New Sarus Crane at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

The Sarus Crane is a large non-migratory crane found in parts of the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia and Australia. The tallest of the flying birds, standing at a height of almost 6 ft, they are a conspicuous and iconic species of open wetlands. The Sarus Crane is easily distinguished from other cranes in the region by the overall grey color and the contrasting red head and upper neck. Like other cranes, they form long-lasting pair-bonds and maintain territories within which they perform territorial and courtship displays that include loud trumpeting, leaps and dance-like movements.

We are excited to introduce you to our new Sarus Crane, Buddy!

Buddy came to us from Zoo of Arcadiana in Louisiana this March to be paired with our current Sarus Crane, Ramani. When Buddy arrived we were excited to get him all checked out and through the quarantine period so we could introduce the two cranes. We received a big surprise from our vets after Buddy’s complete physical examine though. Buddy is actually a female! So instead of a mate for Ramani, she has a new best friend and they are doing really well together.

On April 8, 2010 Buddy and Ramani were introduced to each other up at the veterinary clinic yard. They slowly approached each other and danced around, putting on a show for one another. It was amazing to see! After a few minutes they seemed to be old friends.

April 22 Buddy and Ramani were taken back down to their permanent home in the aquatics yard.

In the wild, Sarus Crane numbers have declined greatly in the last century and it has been estimated that the current population is a tenth or less (perhaps 2.5%) of the numbers that existed in the 1850s.

On April 8, 2010 Buddy and Ramani were introduced to each other up at the veterinary clinic yard. They slowly approached each other and danced around, putting on a show for one another. It was amazing to see! After a few minutes they seemed to be old friends.

April 22 Buddy and Ramani were taken back down to their permanent home in the aquatics yard.

In the wild, Sarus Crane numbers have declined greatly in the last century and it has been estimated that the current population is a tenth or less (perhaps 2.5%) of the numbers that existed in the 1850s.

Wetland loss and degradation are critical problems throughout the range of the Sarus Cranes. Wildlife trade is currently attributing to heavy chick loss of the Eastern Sarus Crane. Agriculture expansion is leading to massive amounts of destruction of wetlands, and many farmers in India believe that these cranes damage standing crops, particularly rice. Studies, however, show that direct feeding on rice grains resulted in losses amounting to less than one percent.

The Sarus Crane is classified as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) is the world's main authority on the conservation status of species. The IUCN Red List is set upon precise criteria to evaluate the extinction risk of thousands of species and subspecies.

Watch the video to see pictures of Ramani and Buddy when they first met, and when the girls were out in their yard for the first time.

Come see Ramani and Buddy in their yard outside of the Aquatics building daily. Adopt a Sarus Crane at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo TODAY!

Turkey Vulture Q4C Hike Re-cap

Eighteen people braved the chilly, foggy morning to hike Talon Trail in Cheyenne Mountain State Park (CMSP) on Sunday, April 18th to look for turkey vultures and other migratory and resident bird species. Despite the damp weather conditions, many birds were out and about– singing, defending territories, finding mates, building nests, foraging, just doing what birds do best! The group was made up of novice birdwatchers, expert raptor monitors from CMSP, and people who just love nature and getting outdoors. In all, the group saw nearly 30 species of birds, including 7 turkey vultures, which made their appearance at the end of the hike once the fog had finally burned off. Other highlights from the trip included viewing a golden eagle nest and seeing the park’s 1st ever recorded peregrine falcon!



A list of some of the bird species they saw on the hike:

Chipping sparrow
Coopers hawk
Golden eagle
Northern flicker
Peregrine falcon
Red-tailed hawk
Spotted towhee
Tree swallow
TURKEY VULTURES!
Western bluebird
Western scrub jay
White-breasted nuthatch

Celebrate Mother’s Day with the Zoo

Do you have plans for Mother’s Day? We have some wonderful activities to help celebrate Mom’s on this very special weekend.

