LED Light Display

Have you seen this year’s fantastic LED light display at the Zoo? The Horticulture Department worked tirelessly to assemble the fantastic display including a total of 170 strands of lights (6000 feet) with a total of 420,000 individual lights to create the ‘red, white, and blue’ color scheme at the Loft and in Rocky Mountain Wild.

You’ll also find 300 feet of LED icicle lights atop the Lodge at Moose Lake and two solar powered LED light kits in front of the Loft.

In addition, much of Asian Highlands is decked in LED lights including the ‘light curtain’ at the archway to Asian Highlands and 18 red LED lanterns dressing the walkways.

Be sure to see these amazing and eco-friendly light displays during Winter WildLand.

Remembering Kubla

It is our sad duty to report that Kubla, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's 15-year-old male snow leopard, was humanely euthanized on Monday, December 22. According to veterinary and animal care reports, Kubla had been presenting symptoms of suspected renal failure and the effects of that medical condition. His condition rapidly deterorated over the past weeks and it was determined that his quality of life was being severly compromised.

A Tribute to Kubla
By Megan Sanders

Kubla was one of those animals that had something magic about him. He had a knack of finding the perfect spot to lie at the front of his exhibit and would draw crowds with the simple act of sleeping! He was thought to be everything from a white tiger to an albino cheetah or leopard, but it was a rare occasion when a guest would walk by and not stop to admire what an amazing animal he was.

Kubla is an animal that has defined me in this career path. He taught me so much about so much. He and Dakota were my first “big training milestones” here. He was a great student who let me make so many mistakes so that I could become a better trainer. He never failed to greet you with a chuff from his den in the morning and a “tail held high trot” over and a rub on the bars when we came to give him his afternoon meds. He was a mild mannered gentleman and a great ambassador to his species.

I have so much love and respect for all the keepers and vet staff that have work with him over his time here. I was so overwhelmed to see so many staff from all departments come to say goodbye. He had a good long run and as Dr. Michelle once shared with me “When you love something so much, this peace is sometimes the last great gift you can give”. I know we did right by him and I take solace in the thought of Kubla, healthy and robust as he was in his prime, rolling in green fields.

I’ll miss you Kubla. Thank you for all you gave me. Be at peace.

Reindeer in Training

Every reindeer would like to be chosen to join Santa at the North Pole. Older reindeer tell wonderful stories about the places they visited when they flew around the world as part of Santa’s Sleigh Team.

Reindeer, you see, only fly with Santa for two or three Christmases before they return to their herds. The Christmas Eve journey is utterly exhausting, so Santa sends them home with his love and thanks for a job well done. The elves throw a huge party before a reindeer leaves, and another to welcome the new team member. The new reindeer is officially given his or her team name: Dasher, Vixen, Prancer, Dancer, Donnner, Blitzen, Comet, or Cupid. The names are like titles that are passed on from one reindeer to another. The new team member will be similar in size, strength, and temperament to the one he or she is replacing so the sleigh will be perfectly balanced.

For most new arrivals at the North Pole, however, the honor of actually joining the Sleigh Team is still a long way off. When they first arrive, they have a long period of training to look forward to. But first, Santa offers them a warm welcome, showing them to the cozy stables for the new arrivals.

- Adapted from Santa’s Reindeer by Rod Green

Meet two very special “Reindeer in Training”, Jingles and Mistletoe, at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo this holiday season. Jingles and Mistletoe will be training at the stables across from the Loft until January 5.

All of us at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo would like to wish you a safe and happy holiday season filled with all the magic that is Christmas!

Remembering Clara

Photo Credit: Rebecca Zwicker

One of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's beloved primates recently passed away. Our beloved 34 year old Mangabey, Clara, will be missed. Because of several concurrent illnesses, additional treatment would have compromised her quality of life and euthanasia was the best choice. Included below are some heartfelt tributes from the keepers who knew her best:

A Tribute by Jeannette Schwab
Clara was one of the most engaging primates I have ever met. She was sweet, loving and kind. Everyone that met Clara knew that she was special. Her eyes were so expressive and she let you know just how she felt. She was a wild caught primate and spent her early years as someone’s pet. When she came to CMZ she was paired with Laz. They had a tumultuous relationship but it worked for them. In recent years she was paired with Tana and they spent her last few years together as a peaceful couple.

