Annual holiday lights celebration continues through Friday, Jan. 1, 2021 – USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice today announced that Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Electric Safari won third place in the national Best Zoo Lights category, for the second year in a row. This is the fifth year running that Electric Safari has ranked in the top ten.
The award-winning annual holiday lights celebration continues through Friday, Jan. 1 (except Christmas Eve, Thursday, Dec. 24), featuring 85 one-of-a-kind light sculptures, 50 acres of twinkling lights, and breathtaking nighttime views of Colorado Springs from Cheyenne Mountain.
Advance e-tickets are required for members and the general public, and they are going fast! Make plans to join us after Christmas, and reserve tickets now at cmzoo.org/electric.
El Paso County is at “Safer at Home – Severe Risk” or “Level Red” COVID-19 restrictions. The Zoo is operating under a revised Public Health Order from Colorado Public Health & Environment that allows us to open some buildings at limited capacity. The following changes will be seen at Electric Safari, while under Level Red precautions:
- Ticket capacity to the Zoo will remain limited, with advance timed tickets required.
– The outdoor areas of the Zoo will remain open, but some buildings will be closed. - The following buildings will be open at limited capacity:
– Giraffe barn
– Elephant/rhino barn
– Budgie Buddies
– Scutes Family Gallery
– The Loft
– Hippo and penguin buildings - Santa will be available for photos and to hear wishes as he travels around the Zoo during evenings through Wednesday, Dec. 23. Indoor visits and photo opportunities will not be available.
- Dining options will be limited, and available for take-out only. No indoor dining available.
- Thundergod Gift Shop will be open at 50% capacity, per current guidelines for retail establishments. Online ordering is also available at giftshop.cmzoo.org.
- Restrooms with direct outside access will be open. (see Electric Safari Program)
- Sky Ride will be operational, weather dependent. Only members of the same household are permitted per seat.
Electric Safari offers paid feeding opportunities with our famous giraffe herd and our budgie flock, and visits to the African lion exhibit, elephant and rhino barn, Rocky Mountain Wild (except grizzly bears), Asian Highlands, The Loft, Scutes Family Gallery and Australia Walkabout.
We’re grateful for our 2020 Electric Safari’s partners: Children’s Hospital Colorado, Colorado Springs Pediatric Dentistry, Cordera, US Bank, and your Colorado Springs Toyota dealers. For more information, visit cmzoo.org/electric.
About Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Cheyenne Mountain Zoological Society was founded in 1926. Today, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, America’s mountain Zoo, offers comprehensive education programs, exciting conservation efforts and truly fantastic animal experiences. In 2020, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was voted #4 Best Zoo in North America and CMZoo’s Rocky Mountain Wild was named #2 Best Zoo Exhibit in North America by USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. It is Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s goal to help guests fall in love with animals and nature, and take action to protect them. Of the 233 zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of just a few operating without tax support. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo depends on admissions, membership dues, special event attendance and donations for funding.