Petrie’s and Layla’s charming antics, from their playful foot-slaps to their enthusiastic enrichment tossing, make it impossible not to adore them.

Our Abyssinian (Northern) ground hornbills have been spending a lot of time exploring their unique home! Their exhibit was inspired by a real-life shop near our conservation partner Tsavo Trust in Kenya, showcasing the coexistence of humans and animals in rural Africa.

Hornbills are curious and intelligent creatures, and they love to investigate everything in their sight. This can lead to human-wildlife conflicts in their native environment. Hornbills tend to break windows during breeding season because they think their reflection is a competing bird. Painting windows, putting mesh in front of windows and using unbreakable materials are some solutions to this problem. Locals are working with conservationists to catch and relocate problem birds.

Back to The Waterhole

    Once in a lifetime Opportunities

    Select your unique experience from the following options:

    • Meet & Greets – unique animal interactions year-round, with any one of our smaller animals listed below.
    • Animal Encounters – connect with amazing animals and their Keepers, plus options to feed many of the animals listed.
    • V.I.P. Tours – behind-the-scenes exclusive animal experiences that make memories for a lifetime!

    Encounters

    Opportunities to connect with amazing animals and their Keepers and a chance to feed any one of the animals below.
    Note: All Encounters do not have any age restrictions unless otherwise noted, however children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Foster any animal and you’ll help Cheyenne Mountain Zoo continue to provide outstanding care. Whether given as a gift or used to celebrate a favorite species, symbolic adoptions come with a variety of benefits only adoptive parents can enjoy.

Ways to adopt your favorites:
  1. Digital Adoption – ($35) choose any Zoo animal from the full list provided below.
  2. Group Adoption – ($35+) pick a herd, chatter or family for your classroom or group, offered for certain featured animals below.
  3. Traditional Adoption – ($50+) choose any Zoo animal from the full list provided below.
  4. Wild Adopt Gift Packages – ($65) includes a cuddly plush, offered for many featured animals below.
  5. Gift any Adoption – ($35+) gifting any adoption is offered during check-out.