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September  2019
Click for free admission 365 days a year.

Fri., Sept. 27 -
Sun., Sept. 29
2.5-day course
6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Fri.
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sat. & Sun.
Sat., Sept 28
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 18 - Sun., Oct. 20
Fri., Oct. 25 - Sun., Oct. 27
Wed., Oct. 31
4 - 8:30 p.m.
(last admission 7:30 p.m.)
Sat., Oct. 26
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
at North Cheyenne Canon
(pre-registration required)
Fri., Nov. 8 - 
Sun., Nov. 10
2.5-day course
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.


two-year-old reticulated giraffe joins CMzoo herd
Panya, in the middle, with her herd mates at Memphis Zoo. 
Photo Credit: Memphis Zoo
On Monday, Sept. 23, two-year-old female reticulated giraffe, Panya, joined the CMZoo herd from Memphis Zoo, on a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP).

She's settling in with her new home, keepers and herd. Learn about this spirited young giraffe, with insights from CMZoo giraffe keepers and from keepers at her former home, at Memphis Zoo.

Panya's keepers at Memphis Zoo describe her demeanor as, "a mixture of personality. She can be very timid at times, but also has a curious side, often watching intently as her keepers work in nearby stalls. She is sassy and full of attitude, as well."

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will soon bid a heartfelt farewell to Thimbu [TIM-boo], a nine-year-old Amur tiger with a freckled nose and an 'aww-inspiring' way of adorably rolling on his back in the tall grasses of Asian Highlands.

As part of a breeding recommendation from the Amur tiger Species Survival Plan (SSP), Thimbu is moving to Bramble Park Zoo - an Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited zoo, in Watertown, South Dakota - in late October 2019.

seven species of adorable youngsters are growing up fast














CMZoo had a baby boom in 2019! From meerkat pups to mountain lion kittens, to a giraffe calf and more, the seven species of babies are growing up fast. (Make sure you watch until the end to meet our latest addition: five meerkat pups!)

CMZoo Mexican wolf, Phoenix
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is home to a pack of seven Mexican wolves, and we support the restoration of a similar species - the gray wolf - to our state's wild places on the Western Slope. 

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has a long history of working to restore and relocate species, including black-footed ferrets, Wyoming toads, Mexican wolves, giraffe in Uganda, amphibians in Panama, and more. As an organization that contributes to the survival of species around the world, this is an exciting chance for Colorado residents to help restore a species that once roamed free, right here at home.

As part of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's effort to educate the public about the ecological benefits of these once-thriving Colorado animals, Rocky Mountain Wolf Project's beautiful and informative art exhibit, "Living with Wolves," is on display at Primate World through November 2019. The art display helps dispel myths about the dangers of wolves.

In the coming weeks and months, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will continue its efforts - and embark on new ones - to support Species Survival Plans (SSPs) for Amur leopards and Amur tigers. This important work, led by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), contributes to the survival of these iconic species by managing the breeding of animals in human care.

CMZoo Amur leopards, Anya and Anadyr (ana-DEER), and CMZoo Amur tiger Chewy and a new female, Savelii, who is scheduled to arrive in October, have been selected by the SSP as pairs to breed. The selections are based on many factors, including each animal's genetic diversity and their genetic representation in their species in human care.

What started in 1969 as a way for CMZoo fans to take a more active and supportive role at the Zoo is now known as a fundamental arm of the organization. This month, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Auxiliary celebrated fifty years of important contributions, cultural impact, conservation advocacy and evolution. 

Although the docent organization operates independently from the Zoo, it is a valued and vital part of the Zoo's success and culture.

Some people are surprised to learn that seventeen chickens live in Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's My Big Backyard, where guests can also meet rabbits, koi fish, amphibians, insects, our honeybee colony, tarantulas, and more. 

The chickens are each named after famous chefs or tasty spices and all have unique personalities to match.

It's not unusual to hear cooing chickens and guests giggling with delight, as they get the opportunity to meet these unique species of chicken up close and personal. Guests can interact with them during their daily "Chicken Parades," when they run down the road from their chicken coop to their pen in My Big Backyard.