I met her 10 years ago and immediately fell in love with her. She loved to be groomed and always had a greeting for me when I came close to her enclosure. During our grooming session we built a large bank account of friendship and trust. There is so much I will miss about her. Clara was my favorite primate in the building and I have loved every minute that I have had the privilege to spend with her. I will miss her dearly.

She reminded me daily why I became a zookeeper. My son said to me, as he tried to cheer me up, that Clara is in a better place and she is now free to move about and fly around. I have solace in the fact that we did the right thing for Clara and she is now at peace in the “Great beyond” where flying monkeys really do exist. Rest my sweet Clara, I will miss you!

A Tribute by Rebecca Zwicker
Clara truly was a "keeper's animal". Anyone who had the pleasure of getting to know and work with her will remember her funny, sweet quirks that made her unique. If we were in the back area having a laugh she was quick to join in with grunts that sounded like a chuckle. However, if we were standing right in front of her and laughed at something funny she did she would give a hard look, vocalize and slap the ground letting you know she did not appreciate being the butt of a joke. Usually we would have to walk away laughing harder as to not offend her anymore. Good news is she was quick to forgive and be willing to groom your freckles mere moments later. How can you not fall in love with such a personality plus animal like that?


Photo Credit: Rebecca Zwicker

Wild Gifts - Orangutan Art!

Our orangutans started “painting class” in October! The first sessions resulted in a few simple dots of paint on the paper and a lot of broken paint brushes. By giving positive reinforcement through small treats each time the artist dipped their brush into the paint, and each time he or she then touched the brush to the paper, the orangutans quickly caught on to the process. Within a week or two, the four adult orangutans were creating unique pieces of art!

Unique Benefits of Orangutan Art

• Painting enriches the orangutans’ lives and stimulates their minds.
• This is a unique opportunity for the orangutans that live at CMZ to help their wild counterparts. Every time a painting is purchased, 50% of the proceeds go to orangutan conservation!
• We know that every time someone looks at orangutan art displayed in their home or office, they will be reminded how amazing and intelligent these great apes are!

Visit the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo website for details or to purchase an orangutan painting.

Every Winter WildLand Visit Helps Local Families

This season, our Winter WildLand holiday event benefits hundreds of Head Start families in the Pikes Peak region. Head Start is a comprehensive preschool and family program providing early childhood education complimented by health and social services for the whole family. You can help simply by making a visit to Winter WildLand. Each visit helps a Head Start family have a special experience at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in 2009.

When the Winter WildLand total attendance reaches 5,000 guests, the Zoo will serve 50 Head Start families with a special visit to the Zoo. When attendance hits 10,000 guests, another 50 families will be served. Then, with each subsequent increment of 5,000 guests attending Winter WildLand, another 100 families will be served. Ultimately, up to 500 Head Start families through CPCD could benefit with a special family visit and experience to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

The special Giving Tree is located near the Loft. With each group of families receiving Zoo visits, corresponding ornaments will be placed on the tree creating a visual representation of the number of families served.

Visit our website to learn more about attending Winter WildLand and fostering a sense of community through your visit.

Happy Birthday Zambezi

Zambezi, one of our Nile Hippos, turned 16 on Sunday. She celebrated with three of her favorite things:

A good rub behind her ears, a Jell-O cake with whipped topping and good teeth brushing!

Blog Keeper Notes:
Remember to vote in our most recent poll:
What is your favorite thing about Winter WildLand?

Wild Gifts

Felted Ornaments

Every wondered what to get for the person who has everything? Look no further! These unique gifts give twice.

Visit Snow Leopard Enterprises to find gifts like felted Mongolian ornaments. All profits are invested right back into community conservation projects that generate income and help protect snow leopards and their habitat.

Learn how these gifts:

• Help impoverished families
• Save endangered species
• Develop handmade products

Or visit Gifts for Conservation, an organization established as a source of ideas for people who want the gifts they give and receive to help the environment and to serve conservation.

Be sure to check back often for more wild gift ideas!

Black-Footed Ferrets to Fort Carson

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Fort Carson, the National Wildlife Federation and the US Fish and Wildlife Service are some of the partners considering the reintroduction of endangered black-footed ferrets to available prairie dog habitat, right here in our community’s backyard! Fort Carson has thousands of acres of suitable prairie habitat for ferret survival and is very interested in restoring the black-footed ferret on their land.

