Press Releases Archives - Page 13 of 17

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

Active and retired military personnel, and their household dependents, get 50% off admission

Colorado Springs, Colo. (Sept. 5, 2019) – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s annual Military Appreciation Week is Monday, Sept. 9 through Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019. All active duty, veteran and retired military members and their dependents who live in the same household will receive half off the base Zoo admission.

Military Appreciation Week is the Zoo’s way of thanking military personnel for their service to our country, apart from the daily available military discount. To receive the discount, military personnel and their dependents will need to present a valid military ID at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s admission booth. Accepted IDs include: a valid military / retired military ID; a copy of form DD214; state driver’s license printed with veteran indicator or military identifier; or ID issued by the VA, VFW or American Legion. If a service member is deployed, dependents are still entitled to this discount with a valid ID.

Fast Facts

Military Appreciation Week at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
– Monday, September 9 through Sunday, September 15
– 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with last admission sold at 4 p.m.
– Active, veteran or retired military and their immediate family in the same household receive half-off base Zoo admission

For more information, visit: www.cmzoo.org/military

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Military Appreciation Week is possible because of the generous support of our sponsors, Black Bear Diner, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Colorado Springs Pediatric Dentistry, Ent, and your Colorado Springs Toyota Dealers.

About Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Children who bring their favorite plush toy receive $10 off admission

Colorado Springs, Colo. (Aug. 8, 2019) – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s 31st annual Teddy Bear Day is Saturday, Aug. 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kids age 3 to 11 who are accompanied by a teddy bear, or other stuffed friend, get into the Zoo for just $9.75 (a $10 savings). As always, it pays to be a member – there’s no charge for members to get into Teddy Bear Day. Children 2 and under are just 75¢.

During Teddy Bear Day, children and their parents can visit the Teddy Bear Clinic located at Lodge at Moose Lake. Pediatric experts and volunteers from Children’s Hospital Colorado will provide x-rays, stitches and check-ups to stuffed animals. “Medical” procedures will be administered to injured stuffed animals. During the check-up, each bear will get a health evaluation and certificate of “Beary Good Health.” The clinic is a great way for kids to familiarize themselves with the health care community and what to expect if they need to visit a doctor, hospital or dentist.

There will be additional activities for kids at Lodge at Moose Lake, including the opportunity to meet some of the Zoo’s hands-on outreach animals. Plus, guests can also watch medical-themed animal care demonstrations and keeper talks throughout the day. A fire truck and ambulance will also be onsite for kids to learn about.

Fast Facts

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Teddy Bear Day
Saturday, August 17
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Kids (3 – 11): $9.75, when accompanied by a stuffed animal
Kids (2 and under): 75¢
Zoo Members: free

www.cmzoo.org/teddybearday

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s 31st annual Teddy Bear Day is possible because of the generous support of our sponsors, Black Bear Diner, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Colorado Springs Pediatric Dentistry and your Colorado Springs Toyota Dealers.
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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.

CMZoo welcomes reticulated giraffe calf; mom and baby doing well

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo – Msitu (muh – SEE’ – too), a 10-year-old reticulated giraffe at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, welcomed a calf to the herd at 1:20 p.m. MDT. Msitu and the baby are doing well.

Quick Calf Facts

The sex of the baby has not been confirmed.
The calf appears to be about six feet tall.
The calf was born at 1:20 p.m. MDT.
First steps were taken at 1:55 p.m. MDT.
The calf nursed for the first time at 3:17 p.m. MDT.

Following Cheyenne Mountain Zoo tradition, the calf will be named after he or she is 30 days old. Keepers first noticed Msitu was in labor, in the outdoor main yard, at 11:10 a.m. today. Msitu shifted inside to the birth stall, where we welcomed the baby to the herd.

The calf is the sixteenth member of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s reticulated giraffe herd. The calf is the third offspring for mom, Msitu, and the fifth to be sired by dad, Khalid (pronounced cull-EED).

The giraffe building will be closed the remainder of today to allow mom and baby some quiet time to bond and nurse. The rest of the CMZoo herd will be available for viewing and feeding in the outside yard from elevated platforms, where guests can get eye-to-eye with and feed lettuce to the herd, weather permitting. Assuming that mom and baby are nursing consistently and doing well, the public will be allowed limited viewing opportunities starting tomorrow.

