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Water’s Edge Africa at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is home to three wide-eyed, stripe-tailed and utterly adorable ring-tailed lemur pups! The leading lady of Lemur Island, 12-year-old ring-tailed lemur matriarch, Allagash, has her hands full.

She’s caring for all three bundles of joy, born on Thurs., March 20, 2025, but she didn’t give birth to all three. Rogue, Allagash’s sister, also gave birth on March 20, and Allagash has accepted Rogue’s offspring as her own.

Lemur conspiracies (what a group of lemurs is called) are matriarchal, and Allagash has led the CMZoo troop since its early days. The dominant female’s offspring are typically second-in-command, followed in rank by any other females, with males at the bottom of the social ranks. When Allagash and Rogue had their babies on the same day, staff saw that complex hierarchy in action.

The day after the births, chasing ensued on Lemur Island, and Rogue was displaced. During a chase, Rogue was separated from her offspring. Staff attempted to reunite them, but Rogue did not accept the baby. Allagash immediately accepted the baby when staff presented it to her.

Since then, in efforts to reestablish peace and safety for the troop, staff have kept Rogue separated by mesh from the rest of the lemur group. Staff are monitoring all lemurs closely, and have seen calm interactions through mesh between the group and Rogue. They have seen Rogue grooming Allagash (a sign of calm respect and bonding between the sisters) and the babies. Rogue and the troop often choose to sleep next to each other on either sides of the mesh. Staff hope to begin taking steps to reunite the troop in the future.

All three babies are consistently nursing and clinging to Allagash. Both of those behaviors indicate the pups are healthy and bonding well, and they’re growing like wildflowers!

“The babies are quite active while climbing on Allagash, which makes her kind of like a lemur jungle gym for the little ones,” Michael Barnas, animal keeper in Water’s Edge, says. “While two are nursing, the other rides on her back, and they rotate positions to nurse.”

Watch a short video of Allagash and the three new pups

The babies are typically attached to Allagash while they’re this little. At four weeks old, they are getting more curious about the world around them. They have started venturing off Allagash for brief moments, onto tree branches and their dad, Hercules. They seem to really enjoy jumping up and down in the sunshine, too. One baby recently jumped from Allagash’s torso to her face.

“Allagash looked a little surprised at its landing spot and gently moved the baby from her nose to her neck, where it quickly settled in for another nap,” Michael says. “She’s a great mom, and the babies seem strong. In between rotating nursing opportunities, she rotates grooming them, which is important for their bonds and cleanliness.”

Leaning on their trusting relationship with Allagash, keepers have been able to monitor Mom and the pups by asking Allagash to come over to them for visual checks. The little ones are starting to recognize things, notably other lemurs and their keepers. The sexes of the babies have not been identified, and there are no plans to name the babies yet. CMZoo will share updates on its social media channels as the team learns more about them. As long as all continues to go well for the lemurs, guests can see them right away.

The seven lemurs are all visible on Lemur Island. They take turns exploring spaces on either side of the mesh ‘nursery’ on the inside portion of the island, and Rogue explores the outdoor section of Lemur Island on warm and sunny days.

According to the Lemur Conservation Foundation, lemurs are among the most threatened groups of mammals. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimates that over 95 percent of lemurs face extinction in the next 20 years. Ring-tailed lemurs are endangered, according to the IUCN. Hercules has breeding recommendations with Allagash and Rogue, as part of the ring-tailed lemur Species Survival Plan, managed cooperatively by members of Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited facilities, like CMZoo.

Lemur gestation lasts about 135 days. Newborn lemurs typically cling closely to the mother for about two weeks, then will start to ride on her back. After about a month, young lemurs will start exploring more independently and are typically fully weaned at about five or six months.

HE WAS THE SECOND-OLDEST MALE GIRAFFE IN HUMAN CARE IN THE COUNTRY WHEN HE PASSED – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo staff and giraffe fans are reflecting on the life of a legendary giraffe, Mahali [ma-HAUL-ee]. After an age-related decline in his health, Mahali’s care team made the difficult but compassionate decision to euthanize him on Thurs., April 10. Mahali was the second-oldest male reticulated giraffe in Association of Zoos and Aquariums facilities in the country at 22 years old.

