We’re back with an update on our hippo and penguin exhibit under construction, Water’s Edge: Africa. Bob Chastain, president and CEO of CMZoo, explains why we’re experiencing delays and gives the most recent anticipated opening timeline. We really wanted a hippopotamus for Christmas, but (#spoileralert) it’s going to be at least a few more months until we can welcome the hippo girls home.
Annual holiday lights celebration continues through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020
USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice today announced that Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Electric Safari won third place in the national Best Zoo Lights category. This is the highest ranking the event has ever received, and this is fourth year running that Electric Safari has ranked in the top ten.
The award-winning annual holiday lights celebration continues through Wednesday, Jan. 1 (except Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24), featuring 85 one-of-a-kind light sculptures, 50 acres of twinkling lights, animal demonstrations and interactive activities, plus a breathtaking nighttime view of Colorado Springs from Cheyenne Mountain. Animal keeper talks, enrichment activities and demonstrations occur every night.
In addition to scheduled animal demonstrations, Electric Safari offers paid feeding opportunities with our famous giraffe herd and our budgie flock, and visits to the African lion exhibit, elephant barn, Rocky Mountain Wild (except grizzly bears and wolves), Asian Highlands, Monkey Pavilion, Scutes Family Gallery and Australia Walkabout.
Grizzly Grill, Elson’s Place and Pizza with a View will be open each night to serve food and beverages. Fire pits and outdoor heaters throughout the Zoo add to the unique experience and help keep visitors warm in between the indoor animal exhibits.
Members and their accompanying paying guests get early admission at 4:30 p.m. General admission is open from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with the final admission at 7:30 p.m. Attendance is free for Zoo members. The general public can save $2 per ticket by purchasing them online no later than 3 p.m. the day they plan to attend. Tickets are available at cmzoo.org/electric.
Attendees will enjoy more than 50 acres of lit trees, structures and animated sculptures installed by the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo grounds and maintenance teams over four months of Electric Safari preparation.
If all of those animal interactions and 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 Monday, Dec. 23 to hear holiday wishes, collect lists and pose for free photos. The carousel and historic Mountaineer Sky Ride will be open (weather permitting) to provide incredible once-a-year views of the nighttime glow of Colorado Springs as a backdrop from the mountainside of twinkling lights.
Electric Safari Fast Facts
Dates: Every night through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2019*
(*Electric Safari is not open on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24.)
Visit Santa through Monday, Dec. 23
Time: 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. nightly (last admission at 7:30 p.m.)
Early admission at 4:30 p.m. for Zoo members and their paying accompanying guests
Cost: Free for Zoo Members | No Tickets Necessary | Show Membership ID at the Gate
Online Non-Member Prices
Adult (ages 12-64): $12.75
Child (ages 3-11): $8.75
Military adult: $9.75
Military child: $5.75
Senior (65+): $10.75
Ages 2 and under: 75¢
Gate Non-Member Prices
Adult (ages 12-64): $14.75
Child (ages 3-11): $10.75
Military adult $11.75
Military child: $7.75
Senior (65+): $12.75
Ages 2 and under: 75¢
Electric Safari is sponsored by Children’s Hospital Colorado, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, and your Colorado Springs Toyota dealers. For more information, visit: cmzoo.org/electric.
About Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Cheyenne Mountain Zoological Society was founded in 1926. Today, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, America’s mountain Zoo, offers comprehensive education programs, exciting conservation efforts and truly fantastic animal experiences. In 2019, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was voted #6 Best Zoo in North America and CMZoo’s Rocky Mountain Wild was named #5 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 ten operating without tax support. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo depends on admissions, membership dues, special event attendance and donations for funding.
