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.
Last month, 7-year-old male African lion, Boma, moved to San Diego Zoo Safari Park after living with his brother, Aslan, for about five years. With Boma leaving for a new social group, African Rift Valley keepers are working to provide Aslan with new social opportunities here at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
Four African lions currently live at CMZoo: the aging parents, Abuto and Lomela, their daughter, Elsa, and their son, Aslan. The long-term plan is for Elsa and Aslan to share space, with interbreeding preventions in place, and for Lomela and Abuto to share space. The introduction plan will be ongoing, so guests may see groups of two or three lions together as the care team works to support the changes in the pride.
Keepers say Aslan is doing well in his brother’s absence, but they have noticed some changes to his behaviors. He has started playing with enrichment more, which he didn’t do as much when he lived with Boma. His brother was more dominant, which meant Aslan didn’t always get as much time with enrichment before Boma began to resource-guard it, as leading lions instinctually do. Their leader/follower relationship also meant Aslan found confidence by following in Boma’s footsteps.
“Maybe Aslan’s new playful behavior and his tendency to be submissive will be a great fit for Elsa, who is fast and loud in every way possible,” said Kelsey Newman, keeper in African Rift Valley. “Elsa loves to pounce, play, wrestle and roar. She seems really excited to see Aslan again, but we want to take things slowly so she doesn’t overwhelm him with her enthusiasm.”
Aslan and Elsa lived together for a couple of years when they were little, and they take turns rotating in and out of spaces at the Zoo. They’re familiar with each other’s scents and sounds. But, they haven’t shared space in around five years. Big cat introductions are always risky, but so far their ‘howdies’ have been positive.
Howdies are opportunities for animals to see, smell and hear each other with a protective barrier between them. For Elsa and Aslan, they’re seeing each other from separate rooms with a 3-foot hallway between their spaces, so they’re not sharing a fence yet. To make howdies and introductions go smoother, keepers will often place a lot of really high-value enrichment items in the area. The intention is to give both parties plenty to do in addition to focusing on each other. For Elsa and Aslan, those items were wooden logs that had been de-barked by the African elephants, mud from the Red River hogs’ habitat, shavings and hay.
“When we invited Aslan and Elsa into their separate howdy rooms, they immediately ran to where they could see each other,” said Newman. “They usually love those smelly enrichment items, but they totally ignored them. Elsa was more intense about it and Aslan took the submissive role, which we expected. It’s still early days, but we’re happy with how it’s going so far.”
After a little while together, Aslan went outside in his side yard and took a nap. He was heard making what keepers call ‘baby noises’ or little chirps and chuffs to his sister. Elsa returned to her parents, where she playfully head-bumped Lomela then rolled over to pull on her dad, Abuto’s, mane.
Before taking next steps, keepers want to see calmer behaviors between the two lions. Experience tells them that the more the two see each other, the less they’ll react to each other. Once energy levels are appropriate, the siblings will continue howdies with a fence between them, and move on from there.
“We know these lions,” said Newman. “They know their habitats, and they know how to communicate with their keepers, so we can respond quickly if we see signs of discomfort. They’re aware of and familiar with each other. We feel confident in the decisions we’re making, and we’ll continue listening to the lions to set them up for the best chance at this ideal social setup for the whole group.”
While howdies and introductions continue, guests might notice post-excitement behaviors, like pacing or panting. Keepers are monitoring the lions extra closely to ensure they’re comfortable and confident as they rekindle their close sibling relationship.
Mila, a female Amur tiger, turned two years old behind the scenes on May 1, 2023, and Asian Highlands keepers had more than one reason to celebrate. Her second birthday seemed to be a turning point for the tentative tiger, who arrived at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in March 2023.
“It feels like we’re finally getting to know Mila, and wow, she’s fierce, and she’s smart,” said Basia Dann, lead keeper in Asian Highlands. “She catches on really quickly. Once you’ve gained her trust, she’s excited to see you and will come over to hang out near you. I’ll go back there with her food bin, and she’ll lie down, put her ears forward and look up at me with her big beautiful eyes. She’s patient while I get a meatball on the tongs and feed her through the fence, and not all tigers are so gracious. She also does an adorable little prance trot between us when we’re training. She’s great.”
Mila was born at Toronto Zoo (TZ) and lived with her mother, Mazy, until earlier this year, when TZ said Mila and Mazy started showing signs they wanted their own space. Around that age, Amur tigers in the wild set off on their own and live mostly solitary lives. CMZoo accepted a future breeding recommendation for Mila and worked with the Amur Tiger Species Survival Plan (SSP) to make a home for her on the mountain.