Want to learn more? Attend a free Open House at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Lodge at Moose Lake on Wednesday, Dec. 17, from 6-8 p.m.

You’ll get to meet a black-footed ferret, get lots of important information and have an opportunity to discuss this exciting conservation initiative with many of the partners.

Free refreshments will be served.

Zip Lions

By Rebecca Zwicker, Animal Keeper


Last week, the African lions received a zip line for enrichment. Now, keepers can attach fun items like boxes with treats inside to the zip line, sending the treats down for the lions to pull off and enjoy.



The first time the three female youngsters saw a box hanging from the line they were merely curious, but once a second box filled with boomer ball, gourd and giraffe urine shot down the line, they made short work of the boxes. Parents, Elson and Angie, looked on.

Recycled Gift Wrap

By Della Garelle, DVM
Director of Conservation & Animal Health


Photo courtesy of MarthaStewart.com

For gift wrapping, you can start your own recycling program.
Use old posters, comics, colorful shopping bags, old calendars - even old maps make cool wraps!

Design your own gift-wrap by using a paper grocery or department store bag and adding decorations such as drawings, stamped patterns, or pictures cut from magazines. Let the kids do the designing. It will keep them busy on stormy days.

If you do use store bought wrapping paper, buy the kind with recycled content (the more post consumer, the better).

When you receive gifts, be sure to save the ribbons and bows. Click for additional tips on how to reduce your gift wrapping waste, or visit the Green Guide.

Tiger Enrichment

By Rebecca Zwicker, Animal Keeper



On Thanksgiving Day, Zoya, our Amur tiger cub, had quite a fun day! In the morning she was given a large rawhide bone (a gift from a zoo employee and her husband - thanks Tracey and Joel) that was tied by rope so it would hang in her exhibit.
Zoya cannot resist a fun moving object and the bone and rope enrichment kept her occupied while guests were delighted throughout the day!

Given that it was a holiday and it is just so much fun to give Zoya enrichment, we did it again in the afternoon, but this time she was given a piece of elk hide. At first she sniffed it and would lick it some. Soon she was running, jumping and rolling all around her exhibit with it. At one point she put it in her water trough, but retrieved it out of the water quickly. What a good day for Zoya, guests and her keepers alike!

Visit Winter WildLand

Our new seasonal celebration begins Friday December 5th, when everything at the Zoo is transformed into a nighttime spectacle of light and seasonal pleasures!

Make it a tradition for your whole family and ring in the season with thousands of lights, holiday characters, and the opportunity to make gifts and accompany Santa as he delivers presents to the animals. You can even see two special “reindeer in training”!

Santa and Sean Anglum, Public Relations & Events Manager, prepare for the big event.

Beginning Friday, 12/5, Winter WildLand takes place Thursday – Sunday evenings from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. Click HERE for ticket prices and detailed information. It will be a "Wildly Festive Experience"!

Happy Thanksgiving

As the holidays arrive, we are reminded of all the things we are thankful for. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo would like to thank all of our guests, donors and friends who support our efforts here in Colorado Springs as well as our worldwide conservation efforts.

Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving!

And just a reminder, we are open today from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm with the last admission at 3:00 pm. Click HERE to read about this weekend’s family events at the Zoo.

Family Weekend

By Sean Anglum,
Public Relations & Special Events Manager


A Griffon Vulture, one of the many birds seen in The Wings of Africa show

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is offering you the perfect alternative to football games and the shopping frenzy for this Thanksgiving weekend. A great place to walk off that turkey dinner – the Zoo is a wonderful destination to take your visiting family and friends.

This Thanksgiving weekend the Zoo is featuring a full schedule of animal behavior shows at various animal exhibit locations. These natural behavior shows began this summer at the Zoo, and have proven to be a big hit with guests. Animal keepers train with the animals in their charge to accentuate natural animal behaviors that help the keepers with their care efforts.

Natural behavior shows that are currently featured (weather permitting) at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo include Wings of Africa, Treetop Acrobats, Primates In Motion, Orangutans Are COOL, The Raven Show and Conservation in Your Own Backyard. Times and descriptions of these shows are available on the Zoo’s website, www.cmzoo.org.