CMZoo’s 50 acres of twinkling mountainside lights, named 2018 Fifth Best Zoo Lights in U.S., is again nominated for national USA Today Readers’ Choice ranking
Colorado Springs, Colo. – More than 50 acres of twinkling lights, 85 artisan-made light sculptures, breathtaking nighttime city views and the nearby sound of roaring lions can only mean one thing in Colorado Springs: Electric Safari is back.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s 29th annual month-long celebration of the season will begin Friday, Dec. 6 through Sunday, Dec. 8, and continue Friday, Dec. 13 through Wednesday, Jan. 1, excluding Christmas Eve. Members and their accompanying paying guests are granted early admission at 4:30 p.m. General admission is from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with the final admission at 7:30 p.m.
Electric Safari is free for CMZoo members, and members can attend as often as they’d like! Tickets for the general public are available now at www.cmzoo.org/electric.
Attendees will enjoy lit trees, structures and sculptures, installed by the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo grounds and maintenance teams over three months of Electric Safari preparation. 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. The carousel and historic Mountaineer Sky Ride will be open (weather permitting) to provide incredible once-a-year views of the nighttime glow of Colorado Springs as a backdrop from the mountainside of twinkling lights.
Electric Safari wouldn’t be complete without select animal exhibits and special nighttime animal demonstrations, as well as small animal encounters in The Loft. Electric Safari offers paid feeding opportunities with our famous giraffe herd and our budgie flock, and visits to the elephant barn, African lion relaxation room, Rocky Mountain Wild (except grizzly bears and wolves), Asian Highlands, Monkey Pavilion, Scutes Family Gallery and Australia Walkabout.
Grizzly Grill, The Overlook, Pizza with a View, Elson’s Place and the gift shop will be open to serve food and beverages. Warming fire pits and outdoor heaters throughout the Zoo add to the unique experience and help keep visitors warm in between the indoor animal exhibits.
Electric Safari was named Fifth Best Zoo Lights in the nation last year, by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, and has once again been nominated. Supporters can vote once daily at www.cmzoo.org/vote through 10 a.m. MST on Monday, Dec. 2. Winners will be announced Friday, Dec. 13.
Electric Safari Fast Facts
Dates: Friday, Dec. 6 – Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019
Friday, Dec. 23 – Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020*
(*Electric Safari is not open on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24.)
Time: 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. nightly (last admission at 7:30 p.m.)
Early admission at 4:30 p.m. for Zoo members and their paying accompanying guests
Cost: Free for Zoo Members
Online Non-Member Prices
(Available for purchase online until 3 p.m. the day of attendance.)
Adult (ages 12-64): $12.75
Child (ages 3-11): $8.75
Military adult: $9.75
Military child: $5.75
Senior (65+): $10.75
Ages 2 and under: 75¢
Gate Non-Member Prices
Adult (ages 12-64): $14.75
Child (ages 3-11): $10.75
Military adult $11.75
Military child: $7.75
Senior (65+): $12.75
Ages 2 and under: 75¢
Electric Safari is sponsored by Children’s Hospital Colorado, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, and your Colorado Springs Toyota dealers. For more information, visit: www.cmzoo.org/electric.
About Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Cheyenne Mountain Zoological Society was founded in 1926. Today, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, America’s only mountain zoo, offers comprehensive education programs, exciting conservation efforts and truly fantastic animal experiences. It is Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s hope that 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 ten operating without tax support. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo depends on admissions, membership dues, special event attendance and donations for funding.
“When will the new hippo and penguin exhibit open?” has been a common question we’ve received both in-person and online for the past several months. Our President & CEO, Bob Chastain, is here to give you a few updates on why we can’t pinpoint an exact opening date for you just yet, and what has to happen before we can.
Colorado Springs, Colo. – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is mourning the loss of Kaya, a 13-year-old mountain lion who lived a long life at CMZoo after being orphaned in the wild in Wyoming in 2006. This summer, she again captured the hearts of guests when she earned the nickname ‘Grandma Kaya’ by embracing the presence of three young kittens who were also orphaned in the wild and came to live at CMZoo.
Kaya’s passing comes in the midst of a difficult week, medically, for several beloved animals at the Zoo. In the past several days, urgent or emergency procedures have been conducted not only on Kaya, but also on Roxie, our oldest Western lowland gorilla at age 43, and on Zwena, one of our two oldest African lion sisters at age 12. The team is cautiously optimistic about both Roxie and Zwena, although further complications are possible for both animals.