Friday May 7
Attention Mothers and Daughters:
Come celebrate Mother's Day weekend at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo with a WildNight sleepover!
Bring your daughter to the Zoo and have lots of fun learning about animals and each other. We’ll provide dinner and breakfast, an after-hours tour, and a cozy cabin to sleep in! There’s no better way to start off your Mother’s Day weekend!! Kids must be 5 years old to participate.
Time: 6 p.m.- 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 8.
Cost: $60.50 per pair, and $25.25 each additional child.
Please visit our website to register or call (719) 633-9925 X 127.

Saturday, May 8
"Mother, May I"
Spring has arrived and so have the babies here at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Bring your family to the zoo as we explore the world of animal babies and meet any new arrivals!
Time: 1 pm
Cost:$20 per Zoo member family, $35 per non-member family
Register online!

Sunday, May 9
Mother’s Day Brunch
Treat your Mother to a fantastic brunch on Mother’s Day in the Lodge at Moose Lake from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.! Visit the beautiful stations overflowing with made-to-order omelettes, hand carved pork and sausage, freshly tossed pastas, crisp salads with fresh berries and a decadent dessert station! Champagne Mimosa or Bloody Mary included.
Cost: $35 for adults
$20 for children ages 3-11
$10 for children under 3
Zoo admission is not included unless you are a current Zoo member.
To make a reservation, please call 719-314-0970.

Moms Are Special to All of Us.
Treat your Mom to a day of fun at the Zoo on Mother's Day! Mom’s get in for just $5.25 with a special coupon in The Gazette. Cut it out from The Gazette and bring it with you! No duplications or copies excepted, it must be an original newspaper ad. Limit one mom per ad. You can find this ad printed in The Gazette's Main Section on both Sundays, May 2nd and May 9th! To see the ad visit our event calendar online.

Adopt an Animal by April 30!

Exclusive Adopt Package and Limited Edition T-Shirt Giveaway in honor of our new Golden Lion Tamarin babies!

In honor of our brand new Golden Lion Tamarin babies, born March 30, 2010, you can adopt a Golden Lion Tamarin at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and give someone you love the ultimate warm fuzzy!

New animal parents who adopt any species by April 30, 2010 receive an ivory Zoo T-shirt in this limited edition print:


Visit our website to see the adoption levels from which to choose and more details about the Adopt an Animal program at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. New parents who adopt any species by April 30, 2010 will receive a voucher by mail for one free limited edition t-shirt. Voucher may be redeemed at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo admissions gates.

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is committed to providing exceptional care for our hundreds of animal residents. It costs over $650,000 each year to feed and care for our 750+ animals. By adopting one of them you help provide for the outstanding care that these animals deserve. Your adoption gift directly supports the care of the animals at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Visit our website for more details about the animals you can adopt!

Run to the Shrine: Tips to Train for the Incline

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo invites world class runners and families alike to join in the Run to the Shrine on Saturday, May 22, 2010. Both the 5K and the 10K options curve through the Zoo and some of the most stunning mountain scenery this side of the Rockies.

Running has tremendous health benefits for the human body. It strengthens the heart and lungs, improves circulation, and keeps the leg muscles strong and toned. The Run to the Shrine is a particularly demanding run due to the 8.5% gradient increase from the base of the Zoo (6,800 feet) to the Shrine (8,100 feet). We wanted to address some of your questions and help you prepare for the Run to the Shrine.

What is the best training I can do for RTS?
Hill training! Hill training is a method of running up hills to increase muscle power and strength. The most common benefits of hill training are: strengthen hamstrings, calves, glutes, hip flexors and achilles tendons. Hill running uses more upper-body muscles than flat running.

What can I expect when I start training?
Hill training is very demanding at first because you work muscles that you don't use very often while running. However, the more you hill train, the easier it becomes.

What is the difference between short, medium and long hills?
The benefits of short, medium and long hills are different. In your training you will want to utilize all of them when preparing for the Run to the Shrine.

Short hills
A short hill is one which takes no more that 30 seconds to run up and has an inclination between 5 to 15 percent grade. The runner's energy source on short hills is entirely anaerobic. When running short hills, the runner should focus on a running technique which has vigorous arm drive and high knee lift, with the hips kept high, so that they are 'running tall', not leaning forwards.

