Welcome to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s official blog! From amazing animal stories to a "behind the scenes" look at daily zoo life, this is the place to get to know
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo on a more personal level.
Check back often to get In Between the Spots!
Showing posts with label Get Involved. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Get Involved. Show all posts

January 30, 2012

Thank you to our Docents!

 
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is truly fortunate to have an enthusiastic group of supporters within our Auxiliary, or Docent program. We can’t thank them enough for everything they have done and continue to do at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Auxiliary (CMZA) was formed in 1969 as a non-profit organization to give aid in carrying out the Zoo’s objectives. It is an active and founding member of the Association of Zoo and Aquarium Docents (AZAD). The docent volunteers within the Auxiliary are required to be members of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and pledge to serve at least 30 hours a year in a variety of support activities.

 The zoo would surely not look the same as it does today, without the support of our docents. Many of the educational opportunities at the zoo are a direct result of the Auxiliary’s efforts in starting school group “safaris” (pre-trip programs) and zoo tours, the original Zoo On The Move (ZOOM) program, special event and on-grounds education stations and presenting puppet shows in classrooms out in the community for grades K-2. The docents also played an active role in several of the Zoo’s early marketing campaigns including the “Name the Baby Elephants” contest in which the names for Lucky and Kimba were chosen. They also played an active role in the Zoo’s first capital campaign, Zoo for All Reasons. As the zoo has grown, so have the ways in which the Auxiliary continues to support the zoo!

In addition to all of the activities listed above, our docents also play integral roles in the renewed ZOOM program, zoo-wide animal enrichment, special animal care efforts such as health or birth observations, and financially and physically support our conservation initiatives. There’s just nothing this group of enthusiastic individuals won’t do! In the last year alone, 106 docents collectively contributed over 15,000 hours of service to the zoo. That’s the equivalent of over seven full-time staff members.

 It’s clear that Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a better place because of the docents and the enthusiasm and support they provide. So to bring “National Thank You Month” to a close, on behalf of all of the staff at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, We say – “THANK YOU” to the Auxiliary for all you do.

March 10, 2011

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo!

Get Involved in the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Adult Volunteer Program!

If you love animals and want to be a part of connecting animals and people, join our team today. You'll be able to choose among the Zoo's animal, horticulture, membership, special events and education departments, depending on your interests and skills!

Want to learn more about CMZoo’s adult volunteer program? Attend our Information Meeting on Saturday, March 19th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Prerequisite Volunteer Information Meeting:
Date: Saturday - March 19, 2011
Time: 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

For more information and requirements of the program, CLICK HERE.

Not 18 years old yet?


We do have two different teen volunteer programs for the summer!

Zoo Crew - Ages 11-17


Jr. Zookeepers - Ages 15-17


Both programs are a great way for teens to get involved with the Zoo!

December 15, 2010

Wild, Unique Gifts that Give Twice!

Have you ever wanted to get up-close and personal with a grizzly bear or elephant?? What an AWESOME gift idea this holiday season!

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has AMAZING "wild" gift ideas for you this season, and all of the help the animals receive excellent care year-round.

Some gift ideas from the Zoo include:

Zoo Memberships


Adopt an Animal Gift Packages
(comes with a stuffed animal and Zoo canvas bag)


2011 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Calendar
(made by AAZK)


Elephant Art


Orangutan Art


Behind the Scenes Tours


Animal Encounters


Limited Edition Naked Mole Rat T-shirt


Keeper Shadow for a Day


AND FIND MANY MORE IDEAS HERE.

We hope you'll consider a Zoo gift this season while you are shopping for those hard to find gifts!

December 13, 2010

Winter 2010 Camp Registration is Open!

Register Your Wild Ones.



Two different camp programs are offered this winter. Sign up for any single day(s) or attend all four days!

Ice Adventures

It’s cold outside. How do wild animals manage to survive the winter when it is especially chilly? We will discuss survival strategies, special adaptations and how you can track their movement in the winter months. Ages 6-10.

Dates & Times: Monday - Thursday, December 20, 21, 22, 23; 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.

Cool Cats

Join us as we explore a different cat each day. We’ll learn about where they live, what they eat and how we can help them. Ages 6-10.

Monday: Mountain Lions
Tuesday: Tigers
Wednesday: Leopards
Thursday: Lions

Dates & Times: Monday - Thursday, December 27, 28, 29, 30; 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.

Cost

Members: $121.00 per child either program all four days - or -
$35.25 per child per each single day

Non-members: $141.00 per child either program all four days - or -
$45.25 per child per each single day

TO REGISTER call 719-633-9925 x127 or register online.

