Events & Programs Archives - Page 2 of 11

Teenagers interested in learning more about nature have a brand-new opportunity at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. A 3-evening course, called Teen Naturalist Training, is tailored to nature-enthused teenagers – and its very first session is on Wednesday, October 11, 2023.

“Each evening, we’ll connect with the wild world through different educational experiences indoors and outdoors,” said Austin Kennedy, Extended Education Supervisor. “We’ll make wind chimes, press flowers, make clay imprints while we explore, discuss topics, and learn all along the way.”

During each 3-hour class, teens will learn about the natural world and gain a deeper understanding of Colorado’s wildlife and wild places, which could help future naturalists or nature hobbyists see if any of these specific topics spark a passion or interest in them.

The three-session training program will take a deeper dive into five topics:

Nature Mentoring and Understanding the Role of a Naturalist
Leave No Trace Methodology
Colorado Plants
Colorado Mammals
Colorado Birds

Attendees can sign up for one, two or all three sessions, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, Oct. 11, Oct. 18 and Oct. 25, 2023. The classes are intentionally kept on the smaller side, with around 16 spots available each night. Longtime members of CMZoo’s Teen Program will attend the course as peer mentors to new attendees, so teens can learn from and relate experiences to each other, too.

“If you’ve ever thought to yourself, ‘I’d really like to learn more about rocks, or birds, native wildlife, and how they work together.’ and you’re a teenager, then this is a great place to start digging deeper,” said Kennedy. “We’re excited to offer this uniquely focused training to teenagers in our community so they can see if these topics might lead to a calling as a naturalist.”

Kennedy and the CMZoo EdVenture team plan to add more opportunities for naturalist training for teens and adults. More information will be available at cmzoo.org/outdoorschool in the coming weeks.

The deadline to register for Teen Naturalist Training is Wed., Oct. 4. For more information and to register for one, two or all three sessions in the series, visit https://www.cmzoo.org/series/teen-naturalist-training-series-1-oct-11-18-25/.

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If Aaron Lippy and Kaitlyn Tullberg, two Teen Program participants at CMZoo, are any indication of the next generation of conservationists – rest assured, the planet is in good hands. The two enthusiastic high school students recently returned from a six-day off-the-grid CMZoo Teen Program adventure in Glacier National Park.

Tullberg and Lippy were in a group of 9 teens led by Austin Kennedy, CMZoo Teen Program supervisor, and other Zoo staff. Their wild adventure was full of brand-new experiences like camping, hiking, and making lasting connections with each other and the wildlife and wild places they explored.

CMZoo’s Teen Program focuses on spending time exploring nature, learning about animals, and understanding other cultures. The program is known for its hands-on educational experiences at the Zoo and in nature, with exploration trips available for Teen Program participants year-round. These summer trips take place annually, and they connect teens to local, national, and international wildlife and wild places. Each destination, adventure, and educational opportunity is intentional, and supports the program’s overall goal to inspire future leaders in conservation and animal care.

“We want to get them immersed into a really wild and protected area to see what can happen when people come together to protect the wild world, and national parks are a great example of that,” said Kennedy. “Giving teenagers, especially, these opportunities to get off their phones and into the natural world is important, and it’s really rewarding to watch their inspiration and excitement grow over the week we spend together.”

The group had an action-packed itinerary. They hiked daily and explored special places, like the National Bison Range, where they saw a black bear, a bald eagle, a lot of bison and the iconic Flathead Lake.

“We learned so much on this trip; it’s kind of insane, actually,” said Tullberg. “We learned about the seven signs of leave no trace, like taking only pictures and leaving only footprints. We learned about endangered species and how we can help protect them by taking action to keep the land wild. I think the overarching theme is being stewards of our environment in all of the ways possible – whether we do that by staying on trails and picking up trash or educating and inspiring others, just like this trip educated and inspired us.”

Some of the teens’ favorite memories were picking wild huckleberries, taking a night swim in the lake, and interacting with the ecosystem through workshops that took place in exciting locations – like in the middle of a stream. But, just sitting around the campfire and bonding over shared experiences was a big part of the adventure, too.

“At this stage in my life and with the careers that I want to have, it’s necessary for me to get out of my shell and camp in the woods, basically,” said Lippy. “I thought this trip would be the perfect opportunity and it really was. We connected with the land and with each other, and it helped me feel more confident relating to other people.”

At the end of each day, the group had their meal together and talked about what they’d learned, or how they interpreted the day and the impact it made. They also bonded as teenagers who are growing up in a world with a lot of distractions.