Medium hills
A medium hill is one which takes between 30 to 90 seconds to run up. This is the length of hill is a good distance for the middle-distance runner. This length is good for middle distance runners because it combines the benefits of the short hills with the stresses on local muscular endurance and tolerance of lactic acid.

Long hills
A long hill is one which takes from 90 seconds to three minutes to run up. The energy used to run a long hill comes from aerobic sources, but if parts of the hill are steep and the runner is running hard, there will still be an accumulation of lactic acid. On long hills, the runner will not use as much power per stride as the shorter hills.

STEPS FOR SUCCESS
Step 1: Wear high quality shoes. Make sure you have a good pair of shoes before you start running. Do not plan to do the Run to the Shrine in a brand new pair of shoes. Break them in before race day.

Step 2: Warm-up. Stretch your knees and lower body prior to starting any run.

Step 3: Stay hydrated. Be sure to bring water with you and stay properly hydrated while you are training.

Step 4: Start with an easy 15 minute warm-up on rolling hills. Take your time. Do not exceed your training level.

Step 5: Maintain good running posture. Pump arms vigorously, lean slightly forward, and keep your head up.

Step 6: Cool down with a 15 minute jog on level or gently rolling ground. Jog slowly on each decent.

Note:
1. If you want to run hills on a treadmill, for each change in altitude, run at a 8 percent incline for 90 to 90 seconds with 2 minutes flat recovery jogs.
2. Do not hill train when you are injured.

Learn how to run down hills properly.

Learn about altitude training to fully utilize the Run to the Shrine, and the benefits of running at high altitude. Elite runners train at high altitude to increase the number of red blood cells, improving oxygen delivery to their muscles.

Register online NOW for the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Run to the Shrine!
View 5K Course Map. View 10K Course Map.

In Honor of Earth Day…Create a Wildlife Habitat

Bringing Wildlife into Every Day.

To share our passion for animal, plant and habitat conservation, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo developed a program for creating wildlife habitats throughout the city. It will enable you to practice, and benefit from, conservation actions in your daily life.

There are aesthetic, environmental, educational, economic, psychological and sociological benefits for all of us from creating these urban wildlife habitats. Wouldn't it be nice to…
• Pass a schoolyard and see children outside counting nests?
• Hear a hummingbird feeding outside as you sit in the doctor's waiting room?
• Increase the value of your property because of the wildlife present?

All these things and more are possible if we create functional areas that support wildlife.

Our goals are:
• To educate you on the needs of various types of wildlife.
• To help evaluate your site and situation to determine which aspects are present or absent.
• To develop together a plan of action to create a habitat.
• To expand on those efforts to unite neighborhoods and communities to create contiguous swathes of wildlife habitat called habitat corridors.

See all the details and find all the information you need to create a wildlife habitat in your yard on our website.

The Ducks are BACK on Moose Lake!

At Cheyenne Mountain Zoo we have 3 pairs of ducks (both a male and female) that live at Moose Lake in Rocky Mountain Wild. Common Pintail, North American Wood Duck, and Hooded Mergansers are the species. This winter our lake froze over, and the islands floating in the water were frozen in place. Although the ducks were doing okay, we were concerned that the local fox population would be able to walk out on the ice and potentially run off with the ducks. For the ducks’ safety, the decision was made to take them up to the vet clinic for the winter. In the vet clinic we have an area of protected holding that is outside so they could stay acclimated to the temperatures, but be safe from predators.


Our ducks moved back to Moose Lake a few weeks ago (end of March) and are very happy to be back in the pool! All of the males are sporting their courting plumage. They look beautiful!

The Merganser male, Bodo, was being especially territorial when he moved back to the lake. He was chasing Spruce, the male Wood Duck out of the lake, and our Zoo Keeper staff felt it would be best to take the Wood Duck pair (Spruce and Maple) back to the vet clinic for a bit. We anticipate that Spruce and Maple will be back at the lake sometime soon, but for now you can see our Mergansers and Common Pintail pairs swimming and playing on Moose Lake.


Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Ducks
Male Wood Duck - Spruce
Female Wood Duck - Maple

Male Merganser - Bodo
Female Merganser - Sissi

Male Pintail - Granite
Female Pintail - Marble

Tahoma, the Moose, Antler Watch 2010

Fan Photo by Juliana Vigil

Did you know that Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has a moose? His name is Tahoma and he is in the process of getting his new antlers. We thought you might like to know a little more about it since we receive so many questions everyday.

Moose live in the northern parts of America and Eurasia. The biggest moose can be as high as seven feet at the shoulders and weigh over 1,300 pounds. The males have broad, palm-like antlers up to six feet across and the rack can weigh up to 90 pounds.

Tahoma dropped his antlers mid-January 2010. This was a bit earlier then we anticipated because he dropped his first set in March the previous year, but moose drop their antlers anytime from January to March so he was in the normal range. About mid-March Tahoma's new antlers started to grow. The grey spots where they were growing was very warm to the touch, and it seemed like everyday the bumps were getting bigger. Many people thought that the grey caps covering his antlers were something that the Zoo had put on him, but actually it’s a natural part of his body and the process of creating a new rack. It is now spring, and Tahoma’s antlers are well on their way. They are about 4 inches long! They are covered in velvet and are approximately 2 inches wide.

This will be Tahoma's third rack. We are very excited because in the third year, the palm shape starts to show in the antlers. We are excited to see how his third rack turns out and just how much bigger it will be versus the last two years.

Moose are the largest of the elk family, and like deer, moose they drop their antlers every winter and start to grow a new set in the Spring. Only male Moose, called bulls, grow antlers which they use to defend territory and attract the female moose, called a cow. While the antlers are growing they are covered with a soft brown covering called velvet (it even feels like velvet!) that provides a blood supply to the fast growing antlers. Inside the growing rack looks a bit like honeycomb but once fall comes and the antlers are done growing the inside will start to harden, the blood flow to the antlers will start to be cut off and the moose will start to rub the velvet off. Tahoma rubs on the trees in his exhibit in order to remove the velvet. It is definitely a sight to see!


Tahoma's antlers continue to grow and change everyday. We will keep you posted on as they grow and form through the summer months. Stop by Rocky Mountain Wild to see Tahoma up-close and check out our keeper talks daily to learn more! Be sure to post your pictures of Tahoma in our fan photos on our facebook page.


Moose Feeding and Keeper Talk
When: Daily, 3:15 p.m. (weather permitting)
Where: Rocky Mountain Wild, at moose
What: Let us introduce you to Tahoma, our resident moose.

Go WILD on your birthday at the Zoo!

Celebrate Your Birthday with the Zoo!

Meet some of your favorite Zoo animals at your next birthday party! You and your party can choose to meet an animal up-close with the Beastly Animal Birthday Party, or simply visit the animals yourselves with the Create-Your-Own Zooper Party! You can also choose to spend the night at the Zoo with a WildNight Birthday Party, or even invite zoo animals to your birthday party at home with the ZOOMobile. No matter what you choose, your birthday celebration with the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will make your party one to remember!

With these hassle-free parties at the Zoo, you just choose your party package, and we'll take care of all the details, including the Safari Cabin rental, goodie bags, drinks, party plates and utensils—and a carousel ride for you and your guests!

River Otter Party Package

Have you heard about our missing otter, Kitchi? We are now offering River Otters as a new animal theme! Have these playful, aquatic friends help you celebrate your party!

Primate Party Package

Take your party to the primates! This package includes a visit to the Monkey Pavilion for a primate training session, Zookeeper talk and to provide a special treat for the gibbons!

Pachyderm Party Package

Party with the pachyderms. When you choose this package, you'll visit either the elephants or the hippos and see an enrichment demonstration and Zookeeper talk.