November 1, 2010

Have Your Holiday Event at the Zoo

The Zoo is a venue like no other! Available for holiday parties, company picnics, receptions, family gatherings and reunions, you can rent the entire Zoo or enjoy a selected site. Come out at night to see all the holiday lights as you host your next upcoming party at the Zoo.



Wildthings Catering, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's official caterer, will do all the planning for you! An expert catering staff can create the perfect menu and arrange any rentals you may need.

Visit our website or call 719-314-0970 for more details on events at the Zoo.

October 18, 2010

Do You Love Animals?

Just two months from the start of their new mobile giving campaign, The Smithsonian’s National Zoo has raised nearly $4,000 in text message donations towards their animal conservation efforts!

Please help the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo as we race to raise money for conservation effort and animal care RIGHT here in Colorado Springs! Whether we are your "home town" zoo, or a favorite destination when you visit Colorado, every dollar helps! It's easy a right at your finger tips!




BE SURE TO OPT IN WHEN IT PROMPTS YOU OR YOUR GIFT WILL NOT COUNT!

Please help us by donating $10 (which will be added directly to your next cell phone bill) today!


Click here to read all about our text to give campaign.

A one time donation of $10 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. Messaging & data rates may apply. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on most carriers. Donations are collected for the benefit of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Annual Fund by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at www.hmgf.org/t.

You can unsubscribe at any time by replying STOP to “20222”; Reply HELP to “20222” for help.

October 13, 2010

Scout Programs Available: Badges Earned Upclose

Whether your group is interested in spending a few hours, a day, or a whole night, we have just the right scout program for you! There are a variety of programs available for Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts that offer the opportunity to complete most of or all of the necessary requirements for several conservation, nature and animal-related badges.



Our prescheduled workshops make it convenient to join in on program fun with other Scouts groups too! Online registration is coming soon for these prescheduled programs.



Visit our website for more details or to register:

E-mail or call 719-633-9925, ext. 127

Note: Reservations are required at least 14 days in advance for Scout Badge Workshops. A $25 non-refundable deposit is due at time of registration. Refunds will not be given for any cancellation unless it is made by the Zoo. Please see registration policies for more information.

October 4, 2010

FOLLOW US on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube

Did you know that the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is telling amazing stories EVERYDAY?



You can see animal photos, watch videos, hear all about programs and even WIN tickets just by following us on Twitter or liking us on Facebook!

See exclusive Cheyenne Mountain Zoo video on our YouTube Channel as well!

So what are you waiting for! Check us out today!

September 23, 2010

No Child Left Inside Weekend

Join us Friday-Sunday, September 24-26!



This weekend was created to provide close, fun family-friendly activities to help you enjoy the benefits of nature with your children. The goal is to help families build a tradition of spending time together outside, experiencing the wonder of nature – for their own health, preservation of the beauty of Colorado, and the future of our planet.

Join us at the Zoo for a family Moonlight Safari on Friday night or sign up for our family program on Saturday or Sunday to learn more about red river hogs! On Saturday, we’ll also have some interpretive talks by students at PPCC going on throughout the day.

Check out the National Parks Agency website for the full list of local activities.

RSVP on Facebook

September 10, 2010

Text to Support the Zoo...it's so easy & makes a HUGE difference!

What is your favorite animal?
Otter, Grizzly Bear, Tiger?

With more than 700 animals, the cost to feed and care for our animals exceeds $1.4 million annually.

Donations are our lifeline. Governed by a volunteer board of community leaders, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is recognized as an independent, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. As one of only a handful of accredited zoos in the country that does not receive local or regional public tax support, nearly 100 percent of the Zoo's income is generated from earned revenues, membership dues, donations, corporate sponsors and grants. Your support is critical to our future.

Now you can use Your Cell Phone to Contribute to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo!!!

We are all about CONSERVATION, EDUCATION and FAMILIES. But we can’t do it alone! We hope you’ll support the Zoo’s vision of Every Kid, Every Time, Goosebumps! With each visit, every kid, of any age, will have an experience for a lifetime. For us, every penny counts!

Text ‘CMZGive10’ to 20222 to contribute $10 via your cell phone to support our important work today!


A one time donation of $10 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. Messaging & data rates may apply. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on most carriers. Donations are collected for the benefit of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Annual Fund by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at www.hmgf.org/t. You can unsubscribe at any time by replying STOP to “20222”; Reply HELP to “20222” for help.

