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

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.

Welcome, Kay! The newest member of the tower has arrived, and she’s settling in with confidence and curiosity. Kay, a one-year-old female giraffe from Lincoln Children’s Zoo, arrived at CMZoo the evening of Wed., April 19.

Because Kay needed to be bottle fed as a baby, she is extremely outgoing and comfortable with people, which we hope will make her an incredible ambassador for her species. She gently and eagerly approaches her new keeper team through a protective barrier and enthusiastically investigates new spaces and enrichment activities at CMZoo.

Kay’s road trip went well, and she’s adjusting to her new home comfortably. Keepers say Kay stepped off of her trailer and into the barn like she’d done it a hundred times. LCZ’s team did a great job preparing her for this new adventure. A keeper from LCZ traveled with Kay to CMZoo and will stay for a few days to help her new keeper team get to know her.

While she completes a routine quarantine period, guests might see her in a back room of the barn or exploring the north giraffe yard near the meerkats in African Rift Valley. Kay is rooming with Msichana, a 20-year-old female giraffe whose calm and cooperative nature makes her a great first friend for Kay.

She can see, hear and smell most of the rest of the herd through fencing when they’re in the barn, and all involved seem quite interested in meeting. Ohe has been watching her from afar, and Wednesday seemed to stop in her tracks and stare at Kay when she first noticed her. Once Kay clears quarantine, her care team will introduce her to more members of the herd.

Please join us in welcoming Kay to CMZoo! We’ll keep you posted as she continues to settle in.

MOCHI, 24-YEAR-OLD MOUNTAIN TAPIR, RETURNS TO CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOO! – A critically endangered, extremely rare and iconic species, the mountain tapir, has returned to America’s mountain Zoo. Meet Mochi [MOH-chee], one of only four mountain tapir remaining in the entire country.

Longtime CMZoo members and fans may recognize him. Mochi lived at CMZoo from 2000 to 2014, when he moved to LA Zoo – where he left last month to return to Colorado.

“We are beyond excited to welcome this species back to the Zoo – and Mochi, as an individual, is going to be such a great ambassador,” said Lauren Phillippi, lead mountain tapir keeper. “He’s an older guy, but he’s really playful and curious. He loves scratches, just like our former tapir, and his brother, Cofan, did. He likes to hold his head to one side or stretch out a leg so we can get the scratches just right.”

This Monday, curious Mochi wasted no time exploring his recently updated yard, across the main Zoo road from Encounter Africa. He came straight out of his den to the yard, energetically investigating the trees, rocks, grass and snacks, with his signature tapir high-step walk. To accommodate Mochi’s advanced age, his team decided to remove a pool that was previously there, and replaced it with a comfortable sand yard. Mochi has access to a waterfall and smaller pond, where he took a brief dip.

Mochi came to CMZoo from LA Zoo, the only other organization providing homes for mountain tapir in the U.S. Because CMZoo had ample space and experience to care for another tapir after the losses of Cofan and Carlotta in 2022 and 2021, respectively, Mochi got the opportunity to live out his golden years at his former home.

“Mountain tapir are so rare – in the wild and in human care,” said Phillippi. “Last year, we didn’t know if we’d ever be able to share tapir with our community again. Mochi may be our last chance to inspire people to care for mountain tapir, and we don’t take that lightly.”

Mountain tapir need help, with an estimated 2,500 mountain tapir remaining in the wild habitats of their native Ecuador. Largely due to CMZoo’s Member Conservation Vote, CMZoo and members have contributed more than $135,000 to wild tapir conservation. Many CMZoo staff members have traveled to Ecuador to study and raise local awareness for the rare tapir.

“They’re simply magical animals,” said Phillippi. “Their physical appearances are as unique as their presence, with their prehensile snouts, hooved feet, bear-like ears and fuzzy bodies. If you’ve never seen a tapir in person, you can’t miss the chance to meet Mochi.”

Mochi will be out and about as he chooses while the weather is warm and he continues to settle in. Stop by and visit him in the Mountain Tapir exhibit.

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.