Kaya, who would have turned 14 in November, passed away overnight in her den. After a sudden change in her energy level late last week, Kaya then refused to eat or take medications, even her favorite treats: goat’s milk and fish. On Saturday morning, veterinary staff performed an emergency examination to try to pinpoint the issue and treat it.
During the examination, Kaya didn’t show any specific issues, so she was treated for potential dehydration and given medication to make her more comfortable. Following the treatment at the CMZoo vet clinic, Kaya appeared to have recovered well without any complications and returned to her den to rest. Sunday morning, keepers found that despite the team’s best efforts, Kaya had passed overnight.
Kaya was blind and had ongoing age-related arthritis. A recent blood draw showed signs of early kidney disease, which isn’t unusual for a cat of her age. She is believed to have passed of natural causes and general age-related issues.
Mountain lions are usually solitary in the wild, but Kaya and her brothers lived together for their entire lives. Kaya was the last remaining sibling. Yuma died in July 2016, Motega passed in February 2019, and CMZoo lost Tocho in April 2019. After Tocho’s passing, keepers and guests had questions about whether Kaya would do well in the mountainous three-yard mountain lion habitat without her brothers and the company they’d always provided.
Just one month later, CMZoo received a call from the mountain lion Species Survival Program (SSP). Three six-week-old mountain lion kittens had been found orphaned in Washington State and needed a home right away. Although for bittersweet reasons, CMZoo had room to take them.
“At that point, our focus was on providing a home for these kittens and on creating an environment where Kaya had the option to enjoy having mountain lion company again,” said Rebecca Zwicker, Rocky Mountain Wild animal care manager who worked with Kaya and her siblings for over ten years. “It was also an opportunity for these kittens to have an adult female mountain lion around, to be there with them in those tender first months when they were moving into this strange new world. Kaya really showed them the ropes of the exhibit.”
Zwicker recalls talking with her fellow Rocky Mountain Wild keepers about how the kittens — females Adira and Sequoia, and male Sitka — were learning from Kaya. They learned to explore the exhibit, where to find the best sunny nap spots, and how to approach Kaya.
“Their introduction went smoothly, but it wasn’t like they raced into each other’s paws,” said Zwicker. “The whole time we were planning their introductions we kept in mind that Kaya is blind, older, much bigger and a bit slower. Thirteen-year-old Kaya had to set some ground rules with these rambunctious kittens.”
After vocal warnings and a few light physical corrections from Kaya, the kittens learned it wasn’t in their best interest to surprise their blind cohabitant. Keepers noticed the kittens would approach her more slowly and with plenty of ‘chirps’ to let Kaya know they were coming. Once Kaya seemed to accept their presence, though, she would lie nearby while the kittens wrestled each other, and sometimes even got in on the fun.
Kaya was often seen navigating the rocky habitat, closely trailed by the kittens, and cuddling with them in the same sunny spot where she used to cuddle with her brothers. One day, keepers noticed Kaya had some wet, matted fur patches on her sides, legs and shoulders. They weren’t sure what was causing it, but then realized the kittens had been grooming Kaya. Grooming is often considered a sign that animals are comfortable around each other, and in some species is seen as a bonding activity.
“When Kaya accepted those kittens, those of us who had been working on the introductions knew it was just magic,” said Zwicker. “Kaya’s story is so powerful because it’s full-circle. We’ve seen her step into this world with her brothers as a young, unsure, orphaned kitten. We’ve seen her develop relationships with her keepers and grow up into a rock star trainee. We’ve seen her tenacity through the hardship of losing her eyesight. We’ve seen her lose her brothers one-by-one and witnessed her perseverance to continue training and stay engaged during the weeks she was alone in the habitat. To see her become ‘Grandma Kaya’ in her final months was like she’d completed the cycle. Those kittens were comfortable with her, and Kaya was an important piece of their world. She’s passed the torch, in a way. I just wish they – and we – could have had her a little longer.”