When Mila first arrived at CMZoo, she did not want anyone to approach her space, which made building a trusting relationship challenging. Luckily for Mila, she has a compassionate, tenacious, patient and talented team of keepers on her side. CMZoo’s dedicated tiger team met with animal behavior experts within and outside of the Zoo to help Mila settle in. Mila’s team met multiple times per week to review her progress and discuss any new lessons learned to constantly update her care plan with her best opportunities for success.
“The first month was a big transition for Mila,” said Dann. “Animals are individuals with unique backgrounds, experiences and tendencies, so we expect them to acclimate to new environments differently. We spent the first few weeks letting her know that she has choices, she is in control of her environment, and she can be confident knowing that we’re not going to rush her into anything before she shows us she’s ready.”
The Asian Highlands team at CMZoo has 48 combined years of experience working closely with a number of tigers over the years. They’ve welcomed tigers from other zoos on moves recommended by the Amur Tiger SSP, like Mila, and they’ve prepared tigers to move to other facilities on those same sorts of recommendations. They leaned on that experience to help Mila settle in.
“It’s an art and a science,” said Dann. “We had a plan in place before Mila arrived, based on what has worked well for other tigers and our knowledge of the species’ tendencies and needs, but we’re also dedicated to listening to our animals and making changes to our plans to best support them as individuals.”
From the moment she arrived, her care team respected Mila when she showed them she wasn’t comfortable with visitors, by growling or jumping. To communicate that they understood what she wanted and respected it, they would leave her space immediately, and try again later. Their intention was to let Mila know that she did not need to have big responses to be heard.
“Our experience told us that she would start to settle down when she recognized that she was in control of the situation, and she did,” said Dann. “We wanted her to learn that we get it. Sometimes you’re going to have big feelings, and we’re always going to respect that. If you want us to go away, we will, and you can tell us in a way that helps you feel calm.”
Mila got it, too. Incrementally, she started reducing her reactions, learning that her keepers were tuned into her. Even a slight lip curl would be seen and respected as a notice for keepers to give her some space. By around her second birthday, she had built such trust in her team that she didn’t feel the need to request space as often. Dann says her proudest moment was one day when keepers went to deliver Mila’s dinner.
“It’s like something really clicked for her that day,” said Dann. “She must have heard us coming, because we went into the building, and she had come out of her den and was waiting for us by the device we use to safely deliver food. She was just sitting there calmly, looking at us with her big adorable eyes, not making a sound at all, and waiting patiently. It was a big moment.”
Since then, Mila is making massive progress, and keepers couldn’t be more proud of her. She enjoys exploring outdoors in a side yard, investigating enrichment, and even training. She previously learned an up-and-down behavior at TZ, where she stands on her back legs and reaches up on the fence between her and her keepers, so they can get a good look at her body condition and paws. Recently, she has learned how to translate that behavior to her new space and team at CMZoo. She’s also learning how to shift into different spaces when asked, and she’s even taking rewards directly from keepers, who use tongs to deliver yummy snacks.
“She’s starting to get excited about enrichment we offer her,” said Dann. “She’s comfortable enough to be vulnerable around us, and she knows she is safe to direct her attention to cardboard boxes instead of keeping an eye on us when we’re in the building. We’ve seen her getting playful, and having a spring in her step. When she encounters something new, she does this little head tilt like she’s trying to get a better look at it.”
Next up for Mila: a new swimming pool. Keepers plan to introduce her to new opportunities for enrichment and training as she continues to progress. There’s no timeline for when she’ll be ready to explore the main yard, where guests will be able to see her. But, keepers are excited at the new pace she’s setting for achieving milestones. For now, she’s spending lots of time in her private yard, watching guests on the Sky Ride, soaking up the sunshine, rolling around in the mud and spying on her stripy neighbor, CMZoo’s 8-year-old male Amur tiger, Chewy.
“She can see him through a window in the side yard wall, and she’s very curious,” said Dann. “She has heard him chuff when they’re in separate spaces in the same building, too. She’s so cute. Her head tilts slightly to the side and her ears go forward, like ‘Who’s that?’. She hasn’t talked back yet.”
Howdies – which are opportunities for animals to see each other through a protective barrier as a first step toward introductions – with Chewy won’t likely happen for years because she’s still so young and there’s no immediate need. For now, Mila has plenty of other things to learn and to teach her team about herself.
“She’s going to keep us on our toes, that’s for sure,” said Dann. “I have so much respect for her. Look at what she has accomplished over the past few weeks, and imagine what she’ll do next, now that she knows she’s going to have a life of control, choices, care and hopefully lots of fun with us.”
CMZoo will continue to share updates on Mila as she makes progress, and will let fans know when they can see her in the main yard, when the time is right.
