CHEYENNE MOUNTIAN ZOO LOSES MOUNTAIN TAPIR AND MEXICAN WOLF IN SAME DAY, HOLDS ON TO HOPE FOR ENDANGERED SPECIES

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo said goodbye to two rare and endangered animals on Thursday, shining an even brighter light on the gravity of many species’ situations on this planet.

Cofan, a 19-year-old mountain tapir, and Luna, a 14-year-old Mexican wolf matriarch, passed away in unrelated situations, and the Zoo is pausing to honor their conservation contributions, while acknowledging the frightening future many species face. Both individuals were elderly and had experienced age-related conditions in recent years. Cofan was humanely euthanized after veterinary measures failed to revive him from a severe two-day downturn. Luna was found in her den, all signs pointing to a peaceful passing in her sleep.

With Cofan’s passing, there’s a literal empty space at the Zoo and figuratively in tapir fans’ hearts. The chance to ever see a mountain tapir up-close again is bleak, to say the least. Only four mountain tapir remain in human care in the United States, and they all live at Los Angeles Zoo. Unlike Luna, Cofan doesn’t leave a legacy of offspring to keep the species going.

In 2014, Cofan came to CMZoo as a breeding partner to Carlotta, a female mountain tapir who came to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in 1995, and passed away in 2021. After years of attempts, including artificial insemination and natural breeding, it was determined that Carlotta was beyond her breeding years. The end was in sight at that point, but now having lost both of them, it’s right in front of us.

Because of the very low number of individuals in human care, both Carlotta’s and Cofan’s bodies have been donated to Denver Museum of Nature & Science for scientific study. Their losses provide a rare opportunity to further our knowledge of the species.

Countless people came to adore his wooly bear-like ears and prehensile snout. But is being adored enough? If an endangered animal isn’t contributing to the future of its species through offspring, what’s the point? Why keep trying when you feel like you’ve already tried everything? The point is… if animals are going to have a place in our future, humans have to make that place. Accredited zoos help people help animals.

Largely due to our member vote through our Quarters for Conservation program, CMZoo has contributed more than $135,000 to wild tapir conservation.

Mountain tapir need help, with an estimated 2,500 mountain tapir remaining in the wild habitats of their native Ecuador.

“Cofan was a sweetheart,” said Joanna Husby, animal care manager at CMZoo. “Every year on World Tapir Day, we’d invite the public to come right up to his fence and scratch his chin. People would travel from all over to meet him, and he always chose to stay right where we could give him scratches. He seemed to love his role as an ambassador, and I believe he inspired our members to support wild tapir conservation. Without Cofan and Carlotta, they would never have taken interest in those causes.”

Guests had opportunities to get close to Cofan, and even touch him, but Luna was intentionally kept as wild as possible at the Zoo. Luna’s contributions to conservation were more literal.

She came to CMZoo in October 2016, followed by her mate, Navarro who arrived in November 2017. Their breeding recommendation was an instant match, and in May 2018, the two first-time parents welcomed the first litter of Mexican wolves born at the Zoo in 20 years.

The next spring, they welcomed another pup, later named Uno, and Luna embraced motherhood while inspiring human visitors with her gentle leadership, playful demeanor and up-close curiosity from behind the one-way glass in her habitat at the Zoo. Moreover, she taught her yearling pups how to parent by letting the older siblings closely observe her labor, birth and the upbringing of Uno in 2019.

Luna and Navarro had a lot of female pups. Five of her six total offspring are female, and two have already gone on to eventually form their own packs at different organizations that also participate in the Mexican Wolf Species Survival Plan (SSP) – a multi-organizational effort to breed Mexican wolves with maximum genetic diversity. The SSP works closely with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to contribute to and diversify endangered wild populations through efforts like cross-fostering and wild release of pups and adults born in human care. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service estimates there are only around 196 Mexican wolves in the wild in the U.S.

Despite their countless differences, Luna and Cofan shared important roles as ambassadors and contributors to their endangered species in the wild. As Zoo staff bid them farewell, we also hang on to hope that the work these animals allow us to do is actually making a difference for wildlife and wild places.