“To just sit around a fire and just ‘be in the world’ brings out the best parts of people, and these kids don’t get a lot of those opportunities,” said Kennedy. “Who you truly are starts to come out when you’re in the wilderness. I was so proud of this group’s focus on taking intentional time to be still and to figure out who you are at the core without distractions and devices. They’ll always have these special experiences with one another.”

They also studied survival skills, wildlife ecology and more at the Glacier Institute outside of Columbia Falls, Montana. The Glacier Institute is an outdoor education organization that focuses on getting people outdoors and connecting them to the wild world of Glacier National Park. The Glacier Institute is the official education partner for Glacier National Park and Flathead National Forest.

If you know a teen who could be interested in connecting with like-minded teens through programs at the Zoo and in the field, check out requirements and opportunities at cmzoo.org/teenprograms.

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HAVE A WILD NIGHT FOR A WORTHY CAUSE AT THIS FUNDRAISING EVENT – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will host its final 21-and-up event of the summer, Tails, Tunes & Tastes, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. on Thurs., Aug. 31 – and tickets are going quickly. There’s nowhere else you can feed a giraffe, have a drink, enjoy live music and breathe in the fresh evening mountain air. This truly unique event is perfect for a girls’ night out, summer work celebration or date night.

This year, each ticket includes unlimited small plates, so attendees will enjoy delicious bites throughout the night, in addition to two included drinks, live music, visits with Zoo animals and access to cash bars.

Advance tickets are required for members and the general public, and they’re going quickly. Tickets are available now at cmzoo.org/tails. This event is for adults only, 21-and-up.

Attendees will have a wild night on the mountain for a worthy cause. 75¢ from every Tails, Tunes & Tastes ticket goes to CMZoo’s Quarters for Conservation program, which has raised more than $4.5 million for frontline conservation efforts around the world since 2008.

What can you do at Tails, Tunes & Tastes?
– Your ticket includes two drink tickets for use at any bar throughout the event. Cash bars are also available.
– Enjoy unlimited chef-created small plates from our custom Tails, Tunes & Tastes menu at our eateries.
– Enjoy local musicians performing throughout the Zoo.
– Visit your favorite animals.
– Watch the sunset from the mountainside.
– Feed the giraffe herd ($3 per lettuce bundle or $5 for two).
– Ride the Sky Ride (weather dependent; $4 for Zoo members, $5 for non-members).

August’s Tails, Tunes & Tastes musical lineup:
– A Carpenter’s Daughter
– George Whitesell
– John Saunders Band
– John Spengler Duo
– Playing with Smoke
– Red Moon Rounder

Other event details:
– Advance tickets are required. No ticket sales at the front gate.
– Ticket purchase includes 2 drink tickets for use at any bar. Must be used the evening of the event. No outside alcoholic beverages are allowed.
– Unlimited small plates are included with your ticket.
– Most animal areas are open all evening.
– Live musical entertainment throughout the Zoo.
– Mountaineer Sky Ride (weather dependent) will have its last ride at 8 p.m. Be in line by 7:30 p.m. ($4 for Zoo members, $5 for non-members). Tickets available at Sky Ride cashier booth.
– Dress for a night of dancing, but remember you will be walking up and down the hills of the Zoo!
– Designate a driver, or better yet, don’t drive at all! Take a taxi or use a ride-sharing service like Lyft or Uber.

Tails, Tunes & Tastes is presented with support from Cordera and Your Colorado Springs Toyota dealers. Thank you, event sponsors!

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 #4 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 $4.5 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.

CMZOO OFFERS TWO MORE DATES FOR FURRY FAMILY MEMBER IN AUGUST

The dog days of summer will soon be over, but Dog Days at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo are back! Thanks to two successful test days in May and June, CMZoo is welcoming guests and their well-behaved dogs to explore the Zoo again, during two special afternoon and evening Dog Day events in August.

These two additional Dog Days, on Mon., Aug. 14 and Tues., Aug. 29, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., will help the Zoo continue to perfect the best way to give furry family members an opportunity to visit the Zoo that also works best for our animals and families who are visiting without dogs. At Dog Days in May and June, CMZoo staff closely monitored Zoo animal behaviors, guest accountability and visiting dogs’ responses. Overall, it was enjoyed by guests, their dogs and Zoo animals. During Dog Day planning, the team accepted that there would be challenges, as there typically are during the development of any new program or event, but Dog Days went even better than we could have hoped.