View the Mobile Giving Foundation Privacy Policy.

Click here to generate a receipt of your donation.


August 30, 2010

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Help Count Pawnee Montane Skippers

The Pawnee Montane Skipper (Hesperia leonardus Montana) is an endangered and federally protected subspecies of butterfly that is found only in the South Platte River drainage area in Colorado. Ten years ago, several agencies, including the US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife and Denver Water started planning forest restoration in the South Platte Valley. The restoration work included timber harvest, thinning of trees, prescribed burns, eliminating roads and making trails. In order to monitor how this might be affecting the endangered skipper, yearly surveys were conducted during the butterfly’s flight season in late August and early September. In 2002, this area was further affected by the Hayman Fire, and that became an important part of the surveys. These surveys include counting the skippers seen, counting flower stems of their preferred nectar source (Prairie Gayflower), noting presence of their larval food plant (Blue Gramma grass) and counting live and dead trees. Weather conditions such as temperature, cloud cover and wind are also noted, since these can all affect whether the skippers are active or not.



Three years ago, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo adopted the Pawnee Montane Skipper project as one of its Quarters for Conservation participants. The project received money from the zoo to support graduate students working in the field, but another important part of the Zoo’s involvement was recruiting volunteers to help with the surveys. While the surveys are conducted by the Forest Service, Fish & Wildlife, and Dr. Boyce Drummond, volunteers provide the additional help needed to have several survey teams each day. The Skipper is no longer a Quarters project, but is still being supported by the zoo.

“Participating in the surveys is a lot of hard work, but very rewarding,” says Heidi Genter, current champion of the Skipper project at the Zoo. “It feels great to be involved in field work right here in Colorado.”

If you are interested in helping with this year’s surveys, they are scheduled for the week of Aug. 30-Sept 3. Participants should be prepared for a day in the field, spent hiking over rough and steep terrain. If you’re interested, please contact Heidi at hgenter@cmzoo.org for more information.

August 25, 2010

Win an Orangutan Painting...Help the Zoo's Conservation Efforts



Whether it's saving endangered frogs in Panama, working with organizations in South America to tag and track Andean bears, or just asking our guests to vote for the Quarters for Conservation project they love the most, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo cares about conservation.

We believe the Zoo is a place where people find a connection to animals and nature, and that it's our responsibility to do the critical conservation work needed to ensure that animals and nature will always have a place to thrive in our world.







Cheyenne Mountain Zoo participates in some truly incredible conservation efforts here on Zoo grounds. For example, our black-footed ferret breeding facility is one of only a few in the country; we have played a major role in restoring the numbers of this incredible species, once believed to be extinct in the wild. We also work with more than 30 endangered species, helping to protect and repopulate their species, as well as providing incredible opportunities for our guests to fall in love with these animals and want to make a difference.

But we can't do it alone! With your help, we can continue to lead and participate in critical conservation efforts in our own backyards and around the world. Please click on the link below. We hope you'll support the Zoo's commitment to conservation. For us, every penny counts!








WIN AN ORANGUTAN PAINTING!!


This is an example of an orangutan painting. Our winner will receive a painting made especially for him/her.

Help us SAVE amazing animals by giving to a great cause! Every $1 HELPS our animals! Give a gift by September 1, 2010 and be entered to win an original ORANGUTAN PAINTING from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

July 14, 2010

Rock the Zoo!

Your Own Personalized River Rock.



Maybe you've always had a thing for rocks. Perhaps, as a child, you had numerous pet rocks—all named 'Bob'. Well, now you have the opportunity to have your very own personalized rock on display at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

Personalized river rocks will be an integral part of the new Rocky Mountain Wild complex. Each rock will be installed to complete the Community Wall of Names at Moose Lake—creating a fascinating mural of the Rocky Mountain river system.

* Engraved river rocks will be permanently displayed on the Community Wall of Names at Moose Lake as part of the new Rocky Mountain Wild exhibit.
* River rocks can have two engraved lines of text with as many as 12 characters per line.
* River rocks can be purchased for $100, which includes the cost of engraving.
* All funds raised from this campaign will help support the new Rocky Mountain Wild exhibit.



This is the perfect opportunity to commemorate special people or organizations while helping Cheyenne Mountain Zoo at the same time.

* Honor family or cherished friends.
* Remember a loved one. Leave a legacy.
* Celebrate your child's Scout troop or third grade class!
* Recognize your business or favorite organization.

Purchase a personalized river rock today and help us with the new Rocky Mountain Wild exhibit!

