Electric Safari was voted #2 Best Zoo Lights in the U.S. — come see why! Explore our mountainside winter wonderland nightly through Thurs., Jan.1, 2026 – except Christmas Eve. Electric Safari is free for Zoo members – and 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. Advance tickets are required for members and the general public, and some nights will sell out. Get tickets at cmzoo.org/electric.
Is your preferred night sold out? Rideshare tickets are always available! Get them at cmzoo.org/electric.
Please help us thank our Electric Safari 2025 partners, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Toyota, Sturgeon Electric Company, Inc. and US Bank.
ZOO LIGHTS CONTINUE NIGHTLY THROUGH JAN. 1, 2026 (*EXCEPT CHRISTMAS EVE)! – Electric Safari just matched its highest ranking ever in a national contest for Best Zoo Lights. Dedicated Cheyenne Mountain Zoo supporters voted daily for nearly a month to earn the annual holiday event second place among accredited zoos throughout North America.
This is the seventh year in a row Electric Safari has ranked in the top three Best Zoo Lights by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
The 2025 Top Ten Best Zoo Lights in North America are:
1. PNC Festival of Lights at Cincinnati Zoo
2. Electric Safari at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
3. Lights Before Christmas at Toledo Zoo
4. Zoo Lights at San Antonio Zoo Powered by CPS Energy
5. Memphis Zoo Lantern Festival
6. Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
7. Saint Louis Zoo Wild Lights presented by Commerce Bank
8. Wild Lights at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
9. Christmas at the Zoo at Indianapolis Zoo
10. Wild Lights at Detroit Zoo
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has prepared the mountainside with hundreds of thousands of lights for the 35th year of Electric Safari. Twenty-seven nights of mountainside lights started on Fri., Dec. 5, and continue through Thurs., Jan. 1, 2026 – except on Christmas Eve.
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.
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 (including Individual Plus, Family Plus and Grandparent 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 night or by purchasing rideshare tickets on peak nights, 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 will light up 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.
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 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, Sturgeon Electric, 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. 5 through Thurs., Jan. 1, 2026 – 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. Rideshare tickets never sell out, and are available on peak nights at a $5 discount (free for members).
– 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 Tues., 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
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 2025, Cheyenne Mountain 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.
27 NIGHTS OF ELECTRIC SAFARI START ON FRI., DEC. 5 – AND TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE NOW – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is preparing the mountainside with millions of lights for the 35th year of Electric Safari. Twenty-seven nights of mountainside lights starts on Fri., Dec. 5, and tickets are available now at cmzoo.org/electric.
Electric Safari is nominated for ‘Best Zoo Lights in North America’ – and Zoo fans can vote daily through Mon., Dec. 1 at cmzoo.org/lights. Electric Safari was ranked in the top-three Best Zoo Lights in North America for the last six years by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
Fans of the Zoo can vote once a day at cmzoo.org/lights until the contest ends, at 10 a.m. MT on Mon., Dec. 1. Top-ten national rankings should be announced the following week!
This year at Electric Safari, 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. 5 and runs through Thurs., Jan.1, 2026 – 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 Individual Plus, Family, Grandparent, and Family Plus member guests (including age 2 and under). 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 will light up 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.
Electric Safari is supported by our partners at Children’s Hospital Colorado, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Sturgeon Electric, 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. 5 through Thurs., Jan. 1, 2026 – 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 Tues., 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
– a nightly holiday-safari themed drone show
– 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. 1.
For nearly 100 years, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has actively worked to connect guests of all ages to wildlife and wild places. Starting next year, CMZoo’s EdVenture team will take people into the wild to experience wildlife in a whole new way.
Experiences like feeding giraffes at the Zoo, getting to observe animal demonstrations and training sessions with keepers, and off-site ZOOMobile programs help people learn about the existence and importance of the animals that we share this planet with, and feel inspired to help conserve their wild counterparts.
Now, the EdVenture team at CMZoo is offering a new opportunity for guests to connect with wildlife and wild places, by taking them into the natural environments, with a brand-new program that launches in April 2026! Edventure Excursions will provide a fun and educational journey to local wildlife projects that they might not be aware are happening right here.