Keepers will closely monitor Sequoia, Adira and Sitka, who have returned to their normal behaviors. Keepers gave the kittens access to Kaya after she passed, so they had the opportunity to find closure.
“Sitka went into Kaya’s den and slowly approached her, sniffed her, gave her a chuff (a cat greeting), then chirped and lied down next to her,” said Zwicker. “After a few minutes, he went back outside to find his sisters, who were climbing up a branch against the glass viewing area, being their normal crazy selves. Things will be different for them without Kaya, but they have us and each other, so they’ll be okay.”
Having the young kittens inspires keepers to continue serving Kaya’s species and her legacy through this next generation of CMZoo mountain lions.
It’s the end of an era for Rocky Mountain Wild. As CMZoo says goodbye to the last of the first orphaned siblings, it’s heartwarming to know that the next generation of kittens had the chance to benefit from Kaya’s presence, and that they provided Kaya with cuddles, playtime and company during her final months.
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 2019, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was voted #6 Best Zoo in North America and CMZoo’s Rocky Mountain Wild was named #5 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 ten operating without tax support. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo depends on admissions, membership dues, special event attendance and donations for funding.
Tickets are on sale now for seven nights of spooktacular activities over two weekends and Halloween night
Colorado Springs, Colo. – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will feel the Halloween spirit when thousands of little ghouls and goblins attend Boo at the Zoo beginning Friday, Oct. 18, 2019. The event is a fun way for families to trick-or-treat and enjoy Halloween festivities in a safe and unique environment. This year’s Boo at the Zoo is Oct. 18 – 20, 25 – 27 and 31. Boo hours are 4 to 8:30 p.m. all seven nights, with the last admission at 7:30 p.m. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo admission windows will close for daytime admission at 2 p.m.
Frightfully fun attractions include a Lighted Pumpkin Patch with 60 jack-o-lanterns, a 2,000 sq. ft. Haunted House, Ghoulish Graveyard and Pirate Cove. Attendees can also enjoy rides on the carousel and Sky Ride. 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.
Of course, a visit to the Zoo wouldn’t be complete without animals! Special keeper talks, animal demos and animal encounters will be offered each night. Select animal exhibits will also be open, including giraffe, lions, Goat Experience, Scutes Family Gallery, Wilgruen Elephant Barn, The Loft, Monkey Pavilion and Australia Walkabout. Beginning at 4:15 p.m. each night of Boo at the Zoo, attendees can interact with small animals at Safari Cabin, where a new animal will make an appearance every 45 minutes.
An elephant-sized amount of candy (more than 9,000 pounds) will be handed out at more than 25 trick-or-treat stations throughout the Zoo during 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 habitat in the wild. To find your own Halloween candy that’s orangutan friendly, download CMZ’s sustainable palm oil shopping guide at: www.cmzoo.org/palmoil.
Boo at the Zoo attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets online, in advance of the date they want to visit. The online price is $5 less per ticket than at the gate and CMZoo Members receive an additional $5 off each ticket. Popular evenings are likely to sell out! Tickets will be available for purchase at the gate only if not sold out in advance. Ticket prices increase at the gate. On-site parking is limited and is not guaranteed with advance ticket purchase. If the Zoo’s parking lot is full, follow the signs to our free off-site shuttle parking lot. Purchase tickets online, refer to costume requirements, check animal demonstration schedules and more at: cmzoo.org/boo.
Fast Facts
Boo at the Zoo at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Dates: Oct. 18 – 20, Oct. 25 – 27 and Oct. 31, 2019
4 to 8:30 p.m. (last admission at 7:30 p.m.)
Boo Online Advance Pricing:
$19.75 for ages 3-64
$14.75 for Zoo members
$17.75 Military and 65+
75¢ for ages 2 and under
Boo Gate Pricing (availability not guaranteed):
$24.75 for ages 3-64
$19.75 for Zoo members
$22.75 Military and 65+
75¢ for ages 2 and under
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit cmzoo.org/boo.
