We'd Love To Know.
Did something special happen to you or a loved one at the Zoo? Send us your story—by photograph or written word. We'll share select stories with staff and visitors here and in our quarterly newsletter, The Waterhole.
Send your story or photo to info@cmzoo.org.
(Text in Microsoft Word (.doc) or .txt file format. Photographs in .jpg or .gif file format and less than 2 MB in size.)
Shared Visitor Moments:
September 7, 2011 - Subject: We would like to share our story with you!
On a chilly spring day in Colorado Springs, Colorado the McGinnis family decided to check out the zoo that everyone had recommended to them. Now keep in mind that a family of 5, including a newborn was a challenge but then add in a mixture of Autism and you have a chance of a doom filled outing. Jacob is my 7 year old gregarious, hyperactive, much loved son. When we went to your zoo for the first time he was approximately 3 years old. Since that day, we visit a large amount of zoos because he fell in love with your wonderful Snow Leopard exhibit. The first time he ever saw the Snow Leopards he was utterly fascinated. For the first time in his whole life, he stopped and stood still, as quiet as a statue. He could not believe he was so close to these beautiful creatures! He had a large amount of fun feeding the giraffes (and kudos to them for not freaking out with his antics!), but all he talked about was the “noe weppards.” On the way out of the zoo, we stopped by your gift shop and looked around. Jake couldn’t decide what he wanted and was getting over stimulated so I went outside with him. My husband came out about 5 minutes later with a bag. You see my husband had purchased one each of the tiger and snow leopard stuffed animals (made by Petting Zoo Plush) and presented it to Jake. I don’t think I have ever seen a more enthralled look for stuffed animals! Jake was utterly ecstatic to have these special toys and was quite fixated on the tags that come sewed to the bottom of them, thus starting the story of “Tag” the Tiger and “Label the Snow Leopard.” Throughout the years we have definitely gone through A FEW of these wonderful toys from Petting Zoo but the original (now nicknamed “Grandma Label” since she is so shabby and aged) is still there by his side everyday at school and home. She has been to several areas including NYC, Washington DC and Raleigh, NC. She and the memories of your zoo have stayed with this little boy who rarely shows happiness a normal way and doesn’t express himself well. While much of his time nowadays is spent on Legos, Star Wars and the combination of the two, he still carries around his MUCH LOVED stuffed snow leopard “Label” from Cheyenne Mountain zoo. When he is sad, she is there and when he is having a hard time, she gets him through it. She even gives kisses and hugs when I have a bad day. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for giving our son his way to express love and emotion!
Sincerely,
F McGinnis
August 15, 2011 - Subject: Thank you
To All at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo:
I just want to write a brief note of Thank you. We were in Colorado last week and came to the Zoo on Thurs. It was a great experience. We had so much fun interacting with the animals and observing them. Everyone at the zoo was so friendly and helpful. We asked several workers questions and they all took the time to answer the questions we had and to give us more information. They never acted or gave any indication that we were a bother, but just took the time to answer our questions. It was so nice to have people around that could answer our questions and were so willing to do so. I just wanted to thank all of you for helping to make our experience at the zoo so memorable. When we come back to Colorado the zoo will be on our list of things to do. The animals were so fun to watch and observe and to be able to interact with them was wonderful. Our children were even able to help feed Poe the raven and to learn about ravens. I learned so much more about the animals that you have too. We ate the eatery by the carousel and we weren't quite sure where to order what, and they were laughing and joking with us and even that was a fun experience. Thank you again for having such a great zoo, and being so friendly and knowledgeable. We will always have such good memories of our visit to Colorado and to your zoo.
Sincerely,
Ellen Bodine
July 14, 2011 - Subject: Guest Comment for the Zoo!
To Whom it May Concern:
Message: The zoo has an amazing staff that truly cares for its patrons and looks out for the visiting kids. Today at the zoo, my six year old took off running down the hill by the wolves in the 2 seconds it took to turn and get my other son's attention. When I turned back, he was gone. One of the staff was right by me and immediately realized what happened. She got on her walkie talkie and put out the code and description of my son. Within 30 seconds of the call, the pony ride hut called back saying they had my son. I am so grateful for the quick action of your staff. While I did thank the staff members, I cannot remember their names. I was just so relieved to have my son back in my arms. It was the longest 3-4 minutes of my life, but your quick acting staff not only found my son, but helped to keep me calm. Thank you, Thank you , Thank you.
Sincerely,
Sarah
June 25, 2011 - Subject: Enjoyed the Zoo!
To Whom it May Concern:
Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the zoo this year. This was my second time and actually got to spend some time there. Everyone I met had a smile on their face and the animals were great. Thanks so much for all that you guys do so that we can enjoy these wonderful animals. Keep up the good work, can’t wait to see the new elephant exhibit next year.