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

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.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN WILD NAMED #2 BEST ZOO EXHIBIT IN NORTH AMERICA – For the seventh consecutive year, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has been voted one of the top ten zoos in North America in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This time, America’s mountain Zoo was recognized in two categories: #4 Best Zoo in North America and #2 Best Zoo Exhibit in North America, for its Rocky Mountain Wild exhibit.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo aims to set itself apart by making every guest experience inspiring. With its simply stated vision, “Every Kid. Every Time. Goosebumps.” at its cultural core, CMZoo creates environments and experiences that bring people closer to animals. Exhibits are designed to remove as many physical barriers as safely possible between guests and animals. Guests can experience this for themselves by hand feeding the giraffe herd – one of the largest herds in North America, with 17 giraffe – or by waddling alongside penguins or getting eye-to-eye with hippos at CMZoo’s newest exhibit, Water’s Edge: Africa. CMZoo’s goal is to foster connections that inspire guests to take action to protect animals and their habitats in the wild.

Rocky Mountain Wild, an area of the Zoo that is home to animals from the Zoo’s native region, was named #2 Best Zoo Exhibit in North America. Rocky Mountain Wild opened in the summer of 2008, appropriately hugging the highest elevations of CMZoo’s developed mountainside acreage. The area is home to a pack of endangered Mexican wolves, Canada lynx, an Alaska moose, a bald eagle, two grizzly bears, three mountain lions and four river otters. Rocky Mountain Wild is known for its expansive natural exhibits, exquisite views, and enthusiastic and passionate team of animal keepers.

This is the fifth time Rocky Mountain Wild has been nominated in the Best Zoo Exhibit category, and the seventh time Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has been nominated in the Best Zoo category. A panel of travel experts, recruited by USA TODAY editors, nominated 20 North American Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited zoos and exhibits, and supporters had four weeks to cast their votes once per day for the nominees of their choice.

The 2023 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Top Ten Best Zoos in North America, in ranking order, are:

  1. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
  2. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
  3. Brevard Zoo
  4. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
  5. Brookfield Zoo
  6. at Lowry Park
  7. Audubon Zoo
  8. Saint Louis Zoo
  9. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
  10. Indianapolis Zoo
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.

ANNUAL HOLIDAY LIGHTS CELEBRATION CONTINUES THROUGH SUNDAY, JAN. 1, 2023 – USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards today announced that Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Electric Safari ranked third in the national Best Zoo Lights category for the fourth year in a row. This is the seventh year running that Electric Safari has ranked in the top ten.

The top ten Best Zoo Lights finalists are, in order of rankings:

1. PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo
2. Lights Before Christmas at the Toledo Zoo
3. ELECTRIC SAFARI AT CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOO
4. Wild Winter Lights at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
5. Christmas at the Zoo at the Indianapolis Zoo
6. Philadelphia Zoo LumiNature
7. Zoo Lights Miami
8. Dallas Zoo Lights
9. U.S. Bank Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo
10. WildLights at Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s 32nd annual month-long celebration of the season continues through Sun., Jan. 1 (except Christmas Eve, Sat., Dec. 24), featuring 50 acres of twinkling lights, 85 artisan-made light sculptures and breathtaking nighttime city views. The Zoo’s holiday collection of larger-than-life illuminated animal inflatables continues to grow with the additions of a peacock and a color-changing chameleon this year, joining last year’s orangutan, African lion, ring-tailed lemur, sloth, African penguin, monarch butterfly, and meerkat.

Electric Safari is the only event in Colorado where you can:

– see over 85 one-of-a-kind light sculptures
– visit select animal exhibits
– hand-feed a giraffe herd ($3 per lettuce bundle or $5 for two bundles)
– visit Santa (through Dec. 23)
– explore 50 acres of twinkling lights and dancing light displays
– see larger-than-life illuminated inflatable animals
– cozy up around fire pits and warming stations throughout the Zoo
– get the best nighttime views of Colorado Springs from the side of Cheyenne Mountain

Bundle up, grab some hot cocoa and make memories with loved ones. Brand-new this year, you can save $5 per ticket by visiting on a non-peak night! See the 2022 Electric Safari pricing calendar, get tickets and learn more at cmzoo.org/electric.

Advance timed tickets are required for both members and non-members. Zoo member tickets are free, but must be reserved in advance. Everyone visiting the Zoo must have their own advance e-ticket, including children age 2 and under. Timed tickets from 4-5 p.m. are for Zoo members and their paying guests only. Electric Safari opens to the public at 5 p.m.

Electric Safari wouldn’t be complete without visiting select animal exhibits. Electric Safari offers paid feeding opportunities with CMZoo’s famous giraffe herd and budgie flock. Water’s Edge: Africa, the giraffe barn, the elephant and rhino barn, the African lion relaxation room, Rocky Mountain Wild (except grizzly bears), Asian Highlands, Scutes Family Gallery and Budgie Buddies are open.