Boo at the Zoo is possible thanks to our generous sponsors, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Colorado Springs Pediatric Dentistry, 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 2019, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was voted #6 Best Zoo in North America and CMZoo’s Rocky Mountain Wild was named #5 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 ten operating without tax support. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo depends on admissions, membership dues, special event attendance and donations for funding.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is home to a pack of seven Mexican wolves, and we support the restoration of a similar species – the gray wolf – to our state’s wild places on the Western Slope. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has a long history of working to restore and relocate species, including black-footed ferrets, Wyoming toads, Mexican wolves, giraffe in Uganda, amphibians in Panama, and more. As an organization that contributes to the survival of species around the world, this is an exciting chance for Colorado residents to help restore a species that once roamed free, right here at home.
“We support restoring the natural balance by helping wild animal populations return to protected wild places,” said Dr. Liza Dadone, vice president of mission and programs at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. “We see our role in this issue as trusted wolf experts and animal advocates. We want to help by addressing common misconceptions about wolves, based on our extensive experiences with them. We also feel compelled to raise awareness of this petition, so our community has the information needed, so Coloradoans can decide if reintroduction of wolves is right for our state.”
The Rocky Mountain Wolf Project is currently leading the way on collecting signatures on petitions throughout the state, with hopes to bring this issue to a public vote for the November 2020 general election. The petition is actively underway until Dec. 8, 2019.
As part of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s effort to educate the public about the ecological benefits of these once-thriving Colorado animals, Rocky Mountain Wolf Project’s beautiful and informative art exhibit, “Living with Wolves,” is on display at Primate World through November 2019. The art display helps dispel myths about the dangers of wolves.
A common concern about the reintroduction of wolves to Colorado is about the safety of people who might encounter a wolf while enjoying time in nature. Unlike mountain lions and other predators found in wild and populated areas throughout Colorado, a wolf’s natural reaction to human presence is to retreat.
“Due to inaccurate portrayals of wolves in movies and other popular culture, some people may not know that wolves instinctively avoid human contact,” said Dadone. “When our keepers go into the enclosure with our pack of Mexican wolves to clean and replenish food, water and enrichment items, the wolves typically get as far away from them as possible. It’s a natural instinct that we like to see, as the hope for our wolves is that their offspring are one day restored to the wild to support their dwindling wild population.”
The Rocky Mountain Wolf Project reports that since 1900, there have been only two possible cases of a wolf-related human fatality in North America, and no cases in the lower 48 states.
This is a complex issue, especially for farmers and ranchers in the regions proposed for reintroduction. As caretakers of animals, we understand that farmers and ranchers care for their animals and have invested generations of energy into them. We also know that both compensation for their livestock and mitigation strategies are essential if wolves are restored to Colorado. We encourage these open conversations, as we hope they will lead to solutions that benefit wildlife, wild places, and the people who live near them.
There is evidence of wolves’ positive impact on restoring balance in struggling ecosystems, too. Some may be familiar with the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park, in 1995. The National Park’s elk population had grown to levels not healthy for the ecosystem, due to the absence of predators, like the wolf. The elk drastically reduced the number of trees and shrubs that prevent erosion and serve the rest of the ecosystem.
Birds lost habitats, as a result of the fauna’s inability to grow to maturity. The water temperature in streams rose, due to a lack of shade from trees and shrubs, which made them uninhabitable for fish and other aquatic species. Without competition from wolves, coyote populations increased, which reduced the number of small mammals in the area that served as a food source for many smaller predators, like foxes.
Since reintroducing the wolf, Yellowstone National Park’s elk population has decreased and become healthier. The wolves single out the weak, old, sick and young elk, leaving the strongest elk to reproduce and carry on healthy genetic lines. The Rocky Mountain Wolf Project also says the wolves’ presence near waterways reduced the negative impact elk had on streams, trees and shrubs and the animals that live there, simply by redirecting the elk. Coyote numbers have decreased, creating a better balance and more available food sources for foxes, badgers, weasels and raptors, which share their prey.