So whether it’s a stroll through the Zoo to walk off some holiday calories, taking the relatives to a fun and fascinating local attraction, or the chance to just get away from the chaos of super-shopping and 24/7 football, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo awaits you on Thanksgiving weekend.

Be ready to gobble it up!

The Grizzlies Weigh In

By Megan Sanders,
Animal Behavior Programs Manager



The weather is cooling off and CMZ’s resident Grizzly Bears are starting to show signs of the impending weather change. Over the past few months our keepers have been working very hard with “Emmett and Digger” teaching them to get on a scale so we can keep track of what their weight is doing. As growing bears it is important that they are gaining weight for the cold months ahead, and they are doing just that.

At “Digger’s” October weigh in he tipped the scales at a hefty 598 pounds (when arrived at CMZ he was just 429 pounds)! “Digger” is proving to be a fairly easy going bear getting on the scale without a second thought, as long as it is followed by a tasty snack.

“Emmett” on the other hand is a little more wary of the scale platform and on occasion decides he would rather just watch from afar. We never force him to do anything that he is uncomfortable with so on those “not so brave days” he just gets some treats for at least putting a foot on.

Many of our guests have asked us if our Grizzlies or other zoo animals will hibernate this winter. Hibernation is an instinct that many animals will continue to practice even in captivity if they live in cold enough climates.

Something that many people may not know about bears is that they are not a “true hibernator”. Instead they enter a state that is called Torpor, which basically means decreased physical and physiological activity. Unlike a “true hibernator”, during those winter months bears do still wake up to drink and forage. In captivity this just looks like a significant decrease in activity and food motivation. We have already started to notice our boys slowing down.

Over the summer, both bears were very food motivated and would train with the keepers as long as they would work with them. Over the past few weeks our once “snack happy” bears have even gone so far as to turn down food, and their tireless training sessions have been scaled back to accommodate their lower energy. So for now, some of their swimming sessions will most likely be replaced by a few extra naps. After all, they need to rest up so they can continue to delight us with their antics next spring!

The Vanishing Frog

WORLD PREMIERE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20 AT 8PM (ET/PT)



Animal Planet focuses worldwide attention on the deadly fungus that is destroying frogs and other amphibian populations around the world through a new multimedia project called THE VANISHING FROG. The film sends Animal Planet’s Jeff Corwin on a worldwide mission that uncovers clues on the frog’s deadly plight while also unifying viewers with a common cause of environmental protection of wildlife resources.

From the rocky streams of coastal Australia to the jungles of South America—and even to the American West, the world’s frogs are mysteriously vanishing at alarming rates. Frogs and their relatives have thrived on earth for more than 360 million years, but now they are under serious threat. Experts believe that as many as one-third to one-half of the planet’s mass extinctions- since the dinosaurs.

Why are amphibians in such dire straits? And can we take action to save them? Jeff Corwin, who has experienced the most mammoth of mammals, reptiles and marine life worldwide, will take on these large questions about these small amphibians in the documentary.

“The Vanishing Frog” documentary will cablecast this Thursday night on The Animal Planet channel. The time to watch for our local region is 6:00 pm, with the program repeated at 9:00 pm.

Eyeglasses Drive

The Andean Bear Conservation project in Ecuador is one of six projects Cheyenne Mountain Zoo supports through Quarters for Conservation. The Andean Bear Conservation Project protects Andean bears (also known as Spectacled Bears) from extinction through field studies and the rehabilitation and release of captive bears.

You can actively participate as our partner in these conservation efforts. For every pair of prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses donated (regular sunglasses count too), Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will set aside $1 towards Andean Bear rehabilitation and release. We’ll match your donations up to $1000!



Your donation is twofold. At the conclusion of the glasses drive on March 1 2009, collected glasses will be donated to the Colorado Springs chapter of The Lions Club. The Lions Club delivers glasses to people in need all over the world. One pair of donated glasses can mean a world of difference to someone across our planet. For some one pair of prescription glasses costs three to four months of salary. Some have never seen their children's faces clearly due to vision problems – problems easily corrected by one simple pair of glasses.

Though Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Eyeglasses Drive, you can help people across the globe all while helping to save the South American Spectacled bear! A win, win!

Bring your glasses donation to the donation box at our front admissions gate or mail the glasses directly to the Zoo:

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80906

Thank you in advance for your valuable donation!