Giraffe Party Package

This exciting party includes a visit to the meerkats and world-famous giraffe herd in the African Rift Valley exhibit. Feed crackers to the giraffes and see the meerkats up close during a Zookeeper talk.

Pony Party Package*

Pony rides for all! This western-themed package includes a half hour of pony rides on two ponies picked especially for you—and help from a Cheyenne Mountain Zoo pony wrangler. Plus, the birthday boy or girl will receive a cowboy hat, and all cowpokes will get special badges and pictures to make the memories last a lifetime. *Additional fees apply for the Pony Party Package.

Packages Include:

•Zoo admission
•Safari Cabin rental for the party duration
•A carousel ride for the party group (weather permitting)
•An up-close meeting with a special animal
•A present for the birthday child
•Party favor bags with age-appropriate Zoo goodies
•Drinks
•Plates, cups, napkins, utensils and birthday candles
•Name tags
•A 25% discount at the Thundergod Gift Shop

Animal Presentations

During your party, your Zoo leader will bring out one animal for everyone to see in our new Education Loft! Although we cannot prearrange which animal you'll see, we can usually accommodate requests for "something fuzzy" or "something scaly". Party animals include the ferret, leopard gecko, pancake tortoise, California king snake and others.

Days & Times

Daily from 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
On your party day, your Zoo leader will meet your group at the admissions gate at your scheduled party time. To avoid waiting for latecomers, guests should arrive 15 minutes before the party start time.

For more information and costs please visit our website. To book your party e-mail or call 719-633-9925, ext. 127 TODAY!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOO!

Spring Break Camp Huge Success! COMING SOON…SUMMER CAMP!

Spring is definitely here in Colorado! Birds are singing, flowers are blooming, and we are only getting small snow storms instead of the BIG ones we saw through the winter…except those two we had over Spring Break! Regardless, Spring Break at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was a huge success. We had a great turn-out for our spring camp this year! Two programs were offered during the week – Predators for ages 6-10 and Jr. Zookeeper for ages 10-15. Over the week, our little “predators” learned about different hunters from big cats to birds of prey. We also made plaster tracks to see how the paw prints differ for various predators. The Jr. Zookeepers were busy learning how to take care of aquariums, making diets (diets are meals with healthy nutrients and vitamins for the animals) in the Loft and talking to almost all of the zookeepers in the Zoo!

SUMMER CAMP 2010
Register Your Wild Ones.
(Ages 4-15)
Summer 2010 Camp registration is open!

Save 10% per additional regular full day camps when you sign up for two or more!

A Wild Summer Experience.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers summer camp adventures that share the wonders of wildlife and wild places in fun and exciting ways. Campers meet animals up close, explore the outdoors, interact with zookeepers, make treats for the animals, design cool crafts, and more!

Camp Options (see camp details online):
Full Day Camp (with or without an overnight)
Night Camp
Half Day Camp
Two Week Camp
Special Day Camps
Extended Care

Scholarships
Help a child attend a Cheyenne Mountain Zoo camp by making a donation of $5 or more. Simply note your donation on your registration form—and make a child's camp wishes come true. Application deadline for Summer Scholarship Form submission is May 1, 2010.

Special thanks to Olde World Bagel!
Special thanks to our summer camp sponsor, Olde World Bagels & Deli, each overnight program concludes with a delicious breakfast!

Why Would We Be Bowling For Rhinos?

Because we LOVE rhinos!

What is Bowling for Rhinos?
Each year the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) sponsors a fundraising bowl-a-thon called Bowling for Rhinos. Since its beginning in 1990, Bowling for Rhinos has raised $3.5 million for wild rhino conservation. 100% of the funds raised from the event go toward protecting the world’s remaining 24,500 rhinos.

In Kenya we support the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy where our donations help protect both black and white rhinos. In Indonesia we help protect the remaining Javan rhinos at Ujung Kulon National Park and the Sumatran rhinos in Bukit Barisan Selatan and Way Kambas National Parks.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s chapter of AAZK has been an active participant in Bowling for Rhinos for several years, raising over $25,000 to date. With your help, we can continue to help protect these amazing animals! (Photo left: Mom and baby black rhino.)