Until the 1940s, when wolves were eradicated from Colorado’s wild places, wolves thrived in the Rocky Mountain State. The last wolf was shot in 1945, as a result of an extermination campaign that didn’t consider the wolves’ important role in our delicate mountain ecosystem. While an occasional “lone wolf” has migrated into our state, wolves have not been able to establish a population in our state in over 70 years.
As an apex predator, their presence at the top of the food chain in Colorado is vital, as it is in Yellowstone National Park. Western Colorado, where the Rocky Mountain Wolf Project seeks to reintroduce wolves, has more than 15 million acres of public land with an abundance of wild prey for hunters and wolves.
Guests can stop by Wolf Woods to sign the petition, and visit the art exhibit at Primate World to learn more about the incredible gray wolf and the positive impacts its presence could make on our state. There are also Rocky Mountain Wolf Project representatives throughout Colorado, who are collecting signatures. Look out for the Rocky Mountain Wolf Project logo and a person with a clipboard to share your opinion or to support the effort to bring this issue to a public vote.
On Monday, Sept. 23, CMZoo giraffe lovers said a heartfelt goodbye to two-year-old Rae, a reticulated giraffe who moved from CMZoo to Lincoln Park Zoo, in Chicago, Ill. That same day, two-year-old female reticulated giraffe, Panya, joined the CMZoo herd from Memphis Zoo, on a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP).
“We were pleasantly surprised because about 20 minutes after she came into the barn from her transport, she took food from us,” said Rachael Hahn, African Rift Valley animal keeper. “That’s not something we anticipated, but she took a few pieces of elm browse and some lettuce right away. That was a really exciting indication that it could be a smooth transition for her into her new home and herd.”
The name ‘Panya’ comes from the Swahili word for ‘mouse.’ Memphis Zoo keepers tell CMZoo that Panya was the one of the smallest calves they have ever seen, weighing in at just about 95 pounds at birth.
With tips from giraffe keepers, when visitors can meet Panya they should quickly be able to identify her. The first clue is her stature.
“She is adorable and really tiny. She’s even smaller than Rae,” said Amy Schilz, senior lead animal keeper in African Rift Valley. “Fans should be able to easily identify her in the herd, because she has a fuzzy young-giraffe coat, short legs and a tall body, like [29-year-old female CMZoo giraffe] Riyadh and spot patterns similar to Mahali [16-year-old male CMZoo giraffe], with lots of white splotches in her spots. She also has really long tail hair, for now, since the rest of the giraffe herd haven’t ‘styled’ it yet.”
Panya’s keepers at Memphis Zoo describe her demeanor as, “a mixture of personality. She can be very timid at times, but also has a curious side, often watching intently as her keepers work in nearby stalls. She is sassy and full of attitude, as well.”
CMZoo giraffe keepers have observed Panya getting excited and spreading her feet to play a little bit, which may be interpreted as a sign of nervousness, so keepers are taking the introduction to the herd slowly and carefully.
“She’s doing really well, getting to know us and the herd while she completes her quarantine period in the barn,” said Hahn. “She can see and smell all of the other giraffe from her current space, and [17-year-old] Msichana, one of our female giraffe, is spending some time with her. Msichana historically has been a good companion, so we chose her to help Panya settle in. Female giraffe are herd animals, and usually prefer to have a buddy.”
Quarantine periods last about a month. Msichana and Panya are sharing a space for about 30 minutes at a time, for now. Keepers will work to increase that time together over the coming days.
“We’re following her lead, like we do with all of our animals, so we’re moving at her pace,” said Hahn. “She’s telling us that a new place, new keepers and a new herd are enough for now. We wanted to give her a little more time to settle in, which we know our giraffe fans will understand.”