UPDATE September 17, 2023 – Four-month-old brothers, Basha and Mango, are growing quickly and are full of energy!
UPDATE August 29, 2023 – Mango and Basha are discovering the world, one pounce at a time!
This dynamic duo is learning how to engage with the exciting world around them. They are often found wrestling with each other, swatting at their mom, Anya’s, tail, climbing up trees, and bouncing from rock to rock. For Basha and Mango, anything is a fun enrichment item!
Visit Amur leopards Mango, Basha and Anya in the north leopard yard in Asian Highlands, just above Australia Walkabout, during your next visit to CMZoo!
UPDATE August 9, 2023 – This weekend, 3-month-old Amur leopard cubs, Basha and Mango, starting exploring the north leopard yard with their mom, Anya! The north yard is right above Australia Walkabout and is visible to guests. Anya and the cubs will be given regular access to this yard so make sure you stop by and visit them on your next Zoo adventure!
Mango seems to has found his footing as he explores, stretching, jumping and climbing trees as high as he can without giving it a second thought. Basha tends to be more pragmatic with new things and seems to be interested in exploring close to Anya. As their motor skills develop, Basha and Mango should continue to grow in confidence and agility while scampering up trees and rocks.
Amur leopards are widely known as the rarest big cats on the planet. The cubs are adorable, certainly, but their existence is hope for the future of their species. Only around 100 individuals remain in the wilds of far east Russia and China. Read more about these very important cubs, and watch video updates as they’ve grown over the last couple of months, at cmzoo.org/cubs.
UPDATE July 31, 2023 – CMZoo’s 10-Week-Old Amur Leopard Cubs Have Names! The critically endangered Amur leopard cubs born at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in May have names! Allow us to introduce Basha [BAH-shuh] and Mango.
Generous CMZoo donors picked their names. Basha’s name is inspired by the name of the lead animal keeper in Asian Highlands, Basia. Basia and Anya, the cubs’ mother, have worked closely together since Anya arrived at CMZoo in 2015, and Basia is a passionate leopard conservationist. Mango was named in honor of a beloved domestic cat who inspired the donors’ dedication to wildlife.
Mango has slightly darker features, a distinct ‘M’ spot pattern across his forehead and more defined lines instead of individual spots on his face. Basha currently has a lighter face than Mango and is slightly bigger than his brother. Basha’s keepers have also seen a heart-shaped spot above his right eye. Their size comparisons and spot patterns could change as the boys continue to grow, but these distinguishing features are great ways to tell the boys apart for now.
The 10-week-old cubs have started exploring outdoor spaces with their mom, and guests might catch a glimpse of them in a not-easily-viewed part of Asian Highlands. When they’re a bit bigger, they will explore more visible spaces where guests can easily see them. We’ll let you know as soon as that happens.
In honor of their new names, CMZoo is offering a special limited-availability adoption package, complete with a leopard plush toy and fact sheet, certificate of adoption, and a photo of Mango and Basha. Visit cmzoo.org/adopt to symbolically adopt a cub before this limited edition adoption package runs out.
Amur leopards are widely known as the rarest big cats on the planet. The cubs are adorable, certainly, but their existence is hope for the future of their species. Only around 100 individuals remain in the wilds of far east Russia and China. Read more about these very important cubs, and watch video updates on this page as they’ve grown over the last couple of months.
UPDATE July 19, 2023 – We have exciting news! Both of our blue-eyed Amur leopard cubs are boys! At 2 months old, they are quickly growing in confidence and exploration. Keepers are currently working on developing trust with the cubs for future husbandry training.
The brothers are very vocal and will sometimes call to their mom, Anya, when she receives enrichment or one-on-one training time in a different space to find out what she is doing. When they vocalize with Anya right next to them, they seem to be expressing their discovery of the world around them and want to communicate with their mom about it.
We don’t have names for the boys just yet, but we’re working on it and will let you know as soon as possible! The cubs have started to explore a space outside which is not easily in guest view. Once they’re out and about, we’ll share on our social channels. Stay tuned!
#ICYMI, these precious cubs were born to first-time mom, Anya, on May 17, 2023. Amur leopards are widely known as the rarest big cats on the planet. The cubs are adorable, certainly, but their existence is hope for the future of their species. Only around 100 individuals remain in the wilds of far east Russia and China. Read their birth announcement and see subsequent updates below.
UPDATE June 30, 2023 – Our 6-week-old Amur leopard cubs are doing great behind the scenes! Join Asian Highlands Lead Keeper, Basia, for an update on the two cubs’ following mom, getting more mobile, and communicating by making the cutest cub calls you’ve ever heard! Once they show keepers they’re mobile and comfortable enough to explore outside where guests can see them, we will share that update on our social media channels.