As long as keepers observe that baby and mom are doing well, they will continue to let Msitu take the lead on providing care. When they’re born, giraffe calves are typically five to six feet tall and 150 to 200 pounds. This calf appears to be within those healthy parameters. The gestation time for giraffe is a long 14 to 15 months.

Approximately ten thousand worldwide viewers witnessed the calf’s birth on Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s live camera feed, which will continue to stream live from the sand stall, where Msitu and the calf will remain for the next few days. The live stream of the birth stall, and both outdoor giraffe yard camera feeds, are available at cmzoo.org/giraffecam. The birth stall live camera is also available through a direct link: cmzoo.org/birthcam. The Zoo will continue #MsiTuesday Facebook Live broadcasts each Tuesday afternoon, with updates on Msitu and the calf for the coming weeks.

Because Msitu was also born at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, she has grown up in the culture of voluntary husbandry training that the Zoo is known for in the industry. This means that she voluntarily participates in her own health care, which fosters a strong trust relationship between keeper and animal.

Through this training, the Zoo was able to voluntarily draw blood, confirming Msitu’s ovulation at the time of breeding, and ultimately, confirmed the pregnancy early on. The Zoo was able to get ultrasound images of the calf during the pregnancy with Msitu’s cooperation, and they were even able to bank some of Msitu’s plasma, in case the calf had needed it after birth.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is not only a leader in the training and health of giraffe in human care, but they are also making a huge difference in conservation of giraffe in the wild. Reticulated giraffe, the subspecies to which CMZoo’s herd belongs, are endangered. There are just over 11,000 mature reticulated giraffe individuals in the wild, and that population is decreasing. According to International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, the reticulated giraffe population has declined by 56% in the last thirty years.

In addition to keeping the species alive, by participating in a species survival plan and breeding a genetically diverse population in human care, CMZoo supports ongoing conservation efforts to help giraffe in the wild. To learn about the latest partnership effort to save West African giraffe in Niger, read about Operation Sahel Giraffe. Through Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Quarters for Conservation program, by which 75 cents of every Zoo admission is allocated to conservation, guests have helped CMZoo send more than $2.5 million to support important conservation efforts since 2008.

CMZoo invited the public to make its own guesses about when the newest member of the CMZoo giraffe herd would be born. The person who submitted a guess with the closest correct hour, minute and date of birth will win a behind-the-scenes animal encounter with the CMZoo giraffe herd. CMZoo will notify the winner by mid-July.

Msitu was born at CMZoo in February 2009. This is Msitu’s third calf, after giving birth to Emy in August 2013 and to Rae in April 2017. Emy, a female, now lives at Peoria Zoo in Peoria, Ill. Two-year-old female Rae was the youngest member of the herd at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, but her new sibling, born today, has now changed that. CMZoo’s breeding program began in 1954. This calf’s birth brings the number of reticulated giraffe in the CMZoo herd to sixteen.

Photos and video of Msitu and the calf available for media use:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/w1w9l6ajo63792b/AADhwe4WKtMPLxmYkfFnPLTka?dl=0

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/cmzoo
Live Birth Cam (YouTube feed): www.cmzoo.org/birthcam

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 a few operating without tax support. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo depends on admissions, membership dues, special event attendance and donations for funding.

One of the oldest elephants in the U.S. becomes a true “Golden Girl”

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is inviting media and the public to celebrate our oldest resident’s 50th birthday. Children’s Hospital Colorado is presenting the birthday party for Missy, a female African elephant, who will have the opportunity to participate in special birthday enrichment activities, including an elephant-sized birthday cake. Guests can take free photos in our elephant-themed photo booth, learn about Missy and the CMZoo African elephant herd of six aging females during a keeper demonstration, participate in paid feeding opportunities with Missy, and more.

Missy has surpassed the median life expectancy (MLE) for her fellow female African elephants living in zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. At 50, she has surpassed the MLE by about 12 years, and it’s possible that she could continue to thrive for many more years. Missy is in good health, and is one of the fastest power-walkers in the herd. Her keepers describe her as, “patient but demanding, kind of like you’d expect a ‘Golden Girl’ to be.” She is one of the oldest African elephants currently living in the U.S.