“We believe it is our job to be a place where people can care about and see some of the world’s most endangered species,” said Bob Chastain, president and CEO at CMZoo. “Further, because people come to the Zoo and support us through the conservation donation included with their admission, we get to make a difference for mountain tapir and gray wolves and many other species in the wild. And that’s my personal ‘why’ for why I continue to be dedicated to the work of CMZoo.”

Right now, decision makers in the state of Colorado are wrestling with the reintroduction plan for wolves to be restored to Colorado’s wild places. They’re taking public comments, and Luna’s legacy alone won’t save wild wolves. Humans have to take a stand for wildlife, and one easy step is making your voice heard at https://www.wolfengagementco.org/.

HAVE A WILD NIGHT FOR A WORTHY CAUSE AT THIS 21-AND-UP CMZOO FUNDRAISING EVENT – It’s your last chance to catch Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s 21-and-up evening music series, Tails & Tunes, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Thurs., Sept. 29. 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, work celebration or date night.

Advance tickets are required for members and the general public. Tickets are available now at cmzoo.org/tails.

Each admission includes two drinks and guests can purchase small plates from a chef-created custom Tails & Tunes menu to round out the night.

Attendees will have a wild night for a worthy cause, because proceeds help us care for our animals and cover operational costs as a non-profit Zoo that receives no tax support. In addition, 75¢ from every Tails & Tunes ticket goes to CMZoo’s Quarters for Conservation program, which has raised more than $4 million for frontline conservation efforts around the world since 2008.

What can you do at Tails & Tunes?

  • Your ticket includes two drink tickets for use at any bar throughout the event. Cash bars are also available.
  • Purchase chef-created small plates from our custom Tails & Tunes menu at our eateries ($5 per plate).
  • Enjoy local musicians performing throughout the Zoo.
  • Visit your favorite animals (most exhibits are open all evening).
  • 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).

September’s Tails & Tunes musical lineup:

  • Brandon Henderson & Austin Johnson
  • Red Moon Rounder
  • Red Rocks Rebellion
  • The Midnight Sun
  • WireWood Station
  • George Whitesell

Tails & Tunes is presented with support from Cordera and CenturyLink Fiber. 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 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’S DUE DATE IS BETWEEN SEPT. 19 AND NOV. 19, 2022 – On Wednesday, Sept. 14, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo shared an ultrasound video on its social media channels and asked fans to guess who at the Zoo was expecting a baby. This just in: it’s Bailey, a reticulated giraffe!

The calf would be the second offspring for mom, Bailey, and the seventh to be sired by dad, Khalid (pronounced cull-EED). Bailey and Khalid bred together on July 19, 2021. A healthy giraffe gestation can last from 14 to 16 months. Bailey’s last pregnancy was one day shy of 15 months (457 days) long. If she has another 15-month pregnancy, this baby would be born on October 19, 2022, but it could come as early as September 19, 2022 or as late as November 19, 2022 – and of course, any date in between.

This calf would be the seventeenth member of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s reticulated giraffe herd. Bailey moved to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo on a breeding recommendation in Sept. 2016. Bailey and Khalid welcomed their first calf, BB, to the world in September 2020, and BB moved to Denver Zoo in July 2022. CMZoo’s breeding program began in 1954 and has welcomed more than 200 calves since its inception.

On Mon., Sept. 19, the Zoo will welcome giraffe lovers worldwide to join us for 24-hour per day baby watch! Fans can tune in to a special live stream broadcast from Bailey’s overnight stall, where viewers will also be able to watch the labor and birth live at cmzoo.org/giraffecam or on YouTube.

Since the window in which Bailey could give birth starts on Sept. 19, she will start spending the night in a nursery where it’s safer and calmer for her to go into labor while the Zoo is closed at night. The space is adjacent to – but not sharing space with – the rest of the herd. You can see her with the rest of the herd during the day when they go outside on our two outdoor live giraffe cams which are available daily from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., also at cmzoo.org/giraffecam or on YouTube. The Zoo will continue to provide updates on their social media channels.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo recently launched the International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe, establishing a first-of-its-kind giraffe training, knowledge-sharing and giraffe emergency response program, that serves as a resource to benefit all giraffe in human care. CMZoo is not only a leader in the training and health of giraffe in human care, but they are also making a huge difference in conservation of giraffe in the wild.

