Meet Junior Zoo Keeper, Ellen!

When Ellen Wieczorek was born, doctors said she wouldn’t survive. A heart defect, complicated by additional multiple system issues, basically sentenced her to death. The medical community was stunned when she survived, featuring her on PBS and in a Children’s Memorial Hospital of Chicago publication as a “miracle” success story.



But even though she survived, health issues persisted. She was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and began working with the Make-a-Wish Foundation on creating her “Wish” experience. She wanted only one thing—to see the animals of Africa.

Unfortunately, her doctor wouldn’t allow it—she was far too fragile to go. So instead, Ellen and her mom, Diana, began looking for alternatives, ways for Ellen to immerse herself in her passion for animals. That’s when they found Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. They came out to visit after they learned of our Junior Zookeeper program. “It’s the only one like it in the country,” says Diana, “and it changed our lives.” The program, which allows participants to work alongside our keepers in an intensive, experiential way, provides real-life experience and practical skills to kids from across the community and the country.

In order to prepare herself for the mentally and physically demanding Junior Zookeeper program, Ellen began working with a personal trainer to build up her strength and stamina. She and her mom relocated to Colorado Springs from Chicago for the summer, living in a hotel while her dad stayed behind.

That was three years ago. Next summer, Ellen will be seventeen. She will return for her fourth summer at the Zoo, stronger and healthier than ever. She keeps in touch with keepers and friends from the Zoo via text and email, staying updated on what’s happening with both our animals and our people, from our award-winning conservation programs to our animal training programs and special community partnerships.

“Ellen’s completely connected to the Zoo. She’s so proud of the work that’s happening there, and CMZ has really become her family…our family. She never really connected with the idea of community before she came to Colorado Springs. Even though we only live there during the summers, this Zoo, this community, is part of us,” Diana says.



This summer, Ellen will finally realize her dream of visiting Africa—and her doctor approves. After a stress test, he rated her heart’s aerobic health at 113% compared to normal girls of her height and weight. Diana says, “Each year, Ellen gets tougher and the work gets easier. She views herself completely differently than she did three years ago. To feel physically capable and emotionally connected—to both the people and the animals—is so empowering. You gave my daughter her life back. Aside from Ellen’s illness, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is honestly the most important and impactful thing that has ever happened to our family.”

The work we do isn’t just about animals; it’s about people. It’s about making a difference. From working with more than 30 endangered species to providing education programs to under-represented kids, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is committed to making a difference. Every day.

It is inspiring to us to hear the impact we’re able to make on others’ lives. We hope you’ll be inspired too. Please help us continue to impact people, animals, conservation and our community by donating to our annual fund.

Each dollar helps us to make a difference.

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