WHO – Missy, CMZoo African elephant
CMZoo guests, members and staff
Children’s Hospital Colorado

WHAT – A birthday party to celebrate Missy’s 50th birthday

WHERE – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Encounter Africa Exhibit

WHEN – Sunday, June 30, 2019
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

SCHEDULE
(Subject to Missy’s choice to participate or not)

10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Write a “Message to Missy,” take a free photo with elephant-themed props at Children’s Hospital Colorado’s photo booth, and learn about African elephants from our CMZoo Docents with elephant biofacts.

10:10 a.m.
Missy and her best friend, LouLou, have the opportunity to enjoy special birthday enrichment activities in the main elephant yard.

10:45 a.m.
Keepers Caring for Elephants Demonstration

11 to 11:30 a.m.
Elephant Feeding Opportunities with Missy
($10 to $15 per feeding)

11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Join us in singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Missy, as she enjoys an elephant-sized birthday cake, made with her favorite snacks.

About Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s tasting events will be the WILDEST events in town

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Moonlight on the Mountain, one of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s most popular adult-only events, is Thursday, June 27, from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets to this 21 and over event are officially sold out, but Tails, Tunes & Tastes tickets are still available.

Moonlight on the Mountain attendees will enjoy samples of beer, wine, spirits and coffee, as well as delicious tastings from area restaurants. Plus, local musicians will set the mood throughout the Zoo and have guests dancing the night away until 10 p.m.

Animal exhibits will be open until 8 p.m., so guests (minus kids, of course), can get hands-on with animals from The Loft, feed giraffe and watch special keeper talks and animal demonstrations through 7:30 p.m.

Two additional adults-only events are scheduled for later this summer, and tickets are available now. Tails, Tunes & Tastes offers a similar experience to Moonlight on the Mountain. It happens twice, on Thursday, July 25, 2019, and Thursday, August 29, 2019, (tickets sold separately) from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Tails, Tunes & Tastes will feature the full Zoo experience, live music, and all-inclusive food and drink from Taste, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s catering partner. More information and tickets are available at cmzoo.org/tails.

Moonlight on the Mountain and Tails, Tunes & Tastes are excellent ways to see the Zoo after hours, support local musicians, enjoy delicious food and help the Zoo care for its animals, make improvements and continue its worldwide conservation efforts.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Moonlight on the Mountain is sponsored by Cordera, Green for Life and Your Colorado Springs Toyota Dealers. Tails, Tunes & Tastes is sponsored by Colorado Springs Independent and Navy Federal Credit Union.

— Six-week-old cubs will be visible to guests in the coming weeks —

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 28, 2019) – Three adorable six-week-old mountain lion cubs are on their way to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo today, after being orphaned in Washington state. The two sisters and their brother, who still bear the camouflaging spots of young cubs, were found in their den last week.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) responded to a human-wildlife conflict that resulted in the cubs’ mother’s death. Rich Beausoleil, statewide Bear & Cougar Specialist with WDFW, worked with Michelle Schireman, Species Survival Plan (SSP) coordinator, to find a home for the young lions, who wouldn’t survive on their own in the wild.

“We’re excited to provide a home for these young, playful cubs,” said Rebecca Zwicker, senior lead keeper in Rocky Mountain Wild, where the cubs will live. “Of course, these situations are bittersweet. We wish we didn’t have to find homes for orphaned cubs, but we’re grateful for our partnerships with the SSP and WDFW, because we can offer the cubs an amazing life of choices, care, and compassion.”

This is the second litter of orphaned mountain lion cubs that Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has been able to help rescue. The first litter came from Wyoming in 2006. Tocho, Motega and Yuma were all male members of the litter who have since passed. Kaya, the female mountain lion who lives in Rocky Mountain Wild, is the remaining member of the original CMZoo litter. After the cubs earn a clean bill of health in the next few weeks, the plan is to introduce them to Kaya.

“Motega and Tocho both passed in the last four months, so we’re hoping Kaya, who is blind and aging, will enjoy having company again,” Zwicker said. “We’ll take our time letting Kaya and the cubs have opportunities to interact from a safe distance, and then we’ll follow their lead. It would be ideal if they could live together, because the cubs can learn how to be mountain lions from Kaya.”