Mahali’s team remembers him as self-assured and particular, and they’re most grateful for what he taught them. Later in life, Mahali experienced foot and leg issues that affected his mobility. In 2017 and 2020, Mahali went under anesthesia to receive treatments, and those procedures helped him heal and return to a good quality of life. In 2023, his care team decided to avoid future risky anesthesia, and focus on helping Mahali live well as an old giraffe by making environmental accommodations for him.

“Mahali changed the way we think about caring for aging giraffe,” Rick Hester, CMZoo animal behaviors curator, says. “It’s not often you have the opportunity to work with a male giraffe this old, and once we understood each other, we could try all sorts of accommodations to help him age comfortably.”

Mahali advanced giraffe care by allowing his team to glue orthopedic shoes to his hooves, and by helping his team understand quality-of-life measurements that made sense for him as an old giraffe, as opposed to a young giraffe. A good quality of life for an aging giraffe includes having comfortable places to rest, participating in husbandry training, socializing with giraffe friends, eating well, being able to lie down and stand up, and traversing all terrains.

When keepers noticed Mahali was ‘saying no’ to training consistently around 2017, Amy Schilz, senior animal behaviorist at the International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe at CMZoo, asked Rick to put his decade of animal training experience to the test with Mahali. After Mahali developed a communicative and trusting relationship with Rick, it was game on.

Even in a busy barn, Rick could call out, ‘Hey, Mahali,’ in a low monotone voice. Mahali’s eyes would sharpen focus, his ears would perk up, and he’d start scanning the crowd. Once he spotted Rick, he’d walk right over. Rick and Amy worked consistently together with Mahali’s training, and Mahali learned to trust that he was in control with these humans, who were going to notice his subtle communication cues.

“Mahali had special needs, and what worked for the rest of the herd wasn’t working for him as he aged, so we worked to find the right nuance for Mahali,” Rick says. “When we were together, we were really focused on each other, and Mahali responded well for many years.”

Rick and Mahali stayed focused on each other for Mahali’s remaining years, perfecting the animal-human communication that all CMZoo animal trainers strive for, to provide excellent cooperative care for an animal. Thanks to his dedicated team, Mahali got many more years of quality health, and giraffe fans got many more years of Mahali.

“Mahali was a rascal in his younger years,” Amy says. Amy worked with Mahali for 12 years. “Some might remember we used to sell lettuce for giraffe feedings near the railing of the giraffe yard. We moved it because Mahali could reach over the railing, and he kept nudging staff to give him lettuce, like, ‘Hey, I see what you have there.’”

As Mahali grew up, his confidence was on full display. His team described him as ‘tactile.’ He was known for pulling on keepers’ shirts or pushing other giraffe out of his way to be the center of keepers’ attention. If Mahali didn’t want to move, he wasn’t moving. At the end of the day, when keepers welcomed giraffe to the barn from the yard, he would sometimes opt for a few more hours outside.

“He had a great last day,” Jason Bredahl, CMZoo curator of animal environments and former giraffe animal care manager, says. Jason was present for Mahali’s entire life. “He went out into the yard with an enthusiasm we hadn’t seen in a few days. He soaked up the sunshine and ate lettuce and tree branches while socializing with his herd and our guests. We’re proud of the ‘bonus years’ we’ve been able to give Mahali, and we’re grateful for all the guests he has inspired and animal welfare he has taught us. It’s always hard when we know it’s time to say goodbye, but it’s also our final act of compassion and stewardship for our animals.”

Mahali was the first giraffe calf born in the current giraffe barn, hours before Mother’s Day in May 2003. As the Zoo makes progress on its giraffe habitat expansion and a new 12,000 square-foot giraffe building, giraffe staff say they will take the lessons Mahali taught them to their new giraffe center, and share with keepers around the world through the International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe’s workshops, information sharing and consultations. His legacy will live on in every giraffe that gets to live old well.

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 2025, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was voted #2 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 $5 million dedicated to frontline conservation efforts around the world. Of the 237 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.