Rafiki & Tumani

By Heidi Genter, Animal Keeper - Primate World



Gorilla fathers are very involved in the lives of their offspring, both in the wild and in captivity. The silverback’s primary role is to protect his family and lead them to safe places to eat and rest, but he frequently becomes a playground and playmate for all the youngsters in the group. Our silverback, Rafiki, is a wonderful dad and loves to play with his 21-month-old daughter, Tumani.

What may look like rough wrestling and biting to us is play to them. At 475 pounds, Rafiki is obviously way bigger than Tumani, who probably weighs less than 30 pounds. He is very careful not to be too rough.



Gorilla babies love to be tickled, and when Rafiki is mouthing Tumani on her belly, that’s just what he’s doing. This results in a gleeful playface and laugh from Tumani. The best time to catch Tumani at her highest activity level is usually in the morning. As we head into winter, the gorillas spend more time inside and it is easier to watch Tumani’s antics.

Help Orphaned Orangutans

Help Cheyenne Mountain Zoo send unopened packages of baby bottles and silicone teats to BOSF Project Nyaru Menteng.

The Bornean Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF) Nyaru Menteng Project cares for over 600 orangutans displaced from the rainforest due to illegal logging, palm oil plantations, and the illegal pet trade in Indonesia. BOSF is the largest primate rescue project in the world and is the only organization actively rescuing wild orangutans as well as rehabilitating orphaned orangutans. BOSF is committed to protecting orangutans and their rainforest habitat and relies entirely on donations. Many of the project’s residents are orphaned as infants and need around the clock care from staff.

You can help Cheyenne Mountain Zoo support orphaned orangutans by donating packaged baby bottles and silicone teats. Bring your donations to the drop off box located in Primate World at the Zoo or drop them off at our admissions booth. Mail donations to: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo - Bottle Drive, 4250 Cheyenne Mtn. Zoo Rd., Colorado Springs, CO 80906. Donations are being accepted through December 2008.

For more information on orangutans and palm oil, visit our website.

Building Community

Lowes recently chose Cheyenne Mountain Zoo as a recipient of their Hero Program! Over the course of four days, staff members from Lowes donated their time to help demo and rebuild a roof in the side yard of the Pallas Cat exhibit. As part of being selected, Cheyenne Mt Zoo also received a generous donation for materials to help complete the project!

A BIG thank you to Mark McCracken and all of the Lowes volunteers for making this project possible!


Zoo staff works side by side the dedicated Lowes volunteers.

Quote of the Week

"If we learn, finally, that what we need to “manage” is not the land so much as ourselves in the land, we will have turned the history of American land-use on
its head."

- Gaylord Nelson, Founder of Earth Day

Bye Bye Boo

By Sean Anglum,
Public Relations & Special Events Manger

The ghosts have howled, the ghouls have moaned, the carousel has faded its twinkle and the candy has all been handed out. Another year of Boo at the Zoo, our safe Halloween party, has gone by. There are so many people to thank for another successful year, where to begin? So that we don’t miss anyone in catching a kudo from us, allow us to send a big thank you to all involved. And you DO know who you are!


Winners of the Spooky Treat Station Contest, Lockheed Martin

This blog attempts to give readers a behind-the-scenes look at Zoo operations. I’m challenged to describe the behind-the-scenes craziness before we open the gates for Boo. We only have a few hours each evening to set everything up and get ready for our Boo guests. The challenge of placing over 100 sponsors, volunteers, performers and Zoo staff in their places; setting up over 20 Spooky Treat Stations; delivering decorations and lots of candy to all of the stations and making sure all the little tweaks get tweaked for the event each night is daunting. Some might say mind-bending. But it’s worth every gray hair it grows on us when we see the little ghouls and goblins in their costumes, having a great time at Boo at the Zoo. The things you don’t see behind-the-scenes are all of our smiles.

There are only 50 weeks to go ‘til the next Boo, let’s all start planning now. BOO!


Volunteers from the local Star Wars Squadron pose with Thor, Mascot for the Colorado Springs Thunder, our Haunted House sponsor

Palm Oil Crisis – You can help!

Next time you reach for a snack, check the ingredients list. Is your favorite treat made with palm oil? Demand for palm oil is high because it provides a cheap alternative to trans-fat in our favorite candies and snacks. In addition to being used in the food industry, palm oil is also used in many cosmetics and bath products.

