, a holiday-safari drone show, plus breathtaking nighttime city views from the side of the mountain.

Electric Safari opens on Fri., Dec. 6 and runs through Wed., Jan.1, 2025 – except Christmas Eve. Zoo members can get early entry, from 4 to 5 p.m. General admission is from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Electric Safari ends at 8:30 p.m.

Electric Safari is free for CMZoo members, and members can attend as often as they’d like! To manage on-site parking throughout the popular event, advance timed tickets are required for members and the general public. Capacity is limited and some nights will sell out. Get tickets and more details at cmzoo.org/electric. Guests can save $5 per ticket by visiting on a non-peak day, detailed on the Pricing Calendar at cmzoo.org/electric.

Attendees will enjoy lit trees, structures and sculptures, installed by Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s grounds and events team. Larger-than-life illuminated animal inflatables and a nightly holiday-safari themed drone light show (both are weather dependent) will decorate the Zoo, making the perfect setting for extra-special holiday memories. If all of those beautiful lights don’t un-Scrooge even the Grinchiest of holiday grumps, a cup of hot cocoa and a visit with Santa ought to do the trick.

Kris Kringle will be in Safari Lodge through Dec. 23 to hear holiday wishes, collect lists and pose for free photos. Take a spin on the historic carousel for $2 per ride, or hop on the Mountaineer Sky Ride for incredible once-a-year views of the holiday nighttime glow of Colorado Springs from the mountainside (both are weather permitting).

Electric Safari wouldn’t be complete without scheduled animal demonstrations and keeper talks! Guests can also visit select animal exhibits. Electric Safari offers paid feeding opportunities with CMZoo’s famous giraffe herd and budgie flock. See an animal schedule, feeding prices and open animal exhibits at cmzoo.org/electric.

Grizzly Grill, Cozy Goat, Pizza with a View and Elson’s Café will be open to serve food and beverages. The Thundergod Gift Shop is open every night for Zoo-themed gifts and hot cocoa.

Electric Safari is supported by our partners at Children’s Hospital Colorado, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, U.S. Bank and Toyota. For more information, visit: cmzoo.org/electric.

Electric Safari Fast Facts
• Electric Safari is from 5 to 8:30 p.m. nightly from Fri., Dec. 6 through Wed., Jan. 1, 2025 – except on Christmas Eve. Early entry for members and their paying guests starts at 4 p.m.
• Advance timed tickets are required for members and the general public.
• Tickets are limited and some nights will sell out in advance.
• Electric Safari is free for Zoo members. Members must reserve timed tickets, and can attend as often as they please.
• Santa will greet Electric Safari guests nightly through Mon., Dec. 23. Bring letters and take photos!
• Electric Safari features:
— more than 50 acres of twinkling lights
— more than 90 hand-made light sculptures
— giant illuminated animal inflatables (weather permitting)
— a nightly holiday-safari themed drone show (weather permitting)
— access to the Mountaineer Sky Ride (weather permitting; $4 for members; $5 for general public)
— access to the historic carousel (weather permitting; $2 per person)
— access to most of the Zoo’s animal exhibits, including paid giraffe and budgie feedings
— nightly scheduled animal keeper talks and demonstrations
— get more information and tickets in advance at cmzoo.org/electric
• Vote for Electric Safari, nominated in USA TODAY’s Best Zoo Lights in North America, daily at cmzoo.org/lights through Mon., Dec. 2.

About Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

ADVANCE, TIMED-TICKETS REQUIRED FOR ALL SEVEN NIGHTS OF HALLOWEEN FUN – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will feel the Halloween spirit when little ghouls and goblins attend Boo at the Zoo, starting Fri., Oct. 18, 2024. This decades-long Colorado Springs Halloween tradition is a fun way for families to trick-or-treat, enjoy Halloween festivities in a unique environment and support a great cause.

Boo at the Zoo is Oct. 18-20 and 25-27, plus Halloween night, Thurs., Oct. 31 from 4 to 8:30 p.m. Advance timed e-tickets are required and available at cmzoo.org/boo. Capacity is limited and some nights are close to selling out.

In addition to visiting select animal exhibits and trick-or-treating, frightfully fun attractions include a lighted pumpkin patch, a kid-friendly spooky haunted house, Ghoulish Graveyard and Pirates Cove. Attendees can also enjoy rides on the Mountaineer Sky Ride and carousel, weather permitting.

An elephant-sized amount of candy (4.5 tons) will be handed out at 25+ trick-or-treat stations throughout the Zoo. Candy is purchased from companies that are members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), and have committed to using sustainable palm oil for the protection of orangutan habitats in the wild.