THE FEMALE WESTERN LOWLAND GORILLA WAS THE THIRD OLDEST IN THE U.S. WHEN SHE PASSED – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is remembering the long life of Roxie, a 48-year-old female Western lowland gorilla. Roxie was humanely euthanized, due to age-related decline, on Tues., April 8, surrounded by her animal care team.

Roxie was an icon, as the Zoo’s longest living resident. She was born at the Zoo in 1976, and she was a constant on the mountain for generations of staff and visitors ever since. As the fifth oldest Western lowland gorilla in Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) human care in the U.S., and the third oldest female, she was well known throughout the gorilla care community.

Although Roxie did not have offspring, she contributed to the Western Lowland Gorilla Species Survival Plan and SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) Gorilla in many important ways – including playing a key role in the cohesiveness of the troop at CMZoo.

Roxie was the ‘cool aunt’ to 32-year-old female gorilla, Asha, often playing and wrestling with her when she was a baby. She also helped now-32-year-old Kwisha settle in at CMZoo, when Kwisha was not accepted by her mother at another zoo and moved to CMZoo at 8 months old.

Roxie adored Asha’s daughter, Tumani, and son, Dembe, who were born at CMZoo and now live at other AZA-accredited zoos. Many will remember Roxie wrestling and chasing with the young gorillas when they lived at CMZoo. Most recently, Roxie was an instrumental social support, leading Asha and the troop one step closer to future offspring by helping Goma, CMZoo silverback, learn his place in the troop.

Roxie’s confidence around Goma helped him learn how to lead female gorillas with respectful dominance. Partly because of Roxie’s calm and gentle leadership, the other female members of the group followed her lead and learned to embrace him.

“She was the first gorilla we ever saw have a tickle fight with Goma,” Ashton Asbury, Primate World keeper, says. “Goma and Roxie shared a special relationship. She gave him grace and reacted calmly to his natural displays, which helped the troop’s level of calmness during some of those introductions, but she also banded with other females to help him learn limits.”

Roxie was known for her playfulness and excitability. She would often ‘tap’ other gorillas on the rear end when they walked by her to initiate play. Even in her older years, she would beat her chest, clap and grumble (which is a ‘happy gorilla noise’) when she saw a keeper preparing to train with her.

“I think about how much her life and world changed over the years, and how much our profession has advanced in terms of animal welfare during Roxie’s life,” Debbie Fenton, senior keeper in Primate World, says. Debbie first worked with Roxie 20 years ago. “She taught us that you can teach an older gorilla new husbandry tactics, and make things better together. She became quite the expert at participating in her own care.”

Gorillas are extremely intelligent and social. After she passed, Roxie’s care team moved her back into the space with her troop, so they could say goodbye and understand her absence. The loss of Roxie will likely be felt by the CMZoo gorilla troop, Asha, Kwisha and Goma, as much as the humans who cared for her.

Animals are extremely resilient, and the troop’s dedicated care team will monitor behaviors closely and respond as needed. Roxie’s legacy will continue to serve Asha, Kwisha and Goma as they settle into a party of three.

Keepers ask supporters to honor Roxie and the troop and help save their wild counterparts by recycling small electronic devices at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

Western lowland gorillas are critically endangered, and their numbers continue to decrease in the wild. In addition to disease and poaching, they face habitat loss due to logging for agricultural use, human settlements and mining. Many of the West African lowland forests and swamps that these animals call home are also natural deposits of coltan, a mineral used in cell phones and other electronics. Due to the ever-increasing demand for cell phones across the world, the destruction of these gorillas’ habitats for mining purposes has unfortunately increased.

Coltan is recyclable, and by donating old cell phones, we can help supply valuable coltan for future phone production. Guests can bring electronics to CMZoo admissions or Primate World, where there’s a recycling collection bin near the gorillas’ indoor dens. CMZoo will send them to Eco-Cell, an organization that recycles the phones, as well as tablets, smart watches, Bluetooth devices, GPS devices, e-readers, digital cameras, handheld gaming systems and their accessories.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was ranked #2 Best Zoo in the country, in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2025! Dedicated CMZoo supporters voted daily for a month, and earned the Zoo its highest ranking ever.