“We can support healthy animal behaviors by providing a changing environment with diverse enrichment opportunities,” said Rick Hester, curator of animal behavior at CMZoo. “When we do this well, we observe animals behaving in varied ways to achieve different goals, including some of the behaviors and outcomes that appear to be most important to their species in the wild environment.”

Service dogs are always welcome at the Zoo, so seeing a dog was 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 did not behave any differently than they do on a normal day. Others were excited for a short time, and then returned 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,” said Hester. “During both Dog Days, we observed the meerkats working together, presumably with the goal to remove dogs from their view. The meerkats would huddle together and approach a dog, which is called ‘mobbing.’ All the dogs would eventually move away as their group would walk on and the meerkats, having 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 were active, seeking opportunities to stalk and even pounce at the guest dogs. Giraffe were more interested in their daily guest lettuce feeding. Rocky Mountain goats perched high in their rocky cliffs to observe. Kwisha, a Western lowland gorilla, watched the dogs intently and calmly, as did African penguins from their indoor underwater viewing pool. By the afternoon, most of the Zoo animals were back to their normal activities.

“We’re continuing to monitor the behavior of our animals closely to better understand how Dog Days impact their behavior,” said Hester. “Our observations so far suggest that Dog Days, at some frequency, could play a role in meeting our enrichment goals for many species and individuals at the Zoo.”

The team is hoping to provide fun visits for our guests and maintain a level of novelty with the experience for Zoo animals. With that balance in mind, the Zoo added only two more Dog Day dates to the calendar, for now. On Mon., Aug. 14 and Tues., Aug. 29, the Zoo will stay open late for Dog Days until 6:30 p.m. A limited number of Dog Day tickets will be available for purchase at 3:30, 4, 4:30 and 5 p.m. on both days.

Zoo buildings, attractions and amenities will be open until 6:30 p.m., and Zoo animals will be out and about, just as they are during normal daytime visits, with a few exceptions for safety. Every person and every dog coming to the Zoo must have an advance timed e-ticket, available now at cmzoo.org. Dogs must have a designated dog ticket to enter the Zoo. Human tickets will not be honored for dog admission. Guests who would prefer to visit the Zoo without the company of canines are welcome to visit during the day, before dogs’ first allowed timed entry at 3:30 p.m.

Giving guests amazing experiences and providing excellent animal welfare are CMZoo’s top priorities, so it has been especially rewarding to see this new offering hit both of those marks at the same time.

For more information, visit cmzoo.org/DogDays.

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HAVE A WILD NIGHT FOR A WORTHY CAUSE AT THIS FUNDRAISING EVENT – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will kick off its two-date 21-and-up summer event, Tails, Tunes & Tastes, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. on Thurs., July 27. There’s nowhere else you can feed a giraffe, have a drink, enjoy live music and breathe in the fresh evening mountain air. This truly unique event is perfect for a girls’ night out, summer work celebration, or date night.

Advance tickets are required for members and the general public, and they’re going quickly. Tickets are available now at cmzoo.org/tails. This event is for adults only, 21-and-up.

What can you do at Tails, Tunes & Tastes?

Your ticket includes two drink tickets for use at any bar throughout the event. Cash bars are also available.
Enjoy unlimited chef-created small plates from our custom Tails, Tunes & Tastes menu at our eateries.
Enjoy local musicians performing throughout the Zoo.
Visit your favorite animals.
Watch the sunset from the mountainside.
Feed the giraffe herd ($3 per lettuce bundle or $5 for two).
Ride the Sky Ride (weather dependent; $4 for Zoo members, $5 for non-members).

July’s Tails, Tunes & Tastes musical lineup:

George Whitesell
Grapefruit Moon
Mimic
Red Moon Rounder
Ryan Flores
Spur

Summer 2023 Tails, Tunes & Tastes dates:
6 to 9:30 p.m. on Thurs., July 27
6 to 9:30 p.m. on Thurs., Aug. 31

Tails, Tunes & Tastes is presented with support from Cordera and Your Colorado Springs Toyota dealers. Thank you, event sponsors!

About Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

FOR TWO DATES ONLY, GUESTS AND ZOO MEMBERS CAN PURCHASE A TICKET FOR THEIR CANINE KIDDO TO JOIN THEM FOR A ZOO DAY! – Add an extra ticket to make your family outing complete! Bring your canine kiddo for a Zoo adventure on Tuesday, May 16 or Saturday, June 3.

For just two days only, you can bring your well-behaved dog to the Zoo with you! Simply purchase a dog ticket along with your family’s human tickets, and Fido can experience many of the sights, sounds and smells that make the Zoo so special (minus some restricted areas).