Orangutan fans can support companies that have committed to using responsibly sourced palm oil by downloading the free globally available mobile app, PalmOil Scan. The mobile app allows shoppers to scan product barcodes and see immediately how that company ranks in prioritizing sustainable palm oil. Learn more at cmzoo.org/palmoil.

The Zoo will close for daytime admission on Boo dates at 3 p.m. Boo at the Zoo will go on, rain, snow or shine. Be sure to bundle up on cold nights and enjoy a Colorado evening on the mountain!

HALLOWEEN-THEMED ANIMAL ENRICHMENT AND DEMONSTRATIONS:
• Fri., Oct. 18 and Fri., Oct. 25:
5 p.m. – African Lion Enrichment (Lion Relaxation Room, African Rift Valley)
6:30 p.m. – Wallaby Pumpkin Enrichment (inside wallaby building, Australia Walkabout)

• Sat., Oct. 19 and Sat., Oct. 26:
5 p.m. – Meerkat Enrichment (meerkat yard between giraffe and African lions, African Rift Valley)
6:30 p.m. – Hippo Keeper Talk and Feeding (inside hippo building, Water’s Edge: Africa)

• Sun., Oct. 20 and Sun., Oct. 27:
5 p.m. – African Lion Enrichment (Lion Relaxation Room, African Rift Valley)
6:30 p.m. – Wallaby Pumpkin Enrichment (inside wallaby building, Australia Walkabout)

• Thurs., Oct. 31 – HALLOWEEN:
5 p.m. – Meerkat Enrichment (meerkat yard between giraffe and African lions, African Rift Valley)
6:30 p.m. – Hippo Keeper Talk and Feeding (inside hippo building, Water’s Edge: Africa)

SELECT ANIMAL EXHIBITS ARE OPEN, INCLUDING:
• Giraffe building
• African lions
• Budgie Buddies
• Wallaby building
• Encounter Africa elephant/rhino barn
• Domestic Goat Experience
• My Big Backyard
• The Loft
• Scutes Family Gallery
• Water’s Edge: Africa

RESTAURANTS OPEN DURING BOO AT THE ZOO
• Grizzly Grill
• Pizza with a View
• Elson’s Place
• Cozy Goat (beverages only)
• Thundergod Gift Shop

COSTUME REQUIREMENTS
For the safety of all guests, full-face costume masks and costume weapons may not be worn by guests 12 years of age or older. Masks worn by guests 11 years of age and younger must have openings that allow the eyes to be seen and that do not obstruct peripheral vision. Balloons are not allowed inside the Zoo (even as part of a costume) for the safety of our animals and wild animals.

TRICK-OR-TREAT BAGS
Support the Zoo’s efforts to reduce waste by bringing your own trick-or-treat bags! Reusable bags will be available for purchase for $2 at admissions.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteers are crucial to the success and safety of Boo at the Zoo. Positions include handing out or delivering candy, directing traffic and staffing the haunted house. All volunteers must be at least 13 years old. Volunteers ages 13-17 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or school advisor at all times. We will not assign specific positions until the evening of the event. Curious about volunteering for Boo at the Zoo? Visit cmzoo.org/boo.

FAST FACTS
Boo at the Zoo at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Dates: Oct. 18-20, 25-27 and 31
4 to 8:30 p.m.
Advance timed e-tickets are required.
www.cmzoo.org/boo

Boo at the Zoo is possible thanks to our generous partners, Black Bear Diner, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Les Schwab Tire Centers, and Toyota.

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 2023, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was voted #5 Best Zoo in North America and CMZoo’s Rocky Mountain Wild was named #2 Best Zoo Exhibit in North America by USA TODAY 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 $5 million dedicated to frontline conservation efforts around the world. Of the 238 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.

SEPT. 9-15, 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 set for Mon., Sept. 9 through Sun., Sept. 15, 2024. All active-duty, veteran and retired military members and their dependents who live in the same household can receive 50% off the base Zoo admission cost for the day and time they choose to attend. This is an even bigger recognition of their service than our year-round military discount. Timed-entry e-tickets are required and must be purchased in advance at cmzoo.org/military.

To validate pre-purchased tickets at the front gate, military personnel or a spouse must present a valid military ID at admissions. Accepted IDs include: a valid military / retired military ID; a copy of form DD214; state driver’s license printed with veteran indicator or military identifier; or ID issued by the VA, VFW or American Legion. If a service member is absent, spouses and dependents are still entitled to this discount with a spouse’s valid military ID.

At Silent Night, on Wed., Sept. 11 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., the Zoo hosts an evening of peaceful mindfulness in nature. Because this event is during Military Appreciation Week, all active-duty, veteran and retired military personnel and their dependents living in the same household will get 50% off admission to this evening event, too.