Why Save the Rhinos?
Only 5 rhino species exist today when once there were over 100 distinct species. The 5 remaining species – White, Black, Indian, Sumatran and Javan – are all critically endangered and are being heavily poached for their horns, which are used as dagger handles and for Oriental medicines.

Rhinos are a keystone species:
•They are mainly browsers, keeping shrubs and bushes in check by pruning them.
•They dig up roots with their horns during feeding, exposing their tender shoots for smaller herbivores to feed on.
•They disrupt the soil, which allows for easier seed germination.
•They fertilize the land with their dung and help spread seeds.
•Their skin harbors parasites, which provide food for birds.

By protecting rhinos, we save large expanses of habitat. Saving these habitats protect many other endangered species as well as rhinos.

What is AAZK?
AAZK is a national professional association of zookeepers and other individuals interested in conservation locally and internationally. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s chapter raises money through fundraising events to buy enrichment for the Zoo’s animals, provide professional development opportunities for Animal Staff, and to support conservation organizations that protect animals and habitat.
(Photo right: Baby white rhino).

BOWLING DETAILS:
Come show off your awesome bowling skills, how great you look in those shoes, and HELP US SAVE RHINOS!

PRIZES, RAFFLES, ANIMALS FROM THE ZOO and MORE!

Saturday, May 8, 2010, 6-8 p.m.
Brunswick Zone, 999 N. Circle Drive
Cost: $10 per bowler + sponsor dollars

All are welcome but you must pre-register to bowl. Visit online (click Upcoming Events and Happenings) or call 719-633-9925 x133.

Visit our Facebook page for FUN rhino trivia every Wednesday and all throughout the week of May 3, 2010.


(Photo above:Indian rhinos.)

Bird-watching Hike on Sunday, April 18th

Welcome the annual return of Colorado’s Turkey Vulture and other migratory birds! Join Jenyva Turner, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (CMZ) zookeeper and vulture enthusiast, on a bird-watching hike in Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Sunday, April 18, from 8-11am.This hike is FREE courtesy of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's Quarters for Conservation program.

Hike Description: We will stroll along spring wildflowers, prairie dogs and bluebirds and gradually wind up to scrub oak where we may find towhees and jays. Our hike ends in the Douglas fir/Ponderosa pine habitat of tanagers, nuthatches, warblers and hummingbirds. Great views of the prairie below will provide excellent views of turkey vultures and other raptors. Meet at 8am in the trailhead parking lot (1st left turn after passing the Visitor Center). Total length: 3 miles. Elevation gain: About 600 feet. More details...

To sign-up for this hike please email Jenyva with your details at jturner@cmzoo.org.









Vulture Action Items:
• Get to know our local vultures! Buy some binoculars and become a bird watcher!
• Protect wildlife habitat by getting involved in your local parks, open spaces and sustainable conservation groups. Visit websites from the following groups:
Sierra Club
Trails and Open Space Coalition
Wild Connections
Wildlands Restoration Volunteers
Rocky Mountain Institute
Catamount Institute
•Keep garbage cleaned up to prevent vultures and other wildlife from eating non-food items.
•Report roadkill so authorities can safely remove it. This will protect scavengers, like vultures, from injury or death. Along roads in Colorado Springs call: 719-385-5934. On El Paso County roads call: 719-520-6460. On Colorado state roads call: 719-576-1868.
•Do not leave animal carcasses killed with lead shot lying around; use an alternative type of shot.
•Avoid the use of poisons to kill wildlife.
•Recycle paper and buy recycled products to reduce the need to cut down trees that vultures roost in.
•Vote with your tokens and donate your quarters to vulture conservation at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Quarters for Conservation display.

Grizzly Grill …NOW serving you!

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo announces that the Grizzly Grill is officially OPEN!

The exciting new restaurant, managed by Todd Langfield of Service Systems Associates (SSA), offers Zoo guests a unique dining experience while overlooking the city of Colorado Springs and surrounding region. With abundant indoor air-conditioned seating and beautiful new sunlit patios, the Grizzly Grill is a great place for Zoo guests to relax and take a break from their journey around America’s mountain Zoo.