“The SSP looks at the genetics of all giraffe in AZA-accredited zoos, and Panya is a great match for our breeding bull, Khalid,” said Schilz. “Hopefully she’ll join our herd as a breeding member and will someday have a calf of her own. We’re really excited for her to be a part of our herd, and for everyone to meet her.”
Guests can already come and see Panya in her quarantine area of the giraffe barn. Stay tuned to CMZoo’s social media channels to learn when visitors can come and meet Panya with the rest of the herd, in African Rift Valley at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
Event draws attention to the elephant poaching crisis and illegal trade of elephant ivory
Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo parking lot
Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sept. 24, 2019) – Elephant populations are rapidly plummeting in the wild. One wild elephant is killed approximately every 25 minutes to fuel an unprecedented global demand for ivory products. Poaching for ivory is listed as the main driver of this decline.
To help protect elephants and offer a way for the community to make a direct impact on the crisis, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is hosting an ivory surrender event on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Toss the Tusk gives the public a direct opportunity to take a stand for elephants and be part of this global movement to stop the killing and trafficking, by stopping the demand. By surrendering ivory, ensuring it will never hold value in the market, the public can send a strong signal to the world that that elephants are the only ones that should wear ivory.
Participants are instructed to bring their ivory items to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s well-known elevation entrance sign near the front gate. The surrendered ivory will be destroyed or used for educational purposes, ensuring it never enters the consumer market.
Today’s announcement is a significant step forward in the effort to save elephant populations. The United States is one of the largest markets for ivory products, which means that demand from American consumers has a tremendous influence on whether elephants will become extinct within our lifetime.
Nationwide ivory surrender events are being organized by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)/Wildlife Trafficking Alliance (WTA), with support from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), longstanding leaders in conservation. Taking place at leading zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) across the U.S.
About Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Cheyenne Mountain Zoological Society was founded in 1926. Today, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, America’s only mountain zoo, offers comprehensive education programs, exciting conservation efforts and truly fantastic animal experiences. It is Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s hope that 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 ten operating without tax support. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo depends on admissions, membership dues, special event attendance and donations for funding.
First-time evening event encourages attendees to enjoy a quiet, calming experience in a natural setting
Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sept. 9, 2019) – Silent Night is a brand-new CMZoo event, which we hope will provide our community with a place of respite, away from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind. Enjoy a quiet Zoo experience, join a meditation session at the EdVenture building, meander at a peaceful pace without a schedule and simply clear your mind. This event might also be ideal for those who are seeking a low-sensory experience.
Attendees will be asked to silence phones and other noisy devices, and to keep all communication to a whisper. Our goal is to create a peaceful environment in our natural surroundings, with as little background noise as possible. We don’t know if the lions are on board with this plan, but the humans who attend agree to keep the talking to a minimum and cell phones on silent. Guests can enjoy our beautiful mountainside setting, and practice mindfulness together. The Sky Ride, giraffe and budgie feedings will be available, along with Pizza with a View and Rocky Mountain Barbecue Co. dining options. Unlike our other evening events, we will not have live music, announcements over loud speakers, or keeper talks.
Staff will have notepads to communicate with guests who need anything. We have “noise-friendly” buildings open for families who may need to take a moment to regroup, or for someone who needs to take a phone call. The rest of the Zoo will be quiet.
Because this event is during Military Appreciation Week, all active-duty, veteran and retired military personnel and their dependents living in the same household will get 50% off admission to this evening event, too.
Fast Facts
Silent Night at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Wednesday, Sept. 11
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Adults: $19.75
Children (3 to 11): $14.75
Kids (2 and under): 75¢
Zoo members receive a $5 discount (available only on tickets purchased at the gate)
Active-duty, retired and veteran military personnel receive a 50% discount
More information at www.cmzoo.org/silentnight
About Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Cheyenne Mountain Zoological Society was founded in 1926. Today, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, America’s only mountain zoo, offers comprehensive education programs, exciting conservation efforts and truly fantastic animal experiences. It is Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s hope that 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 ten operating without tax support. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo depends on admissions, membership dues, special event attendance and donations for funding.