Silent Night is just what the name implies: a silent experience at the Zoo, with only the natural sounds of the mountain. Attendees will be asked to silence phones and other noisy devices, and to keep all communication to a whisper. The goal is to create a peaceful environment in natural surroundings, with as little background noise as possible.

Animals will be visible, just like other after-hours events, but there will be no loud speaker announcements, keeper talks, carousel rides, or conversations above a whisper. The Zoo has designated ‘noise-friendly’ buildings available for anyone who needs to take an important phone call, or regroup. The rest of the Zoo will be quiet, and the Zoo will provide small notepads and pens for written communication during the event.

Fast Facts

Silent Night at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Wednesday, Sept. 11 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Advance tickets are required for members and non-members.

Zoo members receive a $3 discount

Active-duty, retired and veteran military personnel receive a 50% discount

More information at www.cmzoo.org/silentnight

Fast Facts

Military Appreciation Week at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Monday, Sept.9 through Sunday, Sept. 15, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Discount of 50% off base daytime Zoo admission.

Advance tickets are required for members and non-members.

Discount is available to active-duty, veteran or retired military and their immediate family in the same household.

For more information and to purchase required advance e-tickets, visit: www.cmzoo.org/military.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Military Appreciation Week is possible because of the generous support of our partners,, Black Bear Diner, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Ent Credit Union, Renewal by Andersen and your Colorado Springs Toyota dealers.

About Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Panya may be one of the smallest-statured giraffe in the CMZoo tower, but since moving to the Zoo in 2019, she has secured her spot as a confident standout in the herd with a lot of independence. She turns seven years old on August 13, and CMZoo partner, Children’s Hospital Colorado, is helping throw a big party to celebrate.

Deanna Sinclair, animal keeper in African Rift Valley, says Panya knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to communicate it. She is a good student, and voluntarily participates in blood draws and hoof care, which are important behaviors that allow Panya to be an active participant in her own health care. Blood draw training allows her to provide blood samples that help her care team monitor her health and to contribute to a giraffe calf blood plasma bank, as well as help biologists study giraffe health on a broader scale.

“When we’re training, most giraffe have subtle ‘tells’ that indicate they’re ready to move on to the next activity,” Deanna says. “They might twitch or flap their ears, but Panya will look at us and just calmly walk away, or move her head to the opposite side of a target stick to tell us she’s finished. Which is fine! It’s her choice, and she knows it.”

Part of that confidence must come from knowing her environment and her herdmates well. She’s very aware of her surroundings. During training, there are other giraffe in the barn away from the training stall. In between training behaviors, Panya often takes a moment to check in with the herd, looking around to see what everyone else is up to before returning to the task at hoof.

If being a few feet shorter than most of the other giraffe doesn’t make her unique enough, her spot patterns make her easy to pick out in the herd. She’s fluffier than most giraffe her age, and her markings are gorgeous, with one white spot in the middle of each of her brown spots. She has an ash-colored face, and thick ossicones. Giraffe are considered full grown at this age, typically weighing between 1,500 and 2,000 pounds. Panya weighs in around 1,350 pounds. Every giraffe is different, just like people are, and her small stature is part of what makes her unique.

Although confident, Panya doesn’t rush into new enrichment, locations or activities. She needs to experience new things at her own pace, and she will slowly approach and keep investigating thoughtfully.

“She usually chooses to engage in food sources or enrichment items away from other giraffe,” Deanna says. “She seems to like that alone time, but knowing her herd is nearby is important to her, too.”

When she’s not training, exploring or taking lettuce from CMZoo guests, she likes to interact with enrichment in unique ways. Specifically, Panya likes to hit things with her head and kick things with her long legs.

“She’s very tactile with enrichment,” Deanna says. “She likes to stand over items in the yard and nudge them with her hooves, or stand next to a long hanging string of boomer balls and knock them around with her head. We don’t really see other giraffe do that, but she seems to enjoy it.”

Staff hope she enjoys the birthday cake, made out of grain, fruit and veggies that she’ll be offered on her birthday by a special Children’s Hospital Colorado patient family. Giraffe fans should mark their calendars for Tues., Aug. 13, and get advance e-tickets to join in the festivities. The birthday party will be at the giraffe boardwalk in African Rift Valley from 10 a.m. to noon.

Join in these fun activities from 10 a.m. until noon on Tues., Aug. 13!
— Visit our docent booth with animal biofacts to learn more about the natural world.
— Make Panya a birthday card!
— Visit Children’s Colorado’s photo booth – complete with giraffe photo props!
— Visit Children’s Colorado’s coloring station.
11 a.m. — Enjoy a giraffe keeper talk on the giraffe boardwalk.
11:30 a.m. — Sing happy birthday and watch special guests from Children’s Colorado give a birthday treat to Panya.

While all the activities are free, advance Zoo tickets are required for members and the general public.
Get Tickets.

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