FAQs and Rules

Common Zoo FAQs

Questions

Answers

Why Advance Tickets?

We are requiring you to get advance tickets, because popular days and times are subject to selling out. We are working to provide our guests with the best possible experience, which we believe includes avoiding overcrowding and off-site shuttles/parking. By restricting the number of tickets sold per time slot, you can park on-site and have more time to spend in the Zoo. During some peak times, you may experience delays in getting into our lot, so please be patient. Our longest waits for on-site parking are still less time than it takes to shuttle back and forth from off-site parking.

To do away with off-site shuttling, we have to limit the number of tickets we sell throughout the day, and they are subject to selling out. That’s why we require you to purchase your tickets in advance. Purchase advance tickets now

How do I become a Zoo member?

There are three ways to become a Zoo member before your visit:

Purchase your membership online. You will receive an email confirming your purchase, and then all you need to visit the Zoo that day is a picture photo ID to check in at the front gate. Your membership paperwork will come in the U.S. mail in 7-10 business days.
By phone, call Membership at 719-424-7830 or 719-424-7893. Let them know if you plan to visit that day, and they’ll make sure you’re all set.
Upgrade your admission tickets to a membership within 14 days. You can do this by contacting the Membership Department directly, either by email at [email protected] or by phone at 719-424-7830 or 719-424-7893. Please note, if you purchase a membership before speaking to membership staff, we will not be able to offer a refund of the tickets you would like to apply.

For additional membership information, visit Membership.

What's a better value for a Zoo visit, Zoo daily tickets or a Zoo membership?

A Zoo membership often pays for itself in as few as two visits. You can also apply your general daytime admission to a new Zoo membership up to 14 days after purchase (restrictions may apply). Please call 719-424-7830 or 719-424-7893 with your receipt from your Zoo visit ready to upgrade admissions to a membership. Tickets applied must directly reflect guests covered under the membership being purchased (i.e. only two admission tickets can be applied to an Individual Plus membership versus a Family membership, which includes two adult admission and any child daily admission tickets purchased). Admission applied must be on one receipt. Sky Ride tickets cannot be upgraded to a Sky Ride Day Pass. Daily admission tickets cannot be applied to a Third Adult add-on. Visit Membership for additional details.

Can I drive to the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun without going through the Zoo?

The only road to the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun goes through the Zoo, and the admission cost for the Shrine is included in your Zoo admission or Zoo membership (additional guests not on the membership must pay Zoo admission).

The Road to the Shrine is drive-up only – no walking or biking is permitted. (Except for during the Zoo’s annual Run to the Shrine event.)
The road is open when the Shrine is open, weather and road conditions permitting.
The Shrine is closed on most major holidays.
For more information, please visit Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun.

Please Note: The Shrine is subject to closure or restrictions due to inclement weather, adverse road conditions and special Zoo events. Any time the Zoo closes early, the last car up to the Shrine will be one hour prior to the Zoo’s closing time, or in other words, the same time as the last Zoo admission for that day.

Is the Carousel and/or Sky Ride operating today?

The Sky Ride operates daily May 1 through Labor Day. However, if we have seasonally warm weather during the off-season, we try to open them. In the off-season, please call ahead 719-633-9925 to find out if the Sky Ride will be operating on the day you want to visit.

The Carousel is closed for relocation through winter 2023-2024. Please check back for a reopening date. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Can we go out leave the Zoo and then come back in?

Yes. Admission to the Zoo is for the entire day. Please save your receipt for re-entry!

How do I volunteer at the Zoo?

Want to invest some time somewhere that you can make a difference? There are several ways to volunteer at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Volunteers keep Cheyenne Mountain Zoo running smoothly. We rely on them for everything from keeping the animal areas tidy to keeping our offices organized! Please visit our volunteer page for complete details.

I have leftover meat and other items that I would like to donate. Will you accept them?

For safety/health reasons, we only accept USDA inspected meat. It must be in the original wrapper and cannot be expired. If it does not meet these criteria, we can refer you to rescue centers and/or rehabilitators that may accept your meat. Please visit our materials wish list for additional items the Zoo welcomes as donations on an as-needed basis.

I have an animal that I don’t want. Will you take it?

It depends on the species and whether or not it fits into our master plan. Usually this is not the case, but we can refer you to a rescue center that may be able to help. You may also consult with the Pikes Peak Humane Society at 719-473-1741.

I would like to have a private event or party at the Zoo. Who should I contact?

Taste, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s exclusive caterer and event service provider, is a one-stop shop for all your event planning needs. For more information or to book your next event, visit the Venue Rentals & Catering page, or contact the Taste Catering at 719-314-0970 or [email protected].

Thank you for visiting Cheyenne Mountain Zoo!

FAQs and Rules

Zoo Rules:

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Common Zoo FAQs

Thank you for visiting Cheyenne Mountain Zoo!