Anya is an attentive mother, showing patience and leadership to her offspring. Her team has been working to support Anya and bring healthy cubs to the world for years, and Anya’s two previous litters were stillborn. Those experiences were difficult, and they serve as important reminders of just how delicate the breeding and rearing process can be. Anya and her care team have shown perseverance through their commitment to contributing to the Amur Leopard Species Survival Plan because Amur leopards are the rarest big cats on the planet, with only around 100 individuals left in the wild. We appreciate your support, which allows us to continue this important work to save species.
The cubs have not been named yet, and two incredible donors who made generous contributions to the Zoo will get the honor! We will share the cubs’ names as soon as we have them. Because the cubs and Anya are doing so well, we have not needed to intervene, so we have not confirmed the cubs’ sexes or weights. Keep up with the cubs and see previous updates below.
UPDATE June 15, 2023 – Hello, blue-eyed babies! Enjoy a quick update on our Amur leopard cubs, and the first-ever #KeeperCam footage of them in their nest box.
— The cubs will be one month old on Sat., June 17!
— We’re grateful to report that they have been doing really well, so our team hasn’t needed to medically intervene. That also means we have not documented their weights or sexes yet.
— We haven’t named them yet, but we’ll share as soon as possible.
— One cub is a little bigger than the other, and the bigger one seems to be more confident exploring the nest box and just beyond it.
— Both cubs are getting more mobile, but mom is not letting them get too far out of her sight, or out of the nest box. They’ve stepped out of the nest box a couple of times, and Anya either picks them up and brings them back or guides them in the direction she wants them to go (back into the nest box).
— One of the cubs has a pattern of spots that makes an “M” shape above its forehead.
— They have both been very vocal recently. Keepers have heard them calling to their mom, Anya. (We haven’t been able to catch it on video because they stop calling when keepers get close enough to film, but we’ll keep trying!)
— Anya is participating in training, like scale training and regular husbandry behaviors, so that her care team can monitor her, too. She seems to be doing great. She has also been spending some time outside and short periods away from the cubs, so she’s comfortable exiting the nest box if keepers need to intervene to help the cubs in the future.
— The cubs will continue to bond (and grow!) behind the scenes with Anya. As soon as we know when guests might be able to see them, we will share that information on our social media channels.
#ICYMI, these precious cubs were born to first-time mom, Anya, on May 17, 2023. Amur leopards are widely known as the rarest big cats on the planet. The cubs are adorable, certainly, but their existence is hope for the future of their species. Only around 100 individuals remain in the wilds of far east Russia and China. Read their birth announcement and see subsequent updates at cmzoo.org/cubs.
UPDATE May 24, 2023 – Our two Amur leopard cubs turn one week old today! Enjoy a few behind-the-scenes clips, including a big stretch, an adorable yawn and lots of wriggling and cuddling.
Keepers say Anya is an absolute champion of a mom. She’s caring for her two cubbies, taking time to groom herself and sleep, and has been regularly interacting with her keeper team.
As you can see, the two tiny cubs are nursing, cuddling and wriggling around well. The little ones’ eyes are still closed. Sexes have not been identified and won’t be for a while. We don’t have naming plans yet. Watch this YouTube short: https://youtube.com/shorts/lxxPJu6HZpU?feature=share
TWO SPOTTED, WRIGGLY, CRITICALLY ENDANGERED CUBS BORN AT CMZOO – There were happy tears at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo on Wednesday, when Asian Highlands keepers celebrated the long-awaited arrival of two V.I.C.s – very important cubs. It has been nearly 20 years since Amur leopard cubs were born at CMZoo. Three days after Mother’s Day, Anya, a 9-year-old critically endangered Amur leopard became a first-time mom.
The little ones are covered in black spots and their favorite activities seem to be snuggling, nursing and wriggling. They look to be about average size for a leopard cub – around 2 pounds. For the first week or so, they’re pretty vulnerable with closed eyes, but they’re in good paws with Anya.
“Imagine nursing your first baby while having contractions for your second,” said Rebecca Zwicker, animal care manager in Asian Highlands. “I think Anya is absolutely incredible. She looks confident and comfortable with the cubs, and we’re elated for her and her babies. I’m so proud of our animal care team and their commitment to Anya and the future of the Amur leopard species.”
Amur leopards are widely known as the rarest big cats on the planet. These cubs are adorable, certainly, but their existence is hope for the future of their species. Only around 100 individuals remain in the wilds of far east Russia and China. CMZoo’s Amur leopards – which doubled in number from two to four on Wednesday – now represent four percent of the wild population.