According to popular vote and the 10Best Readers’ Choice editors, who nominated 20 zoos for Best Zoo consideration, the top-ten zoos in the nation are:

1. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (Omaha, Nebraska)
2. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (Colorado Springs, Colorado)
3. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (Powell, Ohio)
4. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens (Jacksonville, Florida)
5. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (Cincinnati, Ohio)
6. Brevard Zoo (Melbourne, Florida)
7. North Carolina Zoo (Asheboro, North Carolina)
8. Audubon Zoo (New Orleans, Louisiana)
9. Riverbanks Zoo & Garden (Columbia, South Carolina)
10. Saint Louis Zoo (St. Louis, Missouri)

“We could not have done this without our supporters, who spent their own time promoting the Zoo through the voting period,” Bob Chastain, president & CEO of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, says. “Honors like this are earned through the dedicated efforts of people who know, trust and believe in our organization. Thank you for your effort.”

Voters earned the Zoo a ‘Second Place Triple Crown’ this year. In addition to ranking #2 Best Zoo in the country, CMZoo earned the #2 spot for Best Zoo Membership and CMZoo’s home for animals native to the Rocky Mountain region, Rocky Mountain Wild, was voted #2 Best Zoo Exhibit.

With daily keeper talks and animal demonstrations, special events just for the grown-ups, small-group tours, camps, birthday parties, and more, Colorado Springs’ Zoo welcomes more than 800,000 people annually, encouraging them to tap into their inner child, explore the mountain and connect with nature.

Understanding its unique opportunity to connect people to native, rare and endangered animals in a natural mountainside setting, CMZoo aims to make every visit inspiring and memorable. The Zoo does that by designing animal homes that bring guests closer than ever to species from all over the world, and right here in Colorado.

In 2024, CMZoo celebrated a huge conservation milestone: surpassing $5 million raised for frontline conservation efforts, including over a million dollars for African elephant and black rhino conservation. Every visit to the Zoo is conservation in action, because every ticket purchased raises 75¢ for Quarters for Conservation (Q4C).

Looking ahead, CMZoo is embarking on historic upgrades to its world-famous giraffe herd’s home – including a 12,000 square-foot International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe (the Giraffe Center) and a 25 percent expansion to their outdoor space. Soon, the community will have an opportunity to get behind something big. Learn more at cmzoo.org/giraffeproject.

About Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

CMZOO IS NOMINATED FOR BEST ZOO IN THE U.S. BY USA TODAY’S 10BEST READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS. SUPPORTERS CAN VOTE DAILY AT www.cmzoo.org/vote – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo had been holding strong at the #1 spot in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Best Zoo in the U.S. contest, but slipped to #2 over the weekend. We’ve reached the point in the contest when the rankings are hidden, and the Zoo is asking the community to show its strength in the final week of voting, and to vote daily at cmzoo.org/vote through Mon., March 10.

10 reasons to vote for CMZoo in this top-ten contest:

1. America’s mountain Zoo is one of only a few nonprofit zoos accredited by the Association of Zoo and Aquariums (AZA) that does not receive any tax support. Zoo improvements, operations, animal care and field conservation are funded through admissions, memberships, programs, donations and grants.

2. CMZoo’s International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe connects giraffe care teams across the globe to resources, best practices, trainings and emergency care, improving and even saving the lives of countless giraffe.

3. Nearly 800,000 people visit the Zoo each year. While visiting the Zoo, visitors to the Pikes Peak region also patronize Colorado Springs’ local lodging, restaurants and tourism attractions.

4. Understanding its unique opportunity to connect people to native, rare and endangered animals, CMZoo aims to make every visit inspiring. The Zoo does that by designing animal homes that bring guests closer than ever to species from all over the world, and right here in Colorado.

5. CMZoo is one of the few zoos in the country where guests can see an Alaska moose, Atka, who was orphaned in the wild in 2020 when CMZoo took him in.

6. CMZoo is home to Mochi, one of only three mountain tapirs in human care in the country.

7. Through keeper talks and animal demonstrations during daily visits, special events just for the grown-ups, small-group tours, camps, birthday parties, and more, Colorado Springs’ Zoo works to make everyone welcome to tap into their inner child and explore the mountain at their own pace.