Sincerely,
Trisha Kirkendall
June 9, 2011 - Subject: Thank you!
To Whom it May Concern:
I just wanted to take the time to commend your staff on their professionalism and desire to make visitors experience at the CM Zoo something that they will truly cherish. We visited your Zoo today with the hopes that would be able to see the Hippo Demonstration. We had planned our entire visit around seeing this Demo at 2:30 without realizining the time had changed. When we arrived at the Hippo exhibit we asked one of the Zookeepers what time the demo began at which point we discovered the time had changed. When the Zookeeper learned our entire trip was planned around this exhibit she offered to let us get up close for pictures. We were surprised when she offered to let our children feed the Hippos popcorn and they were even given the opportunity to pet these amazing animals, although they were nervous but we took the opportunity. This really brightened my son's day by the two other children with us. These 3 boys have been really having a difficult time with their dad's recent deployments , and I was so glad to see smiles on their faces again. Thank you so much for making this a day they or I will ever forget.
Sincerely,
L. Hart
October 17, 2010 - Subject: Thanks!
To Whom it May Concern:
Message: being at the zoo with my five kids this weekend was awsome we spent almost an hour in the oft talking to an amazing women named Hayley. All the staff was awsome we got a membership on our way out thanks a lot cmzoo!
C. McLaughlin
September 10, 2009 - Subject: International Vulture Awareness Day
My husband and my son did the scavenger hunt and were picked to go in the enclosure and feed the Vultures !! It was a great experience. We learned a lot about vultures that day. Thanks so much for making it a fun learning experience for our whole family.
Jackie Lehman
Denver, CO
P.S. We would love to get any pictures that were taken from that event!!
September 2, 2009 - Subject: Thanks for an enjoyable day!
Message: My wife and I visited the zoo on Sept. 2. We were really impressed how clean and well run the zoo is. Your staff was very pleasant and helpful when we asked questions. I am a docent at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose TX. I liked the way you presented infomation about the animals in their different areas. I especially liked the giraffe cut-away. I just wanted to say thanks for an enjoyable day. Bob C.
August, 2009 - Subject: Thank you for making me feel like a kid again!
I am a Native of Colorado and until yesterday had never been to the Cheyenne Mountain zoo before.
I just wanted to send a quick note to tell you how wonderful my 1st visit was. It is now my favorite zoo!!!!
My daughter and I had such a
great time we can't wait to go back again soon and there are a few exhibits that we missed so that will be a good excuse to go back.
The whole entire atmosphere was terrific and made you feel like you really are in the mountains as well as a safari while feeding the
giraffes. I can't believe I waited so long to visit but I won't wait so long to return!
I have told everyone I know today how much fun I had yesterday and the weather made the experience all the more better.
So, thank you for making me feel like a kid again and I can't wait to come back.
K. Pengilly - Centennial, CO
July 14, 2009 - Subject: Loved Zoo
To: zooadmin@cmzoo.org
i loved this zoo it is amazing
M. Rodriguez - Junction City, Kansas
July 7, 2009 - Subject: Thanks
To: zooadmin@cmzoo.org
Thanks for the visit, it was great
M. Morse - Texas
June 12, 2009 - Subject: Great Time
To: zooadmin@cmzoo.org
We had a great time at the scout night at the zoo. The staff that took care of us were courteous and helpful. Keep up the good work! My 7yr old son told me that "this is the best night of my life". He really enjoyed the s'mores.
P. Fuschich - Colorado Springs
May 25, 2009 - Subject: Best experience ever
To: Info@cmzoo.org
My husband, daughter ( 2 and a half ) and I decided to visit the Zoo yesterday.
We been to a lot of zoos recently and living in Denver we go a lot to the Denver Zoo.
We had such a fun great experience and the staff was very friendly also the pony ride, tree house, goats petting were a lot of fun.
It's a very easy place to get around and also finding a bathroom and something to eat is not a problem.
It's been the best zoo we been to.
Thank you so much for this great experience.
Rejane McNamara
November 13, 2008 - Subject: Our Recent Visit
To: Everyone; Bob Chastain
You folks should definitely be applauded for such an outstanding place you have there. I was there over the first weekend of November and just had a delightful time with my daughter, my sister, and other relatives. There were giraffes eating out of my hands. There were birds that flew around and landed on my shoulder. I almost wanted to ask Lucky the Elephant to paint something special for the tourist in me. Juan not only gave us a ride, but was extra specially nice, going into full detail about the zoo attractions.
I'm from Omaha where we, too, have an outstanding facility. But somehow Cheyenne filled with me with more memories that I will never forget. Heck, I am 48 years old and am babbling on like a little kid. And it's all because you do a great job there. Thanks!