That’s why CMZoo has been committed to the Amur Leopard Species Survival Plan (SSP) and accepted the risky breeding recommendation in 2019. Dad, 7-year-old Anadyr, will not have an active parenting role for the cubs, as is normal for male Amur leopards. Because both Anya’s and Anydyr’s genetics are underrepresented in both wild and human care populations, these cubs are considered very important within the SSP.
The first weeks and months of a leopard cub’s life are extremely fragile, but Zwicker says leopard fans everywhere have reason to feel optimistic.
“It always amazes me when a first-time mom embraces the role as naturally as Anya has,” said Zwicker. “She’s a patient and attentive mom. She knows where those babies are at all times. There’s a lot of cuddling, grooming, nursing and cleaning going on, and we’re seeing Anya take time to groom and care for herself, which is equally important.”
The two-day-old cubs and Anya are bonding well. The first cub born quickly showed instincts to nurse, which helped Anya’s maternal instincts take over for the second cub’s arrival about two hours later. At first, the second cub seemed less active than the first-born cub, and it took a while for it to get the hang of nursing. Once cub #2 smelled where cub #1 was having its meal, it made a baby beeline for the nipple. After a short sibling squabble, a full-bellied cub #1 moved aside for cub #2 to settle in for its first meal. Since then, both cubs have been nursing regularly and cub #2 is quickly catching up to its sibling’s energy level.
Our team is watching the new family remotely via cameras that were pre-placed in Anya’s den. So far, Anya is the only one to see the cubs in person, and we plan for that to continue, since she’s showing great maternal instincts for a first-time mom. The cubs will mark their first milestones with Anya behind the scenes for at least eight weeks, but we’ll be sure to announce when they’re big enough for guests to visit them in Asian Highlands. The cubs’ sexes haven’t been identified and likely won’t be any time soon. There are no plans for names, in line with Zoo tradition to wait 30 days to name a baby.
These two little cubs are stealing staff hearts already (via camera). The squirmy little ones have no idea how much they have just contributed to their species’ future, but we do, and it proves this longtime commitment to the Amur Leopard SSP has paid off.
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 2023, 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. Since 2008, CMZoo’s Quarters for Conservation program has raised more than $4.5 million dedicated to frontline conservation efforts around the world. Of the 238 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.
MALAIKA, AFRICAN ELEPHANT, IS NOW AT REST – Malaika’s health struggles have been extensively chronicled and shared with the public, and in February 2022, we had braced ourselves and our community for the possibility that we may lose Malaika at that time. She had some very bad days late that month, but her fighting spirit allowed her to bounce back. Since then, her health has been up and down, but unfortunately, this was her time.
More than 10 years ago, the Zoo made a conscious decision to meet the demand for specialized staff and housing to care for aging female elephants. We built what could be called a retirement community for these “Golden Girls,” and with that decision, we knew we would have difficult days ahead, as we provide end-of-life care for these magnificent animals.
Malaika had been unable to stand up on her own twice previously, once in 2018 and again in 2019. She was able to survive those potentially fatal episodes with the help of her care team, specialized hoisting equipment and the support of the Colorado Springs Fire Department’s Heavy Rescue Team. All of those resources were in place again, but unfortunately, the outcome was one that we have anticipated and dreaded for a long time.
Despite her history of health challenges, Malaika had far more good days than bad ones in her life. Malaika was described by her keepers as one of the sassiest elephants in our herd, and she frequently carried logs, tires and puzzle feeders around her spaces. She often enjoyed having time to herself, but she would also socialize with Kimba and Lucky.
According to Malaika’s keepers, she was a one-of-a-kind elephant. She loved spending time with them. She always knew when a keeper had a new lotion on, and would investigate the new smell with her trunk until she was satisfied. She always entered a new space carrying one of her favorite tires, oftentimes trumpeting as to say “Here I am!” They say she loved being the center of attention. Malaika had a sweet and salty personality, much like her food preferences. Her favorites being jumbo marshmallows or salty pretzels. Malaika had a strong, trusting relationship with her keepers, and will be deeply missed by all of her human and elephant friends.
Although Malaika was the youngest elephant in our herd, she experienced more than her share of health struggles through the years. As with humans, sometimes age isn’t the most relevant factor in an individual’s health. Also in the herd is Missy, our oldest elephant and one of the oldest African elephants in human care, at nearly 54 years old. The remaining members of the herd, Kimba (45), Lucky (44), Jambo (40) and LouLou (40), all have some age-related health concerns, which are closely managed by their animal care and veterinary teams.
Malaika’s herdmates were given access to her shortly after her passing to help them process the loss.