8. In 2024, CMZoo celebrated raising $5 million for frontline conservation efforts, including over a million dollars for African elephant and black rhino conservation.

9. Its latest AZA accreditation was historic. In nearly 50 years of AZA accreditations, CMZoo was only the fourth organization to earn a completely ‘clean’ report, which means there wasn’t a single major or minor concern reported.

10. In the past year, the Zoo welcomed a red panda, snow leopard, baby sloth and more to the family, while continuing its important work breeding and releasing critically endangered native black-footed ferrets and Wyoming toads. 2024 was the Zoo’s most successful black-footed ferret breeding year ever.

Anyone who has made eye contact with a tiger, pet a wallaby, felt the roar of an African lion, hand-fed a giraffe or walked alongside an African penguin knows how special our hometown Zoo is. This friendly competition amongst zoos nationwide is an excellent way to show your support.

Supporters can sign up to receive daily text and email reminders to vote here:
• Get a daily text: www.cmzoo.org/votetext
• Get a daily email: www.cmzoo.org/voteemail

Voting continues now through 9:59 a.m. MT on Mon., March 10. Supporters can vote every day at cmzoo.org/vote.

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 $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.

CMZOO IS NOMINATED FOR BEST ZOO IN THE U.S. BY USA TODAY’s 10BEST READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS. SUPPORTERS CAN VOTE DAILY AT WWW.CMZOO.ORG/VOTE – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo wants you to vote for Omo – or Emmett, or Wednesday, or Chewy, or Cora! For the ninth consecutive year, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is nominated for Best Zoo in the U.S. in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Supporters can vote daily through Mon., March 10 at cmzoo.org/vote.

A vote for CMZoo is a vote for your favorite animal, because a high ranking elevates the entire Zoo – and Colorado Springs.

10 reasons to vote for CMZoo in this top-ten contest:

America’s mountain Zoo is one of only a few nonprofit zoos accredited by the Association of Zoo and Aquariums (AZA) that does not receive any tax support. Zoo improvements, operations, animal care and field conservation are funded through admissions, memberships, programs, donations and grants.
CMZoo’s International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe connects giraffe care teams across the globe to resources, best practices, trainings and emergency care, improving and even saving the lives of countless giraffe.
Nearly 800,000 people visit the Zoo each year. While visiting the Zoo, guests to the Pikes Peak region also patronize Colorado Springs’ local lodging, restaurants and tourism attractions.
Understanding its unique opportunity to connect people to native, rare and endangered animals, CMZoo aims to make every visit inspiring. The Zoo does that by designing animal homes that bring guests closer than ever to species from all over the world, and right here in Colorado.
It’s one of the few zoos in the country where guests can see an Alaska moose, Atka, who was orphaned in the wild in 2020 when CMZoo took him in.
CMZoo is home to Mochi, one of only three mountain tapirs in human care in the country.
Through keeper talks and animal demonstrations during daily visits, special events just for the grown-ups, small-group tours, camps, birthday parties, and more, Colorado Springs’ Zoo works to make everyone welcome to tap into their inner child and explore the mountain at their own pace.
In 2024, CMZoo celebrated raising $5 million for frontline conservation efforts, including over a million dollars for African elephant and black rhino conservation.
Its latest AZA accreditation was historic. In nearly 50 years of AZA accreditations, CMZoo was only the fourth organization to earn a completely ‘clean’ report, which means there wasn’t a single major or minor concern reported.
In the past year, the Zoo welcomed a red panda, snow leopard, baby sloth and more to the family, while continuing its important work breeding and releasing critically endangered native black-footed ferrets and Wyoming toads. 2024 was the most successful black-footed ferret breeding year ever.

Voting continues now through 10 a.m. MT on Mon., March 10. Supporters can vote every day at cmzoo.org/vote.

VOTE NOW

As we had hoped, all six participating Colorado Supreme Court justices unanimously ruled in our favor. In June 2023, the Nonhuman Rights Project (NhRP/NRP) filed a frivolous lawsuit aiming to remove the Zoo’s five aging African elephants from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. The lawsuit was dismissed, and NhRP appealed that decision by taking it to the Supreme Court in June 2024. Today, the Colorado Supreme Court rejected the contentions of NhRP that there was any legal basis to move our beloved elephants away from Colorado Springs.