The program’s inaugural adventure into the wild is a 5-day expedition to northern Colorado and southern Wyoming to learn about the importance of prairie ecosystems and the animals that call them home. Guided by CMZoo staff, the group will explore the wild habitats of critically endangered animals, like black-footed ferrets, Wyoming toads and sage grouse.
Each reservation supports funding to provide free classroom programming for schools in the Front Range region. The EdVenture team receives dozens of requests every year to bring Zoo animals to schools, and this program will help fund even more of those opportunities.
Sign up for the first-ever EdVenture Excursion, Sage Grouse Annual Display, at cmzoo.org/excursions.
Sage Grouse Annual Display Trip Details
Dates: April 20 – 24, 2026
Group size: 8
Cost: $1,250 per person / $2,100 per pair (shared bed)**
Transportation: provided; leave from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Not included in cost: meals
Accommodations:
● 2 nights at a bed-and-breakfast in Laramie, Wyoming (multi-bedroom house shared with other program participants)
● 1 night at hotel in Walden, Colorado (separate rooms)
● 1 night at hotel in Fort Collins, Colorado (separate rooms)
It’s that magical time of year when many people search for the perfect holiday gifts for friends and family. Whether you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience or a truly unique stocking stuffer, these options are sure put a smile on every face on your list. Plus, all gifts purchased from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, support important work. As a nonprofit that doesn’t receive any tax support, the Zoo relies on admission, memberships, events and special programs like these to fund animal care, conservation, Zoo improvements and operations.
Animal Art Holiday Ornaments
The Loft animals and their keepers have been painting the perfect stocking stuffers or gifts for your holiday party gift exchange. These 3” x 3” canvases with twine hangers are one-of-a-kind, because they were painted by an animal ambassador! Skunks, reptiles and other small animals from The Loft will add their artistic touches to the ornaments by participating in voluntary training with their keepers. Some animals walk through paint and onto the canvasses, leaving their adorable footprints in a variety of flashy colors while others slither through the paint! These ornaments are only available for purchase for $15 each in The Loft. They’ll be available from Thanksgiving through the end of Electric Safari. (Additional Animal Art may be available online.)
V.I.P. Tours
If you really want to spoil someone, give them the up-close animal experience of a lifetime: a CMZoo V.I.P. Tour! During this private tour, your group of up to five people will experience three behind-the-scenes animal encounters of your choosing, plus a meet-and-greet with one of our ambassador animals in The Loft and a super-sized giraffe feeding. You can help train our lion pride, get up-close with the grizzly bears, say hello to the hippos, or choose from our many other animal encounter options. Along the way, one of our experienced guides will tell you all about the Zoo, our animals and our conservation impacts around the world. When your tour ends, enjoy the rest of the day at the Zoo, because admission is included. To see animal encounter options, all the details and to sign-up, visit cmzoo.org/viptour
CMZoo Annual Membership
How about a gift that keeps on giving all year long? Memberships can be purchased as gifts! CMZoo members can take advantage of free daytime admission (with advance ticket reservations), discounts on programs and merchandise, free members-only summer nights, free Electric Safari visits in the winter and more. Visit cmzoo.org/membership or email [email protected] for more information.
Tickets to Electric Moonlight and Electric Safari
Give the gift of memories made by purchasing tickets to a holiday special event at the Zoo, and be early to the gift-giving season! In December, Electric Moonlight offers an adults-only date night (there will be a lot more than milk and cookies on the menu) or choose Electric Safari tickets for a festive evening on the mountain for the entire family. Electric Moonlight returns to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo on Thurs., Dec. 4 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. This event is just for 21-and-up guests, complete with holiday lights, live music, food and drink samples, a drone show and access to most animal areas. Plus, an elf told us that jolly old Saint Nicholas will be there to hear holiday wishes from the grown-ups! Tickets are available now at cmzoo.org/em.