We have been anticipating Malaika’s passing for some time, and we made arrangements in advance for a beautiful final resting place in the mountains for her, thanks to a generous donor who offered their land for this special purpose.
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 2023, 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. Since 2008, CMZoo’s Quarters for Conservation program has raised more than $4.5 million dedicated to frontline conservation efforts around the world. Of the 238 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.
FOR TWO DATES ONLY, GUESTS AND ZOO MEMBERS CAN PURCHASE A TICKET FOR THEIR CANINE KIDDO TO JOIN THEM FOR A ZOO DAY! – Add an extra ticket to make your family outing complete! Bring your canine kiddo for a Zoo adventure on Tuesday, May 16 or Saturday, June 3.
For just two days only, you can bring your well-behaved dog to the Zoo with you! Simply purchase a dog ticket along with your family’s human tickets, and Fido can experience many of the sights, sounds and smells that make the Zoo so special (minus some restricted areas).
Just purchase a dog ticket for the same time and day as your visit. Dog tickets for both members and non-members reflect the price of an adult non-member ticket, which varies by entry time and day, ranging from $19.75 to $34.75.
Requirements:
Dogs must have an up-to-date rabies vaccination.
Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Leashes must be no longer than 6’ and non-retractable. Leashes must be attached at all times, even if the dog is in a carrier or stroller.
One dog ticket per adult ticket.
Guests with dogs can access most areas of the Zoo, but there are a few restrictions. View the Dog Days Guide & Map
Dogs must remain under their human’s control and not behave in an aggressive or disruptive manner. Excessive agitation of Zoo animals or guests because of barking or other behavior may result in the party being asked to leave the Zoo without a refund.
This opportunity is available for dogs only; sorry, no other pets are allowed.
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 2023, 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. Since 2008, CMZoo’s Quarters for Conservation program has raised more than $4.5 million dedicated to frontline conservation efforts around the world. Of the 238 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.
We are excited to announce the rankings of our annual Member Conservation Vote! When you become a member at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, you get to vote on which conservation projects we support. $75,000 of membership revenue is sent to support employee-championed field conservation partners around the world. Thanks to CMZoo members, five conservation efforts will receive funding.
The Migratory Bird Project, the African Lion Project, the African Penguin Project and the Spotted Owl Project will receive full funding and the Pancake Tortoise Project will receive partial funding. Thanks to CMZoo members for helping protect wildlife and wild places!
If you are interested in becoming a member so you can vote in our future Member Conservation Vote, learn more at cmzoo.org/membership.
Kay, a one-year-old female giraffe from Lincoln Children’s Zoo (LCZ), arrived at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo on the evening of Wed., April 19, and she’s settling in well. She has shared space with Msichana and Muziki, and, this week, started introductions with other herd members through a protective barrier, including Ohe and Viv, who were very interested!
Just like people, animals respond to changes in their surroundings and routines, so it’s important to have a plan in place. Long before Kay arrived, her care teams at LCZ and CMZoo started working together to make her transition go as smoothly as possible. Our partners at Children’s Hospital Colorado have advice for parents to teach their kids skills to navigate changes and advocate for their well-beings. At CMZoo, keepers do the same for their animals.
In anticipation of Kay’s arrival, the African Rift Valley team set up clean and comfortable spaces for her routine quarantine period, planned quarantine protocols and necessary sample collections with CMZoo’s veterinary team, chose 20-year-old giraffe, Msichana, as a friend to keep Kay company during quarantine, and worked with LCZ’s giraffe keeper team to learn all about her personality, training and tendencies.
CMZoo has welcomed a lot of giraffe over the years, so keepers know what works best for the entire herd, and they also take an individual giraffe’s needs into perspective once they arrive. What has made this move especially successful for Kay, so far, is the effort both teams put into her care.
“We have been in communication with Kay’s team at LCZ a lot,” said Savannah Woods, African Rift Valley keeper at CMZoo. “We feel really prepared to care for Kay as an individual because of the information they’ve been able to provide, because we have such extensive experience with giraffe, and because they have done such a great job preparing her for the move.”
Kay is the second giraffe ever born at Lincoln Children’s Zoo, and the first to move to another location. Jake Beiermann, primary giraffe keeper at LCZ, has worked with Kay since she was born. He traveled to CMZoo with Kay to help her settle in and to spend a few days with the keeper team at CMZoo.
“We know CMZoo is big on voluntary husbandry training, so we wanted Kay to be prepared with some basic behaviors so she could get going into the routine right away,” said Beiermann. “Before her big road trip, we also exposed her to a lot of new and different situations so she could learn that new things didn’t need to be scary. When she arrived and met a new care team, a new giraffe herd, a new location and whole new routine, she was confident and adaptable. She’s very confident.”