Reticulated giraffe, the subspecies to which CMZoo’s herd belongs, are endangered. According to recent reports, wild giraffe populations have grown 20 percent since 2015, with around 117,000 individual giraffe documented. But, there’s still work to be done. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) categorizes giraffe as vulnerable to extinction, while two northern subspecies are considered critically endangered, and Masai and reticulated giraffe are endangered.

Watch the early ultrasound of Bailey’s baby below:

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.

ACTIVE DUTY AND VETERAN MILITARY MEMBERS RECEIVE 50% OFF BASE DAYTIME ADMISSION FOR ENTIRE HOUSEHOLD – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s annual Military Appreciation Week kicks off today, Monday, Sept. 12, and continues through Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022. All active-duty, veteran and retired military members and their dependents who live in the same household will receive 50% off the base Zoo admission cost for the day and time they choose to attend. Timed-entry e-tickets are required and must be purchased in advance at cmzoo.org/military.

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

Fast Facts

Military Appreciation Week at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Monday, September 12 through Sunday, September 18

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

Advance e-tickets are required

Active duty, veteran or retired military and their immediate family in the same household

50% off base Zoo admission

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, Toyota and Vectrus.

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.

LOW-SENSORY EVENT ENCOURAGES GUESTS TO DISCONNECT FROM DISTRACTIONS AND RECONNECT WITH NATURE – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will reopen its peaceful, mountainside grounds for the community to enjoy an evening of mindfulness at Silent Night. From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Sun., Sept. 11, 2022, guests can recharge at this quiet Zoo experience with only the natural sounds of animals and the mountainside.

Guests can visit their favorite animals in this unique whispers-only environment while they meander through the natural setting and take a deep breath, slow down and reflect. Attendees are asked to silence phones and other noisy devices, and to keep all communication to a whisper. ‘Noise-friendly’ buildings are open for those who may need to take a moment to regroup or take an important phone call. The rest of the Zoo will be quiet.

All ages are welcome, but guests should consider whether they will enjoy and respect the quiet ambiance of the event.

Giraffe and budgie feedings will be available, along with limited low-noise dining options at The Grizzly Grill. Unlike our other evening events, we will not have live music, announcements over loud speakers, or keeper talks.

Advance tickets are required for Zoo members and the general public. E-tickets, pricing, and more information are available at cmzoo.org/silentnight.

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.

The results are in! Last month, we asked for your help to finalize our logo for an exciting new endeavor. Thanks to your votes, we’re happy to share the final result and to tell you more about our program.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has established a first-of-its-kind giraffe training, knowledge-sharing and giraffe emergency response program, called the International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe.

“We have a long history of caring for a large herd of prolific, interactive giraffe that participate in daily guest feedings, weekly hoof care and a wide variety of trained voluntary husbandry and medical procedures,” said Amy Schilz, senior animal behaviorist. “With this new program, we can help giraffe all over the world get that same level of care.”

CMZoo’s giraffe herd has seen over 200 giraffe calf births, and the team who cares for them is passionate about learning more, teaching more, and building a network to advance the care of these beautiful creatures. The International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe is a concentrated effort by CMZoo to consolidate resources and expand educational programs to improve and enrich the lives of giraffe in human care throughout the world, while inspiring conservation for their wild counterparts.

The International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe has three main goals:

  1. Improve the quality of veterinary care available for giraffe in human care and leverage that information for field conservation.
  2. Continue to advance behavioral husbandry practices to improve giraffe welfare.
  3. Establish Emergency Response Teams worldwide to respond to giraffe health emergencies and field conservation needs.

“We’ve been leading giraffe care workshops since 2015,” said Schilz. “Now that CMZoo has made this investment in a fully dedicated staff and resources, we’re going to be able to reach so many more people and ultimately improve the lives of more giraffe.”

CMZoo’s giraffe herd has participated in voluntary husbandry training for a decade. In this modern method of cooperative care for animals, trainers reward animals for doing something asked of them – usually something that benefits their ongoing health care. Giraffe at CMZoo voluntarily participate in training for injections, blood draws, x-rays, eye exams, hoof care and more.

“Giraffe are incredibly smart,” said Schilz. “Our whole herd voluntarily participates in their own hoof care. We ask them to come to the training panel where they raise their leg to rest their hoof on a block. Then we can trim, file or x-ray their hoof while we give them lots of rye crackers. It’s incredibly fulfilling as a trainer, and I’m excited to be able to share these methods with even more giraffe lovers through this new Center.”