Starting Fri., Dec. 5, the Zoo opens its gates in the evenings for Electric Safari, where guests of all ages can explore the Zoo and enjoy the wonder of 50 acres of twinkling lights, illuminated enormous inflatable animals, a drone show and more than 80 handmade light sculptures on display throughout the Zoo. Until Dec. 23, Santa Claus will be at Electric Safari to meet guests and listen to holiday wishes. This event is a magical way to get into the holiday spirit on the side of Cheyenne Mountain, where the views of the city lights below the Zoo can’t be beat. Electric Safari runs Dec. 5-23 and Dec. 25-Jan. 1, 2026 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. CMZoo members have access to early-entry by reserving tickets between 4 and 5 p.m. Get all the details and reserve timed entry at cmzoo.org/electric.
Small group events and programs also make great gifts! See all of our options at cmzoo.org/events.
Adopt an Animal
Lions, tigers, and bears – oh my! Gift a hippo, giraffe, moose or another CMZoo animal to be mailed directly to you or a loved one. Depending on the level of adoption package chosen, it could include a plush animal toy! All adoption packages include a certificate of adoption, an animal fact sheet and a photo of the animal at CMZoo. Each adoption directly supports the care of Zoo animals. Find an array of adoption packages at www.cmzoo.org/adopt.
Tile Program
Searching for a meaningful holiday gift that makes a lasting impact? Imagine visiting CMZoo and seeing your very own commemorative tile alongside your favorite animals! Our tiles offer a beautiful way to honor and celebrate loved ones while creating cherished memories. Our Water’s Edge: Africa tiles will be installed inside the hippo building, and there are six animal engraving options: hippo, lemur, penguin, warthog, crane and pelican. Each purchase directly supports the care of our animals. This season, give a gift that lasts – a beautiful tribute that brings joy and remembrance to your loved ones! More information about our tiles can be found at cmzoo.org/tiles
View more gift options in our Zoo Store
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s annual Boo at the Zoo is coming up, packed with family fun, spooky surprises and animal demonstrations. Check cmzoo.org/boo for tickets and event details! Advance tickets are required and some nights sell out. Members, check these tips for easy Boo ticketing.
Boo at the Zoo is from 4 to 8:30 p.m. on these dates:
• Fri., Oct. 17
• Sat., Oct. 18
• Sun., Oct. 19
• Fri., Oct. 24
• Sat., Oct. 25
• Sun., Oct. 26
• Fri., Oct. 31
Check out these 10 reasons you won’t want to miss it:
- Trick-or-Treat Stations — Boo at the Zoo is a unique way for families to trick-or-treat and enjoy Halloween festivities. Trick-or-treat at more than 20 treat stations throughout the Zoo!
- NEW THIS YEAR! – Costume Contest — Take a picture at Boo at the Zoo and post it on Facebook or Instagram using #BooCMZoo for a chance to win tickets to Electric Safari! There will be three winners, one per weekend. Winners will be announced on Thurs., Oct. 23, Thurs., Oct. 30 and Tues., Nov. 4.
- Haunted House — Enter… if you dare! This kid-friendly house of spookiness is perfect for brave souls ages 6 and up. Watch out! Hidden vampires, flying ghosts, suspicious mushrooms and web-spinning spiders are on the guest list. Find all the frightful fun waiting for you in the Lodge at Moose Lake.
- Animal Demonstrations and Feedings — See some of your favorite animals up close and learn about them from their care teams.
Fridays
• 5 p.m. — African lion keeper talk, Lion Relaxation Room | African Rift Valley
• 6:30 p.m. — Hippo demo, Hippo Building | Water’s Edge: Africa
• Open all evening — feed the giraffe herd ($3 for one lettuce bundle or $5 for two)Saturdays
• 5 p.m. — Meerkat enrichment, Meerkat Yard | African Rift Valley (between giraffes and lions)
• 6:30 p.m. — Elephant talk, Elephant Barn | Water’s Edge: Africa
• Open all evening — feed the giraffe herd ($3 for one lettuce bundle or $5 for two)Sundays
• 5 p.m. — African lion keeper talk, Lion Relaxation Room | African Rift Valley
• 6:30 p.m. — Hippo demo, Hippo Building | Water’s Edge: Africa
• Open all evening — feed the giraffe herd ($3 for one lettuce bundle or $5 for two) - NEW THIS YEAR! Lighted Pumpkins — Step into a gourd-geous adventure in My Big Backyard! Not your ordinary pumpkins—these giant glowing gourds are ready to light up your Halloween adventure and perfect your photo ops!