Because Kay needed to be bottle fed as a baby at LCZ, she is extremely outgoing and comfortable with people. She gently and eagerly approaches her new keeper team through a protective barrier and enthusiastically investigates new spaces and enrichment activities at CMZoo.
“I think she’s going to be a fantastic ambassador for her species, and because our Zoo does so much to get guests close to animals, I think she’s going to enjoy that setup,” said Woods. “LCZ has done amazing work with her training. She’s only a year old, and she’s already positioning her foot on the hoof care block, so we’re excited to continue that because husbandry is such a big part of our program at CMZoo.”
Once Kay receives the medical all-clear from the CMZoo veterinary team, she will start to meet other members of the herd. Once she’s comfortable with that, her care team will continue increasing the number of giraffe she’ll share space with, and the spaces she’ll explore. Kay lived with two other calves at LCZ and spent much of her time running and playing with them, so CMZoo’s team has high hopes for her buddying up with six-month-old Wednesday, 4-year-old Viv, 4-year-old Ohe, and 5-year-old Panya.
“I’m excited to see her out with the big herd when the time is right,” said Beiermann. “I couldn’t ask for her to go to a better place than CMZoo. I’ve been lucky enough to get to know the CMZoo crew, and I know she’s in the best hands. Hopefully we’ll get to see her contribute to the Giraffe Species Survival Plan with her own babies someday, and that our efforts to save her as a calf were all leading to good things in the future.”
CMZoo will provide updates on Kay as she continues to settle in at CMZoo.
Last month, 2-year-old Alaska moose, Atka, had surgery to remove a toe with progressive bone degradation from his front left foot. Since then, the ‘Prince of Rocky Mountain Wild,’ as he’s called by his keepers, has been leaning on the trusting relationship he has with his care team to continue his recovery.
“We’ve been really impressed with Atka,” said Erika Furnes, Atka’s primary trainer and senior keeper in Rocky Mountain Wild. “When an animal needs to go through something major like this, there’s always a chance you could lose some of the trust you have built with them. We have to ask a lot of Atka right now, to give him the best possible care, and he’s doing a really great job.”
Since his surgery on Feb. 28, 2023, Atka has been voluntarily participating in his recovery, which started with 13 days of barn rest following his surgery. On April 10, Atka’s care team decided his wound was looking good enough for the big guy to go outside.
“The plan was always to listen to what Atka was telling us during his recovery, and to balance what’s best for him medically with what’s best for him as a moose,” said Furnes. “After nearly two weeks, he was ready to stretch his legs in the sunshine. By respecting his space and responding to his needs, we can maintain his trust, which allows us to provide better care for him long-term.”
Atka’s surgical sutures have come loose, which is not uncommon in this procedure when performed in domestic hoof stock like cows or goats, but because he voluntarily participates in hoof care, CMZoo’s veterinary team and Atka’s surgeon have been able to monitor his foot closely, and are happy and comfortable with how it is progressing. Atka also actively participates in training to receive antibiotic injections and oral medication for any discomfort he might be experiencing.
“We want to give him the rest, pain medications and antibiotics he needs while limiting the number of times he has to go under anesthesia,” said Furnes. “So far, we haven’t needed to anesthetize him since his surgery. I’ve been so proud of him. He’s still coming right over to his training panel and presenting his hoof on the block so we can get a close look at his surgical site. He takes oral medications in an apple in the morning, and so far, he has let us give him all necessary injections of long-lasting antibiotic.”
Atka and his care team have worked to build that relationship through positive reinforcement husbandry training. Moose are rare in zoos, and are almost unheard of south of Colorado. Because they’re so rare in human care, there aren’t as many training protocols, so CMZoo has helped blaze the trail for moose training everywhere.
“When you go through a tough chapter like this with an animal, it reminds you of how important the relationship-building and training you’ve done in the past is,” said Furnes. “Ongoing maintenance training is always important, but when an animal’s recovery depends on it getting certain care, the relationship of trust and the language you have built together make the process less stressful and more successful for everyone – animals and humans.”
Atka is still healing and learning how to navigate on seven toes, instead of eight. Moose feet normally each have two toes that move independently to help the long-legged mountain mammals balance on rocky terrain. It is likely Atka will probably walk with an unusual gait for the rest of his life, since this necessary surgery has changed the structure of his foot – which is one-quarter of his foundation.