During voluntary training, the giraffe can choose to approach the trainers, and they have every opportunity to walk away. This method of training means giraffe can receive the care they need without anesthesia, which always carries some level of risk, especially for large animals, like giraffe. They’re receiving rewards for participating, so they’re typically eager to participate in the activity, rather than being told or forced to do something they don’t understand. Training sessions are less stressful for the trainers, too, because the animal is calm and confident.

Bailey, a 10-year-old female giraffe at CMZoo, is one of the giraffe that are trained to participate in voluntary blood draws. This behavior usually helps Bailey’s care team track her overall health. But, because Bailey is so good at this behavior, her team tested the dosing and longevity of a medication that can be used to help wild giraffe combat skin disease.

“Determining appropriate and effective doses of medications helps better manage giraffe health everywhere, and helps prevent drug resistance,” said Dr. Liza Dadone, senior giraffe veterinarian. “Especially when you’re working with wild giraffe, your access for repeating doses is very limited, so you want to be sure you’re using medications that will get the job done.”

To help identify the dose and duration of this treatment, Bailey received a single topical dose at CMZoo. She then had serial blood samples collected over the next few days and periodically over the next couple of weeks to measure the levels of medication in her system. CMZoo shared those findings with the greater zoo community and conservation partners to help better manage these skin infections in giraffe in human care and in the wild.

Bailey’s contribution is just one example of how giraffe in human care can help wild giraffe. Conservation collaborations, like giraffe reintroductions in Uganda, led by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Giraffe Conservation Foundation with support from CMZoo and the zoo community, are restoring giraffe to historic habitats and ensuring the protection of wild places.

According to recent reports, wild giraffe populations have grown 20 percent since 2015, with around 117,000 individual giraffe documented. But, there’s still work to be done. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) categorizes giraffe as vulnerable to extinction, while two northern subspecies are considered critically endangered, and Masai and reticulated giraffe (the subspecies found at CMZoo) are endangered.

If more giraffe like Bailey can inspire the general public to care about giraffe conservation while simultaneously contributing to scientific findings, wild giraffe populations will have a better chance at surviving.

The International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe offers virtual and in-person consulting on anything from husbandry training to veterinary diagnostics, habitat layout and design, and more. The Center is also establishing a network of Emergency Response Teams throughout the country, so when a giraffe’s life depends on fast action, expert help and resources are closer and those individuals have a better chance at recovery.

For more information, visit cmzoo.org/GiraffeCare for more information.


The four black-footed ferret (BFF) kits born in CMZoo’s conservation center are getting curious about the world around them! This weekend, conservation keepers noticed Sriracha’s four 10-week-old kits peeking out of the den during dinner time. Confidence and curiosity are important traits of successful BFFs. Practicing quick movements like pouncing, running, batting, and even getting the zoomies help the kits learn how to hunt and interact in the wild.

BFFs are endangered, and it’s easy to see why they have become ambassadors of the prairie ecosystem. With their black-and-white bandit-esque markings, small stature and curious demeanor, many consider this species adorable. That’s true; but they’re also highly trained hunters with a big job: restoring balance in their ecosystem while helping their own species recover from near extinction. Luckily, the ‘Ghosts of the Prairie’ have some help.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife and other organizations have banded together to breed, prepare, release and monitor black-footed ferrets to increase the population. Numbers fluctuate, but recent reports estimate 350 BFFs are thriving in the wild, thanks to this program.

Since 1991, when CMZoo established its breed-and-release black-footed ferret program, the team has bred 589 BFF kits. Some remain with zoos that support the Species Survival Plan. Others go to a conditioning center for ‘BFF boot camp’ before being released into the wild. The futures of these four kits is yet to be determined, but we’ll keep you posted!

Learn more about black-footed ferret conservation

 

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo keepers were greeted by a brand-new baby Red River hog in the early hours of Fri., Aug. 12. They had suspicions a baby was on the way, and their suspicions were confirmed when they found Red River hog mom, Zena, resting peacefully with her baby, who appears to be in good health.

“We are over the moon with excitement for this little one,” said Lauren Phillippi, lead keeper in African Rift Valley. “Red River hog babies are some of the cutest in the whole animal kingdom with their little stripes, tiny statures and energetic behaviors.”