Electric Safari is an important fundraiser for CMZoo, which doesn’t receive any tax support. Your ticket to Electric Safari helps us fund animal care, Zoo operations and improvements, and conservation projects. Please join us in thanking our generous supporting Electric Safari partners, CenturyLink Fiber, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Toyota, and U.S. Bank.

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 2022, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was voted #3 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 $4 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.

THIS THURSDAY, ENJOY FOOD, DRINKS AND LIVE MUSIC ON THE MOUNTAIN AT ELECTRIC MOONLIGHT – Make plans for an adults-only mistle-toast to the season at Electric Moonlight from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8, at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Electric Moonlight incorporates all of the magic of Electric Safari, plus the additions of live music and all-inclusive food and drink samplings (while supplies last). Even Santa himself will be here to listen to grown-ups’ holiday wishes!

Attendees can get into the holiday spirit and feel good about purchasing a ticket to this important fundraiser for the Zoo. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo does not receive tax support, so every ticket helps fund animal care, Zoo operations, improvements, conservation and more.

Each Electric Moonlight ticket includes access to most animal areas at the Zoo, performances by local musicians throughout the Zoo, a souvenir sampling spork and cup, and all-inclusive food and beverage samplings from regional restaurants, breweries, wineries and distilleries (while supplies last). See a list of open animal areas and attending vendors at cmzoo.org/em.

This event is popular and is subject to selling out. Advance tickets are required, and as of Monday, Dec. 5, there are only a couple hundred left! Don’t wait to secure your spot at the last 21-and-up special event of the year at cmzoo.org/em.

Quick Facts

  • 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022
  • This event is for adults, ages 21 and older, only. No children or infants will be allowed in.
  • Advance tickets are required and must be purchased at cmzoo.org/em.
  • Each ticket includes a souvenir sampling cup and fork so guests can sample food and drinks from over 25 stations located throughout the Zoo. Local breweries, distilleries, restaurants, vendors and more will have samples available for guests while supplies last.
  • Live music will be performed throughout the Zoo by local artists Ryan Flores, FlashBlack, George Whitesell, Jacob Christopher and A Carpenter’s Daughter.
  • Select animal habitats will be open for guests to visit, including the giraffe barn, where guests can hand-feed the 17-member giraffe herd for $3 per lettuce bundle or $5 for two bundles. (Guests can also see the 7-week-old giraffe calf in the barn.)

This waste-wise event is supported by GFL Environmental. We’re grateful for our sponsor’s support!

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 2022, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was voted #3 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 $4 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.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has been hosting sold-out nights of Boo at the Zoo since it started on Fri., Oct. 21 – and there just one more night to get into the spooky spirit with your favorite animals.

Halloween night, Monday., Oct. 31, is the final night of Boo at the Zoo, and there are still a handful of timed tickets left. Advance tickets are required and must be purchased for all attendees (including kids 2-and-under) at cmzoo.org/boo.

This Colorado Springs Halloween tradition is a fun way for families to trick-or-treat at 29 stations throughout the Zoo and enjoy Halloween festivities in a unique environment. Boo at the Zoo is from 4 to 8:30 p.m. and ticketholders can enter the Zoo at the time on their timed tickets.

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, weather permitting.

An elephant-sized amount of candy (4.5 tons) will be handed out at trick-or-treat stations throughout Boo at the Zoo. The Zoo’s candy supply 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. To find your own Halloween candy that’s orangutan-friendly, download CMZoo’s sustainable palm oil shopping guide at cmzoo.org/palmoil.

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!

SELECT ANIMAL EXHIBITS ARE OPEN, INCLUDING:
– Giraffe building
– African lions
– Budgie Buddies
– Wallaby building
– Encounter Africa elephant/rhino barn
– Domestic Goat Experience
– The Treehouse in 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)

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
Final Date: Monday, Oct. 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, Colorado Custom Screen Printing & Design 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 2022, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was voted #3 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 238 zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of very few operating without tax support. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo depends on admissions, membership dues, special event attendance and donations for funding.

MOM AND BABY ARE DOING WELL; GUESTS CAN SEE THEM TOMORROW Bailey, a 10-year-old reticulated giraffe at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, welcomed a calf to the herd today at 10:49 a.m. MT. Bailey and the baby are doing well and will be visible from a short distance to guests in the giraffe barn tomorrow, as long as mom and calf continue to appear healthy and calm. The giraffe barn will be a quiet zone for guests and staff, and if mom and baby show any signs of discomfort, the barn will be closed.

