As you may know, 8-year-old reticulated giraffe, Bailey, gave birth on Sept. 28, 2020, to a healthy female giraffe calf, who we named BB on her one-month birthday! Join African Rift Valley Senior Lead Keeper, Amy, for a recap of the littlest herd member’s first month of progress.

You can watch BB, Bailey and the rest of the 17-member giraffe herd on our two outdoor yard cameras, live daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. MT, on the Zoo’s YouTube channel at or on the giraffe cam page on our website at http://cmzoo.org/giraffecam.

WATCH THE VIDEO PLAYLIST ON YOUTUBE

Join Digger and Emmett, CMZoo’s two 15-year-old male grizzly bears, and Rocky Mountain Wild Keepers, Sarah and Kristen, to get up close with the bears and learn about hibernation and torpor. Cooler temperatures mean the boys are preparing for winter, when they go into a slight stage of torpor and generally slow down a bit.

Their keepers say the seasonal change doesn’t impact Digger and Emmett as much as it affects their wild relatives, because our boys have year-round access to food sources.

Three pink-backed pelicans, Pluto, Penelope and Pandora, joined Water’s Edge: Africa at the beginning of October, and they’re settling in well sharing space with our flock of African penguins and guests!

Water’s Edge Keeper, Grace, tells us about the pelicans as we get up close with these big-beaked birds and say hello to the penguins. Pandora, who is with us temporarily while her new exhibit at another Associations of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited facility, and Penelope start the video on the guest sidewalk and then take a dip in the lower outdoor pool. Plato shows off his impressive fish-catching skills from the inside beach.

Next time you’re at CMZoo, swing by Water’s Edge: Africa, our new home for hippos, penguins, pelicans, warthogs, lemurs, guinea pigs and guineafowl, to say hello!

Rain, snow or shine, five remaining nights of Halloween festivities begin Friday, Oct. 23 – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will feel the Halloween spirit when little ghouls and goblins attend Boo at the Zoo, resuming with its remaining five nights on Friday, Oct. 23, 2020. The event is a fun way for families to trick-or-treat and enjoy Halloween festivities in a unique environment. This year’s Boo at the Zoo started Oct. 17-18, and resumes on Oct. 23-25 and 30-31. Boo hours are 3:40 to 8:30 p.m. Advance e-tickets are required and available at cmzoo.org/boo. The Zoo will close for daytime admission on Boo nights at 3 p.m.

In addition to visiting select animal exhibits and trick-or-treating, frightfully fun attractions include a lighted pumpkin patch, a kid-friendly spooky haunted house, Ghoulish Graveyard and Pirates Cove. Attendees can also enjoy rides on the Mountaineer Sky Ride, weather permitting. The Sky Ride will be open as weather allows, providing a breathtaking view of Colorado Springs at night and a lift to two additional trick-or-treat stations at the top.

Boo at the Zoo will go on, rain, snow or shine. As an all-weather venue, refunds and exchanges will not be honored for weather-related reasons. Be sure to bundle up on cold nights and enjoy a Colorado evening on the mountain!

An elephant-sized amount of candy (4.5 tons) will be handed out at trick-or-treat stations throughout Boo at the Zoo. The Zoo’s candy supply is purchased from companies that are members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), which is committed to the use of sustainable palm oil and the protection of orangutan habitats in the wild. To find your own Halloween candy that’s orangutan friendly, download CMZ’s sustainable palm oil shopping guide at cmzoo.org/palmoil.

COVID-19 spread prevention protocols are in place, including limited capacity throughout the Zoo, no off-site shuttle transportation, limited capacity in buildings, mask requirement for ages 11 and up in buildings, and more. Please visit cmzoo.org/open for a complete list of safety requirements and encouragements.

SELECT ANIMAL EXHIBITS ARE OPEN, INCLUDING:

– African Rift Valley giraffe building (be in line by 8 p.m.) In order to accommodate the maximum number of guests with our limited building capacity, your time in the giraffe building will be limited.
– African lions
– Australia Walkabout
– Encounter Africa elephant/rhino barn
– Goat Experience
– The Loft
– Scutes Family Gallery
– Water’s Edge: Africa

RESTAURANTS OPEN DURING BOO AT THE ZOO

– Grizzly Grill
– Pizza with a View
– Elson’s Place
– Cozy Goat (beverages only)

COSTUME REQUIREMENTS

For the safety of all guests, costume masks and costume weapons may not be worn by guests 12 years of age or older. Masks worn by guests 11 years of age and younger must have openings that allow the eyes to be seen and that do not obstruct peripheral vision. Balloons are not allowed inside the Zoo (even as part of a costume) for the safety of our animals and wild animals.