The little hoglet is about the size of its mom’s snout. Red River hoglets are often described as having a watermelon pattern when they’re born. Just like adult Red River hogs, hoglets have he signature bright orange coats, but the babies also have brown and white stripes that run the length of their bodies, along with little brown and white spots all over. Those stripes and spots usually fade in around six months, but act as important camouflage in the meantime.

Eight-year-old Zena’s keepers say she has embraced her hoglet with all of the key behaviors they want to see from a second-time mom. The baby is nursing regularly, Zena nuzzles and cleans the baby, and the baby gets ‘zoomies’ in the comfort of their indoor den. Red River hoglets are sometimes described as looking like wind-up toys, because they get bursts of energy that send them running circles around their mothers. The baby’s sex has not been identified and likely won’t be for another few weeks. In keeping with CMZoo tradition, the baby likely won’t be named for at least 30 days.

This is Zena’s second hoglet, after Pinto, who was born at CMZoo in April 2021. Zena came to CMZoo on a breeding recommendation with Huey, CMZoo’s 15-year-old male Red River hog. Huey has been a great father to Pinto, and four others. Red River hog fathers, unlike many species, are active in raising their young. For now, Zena and baby will get time to bond alone, while Huey and Pinto spend time together in their indoor and outdoor spaces.

Follow CMZoo’s social media channels for updates on when Zena and the hoglet will make their public debut.

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 ruly 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.

HAVE A WILD NIGHT FOR A WORTHY CAUSE AT THIS CMZOO FUNDRAISING EVENT – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will continue its 21-and-up summer event series, Tails & Tunes, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. on Thurs., Aug. 25. 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. Tickets are available now at cmzoo.org/tails.
Each admission includes two drinks and guests can purchase small plates from a chef-created custom Tails & Tunes menu to round out the night.

Attendees will have a wild night for a worthy cause, because 75¢ from every Tails & Tunes ticket goes to CMZoo’s Quarters for Conservation program, which has raised more than $4 million for frontline conservation efforts around the world since 2008.

What can you do at Tails & Tunes?

  • Your ticket includes two drink tickets for use at any bar throughout the event. Cash bars are also available.
  • Purchase chef-created small plates from our custom Tails & Tunes menu at our eateries ($5 to $8 per plate).
  • Enjoy local musicians performing throughout the Zoo.
  • Visit your favorite animals (most exhibits open all evening).
  • 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 musical lineup:
– Daniel Ondaro
– Manitou Strings
– Red Moon Rounder
– Ryan Flores
– Seth Brown
– George Whitesell

After August 25, there’s only one more summer 2022 Tails & Tunes date:

  • 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Thurs., Sept. 29

Tails & Tunes is presented with support from Cordera and CenturyLink Fiber. 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 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.

HAVE A WILD NIGHT FOR A WORTHY CAUSE AT THIS CMZOO FUNDRAISING EVENT – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will kick off its three-date 21-and-up summer event series, Tails & Tunes, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. on Thurs., July 28. 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.

Attendees can rally their herd and head to the Zoo for a special evening full of live music, animals, spectacular mountainside views, and drinks. Tickets include two drinks and guests can purchase small plates from a chef-created custom Tails & Tunes menu to round out the night.

Advance tickets are required for members and the general public. Tickets are available now at cmzoo.org/tails.

Attendees will have a wild night for a worthy cause, because 75¢ from every Tails & Tunes ticket goes to CMZoo’s Quarters for Conservation program, which has raised more than $4 million for frontline conservation efforts around the world since 2008.

What can you do at Tails & Tunes?

  • Your ticket includes two drink tickets for use at any bar throughout the event. Cash bars are also available.
  • Purchase chef-created small plates from our custom Tails & Tunes menu at our eateries ($3 to $5 per plate).
  • 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 musical lineup:
– Back Stage People
– Melissa Crispo
– Red Moon Rounder
– Ryan Flores
– Manitou Strings

Other event details:

  • Advance tickets are required. No tickets 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.
  • Small plates are available for purchase at our eateries.
  • Most exhibits 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.

Additional summer 2022 Tails & Tunes dates:
– 6 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 25
– 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, September 29

Tails & Tunes is presented with support from Cordera and CenturyLink Fiber. 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 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.