While we’re happy with this outcome, we are disappointed that it ever came to this. For the past 19 months, we’ve been subjected to their misrepresented attacks, and we’ve wasted valuable time and money responding to them in courts and in the court of public opinion.

NhRP has attempted this same lawsuit with several other reputable zoos. NhRP lost their case in New York. They lost in California. They were dismissed in Colorado Springs and Hawaii. Now they have officially lost in Colorado. If they continue this route – with us or with other reputable zoos – we hope people will remember that NhRP is abusing court systems to fundraise and to pay for ‘legal fees,’ as they claimed in a recent social media video – a.k.a. their salaries.

The courts have proven now five times that their approach isn’t reasonable, but they continue to take it. It seems their real goal is to manipulate people into donating to their cause by incessantly publicizing sensational court cases with relentless calls for supporters to donate.

The Colorado Supreme Court opinion states, “We are not alone in rejecting NRP’s attempt to extend the great writ to nonhuman animals. NRP has commenced similar legal proceedings in many other states on behalf of elephants and chimpanzees living in zoos and other facilities. Every one of its petitions for writ of habeas corpus has been denied for the same or very similar reasons.”

Some of our supporters were surprised that NhRP chose to attack Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, of all places. We have consistently ranked as a top-five zoo in the nation by popular vote. Last year, we celebrated raising $5 million for frontline conservation efforts, including over a million dollars for African elephants. Our national recognition as a leader in animal care and conservation is likely what drew their attention to us. Our latest accreditation was historic. In nearly 50 years of AZA accreditations, CMZoo was only the fourth organization to earn a completely ‘clean’ report, which means there wasn’t a single major or minor concern reported – including in the strenuous review of our elephant care program.

While NhRP was collecting funds and wasting taxpayer dollars in our county and state’s highest courts, we were busy at work, growing our in-house veterinary team to three full-time veterinarians and funding a team of experienced animal care professionals to focus solely on the cutting edge of animal care in accredited zoos. We were also embarking on an historic upgrade to our giraffe habitat, including construction of a giraffe center that’s going to revolutionize giraffe care for our profession for decades to come.

And finally, we were busy saving animals. Because a portion of every Zoo admission goes to field conservation, our members and guests surpassed raising one million dollars for elephant conservation while we were fighting to protect our elephants at home.

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 2024, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was voted #5 Best Zoo in North America and CMZoo’s Rocky Mountain Wild was named #2 Best Zoo Exhibit in North America by USA TODAY’s 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 $5 million dedicated to frontline conservation efforts around the world. Of the 237 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.

CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOO WELCOMES SLOTH BABY – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is thrilled to announce the arrival of a New Year’s baby: a Hoffmann’s two-toed sloth. Some call sloth babies ‘pups,’ ‘infants,’ or even ‘slow-bies.’ Everyone can agree to calling this wee one ‘adorable.’ With its dark brown eyes and a perfect pinkish-brown furless face, its cuteness is out of this world.

The baby, born on Dec. 18, seems strong, and has been learning to traverse Mom’s tummy. While its mom, Aysan, hangs upside down, her baby sprawls right-side-up on her belly, with its four long limbs wrapped around her torso.

“I love the way it lifts its head out of her chest fur and slowly looks around, just kind of taking it all in,” Amber Callen-Ward, lead keeper in Scutes Family Gallery, says. “Aysan has been a great first-time mom, grooming the baby by licking its face, which is so sweet. She and the baby have been bonding well. The baby is nursing, clinging to her and taking little bites of solid foods we offer.”

The two-week-old sloth is already trying pieces of plantain, romaine lettuce, zucchini and cucumber, but gets its main source of nutrients from nursing.

9-year-old Aysan’s care team knew she was pregnant. Thanks to their trusting relationship with Aysan, and Aysan’s voluntary participation in her own health care, they had been monitoring the baby’s development via ultrasounds and x-rays for the past few months.