Animals are resilient, and Atka is adapting to his new foot. Keepers say that over the last four weeks of recovery, Atka has spent time lying down in comfy sand and shavings piles they’ve provided for him in his yard. He has been trotting, rubbing against trees, walking to his fence line to greet guests, enjoying fresh browse and wading in his pond. Guests might see Atka stumbling when he makes tight turns, favoring his one-toed foot, or curling it to rest it while he stands.
Atka has access to his barn and his yard for now, so visitors can stop by to wish him well in Rocky Mountain Wild. Atka’s team will continue to monitor him closely and make any adjustments to his medications, treatments or access to physical activity, with Atka’s best interests in mind.
With buds forming on trees, migratory birds chirping and daffodils starting to emerge, Spring is upon us in Colorado Springs. Although experts recommend waiting to plant new greens in your garden until the end of May, now is the time to start planning for your backyard or patio oasis. CMZoo’s Annual Plant Sale, on May 19, 20 and 21, 2023, is a great place to stock up.
“Our greenhouse is bursting with locally grown native, drought-resistant and pollinator-feeding plants this year, and we’re excited for everyone to join us at our annual Plant Sale in May,” said Denny Patton, senior horticulturist at CMZoo. “Bees, birds and butterflies will be hungry as they emerge and migrate at the end of May, and by planting early blooming perennial plants – which grow back every year – we can all help make their search for food a little easier.”
This year, the Zoo’s fundraising Plant Sale will be behind Water’s Edge: Africa. Zoo admission is not required to attend the Plant Sale, and Zoo guests can stop in to shop on their way out. Plant Sale attendees can access the sale from the far west end of the parking lot.
There are no reservations or tickets required to attend the Plant Sale, which will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fri., May 19, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sat., May 20 and Sun., May 21 – when the Zoo closes early for Run to the Shrine. Plants will be available on a first-come first-served basis, so don’t be late!
This year’s Plant Sale is in-person only. There will be no online shopping or shipping options available. Come out to the Zoo and chat with our expert horticulturists about which plants work best in your garden, and know you’re supporting the ongoing beautification of the Zoo with your purchases.
The Plant Sale will feature a variety of perennial plants, shrubs, vines and more. Some of Patton’s favorites, which attendees can purchase from the Plant Sale this year, are:
Gaillardia aristata, commonly known as blanket flower, is a peachy orange and yellow daisy-shaped perennial that is native to this region. They’re highly drought tolerant and do best in full sun. Bumblebees and other pollinators are drawn to their bright, plentiful flowers, which typically grow – mostly upright with not a lot of width – to be 12 to 18 inches tall.
Solidago, often called goldenrod, is true to its common name. On a woody base, it features dense wand-like clusters of tiny gold and yellow flowers that make massive meals for pollinators. Goldenrod is drought tolerant and prefers full sun. They can grow to be more than 5 feet tall, but typically grow from 1 to 3 feet high and 3 or 4 feet wide. Nepeta, better known as catmint, (but not to be confused with cat nip!) is a perennial herb from the mint family. These bushy plants with delicate, blue flowers prefer full sun or partial shade. They do well in dry growing conditions, which encourages more and stronger-scented flowers. They can grow to be 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Because they are members of the mint family, they spread easily and make good border or ground cover plants to spruce up any space while feeding hungry pollinators.
Dark Knight spirea, also called salvia or Bluebeard, helps birds, bees and butterflies fuel up in late summer. Its appearance is similar to a butterfly bush, with a woody base and long silver-gray leaves. Deep purplish-blue cone-shaped flowers emerge at the end of summer and continue to bloom until frost. Spirea are exemplary plants for xeriscaping, because they don’t require a lot of water and do well in sandy soil. This shrub is considered small in the shrub world, reaching about 3 feet in height and width at maturity.
Echinacea is a drought-tolerant perennial, and a member of the daisy family. They come in many colors, and the CMZoo Plant Sale is offering a variety with a black center, surrounded by burgundy-orange petals. Their flowers bloom at the ends of long stems, typically mid-summer to early fall. They can grow up to 4 feet high and 36 inches wide.
With a garden of pollinator perennials that bloom throughout the season, you’ll be ready to welcome butterflies, bees, hummingbirds and more to your own personal paradise. Check out the flora options and speak with CMZoo’s expert horticulturists about which plants could work well in your garden at the Plant Sale, Fri., May 19 through Sun., May 21! Get more information at cmzoo.org/plantsale.
MALAIKA, AFRICAN ELEPHANT, IS NOW AT REST – Malaika’s health struggles have been extensively chronicled and shared with the public, and in February 2022, we had braced ourselves and our community for the possibility that we may lose Malaika at that time. She had some very bad days late that month, but her fighting spirit allowed her to bounce back. Since then, her health has been up and down, but unfortunately, this was her time.
