Stargazing Series premiers Friday evening 6/19!

Alan Gorski, President of the CS Astronomical Society

Don’t miss the Stargazing Series at the Mountaineer Sky Ride which provides a unique experience to soar over the Zoo as the sun goes down!

Get closer to a creature of the night as you learn about our Egyptian fruit bats and traverse the night sky via the telescopes and guidance of the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society .

Bring the family for an evening of star gazing Fridays, June 19, July 17, August 14 and September 4, from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for children ages 3-11, and members receive $1 off. Light refreshments will be available for purchase at the Mountaineer Market.

Toxic Waste in Cigarette Butts Harms Wildlife

Did you know that one of the most common forms of litter is cigarette butts? Have you seen the recent study by San Diego State University researchers that says filter-tipped cigarette butts are toxic to marine and fresh-water fish?

To read more about the study and to find out how you can help, visit Blue Living Ideas.

Mix & Mingle at the Mountaineer Sky Ride!

Check out the hottest new venue to mix and mingle high above the Zoo! The summer Mountaineer Sky Ride Mixer Series presents a unique opportunity to ride the Sky Ride, watch the sun set, savor a cocktail and light meal while listening to musical accompaniments to set the mood!

Tickets are $25 per couple and $12.50 per person and can be purchased at the entrance to the Mountaineer Sky Ride. Ticket includes one beverage per person, a light meal by Wildthings Catering and entertainment. A cash bar and additional snack items will also be available for purchase.

The first evening of the series is set for Thursday, June 11 with the acoustic sounds of “Negative 2” as the featured music for the evening. Mixer attendees will also be interacting with a variety of live animal ambassadors from the Zoo’s Zoo on the Move program. The menu of appetizers for the evening will be mini pepper encrusted sliders and side of sweet potato fries, with beer and ale from Bristol Brewing Company.

Check out our website for additional Mountaineer Mixer Series dates!

Protecting Frogs through Natural Lawn Care

Photo Credit: Joel Sartore

Amphibians are highly sensitive to contaminants like fertilizers, weed and pest killers, and detergents released into their environment. This is because amphibians breathe and absorb water through their skin providing an easier way for contaminants to enter their bodies.

Homeowners use up to 10 times more chemical pesticides per acre on their lawns than farmers use on crops.

You may not think that you can make a difference, but caring for your lawn in an eco-friendly way can make a bigger impact than you think. Help frogs by following these simple tips:

Choose non-chemical weed control methods like mulching, spading and pulling weeds whenever possible.

Feed your lawn naturally with grass clippings.

Use compost in your garden.

Use organic fertilizer rather than synthetic ones.

Provide good drainage to prevent standing water that attracts pests such as mosquitoes.

Plant native grasses, shrubs and trees which are less susceptible to pests.

Grow natural insect repellents such as lemon balm.

Source: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

For more information on natural lawn care, visit Safe Lawns.

To find out more about frog conservation, visit our summer exhibit, Leaping to the Rescue, located in the Aquatics Building.

We flip for eScrip!

What is eScrip you say?

It’s a nifty way to provide funding to feed and care for our animals without having to write a check!

Participating merchants contribute to the Zoo each time your family makes a purchase using your grocery club or registered cards. And all you on-line shoppers, there are lots of eScrip options for you as well!

Visit our website to learn more or sign up at eScrip.com.