Grizzly Grill's new gourmet cuisine menu was created by this year’s Chefs Gala “Best of Show” winner Chef Beau Green. The menu has been expanded with selections that guests might not expect to see in a Zoo setting. Delicious offerings such as fresh salads, wraps, Asian rice bowls, pasta dishes, brick oven pizza by-the-slice, a carving station with daily specials, hearty grill items such as the 1/3-pound Angus beef burger baskets and delectable dessert offerings including Island Oasis fruit smoothies are now featured. Diners also enjoy “Culinary Theatre” as you watch your food selections prepared fresh in front of you. Hours of Operation are 10 a.m. – Zoo close daily, and it is located near the middle of the Zoo, adjacent to the Carousel. You can't miss it!


Grizzly Grill dining area features bar style and regular tables overlooking the city. The views are unbelievable!








Easy access stations feature a variety of mouth-watering options, with digital menus above each station.

Baby Giraffe Born at the Zoo...make that TWO!

The baby giraffe calves who were born at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo on consecutive days, Tuesday and Wednesday, March 23 and 24, 2010, are doing great. These are two of the three anticipated births this spring from the Zoo’s renowned giraffe herd. The two young giraffes, both male calves, have been nursing really well from their mothers and both are in good health after having their first neo-natal examinations on March 26, 2010.

The boys were introduced to each other and a few other adult giraffes on Tuesday, March 30. They had a wonderful time getting to know on another, and they both attempted to nurse off of any “big” giraffe who walked by. Watch the video below for a behind the scenes look at the babies since they were born.



Follow this story and more on our Facebook fan page.

Budgie Buddies Open TOMORROW…

Fan Photo by Ali Leaver

There's a whole lot of shaking going on in the Budgie Buddies exhibit as the Budgies take flight again tomorrow, Friday, April 2! Take a stroll through our indoor aviary surrounded by hundreds of free-flight Australian budgies, Australian finches, cockatiels and princess parrots. Give your seed stick a shake, and a bird or two may even land on your arm or shoulder to have a nibble. Or, try out the new Zoo Grass! The budgies are lovin' this organic homegrown wheatgrass. You could even take some Zoo Grass home for your own pets!

What is a Budgie anyway?
Budgies, or budgerigars, are brightly-colored Australian birds that eat seeds. They are also known as parakeets here in the United States, but in the wilds of Australia these indigenous birds are everywhere. They do not occur naturally anywhere else in the world.


Budgies are very intelligent and adaptable birds. They are highly active birds and love to play with toys. Budgies are hookbills and crack open their seed to eat so they do not need grit as many of the older bird books write. Grit is made primarily from ground up minerals and sand. The purpose of grit is thought to help birds grind up difficult to digest items. By grinding, it is thought that these food items become better utilized by the bird. Since grit is mostly undigestible material, it will stay in the ventriculus, or gizzard, for months to years until it is passed in the stool. Grit is needed only by softbills such as canaries and finches.




What is Zoo Grass?
Zoo Grass is available seasonally at Budgies, and will also be back TOMORROW, Friday, April 2. You can take Zoo grass home for your own pets as well. It's a great way to interact with your animals (birds, cats, dogs and reptiles) at home using organic, non-toxic, conservation-minded fun! Even the container is 100% biodegradable made from straw and cocoa fibers. (So, please complete the cycle and dispose of the container in an earth-friendly way! You can compost it or simply bury it in your yard, where it will enrich your existing garden soil.) Shipping is not available for Zoo Grass as it is a perishable product. Additional Zoo Grass may be purchased at Thundergod Snack and Gift shop during regular business hours. Proceeds from Zoo Grass help support CMZoo Horticulture.

Cost
Seed sticks are $1 each
Zoo Grass is $3 per 3"square container

Budgie Fan Photo above by Andrea Linden. Share your photos with us too on our Facebook page.


Wild Budgie Flock