TRICK-OR-TREAT BAGS

Support the Zoo’s efforts to reduce waste by bringing your own trick-or-treat bags!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Volunteers are crucial to the success and safety of Boo at the Zoo.
Positions include handing out or delivering candy, directing traffic and working the haunted house.
All volunteers must be at least 13 years old.
Volunteers ages 13-17 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or school advisor at all times.
We will not assign specific positions until the evening of the event.
Curious about volunteering for Boo at the Zoo? Visit cmzoo.org/boo

FAST FACTS

Boo at the Zoo at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Remaining Dates: Oct. 23-25 and 30-31, 2020
3:40 to 8:30 p.m.
Advance e-tickets are required
www.cmzoo.org/boo

Boo at the Zoo is possible thanks to our generous sponsors, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Les Schwab Tire Centers, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, T. Rowe Price and your Colorado Springs Toyota dealers, Larry H. Miller Toyota Colorado Springs and Larry H. Miller Liberty Toyota Colorado Springs.

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.

Today is #WorldOkapiDay! We’re in African Rift Valley with #CMZoo keepers, Diana and Rachael, to raise awareness for these unique rainforest inhabitants, affectionately known as the unicorns of the forest. Our 7-year-old male okapi, Bahati, joins us for some hoof care training as his keepers tell us all about him, his wild relatives, and their important role in their delicate rainforest habitat.

During our annual member conservation vote, CMZoo members help us decide how to share $75,000 of membership revenue with important wildlife conservation efforts around the world. In 2020, our members sent $11,000 to fund an agroforestry project to protect okapi habitat. In a continued partnership with the Okapi Conservation Project, this grant provides farmers with tools, seeds, natural fertilizers, and education in sustainable agriculture practices. In addition, funds support reforestation in the region.

Every visit to #CMZoo helps protect okapi in the wild, because 75¢ of every admission goes to conservation. Thanks to our visitors, we’ve raised $3 million to support conservation since our Quarters for Conservation program started in 2008. #SavingSpecies

Our little giraffe calf explored with the big yard for the first time this morning with several members of the herd! She enjoyed the sunshine, stretched those legs with some major zoomies, investigated some of the guineafowl and was met with enthusiasm from staff, guests and giraffe alike. So far, she has met Ohe, Mashama, Msichana, Panya, Laikipia, Twiga, Msitu and Muziki. Today, she was outside with her mom, Bailey, and Ohe, Mashama, Msichana, Laikipia, Twiga, Msitu and Muziki.

She’ll continue exploring the big yard as weather allows and will meet more members of the herd as she grows up. These excursions won’t be scheduled, but guests should be able to see her on a regular basis outside with the herd and inside the barn. Speaking of the barn, it’s nearly time to turn off the temporary birth cam. On the calf’s 3-week birthday on Monday, Oct. 19, 2020, we will turn it off permanently at 4:45 p.m. Enjoy the birth cam until then. After that, you should be able to see her more and more on our year-round outdoor cams, available daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. MT.

We’ll keep you posted as this adorable little girl continues to grow up! Watch her entire video playlist here

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo family is mourning the loss of Zwena, a 13-year-old female African lion who was born at the Zoo. Monday afternoon, Zwena’s care team made the difficult and humane decision to euthanize her due to progressive neurological issues and her declining health and quality of life.

In July, we told you we were making adjustments for Zwena as she struggled with chronic mobility issues associated with her neurological condition. Between July and the beginning of October, she seemed to be having mostly good days. Despite continued treatment and care, she recently started declining quickly. The median life expectancy for African lions is 16.9 years, but as with humans and other species, life span can be less, due to various medical challenges, like the ones Zwena was facing.

Zwena, known affectionately as “Z” by her longtime keepers, was a staff favorite throughout the Zoo. She was well-loved and respected for her no-nonsense approach to building relationships with people.

“She was always the biggest personality out of the girls,” said Diana Miller, African Rift Valley keeper and Zwena’s primary trainer for nearly 9 years. “She was very loud. When she would see us coming she would either make a happy grumble or snarl at you. She was so sassy and fierce – and she loved to participate in her voluntary training. She was always enthusiastic with training and demonstrating her awesome lion behaviors during keeper talks. She would jump up on the cape buffalo statue with such vigor and a loud groan. She was impressive. She made a real impact with our guests.”