While the cubs are in quarantine, they’ll receive vaccinations and veterinary checks to ensure they’re ready to explore their new home in Rocky Mountain Wild.

“Mountain lions are part of our daily lives in Colorado,” said Zwicker. “These cubs will be ambassadors for their wild relatives, helping our guests learn about their species, their unique personalities and behaviors, their contributions to our ecosystem, and how we can live peacefully with them.”

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s new arrivals will be viewable to guests in the coming weeks. Follow the cubs’ story by tuning into Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Twitter accounts, where the Zoo will share milestone updates and general adorableness from the cubs.

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 a few operating without tax support. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo depends on admissions, membership dues, special event attendance and donations for funding.

— CMZoo invites public to guess birthdate of giraffe calf, expected this summer —

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May 21, 2019) – Msitu (muh-SEE’-too), a 10-year-old reticulated giraffe at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, is pregnant, according to various test results and experts. CMZoo veterinary staff and giraffe keepers believe she is likely to have a calf in the next two months.

”We’re excited to share this news with our community and the huge group of giraffe fans around the world,” said Jason Bredahl, African Rift Valley animal care manager. “Msitu has given birth to two healthy calves, so we are cautiously optimistic about the viability of this calf.”

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has confirmed the pregnancy with multiple screenings, blood tests and behavioral indicators. Msitu appears to be about 13 and a half months pregnant. Giraffe gestation isn’t an exact science. Giraffe pregnancies typically range between 14 and 15 months, which can make planning for the birth a bit of a guessing game. The Zoo’s records show that Msitu bred with bull, Khalid (kuh-LEED’), April 4, 2018. The 14-month mark would be June 4, 2019.

“Giraffe calves can be fragile, so we try to encourage people to be realistic about the risks while they enjoy the excitement of the hope we know giraffe calves bring to so many,” said Bredahl. “We’re optimistic that advances in medicine, like the availability of giraffe plasma and stem cell treatments, will help us navigate any medical needs the calf may have.”

CMZoo takes precautions for the well-being of mom and calf by providing a sand-floor stall for Msitu, separate from the rest of the herd. In anticipation of the birth, Msitu will be moved to a sand stall on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, which CMZoo staff anticipates is the earliest date Msitu could go into labor. During the day, when the giraffe go outside, she will remain with the herd. At night, she will move to the sand stall. The sand helps mom and baby in a few ways: by preventing injury to the calf upon the five-foot drop it encounters as it’s born, by providing a more absorbent substrate that helps prevent slips for the baby’s first steps, and by providing a cushion for the calf as it learns to walk and inevitably stumbles.

CMZoo is inviting the public to make its own guesses about when the newest member of the CMZoo giraffe herd will be born at cmzoo.org/guess. The person who guesses the correct hour, minute and date of birth will win a behind-the-scenes animal encounter with the CMZoo giraffe herd.

There are plans in the works to activate the well-known live-streaming “birth cam” on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, so giraffe fans worldwide can join in the excitement. Starting today at 2:30 p.m. MDT, CMZoo plans to provide weekly Facebook Live updates from the giraffe barn. During these weekly updates, giraffe keepers and veterinary experts will announce their own birthdate guesses, provide updates on Msitu’s pregnancy, the physical and behavioral changes she experiences as her due date approaches, and news on the baby’s first few weeks of life.

Msitu was born at CMZoo in February 2009. This would be Msitu’s third calf, after giving birth to Emy in August 2013 and to Rae in April 2017. Emy, a female, now lives at Peoria Zoo in Peoria, Ill. Two-year-old female Rae is the youngest member of the herd at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, but a baby brother or sister may soon be changing that. CMZoo’s breeding program began in 1954. This calf’s birth would bring the number of reticulated giraffe in the CMZoo herd to sixteen.

Reticulated giraffe are endangered. There are just over 11,000 mature individuals in the wild, and that population trend is decreasing. In addition to keeping the species alive, by participating in a species survival plan and breeding a genetically diverse population in human care, CMZoo supports ongoing conservation efforts to help giraffe in the wild. To learn about the latest partnership effort to save West African giraffe in Niger, read about Operation Sahel Giraffe.