Bailey welcomed her second calf – and second daughter – to the world just one hour and 32 minutes after a group of lucky guests saw Bailey’s water break in the giraffe yard outside. The calf appears to be healthy, having met milestones its care team wants to see, like taking its first steps and nursing within the first two hours after it was born.

The calf made several attempts to stand on its own, which is normal for giraffe calves as they get the hang of their long legs. After a few stumbles, the calf maneuvered itself against a fence where it was struggling to get footing. The giraffe care team asked Bailey to move into the stall next to her baby, which she did willingly. The care team then entered the stall with the calf, picked up the calf, and moved her into the center of the stall where she managed to stay on her feet and was quickly rejoined by mom.

Because her care team needed to intervene for just a moment, they were able to confirm the calf is female. We don’t have an exact height or weight on the baby, but she appears to be a normal weight and height for a calf – close to six feet tall and around 125 pounds. Following Cheyenne Mountain Zoo tradition, the calf will not be named until she is at least 30 days old.

The calf is the seventeenth member of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s reticulated giraffe herd. The calf is the seventh to be sired by dad, Khalid (pronounced cull-EED). Bailey was born at Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, in Omaha, Neb., in March 2012 and moved to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo on a breeding recommendation in Sept. 2016. CMZoo’s breeding program began in 1954 and has welcomed more than 200 calves since its inception.

The giraffe building will be closed the rest of today to allow mom and baby some quiet time to bond and nurse. The rest of the CMZoo herd will be available for viewing and feeding in the outside yard from elevated platforms, where guests can get eye-to-eye with and feed lettuce to the herd.

Tens of thousands of worldwide viewers witnessed the calf’s birth on Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s live feeds on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. The indoor live stream, at cmzoo.org/giraffecam or youtube.com/@CheyenneMtnZoo, will continue to stream live from the sand stall for about a week, where Bailey and the calf can be seen indoors. Both outdoor giraffe yard camera feeds are also available at cmzoo.org/giraffecam or youtube.com/@CheyenneMtnZoo. The Zoo will continue to provide updates on social media channels for the coming weeks.

Through Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Quarters for Conservation program, by which 75 cents of every Zoo admission is allocated to conservation, guests have helped CMZoo send more than $4 million to support important conservation efforts since 2008.

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 2022, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was voted #3 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 $4 million dedicated to frontline conservation efforts around the world. Of the 239 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.

Bailey, a 10-year-old reticulated giraffe at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, is in active labor. The giraffe barn will remain closed and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will provide updates to media as soon as possible.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will broadcast updates from its Facebook page and YouTube live stream.

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/cmzoo
Live Birth Cam (YouTube feed): www.cmzoo.org/giraffecam
Photos of Bailey: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/09fufz7byrridj8/AADM92hN2Wu9g9ljYZF54Duqa?dl=0

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will distribute a news release with an on-site media opportunities schedule, video, photos and greater detail as soon as possible.

Background information:

The Zoo’s records show that Bailey bred with bull, Khalid (kuh-LEED’), on June 19, 2021. Giraffe pregnancies typically range between 14 and 16 months. The 15-month mark is today: October 19, 2020.

There are 16 reticulated giraffe in the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo herd. This calf would bring the number to 17.

“Giraffe calves can be fragile, so we try to encourage people to be realistic about the risks while they enjoy the excitement of the hope we know giraffe calves bring to so many,” said Jason Bredahl, African Rift Valley animal care manager. “We’re optimistic that advances in medicine, like the availability of giraffe plasma and stem cell treatments, will help us navigate any medical needs the calf may have.”

CMZoo takes precautions for the well-being of mom and calf by providing a sand-floor stall for Bailey, separate from the rest of the herd. In anticipation of the birth, Bailey was moved to a sand stall on September 19, which CMZoo staff anticipated was the earliest date Bailey could go into labor.

During the day, when the herd went outside, she remained with them in the main yard. At night, she moved to the sand stall. The sand helps mom and baby in a few ways: by preventing injury to the calf upon the five-foot drop it encounters as it’s born, by providing a more absorbent substrate that helps prevent slips for the baby’s first steps, and by providing a cushion for the calf as it learns to walk and inevitably stumbles.

Bailey was born at Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, in Omaha, Neb., in March 2012 and moved to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo on a breeding recommendation in Sept. 2016. This will be Bailey’s second calf. CMZoo’s breeding program began in 1954 and has welcomed more than 200 calves since its inception.

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 2020, 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. Of the 233 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.