Aysan moved to CMZoo on a breeding recommendation by the Hoffmann’s Two-Toed Sloth Species Survival Plan, with Bosco, the Zoo’s long-time male sloth, in June 2023. Sloth gestation typically lasts 11 to 12 months, so some things can happen quickly for sloths!

Bosco, a 32-year-old male Hoffmann’s two-toed sloth, became a second-time dad with this baby’s arrival. His first daughter, 5-year-old Bean, lives in The Loft at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Bean and Bosco are visible to guests who might need to process this baby excitement with a sloth visit right away.

While mom and baby bond for the first month or so, they’ll be behind the scenes in Scutes Family Gallery. Once they are visible to guests, CMZoo will share that news. The baby’s sex has not been identified, and there are no plans for a name yet. Stay tuned to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s social media channels for sloth pup-dates!

GUESTS WILL ENJOY FOOD, DRINKS, LIVE MUSIC, A HOLIDAY SAFARI DRONE LIGHT SHOW, AND VISITS WITH THEIR FAVORITE ANIMALS AND SANTA – Make plans for an adults-only mistle-toast to the season at Electric Moonlight from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thurs., Dec. 5, at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. There’s nowhere else you can sip cocktails, sample food, enjoy live local music, feed a giraffe and visit Santa in an adults-only atmosphere on the side of a mountain!

Electric Moonlight incorporates all of the magic of Electric Safari, like 50 acres of twinkling lights displays, 90+ hand-made light sculptures, enormous animal inflatables, and a drone light show, plus the additions of live music and all-inclusive food and drink samplings (while supplies last). Guests can also take in the lights from new heights on the Mountaineer Sky Ride ($3 per rider). Even Santa will be here to listen to grown-ups’ holiday wishes! Inflatables and drone show are weather dependent.

In between sampling delicious food and drinks, donated by local restaurants, breweries, distilleries and more, guests can enjoy scheduled animal keeper talks and demonstrations. Select animal habitats will be open for guests to visit, including the giraffe barn, where guests can hand-feed the 16-member giraffe herd for $3 per lettuce bundle or $5 for two bundles. See lists of open animal areas, musicians and attending vendors at cmzoo.org/em.

This event is popular and is subject to selling out. Don’t wait to secure your spot at the last 21-and-up special event of the year at cmzoo.org/em.

Attendees can get into the holiday spirit and feel good about purchasing a ticket to this important fundraiser for the Zoo. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of the only AZA-accredited nonprofit zoos in the country that does not receive tax support, so every ticket helps fund animal care, Zoo operations, improvements and conservation.

Quick Facts
• 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thurs., Dec. 5, 2023
• Advance tickets are required and must be purchased at cmzoo.org/em. This event is likely to sell out.
• Electric Moonlight features:
— live music throughout the Zoo
— food and drink samples from Front Range restaurants, breweries, distilleries and more (while supplies last)
— more than 50 acres of twinkling lights
— more than 90 hand-made light sculptures
— giant illuminated animal inflatables (weather permitting)
— a holiday-safari themed drone show (weather permitting)
— access to the Mountaineer Sky Ride (weather permitting; $3)
— access to the historic carousel (weather permitting; $2 per person)
— access to most of the Zoo’s animal exhibits, including paid giraffe and budgie feedings
— scheduled animal keeper talks and demonstrations
• This event is for adults, ages 21 and older, only. No children or infants will be allowed in.
• Each ticket includes a souvenir sampling cup and spork so guests can sample food and drinks located throughout the Zoo. Local breweries, distilleries and restaurants will have samples available for guests while supplies last.

This waste-wise event is supported by Toyota.

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 2024, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was voted #5 Best Zoo in North America and CMZoo’s Rocky Mountain Wild was named #2 Best Zoo Exhibit in North America by USA TODAY’s 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 $5 million dedicated to frontline conservation efforts around the world. Of the 237 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.

26 NIGHTS OF ELECTRIC SAFARI START ON FRI., DEC. 6 – AND TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE TODAY! – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is preparing the mountainside with millions of lights for the 34th year of Electric Safari. Twenty-six nights of mountainside lights starts on Friday, Dec. 6, and tickets are available starting today at cmzoo.org/electric.