- Take a Ride — Add a little more thrill to your night! The Sky Ride is $3 per ride (riders should be in line by 7:30 p.m.). The historic carousel is $2 per person, per ride—perfect for a few exhilarating spins under the moonlight.
- Pirate’s Cove — Ahoy, mateys! Set sail for swashbuckling fun at Pirate’s Cove. Guests can find an exciting pirate display in Australia Walkabout.
- Sustainable Palm Oil — All candy distributed at Boo at the Zoo comes from companies committed to using sustainable palm oil, which helps protect wild orangutan habitats! Passionate about animal conservation? Use the Orangutan-Friendly Halloween Treats Guide 2025 for your shopping. Products in this guide are from companies that are members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and are committed to making a difference for wild orangutans and other endangered species. For even more products, download the free PalmOil Scan App, then scan product barcodes to see how they rank. This app was developed under the World Association of Zoos & Aquariums (WAZA) and is managed for North America by CMZoo and other zoos globally.
- Boo-tiful Photo Ops — While there are plenty of great photo spots throughout the Zoo, we’ve highlighted a few must-see locations. Keep an eye out and snap some unforgettable Zoo memories!
• Spooky Graveyard by Water’s Edge: Africa
• By the Boo Banner across from Encounter Africa
• By the Boo Banner outside of Scutes Family Gallery
• Lighted Pumpkin Patch in My Big Backyard - Support Wildlife Conservation — CMZoo is one of only a handful of AZA-accredited nonprofit zoos that does not receive tax support. Fundraisers like Boo at the Zoo are vital to supporting animal care, Zoo operations, improvements, and conservation. Every ticket helps the Zoo care for animals, support conservation programs and educate visitors.
Thank you to our Boo at the Zoo 2025 event partners: Black Bear Diner, Blue Federal Credit Union, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Les Schwab Tire Center, Navy Federal Credit Union, Sturgeon Electric Company, Inc. and Toyota.
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 donation is required to participate in the vote, and every donation supports a brand-new home for gorillas, orangutans and more! In addition to helping make history by naming this little one, every dollar raised will fund historic improvements to great ape habitats at CMZoo.
“We’re so excited for this little guy to finally have a name,” says Ashton Asbury, Primate World animal keeper. “It’s so great that our guests have fallen head over heels for him and now get to be part of his story while also supporting a great cause.”
Participants can donate any amount starting at $5 until Thurs., Oct. 9, 2025. The name that receives the most combined donations will win! Fans can make their donations and vote at cmzoo.org/babyname.
Primate World gorilla keepers have chosen three names for guests to pick from: Ryder, Sully and Abu.
Ryder — a nod to this baby’s particular skill at riding on his mom’s back from a younger-than-normal age
Sully — in honor of a bright-and-furry character with a heart of gold
Abu — because he’s skilled and loyal, just like a furry friend from the fictional city of Agrabah
A generous donor has agreed to match all donations up to $25,000, so every dollar can make twice the impact. CMZoo is a nonprofit. It is one of very few zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in the country that does not receive tax support. Zoo improvements depend on admissions, programs and generous donations.
“We’re so excited for our community to get involved in naming this adorable baby and in helping provide a new home for his whole family, “ Kelley Parker, senior director of development and marketing at CMZoo, says. “Every dollar donated will not only be matched dollar-for-dollar, it will also go directly toward our fundraising efforts for a spectacular new primate habitat. We love that our entire community — here in Colorado Springs and around the world — can be part of creating something incredible.”
The winning name will be announced at cmzoo.org/babyname, via an email to Zoo members and subscribers and on the Zoo’s social channels on Wed., Oct. 15.
Happy voting — and thank you for supporting Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
Western lowland gorillas are critically endangered in the wild, and their numbers continue to decline. Gorilla fans can help preserve wild gorilla habitats by recycling small electronic devices and cell phones at CMZoo.
In addition to disease and poaching, gorillas face habitat loss due to logging for agricultural use, human settlements and mining. Many of the West African lowland forests and swamps that these animals call home are also natural deposits of coltan, a mineral used in cell phones and other electronics. Due to the ever-increasing demand for cell phones across the world, the destruction of these gorillas’ habitats for mining purposes has unfortunately increased.