But did you know? Palm oil plantations are spreading into orangutans’ natural rainforest habitats, destroying their food sources and pushing them toward the brink of extinction. To find out more, view a recent Fox 21 News story about the Palm Oil Crisis and what Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is doing to help.

We at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo believe in the power of individuals to affect change. To find out how you can make a difference, visit the palm oil section of our WEBSITE.
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Blog Keeper Notes:
*If you were one of the first five commenters on our last post, please send your address to: blogkeeper@cmzoo.org to receive your free sky ride admission pass!

*Thank you for all of your votes on our recent poll! Turns out 43% of you chose “safe trick-or-treating” as your favorite part of Boo at the Zoo!

Be sure to vote in our new poll "How do you plan to take action in the palm oil crisis?" found on the side bar.

Cool Ride, Cool Science

Photo Credit: Claude Burke, Zoo Member

Looking for something COOL to do this weekend? On Friday and Saturday October 24 and 25, COOL SCIENCE and their fantastic demos will be stationed at the top of Mountaineer Sky Ride during Boo at the Zoo from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.



A traveling Science show, COOL SCIENCE gets people engaged in exciting hands-on activities and workshops designed to provide intimidation-free opportunities to explore the joy of science and engineering. You won’t want to miss their special treat at the top of Mountaineer Sky Ride. It will be frightfully fun!

Now you can buy a Boo at the Zoo ticket that includes a ride on the Mountaineer Sky Ride!

Combo Ticket Prices (includes entrance to Boo at the Zoo and Mountaineer Sky Ride)
$12 – Member price
$18 – Non-member price

The first five people to comment on this post will receive one free admission to the Mountaineer Sky Ride!

Log vs Lucky

By Jason Bredahl, Elephant/Animal Care Manager


Kimba eating bark

We put a new log in the elephant yard the other day to give Lucky and Kimba a giant back scratcher (they like to throw dirt, hay and mud on themselves).

We provide many different kinds of skin care opportunities for our elephants: The “do it yourself” options come from fresh topsoil, hay, and mud wallows that we give them. They have large rocks and upright logs in their exhibit to scratch on. Additionally we dry scrub, hose them, and wet scrub them with a shampoo multiple times every week.

Kimba playing with the new scratching post

The new log was hopefully going to give them another possible scratching opportunity. We let them out together after we installed it and both were very interested in eating the bark. After about half an hour we brought Kimba in the building (to give her a bath) and Lucky was left outside alone with the new toy.

She knocked it down in less than a minute. She pushed on it with her head and snapped the upright at the ground. The log was pine wood, 7 feet in the ground and 20 inches in diameter. Lucky weighs 8,000 pounds. Logs vs. Lucky = Lucky wins.

We’ll go back to the drawing board and come up with a new method.

Behind the Scenes at Boo

Ever wondered what it takes to plan an event like Boo at the Zoo?

Just ask the folks from MITRE Corporation who worked tirelessly last week to create our Haunted House. From building plastic walls to hanging lights and decorating, these dedicated volunteers fashioned an attraction you can’t miss!

Volunteers from MITRE

And that’s just the beginning. Staff and volunteers also carved over 50 pumpkins for the lighted pumpkin path, added string upon string of spooky lights, set up fun carnival games and decorated many safe trick-or-treating stations for the kiddos to enjoy!

Thanks to everyone who dedicated so many hours to making this event a huge success! Visit the Haunted House and other attractions during Boo at the Zoo hours:

October 17-19 and October 24 – 26, 5:30 – 8:00 pm

It will be frightfully fun!

Inti Making Friends

Inti

Inti & Sophi

Not long ago, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo sent Inti, a black howler monkey, to Utah's Hogle Zoo. Keepers there report he has become a staff favorite! Both resident girls, Jackie and Sophie, responded well to Inti! It's always great to get good news on former Cheyenne Mountain Zoo animal residents.

Welcome!

Welcome to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s new blog! From amazing animal stories to a “behind the scenes” look at daily Zoo life, now we have a way to share the Zoo on a more personal level and give you a glimpse of our world.

All of our posts will be written by Zoo staff and volunteers from every department across the Zoo. From Keepers to Curators -Horticulturists to Vet Staff, you’ll get the inside scoop right here!

Thank you for visiting and check back often for your very own personal peek into the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.