Purchase a River Rock Now on our website.

July 13, 2010

Companies for Conservation

It's a Business Proposition.



Join Companies for Conservation and your company will be uniting with Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and its commitment to the conservation and care of threatened and endangered species. By involving your organization and sharing the conservation message with employees and clients, you'll be helping animals worldwide.

With this generous commitment, Companies for Conservation members will receive public recognition and unique opportunities for employee incentives and client rewards. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo relies on donations like this for the majority of its funding and recognizes donors whenever possible.

As a Companies for Conservation member, you'll be making an important commitment to conservation. Membership fees range from $100 to $2,500, and members receive the following benefits:

* Member listing on the Zoo's web site
* Member listing on sign in Primate World (seen by over half a million visitors each year)
* Choice of species to sponsor and fact sheet on the species, including information on its status in the wild
* Information on how employees can help with conservation of the species
* 10% employee discounts for Zoo membership
* Color photo of your animal

Find out more online.

June 22, 2010

Want an EASY way to support your Zoo? Join WILD FRIENDS monthly giving club!

If you join Wild Friends monthly giving club by June 30 at the $10/month level or higher, you will be entered to win a behind the scenes experience (valued at $250)! Would you like to meet Tahoma, feed melons to the hippos, or watch an orangutan paint, and help the Zoo care for over 700 animals at the same time? Then JOIN WILD FRIENDS TODAY!



With Wild Friends, the amount you specify is charged to your credit card once a month. That makes this program the "greenest" way to donate. It eliminates the need for checks and reduces administrative and fundraising costs—so your donation goes farther in supporting our animals!

Why Join Wild Friends?
-Its' convenient and efficient.
-It's 100% tax deductible.
-Receive special updates about the Zoo in our monthly Get Closer e-mails.
Receive a summary in December of your donations for the calendar year.
-You will be sent a special Cheyenne Mountain Zoo window decal.
-AND if you join by June 30, 2010 be entered to win an exclusive behind the scenes experience!



Don’t wait! Join WILD FRIENDS online!! Your animal friends will thank you.

June 7, 2010

Preschool Zoo Discovery Classes and Family Programs

Looking for great activities to do with your children this summer? Try our Preschool Zoo Discovery or Family Programs that we offer here at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

Preschool Zoo Discovery Programs

What a great way to introduce a youngster to the amazing animal kingdom. Your child and their favorite adult learn about a variety of topics through stories, crafts and experiences with our animal friends.
Ages: 3-5
Time: 10-11 A.M.
Cost: $35.75 MEMBERS
$45.75 NON-MEMBERS

Cost includes all three classes (for one child and one adult). When registering, please choose Wednesdays, Thursdays or Saturdays with your theme. Classes going on this summer are June “Rocky Mountain Hike”, July “Animal Athletes” and August “Hoofing around the Zoo.”

For more information or to register, call 633-9925 ext. 127 or visit www.cmzoo.org.


REGISTER ONLINE TODAY FOR THE UPCOMING JULY CLASSES


July's theme is Animal Athletes

Animal Athletes: Can a hippo compete in a marathon? Would a sloth win a 100 meter swim? Which animal would win the long jump? We’ll take a look at some animal all-stars and find out what amazing abilities they have. See the dates and full schedule online.



Family Programs

Whether you're a mob of meerkats or a flock of geese, there is something for your family to do at the Zoo! Each month there's a special topic you'll explore and as a family through up close animal encounters, and special activities to learn more about our wonderful world and the animals that live here.

Programs are $20 for members (includes 2 adults and 2 kids; additional children are $7 each). Non-members are $35 (including Zoo admission). Upcoming classes for June and July are “Hip-Hip-Hurray”, “King of the Jungle”, “Animal Artists” and “Colorado Cats.”

To register call 633-9925 ext. 127, email edprograms@cmzoo.org or visit www.cmzoo.org.

June 6, 2010

Come Celebrate World Ocean's Day on June 8!

Join us for this exciting event with the help of Dr. Seuss and the Association of Zoo's and Aquariums (AZA) to celebrate our world's oceans! There will be a coloring station and giveaway table open the whole time, just stop by and see us in Aquatics!

May 23, 2010

Check out our NEW Palm Oil Crisis Blog

Check out our NEW Palm Oil Crisis Blog! Become a follower today to track our team who is currently in Indonesia! Read journal posts, stories, and updates, and see some of their amazing pictures and videos!



April 27, 2010

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

April 24, 2010

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!