Zwena made an impact on her pride, too. She lived with Abuto, the pride patriarch; Lomela, her sister; and Elsa, her niece. The two younger males are Zwena’s nephews, Aslan and Boma. They lived with the full pride when they were younger, but now live as their own bachelor pride.

“The first time Z got to be with the cubs, Lomela was hesitant for them to go out into the big yard, but fearless Zwena just led them right out,” said Miller. “’Aunty Z’ encouraged all three cubs to chase her into the yard and the cubs went flying after her. She just loved playing with them. Lomela would lay nearby and call the cubs to come back, but they just wanted to go and play with Aunty Z. That was her vivacious personality in a nutshell.”

Zwena was an amazing ambassador for her species, helping guests fall in love with African lions through her energetic personality and intense focus. She will be dearly missed.

“She made me the keeper I am today,” said Miller. “You make connections with all of the animals you care for, but some animals leave a bigger paw print on your heart. Zwena definitely did that for me. I am so lucky to have gotten to know her and work with her. We will all miss her so much, but we’re grateful for the time we had together.”

It’s snack time with 4-month-old Alaska moose calf, Atka, who joined us in July. He’s grown to nearly 250 pounds and stands just under five feet tall! Our big guy is gaining about 14 pounds per week, but is still a safe size for his keepers to go into his exhibit with him. He’s eating more solid foods, like grain and browse, and has nearly completely weaned off of bottles. He has mastered the art of making ‘noodles’ out of his favorite elm browse, as you can see in the video!

Atka fans will notice his coat is changing colors and texture. His winter coat is coming in thick and has turned from its formerly reddish hue to a dark chocolate brown. He’s also sporting incredibly fuzzy ears, ready for cooler temps coming our way in the next few weeks. We get a lot of questions about when he’ll grow his first set of antlers. We should start seeing growth in the spring!

To learn more about Atka, check out his YouTube playlist

#CMZoo Vice President of Mission and Programs, Dr. Liza, is here with giraffe keepers, Rachael and Kayla, with an update on baby’s progress. She’s nursing well, sleeping well, getting up and down, and hitting the giraffe calf milestones her care team wants to see. The ligaments we suspect were contracted in her two front legs appear to have loosened substantially. Baby’s legs look strong and much straighter than when she was born. We’ll keep monitoring her, but for now, things seem to be right on track!

Guests can visit baby and Bailey in the giraffe barn, which is now open at a limited capacity, as long as things continue to go well. The calf has been exploring the side yard with mom at unscheduled times during the day, so guests have a chance to see them outside, too.

Her keepers will tell you about how they’re seeing baby’s “brave and goofy” personality develop, and you’ll get to see “Big Daddy” Khalid check in with Bailey and the baby from the stall next to theirs.

We’ll continue to keep you updated on this little calf’s progress.

You can also learn more about our calf through the following resources:
– View mom and baby on our 24/7 temporary birth cam at cmzoo.org/giraffecam or on our YouTube channel.
– Watch the three live-streamed videos of the calf’s birth on Monday, Sept. 28 on this playlist: https://www.facebook.com/watch/55670076018/276758846645183/
– Keep up with all video updates on the calf on this playlist: https://www.facebook.com/watch/55670076018/630410841177208/
– Read her birth announcement here.

Three pink-backed pelicans joined the African penguins at Water’s Edge: Africa today! Pandora, Plato and Penelope have moved into the penguin building, where they will stay for a few days to settle in before beginning to explore the outdoor penguin areas, too.

Pink-backed pelicans have a wingspan of 7 to 9 feet, but they’re one of the smaller species of pelicans. They’re native to lakes, rivers and ponds throughout southern Africa. They are named for the pale pinkish hue on their backs that can be seen when they stretch out their wings.

The three pelicans lived with African penguins at their previous AZA-accredited zoo in Maryland, so they’re used to sharing space with them. Keepers say the penguins have been giving the pelicans space this afternoon and have responded well to their presence.

Pandora, a 4-year-old female, will live at CMZoo temporarily while her new exhibit and breeding partner prepare for her arrival at another AZA-accredited zoo. 4-year-old male, Plato, and 4-year-old female, Penelope, will live here for the foreseeable future as companions to each other and our penguin flock.

Their keepers say the three large birds are really curious and have been exploring the exhibit. Just like our flock of 17 African penguins, once the pelicans feel comfortable, they will have the opportunity to share sidewalks with guests on Boulder Beach, at Water’s Edge.

Next time you’re at the Zoo, swing by and say hello to our new pelican ambassadors.