Just purchase a dog ticket for the same time and day as your visit. Dog tickets for both members and non-members reflect the price of an adult non-member ticket, which varies by entry time and day, ranging from $19.75 to $34.75.

Requirements:

Dogs must have an up-to-date rabies vaccination.
Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Leashes must be no longer than 6’ and non-retractable. Leashes must be attached at all times, even if the dog is in a carrier or stroller.
One dog ticket per adult ticket.
Guests with dogs can access most areas of the Zoo, but there are a few restrictions. View the Dog Days Guide & Map
Dogs must remain under their human’s control and not behave in an aggressive or disruptive manner. Excessive agitation of Zoo animals or guests because of barking or other behavior may result in the party being asked to leave the Zoo without a refund.
This opportunity is available for dogs only; sorry, no other pets are allowed.

About Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Imagine answering a knock on your door to find a furry, scaly or feathery CMZoo animal ambassador peeking through the peephole. That dream could be your reality thanks to CMZoo’s Animal Grams program!

Animal Grams are paid off-site visits from a CMZoo animal ambassador and EdVenture staff member. Each visit lasts five to ten minutes and includes a one-of-a-kind art piece created by a CMZoo animal.

“I absolutely love this program because the reactions from the people we visit are pure joy,” said Dawn Moon, EdVenture Outreach Supervisor at CMZoo. “Usually, the door opens, and they see an opossum, snake, or bird waiting to meet them, and they let out a huge, ‘oh my goodness!’ It’s so much fun, and the animals seem to enjoy the new smells, sights and sounds, and getting lots of yummy rewards for choosing to participate in the program.”

Animal Grams can be booked in a variety of ways for a variety of celebrations. Staff travel locally (mileage charges may apply for visits more than 30 miles from the Zoo) to people’s homes, offices and more for these quick visits, which can be spent however the recipient prefers. Staff can provide an educational talk, or just let you sit with the animal quietly, or pose for photos together.

With graduations, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and more around the corner, now is a good time to book the best surprise ever for the person you want to celebrate this summer. Or, for no reason at all.

“Some people schedule an Animal Gram for themselves, which I think is a creative way to show yourself some love,” said Moon. “We sat and talked for a few minutes while she enjoyed the visit. It was totally uplifting for her, and I thought it was a really great way to give herself a little boost.”

Book your very own visit, or a surprise Animal Gram for someone you love, at cmzoo.org/grams.

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FOUR-MILE WALK/RUN FUNDRAISER OFFERS ONCE-A-YEAR EXPERIENCE ON FOOT TO WILL ROGERS SHRINE OF THE SUN – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo hosts its 15th annual Run to the Shrine, featuring an East African crowned crane as this year’s event mascot, on Sat., May 20 and Sun., May 21, 2023. Where else can you hand-feed a giraffe and then walk up the side of a mountain? (Nowhere!)

The 4-mile round trip up-and-back course offers breathtaking views of Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods, and Pikes Peak as participants run by African lions, giraffe and African elephants through the Zoo, up to Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun and back into the Zoo. The evergreen-forested course, with a nearly 1,000-foot elevation gain, is good practice for competitive runners gearing up for summer races and a fun challenge for weekend warriors and families. Runners and walkers are welcome, and jogging strollers equipped with automatic hand brakes and tethers are allowed on the course.

Run to the Shrine is the only time of the year foot traffic is allowed on the picturesque route through and above the Zoo to the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, and back down.

Registration includes Zoo admission for the evening, a commemorative performance running T-shirt featuring a wide-eyed East African crowned crane, and access to a post-event celebration at the Zoo’s Lodge at Moose Lake. All proceeds help feed and care for Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s animals. Since the Zoo doesn’t receive any tax support, community events like Run to the Shrine help keep the zoo “running.”

Fast Facts

Run to the Shrine at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
5 to 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 20
Sunday, May 21

4-mile run/walk through the Zoo, up to Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, and back to the Zoo
Advance registration is required and capacity is limited.
Register now at cmzoo.org/run.

Run to the Shrine is sponsored by Children’s Hospital Colorado, Your Colorado Springs Toyota Dealers and Colorado Springs SCHEELS.

About Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Many people think the Zoo slows down during the cooler months, but there are still a lot of opportunities to participate in special programs and to have more of the Zoo to yourself.

Stroller Safaris are informal exploratory experiences for children between the ages of 1 and 4 years old and their accompanying adult. During this program, you’ll use all five senses to connect with nature and animals. Participants enjoy a sensory activity, a meet-and-greet with an animal ambassador and an animal feeding experience during every Stroller Safari, all while forming connections with other little explorers and their adults in your group!