Plus, Electric Safari is nominated for ‘Best Zoo Lights in North America’ – and Zoo fans can vote daily through Dec. 2 at cmzoo.org/lights. Electric Safari was named Third Best Zoo Lights in North American for the last five years by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Fans of the Zoo can vote once daily at cmzoo.org/lights until the contest ends, at 10 a.m. MT on Mon., Dec. 2. Top-ten national rankings should be announced that week!
VOTE FOR BEST ZOO LIGHTS

This year, attendees can expect more than 50 acres of twinkling lights, 90+ hand-made light sculptures, giant illuminated animal inflatables, a holiday-safari drone show, plus breathtaking nighttime city views from the side of the mountain.

Electric Safari opens on Fri., Dec. 6 and runs through Wed., Jan.1, 2025 – except Christmas Eve. Zoo members can get early entry, from 4 to 5 p.m. General admission is from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Electric Safari ends at 8:30 p.m.

Electric Safari is free for CMZoo members, and members can attend as often as they’d like! To manage on-site parking throughout the popular event, advance timed tickets are required for members and the general public. Capacity is limited and some nights will sell out. Get tickets and more details at cmzoo.org/electric. Guests can save $5 per ticket by visiting on a non-peak day, detailed on the Pricing Calendar at cmzoo.org/electric.

Attendees will enjoy lit trees, structures and sculptures, installed by Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s grounds and events team. Larger-than-life illuminated animal inflatables and a nightly holiday-safari themed drone light show (both are weather dependent) will decorate the Zoo, making the perfect setting for extra-special holiday memories. If all of those beautiful lights don’t un-Scrooge even the Grinchiest of holiday grumps, a cup of hot cocoa and a visit with Santa ought to do the trick.

Kris Kringle will be in Safari Lodge through Dec. 23 to hear holiday wishes, collect lists and pose for free photos. Take a spin on the historic carousel for $2 per ride, or hop on the Mountaineer Sky Ride for incredible once-a-year views of the holiday nighttime glow of Colorado Springs from the mountainside (both are weather permitting).

Electric Safari wouldn’t be complete without scheduled animal demonstrations and keeper talks! Guests can also visit select animal exhibits. Electric Safari offers paid feeding opportunities with CMZoo’s famous giraffe herd and budgie flock. See an animal schedule, feeding prices and open animal exhibits at cmzoo.org/electric.

Grizzly Grill, Cozy Goat, Pizza with a View and Elson’s Café will be open to serve food and beverages. The Thundergod Gift Shop is open every night for Zoo-themed gifts and hot cocoa.

Electric Safari is supported by our partners at Children’s Hospital Colorado, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, U.S. Bank and Toyota. For more information, visit: cmzoo.org/electric.

Electric Safari Fast Facts
• Electric Safari is from 5 to 8:30 p.m. nightly from Fri., Dec. 6 through Wed., Jan. 1, 2025 – except on Christmas Eve. Early entry for members and their paying guests starts at 4 p.m.
• Advance timed tickets are required for members and the general public.
• Tickets are limited and some nights will sell out in advance.
• Electric Safari is free for Zoo members. Members must reserve timed tickets, and can attend as often as they please.
• Santa will greet Electric Safari guests nightly through Mon., Dec. 23. Bring letters and take photos!
• Electric Safari features:
— more than 50 acres of twinkling lights
— more than 90 hand-made light sculptures
— giant illuminated animal inflatables (weather permitting)
— a nightly holiday-safari themed drone show (weather permitting)
— access to the Mountaineer Sky Ride (weather permitting; $4 for members; $5 for general public)
— access to the historic carousel (weather permitting; $2 per person)
— access to most of the Zoo’s animal exhibits, including paid giraffe and budgie feedings
— nightly scheduled animal keeper talks and demonstrations
— get more information and tickets in advance at cmzoo.org/electric
• Vote for Electric Safari, nominated in USA TODAY’s Best Zoo Lights in North America, daily at cmzoo.org/lights through Mon., Dec. 2.

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 2024, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was voted #5 Best Zoo in North America and CMZoo’s Rocky Mountain Wild was named #2 Best Zoo Exhibit in North America by USA TODAY’s 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 $5 million dedicated to frontline conservation efforts around the world. Of the 237 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