Coltan is recyclable, and by donating old cell phones, we can help supply valuable coltan for future phone production. Guests can bring electronics to CMZoo admissions or Primate World, where there’s a recycling collection bin near the gorillas’ indoor dens. CMZoo will send them to Eco-Cell, an organization that recycles the phones, as well as tablets, smart watches, Bluetooth devices, GPS devices, e-readers, digital cameras, handheld gaming systems and their accessories.
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 2025, Cheyenne Mountain 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 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. 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 to fund animal care, conservation, Zoo operations and improvements.
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 live in the same household can receive 50% off the base Zoo admission cost for the day and time they choose to attend. Timed-entry e-tickets are required and available at cmzoo.org/military.
At Silent Night, on Thurs., 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
Thursday, 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
• 5:30 p.m. – Event opens
• 5:30-7:30 p.m. – Animal exhibits open (Primate World will be closed.)
• 5:30-7:30 p.m. – Grizzly Grill open with a limited menu
• 6-7:15 p.m. – Mindful yoga and meditation in Lodge at Moose Lake
• 7:30 p.m. – Event ends
More information and tickets at www.cmzoo.org/silentnight.
FAST FACTS
Military Appreciation Week at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Monday, Sept.8 through Sunday, Sept. 14, 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, Les Schwab Tire Center, Renewal by Andersen and your Colorado Springs Toyota dealers.
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 nearly $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.
CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL COLORADO AND CMZOO PARTNER TO CELEBRATE CHILDREN”S COLORADO SPECIAL GUEST AND SLOTH MOM, AYSAN – Although the Colorado Springs community has widely celebrated baby sloth Olive’s birthday and development since she was born in December 2024, it’s time to celebrate her mom, Aysan (pronounced ICE-on)! In partnership with Children’s Hospital Colorado, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is throwing a birthday party for Aysan on Fri., July 25, 2025 – and you’re invited!
All the activities are free, and advance Zoo tickets are required for members and the general public. They’re available at cmzoo.org. If timed advance tickets are sold out, get rideshare tickets at cmzoo.org/rideshare. They’re always available and they’re $5 cheaper than peak-time tickets (they’re still free for Zoo members)!
Aysan’s 10th Birthday Party
Fri., July 25
10 a.m. to noon
Scutes Family Gallery (inside and outside!)
Advance daytime admission to the Zoo is required and limited.
10 a.m. to noon
-Learn about sloths from the amazing team of docents at booths near the sloths.
-Make a birthday card for Aysan!
-Visit the Children’s Colorado photo booth – complete with animal photo props!
-Participate in healthy activities, led by our partners at Children’s Colorado.
10:30 a.m.
Get to know the sloth family during a special sloth keeper talk.
11 a.m.
– Help sing happy birthday to Aysan, and watch a special guest from Children’s Colorado meet Aysan up-close.
“Aysan has been an incredible first-time mom to Olive for the past six months, and we’re excited to welcome everyone to the Zoo to celebrate her double-digit birthday,” Amber Callen-Ward, lead keeper in Scutes Family Gallery, says. “Olive is growing up big and strong, thanks to Aysan’s patient and nurturing mothering style. Aysan even lets Olive eat food right from her mouth.”
Aysan moved to CMZoo to support a breeding recommendation by the Hoffmann’s Two-Toed Sloth Species Survival Plan. She was introduced to Bosco, the Zoo’s long-time male sloth, in June 2023.
With Olive’s birth in December 2024, Bosco, a 33-year-old male Hoffmann’s two-toed sloth, became a second-time dad. His first daughter, 6-year-old Bean, lives in The Loft at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
Sloth babies will cling to their mothers for the first several months of their lives, separating only for a few moments to explore the branches around them. Despite getting closer and closer in size, sloth moms are impressive climbers, even with a baby on board.
The birthday party is open to all members and guests with advance tickets to the Zoo, which are available at cmzoo.org. Summer daytime admission sells out fast, so don’t wait long to make your timed ticket reservation! If timed advance tickets are sold out, get rideshare tickets at cmzoo.org/rideshare. They’re always available and they’re $5 cheaper than peak-time tickets (they’re still free for Zoo members)!
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 nearly $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.