Delirious in Nebraska,
Jimmie
July 8, 2008 - Subject: Rocky Mountain Exhibit
To the Cheyenne Mountian Zoo - my family and I went to the zoo a couple of weeks ago. We just wanted to let you know that we think the new Rocky Mountain Exhibit is awesome. The design of the grizzly exhibit was brillant! Keep up the good work and we look forward to many more visits.
The Casias Family
May 26, 2008 - Subject: Our visit to the Zoo
We have been going to the Zoo for years and have had a Zoo pass for many of those times. Years ago we bought family passes and took our children. Now we are doing the grandparents pass and added 
our single Daughter and our three grandchildren. I am happy to support a great zoo and a very unique one as well. We were there a couple of weeks ago and are anxious to get up there and ride the aerial tram.
We really were amazed as we haven't been up since early last year and couldn't believe the improvements. The outside enclosures are super. We have seen zoos in Europe and different places in the States. This Zoo is still very special. We came there in the 70's as a couple, the 80's and 90's as a family, AND now in the 2000's with family and grandchildren. It still is a thrill and gives us a chill to come there. The Merry-Go-Round and other additions are the icing on the cake.
Now for the cherry. Susan in membership renewals, etc. is a great person. The smile on the other end, courtesy and care makes doing a membership with the Zoo a welcoming experience. Please help us acknowledge her positive service and thank her also from a happy patron. There are many folks we have met there and Susan sure sets the standard for cheerfulness and taking care of the members.
Thank You,
Gordon L Walton, Colorado Springs
May 2008 - Subject: Share your story
My daughter has been facinated with giraffes since birth. Her favorite outfts, toys, DVDs, art projects, and website involve giraffes. We visit the giraffes at our home San Francisco Zoo weekly. For her second birthday, we thought it would be special for her to feed her favorite animal. Dressed in her reticulated best, Danica fed several of the world's tallest land animals at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. She was so excited and kept saying "fun feed giraffe cookie"
Attached are a couple of pictures of her feeding giraffes and her first 2 year old picture in the cafe.
Amber-Leigh, mommy of Danica the reticulated toddler
San Francisco, CA
March 2008 - Subject: The Moment of a Lifetime:
I have such a passion for giraffes. They hold a very special place in my heart. So much that I have collected giraffe items for 10 years now. My living room has shelves of hundreds of giraffes. I usually get
giraffes as gifts. 
So when my mom sent the link to the giraffe cam I instantly fell in love. I have been watching the Giraffe Cam from San Antonio, TX for about 7 years now. On March 14, 2008 I finally had my
dream come true. We drove 15 hours straight, stayed at a hotel and made it the next morning just as the zoo was opening. I was so upset when I saw all the snow, since I had read that they only are allowed
out when the temperatures are above 40 and the ground is dry. My disappointment grew to sheer excitement when I discovered the indoor feeding area. My heart pounded as I walked in and saw so many
beautiful giraffes. I was so overwhelmed with joy that I could not contain my emotions and just cried. I stayed in with them for about an hour and a half and fed them about 63 crackers. The experience was
something I will never forget.
We then drove on to our original destination of Montana, but on the drive back home I just had to stop and visit again. This visit was just as amazing. This time the conditions were just right and I was able to experience the bridge opening and the giraffes running out. What a breath taking site. Little Tafari just stole my heart. He is just precious.
I took so many pictures that it was hard to pick my favorite, but I finally decided on one. I love the connection between the giraffe and me.
Thank you so much for an experience of my lifetime. I hope someday I can return.
Jodi Touchstone
San Antonio,TX
January 2008 - Thanking our zoo:
As long time Cheyenne Mountain Zoo fans, we wanted to take this time and let all the zoo staff know what a wonderful zoo we have. Our family recently traveled to San
Diego and went to the San Diego Zoo. What we all realized was that our zoo is even more special to us than we ever really knew. Our three kids being at this highly regarded zoo said Cheyenne Mountain
Zoo is a much nicer zoo. We asked why they felt this because my husband and my self were already feeling the same thing. It is the amount of information posted about the animals which is not posted on
very many of the animal enclosures at the San Diego Zoo. We also felt the animals at our zoo are healthier looking and happier. We just want each of you that spend count less hours caring for the animals
that the wonderful care does show. We appreciate our home zoo even more.
We have not been able to ask this question of the zoo until now because the sadness of not seeing Laikipia has been to hard. What a special giraffe he was and it is wonderful to see his offspring being so
happy as well. The question our kids have had is how does the zoo bury an animal of this size?
Thank you for being a shining star for the animals in your care.
The King family
Breckenridge, CO