March’s Stroller Safari theme is March Mammal Madness. Participants will learn all about furry friends, including a special group of mammals called marsupials. On St. Patrick’s Day, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s EdVenture team will host a holiday Stroller Safari special that will highlight all things green in the worlds of flora and fauna!

Additionally, if you feel a little burned out on finding new at-home activities for your pre-school-aged child, we have a solution for you! Our Creature Connections program allows you to create and explore with your little ones without having to leave the comfort of your own home! These six-week series take place year-round and each session focuses on a different group of animals. We will provide prompts and activity ideas each week of the session to guide your exploration, as well as supplemental optional opportunities for exclusive “pop-ups” at the Zoo weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays (advance daytime admission is required), where they can meet the animal they’ve been studying. Up next, participants will learn all about the wonderful world of birds from March 11 through April 21.

Learn more and sign up now (advance registration is required) at cmzoo.org/family-programs/. If you have any questions about either of these or other programs hosted by CMZoo’s EdVenture department, please reach out to [email protected].

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Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Teen Summer Program has inspired and prepared future biologists and conservationists for decades. Soon, it will welcome new and returning participants for summer 2023. Applications for the highly competitive program for sixth through twelfth graders open Wed., Feb. 1 at cmzoo.org/teenprograms. Applications will only be accepted for two weeks, so nature-loving teenagers should start considering the program now.

From May 19 to Aug. 8, 2023, Teen Summer Program participants will work alongside CMZoo staff to interact with animals, guests, keepers and each other.

“My keeper team is absolutely amazing,” said Teen Program participant and Junior Zoo Keeper, Cami Potter. “I learn so much from them, not only about animals and zookeeping, but also about life and how to be a good person. They’ve taught me about moose hoof care and big cat hunting behaviors, but also how important communication is in a team setting and how to best support people you work with. I know that these lessons and mentorship relationships are really important, and I’m super-grateful for the opportunity.”

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 places and beyond. Teens can expect educational, inspirational experiences, like whitewater rafting, camping, rock climbing, mountain biking, visiting local animal sanctuaries and Associations of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited zoos, and learning to be a leader and an advocate for wildlife and wild places.

“Ultimately, we hope that by offering these experiences that connect the hands, the heart, and the mind to the natural world, these teens will stand up for, and advocate for, the wild places and wild animals of our world,” said Austin Kennedy, CMZoo Extended Education Supervisor. “We focus on leadership training, animal husbandry, interpretation and public speaking, empowerment, and so much more.”

Participants also have the chance to go on an EdVenture Trip with the team, led by EdVenture staff. In 2022, the teens embarked on a weeklong off-grid adventure to the wilderness of Glacier National Park in Montana. In 2019, the teens traveled to Costa Rica for ten days, contributing to rainforest conservation and exploring the natural places and native animals of the Central American country. This year, managers are planning for another excursion full of adventure and nature-inspired leadership learning.

“The most rewarding part of the program is the amazing experiences you’ll gain,” said Xavier Klaphake, Teen Program participant and Junior Zoo Keeper. “I get to do awesome things with animals, like training an elephant or teaching guests about animals they’ve never seen. Also, we go on crazy-awesome social advocacy events with fellow teens, like International Mud Day and Earth Day. We even got to go on fantastic adventures such as the rafting trip or trips out of the country.”

EdVenture staff recommends each teen commits to a minimum of 120 program hours for the season. However, to complete the program, there is no minimum or maximum number of participation hours required.

Applications are open Wed., Feb. 1 until midnight MT, Tues., Feb. 14. The non-refundable application fee is $20, and no late applications will be accepted. Typically, only one-third of those who apply will be accepted.

After the application period, EdVenture staff conducts interviews with candidates, and ultimately accepts about 100 teens to the summer program. Teen Program participant Angelina Gusty has some advice for applicants who make it to the interview round.

“Make sure you speak clearly and make eye contact to show you are interested and want to be here,” said Gusty. “Share your passion, goals and why you want to be a part of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Teen Program!”

CMZoo’s Teen Summer Program is a tuition-based experience, and scholarships are available. Participation in EdVenture trips requires a separate fee.

If a summer timeline won’t work, consider participating in an off-season Teen Program. The Teen Winter Program runs November through February, with applications opening for two weeks each October. The Teen Spring Program is only open to teens who have participated in a Teen Summer or Winter Program. The spring session runs February through May, with applications opening for two weeks each January.

For more information – and to apply between Feb. 1 and 14 – visit cmzoo.org/teenprograms.

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