Press Releases Archives - Page 9 of 17

CMZoo’s 50 acres of twinkling mountainside lights, named 2019 Third Best Zoo Lights in U.S., is again nominated for national USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice ranking. More than 50 acres of twinkling lights, 85 artisan-made light sculptures, breathtaking night time 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 30th annual month-long celebration of the season will begin Friday, Dec. 4 through Sunday, Dec. 6, and continue Friday, Dec. 11 through Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, excluding Christmas Eve. Members and their accompanying paying guests are granted early admission at 4:20 p.m. General admission starts at 5:20 p.m. and the event ends at 8:30 p.m.

Electric Safari is free for CMZoo members, but advance e-tickets are required for all attendees. The general public and members can secure tickets at 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 travelling through the Zoo until Dec. 23 to hear holiday wishes and pose for free photos. The 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.

All COVID-19 precautions will be in place for this event. Learn more at cmzoo.org/open. Outdoor areas of the Zoo will be open throughout the event, but most buildings will be closed due to Level Red COVID-19 restrictions. Dining options will be limited and available for take-out only.

The following animals will not be viewable, due to these closures:
– Giraffe
– Elephant/Rhino (viewing available through windows)
– Wallabies (viewing available through windows)
– Scutes Family Gallery
– The Loft
– Water’s Edge: Africa (limited access)
– Primate World

Electric Safari was named Third 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. 7. Winners will be announced Friday, Dec. 18.

Electric Safari Fast Facts

Dates:
Friday, Dec. 4 – Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020
Friday, Dec. 11 – Friday, Jan. 1, 2021*
(*Electric Safari is not open on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24.)

Time:
5:20 – 8:30 p.m. nightly (last admission at 7:20 p.m.)
Early admission at 4:20 p.m. for Zoo members and their paying accompanying guests.
All guests, including those under age 2, and members must reserve an e-ticket in advance.

Electric Safari is sponsored by Children’s Hospital Colorado, Colorado Springs Pediatric Dentistry, Cordera, US Bank, 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 2020, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was voted #4 Best Zoo in North America and CMZoo’s Rocky Mountain Wild was named #2 Best Zoo Exhibit in North America by USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. It is Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s goal to help guests fall in love with animals and nature, and take action to protect them. Of the 233 zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of just a few operating without tax support. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo depends on admissions, membership dues, special event attendance and donations for funding.

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

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

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

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

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

SELECT ANIMAL EXHIBITS ARE OPEN, INCLUDING:

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

RESTAURANTS OPEN DURING BOO AT THE ZOO

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

COSTUME REQUIREMENTS

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

TRICK-OR-TREAT BAGS

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

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

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

FAST FACTS

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

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

About Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bailey, an 8-year-old reticulated giraffe at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, welcomed her very first calf to the herd at 11:37 a.m. today. Bailey and the female giraffe calf are doing well. Following Cheyenne Mountain Zoo tradition, the calf will be named after she is 30 days old.

“You couldn’t ask anything more of a first-time mom,” said Jason Bredahl, giraffe animal care manager at CMZoo. “Bailey is nonstop grooming her baby, paying attention and making sure the baby is in a good position to nurse. Mom is doing a great job.”

The little calf is doing well, too. She’s already winning the hearts of CMZoo staff and online fans.

“This is probably the smallest giraffe calf I’ve ever seen,” said Bredahl. “Bailey is small for a giraffe, too, so that’s not surprising. She’s super adorable. She’s strong and is nursing well, so we’re really excited to share her with everyone as soon as we can.”

At first, the calf had a hard time standing because she had positioned herself in a corner of the stall and she kept bumping into the walls before she could get her footing. After waiting to see if she could get up on her own, keepers and vet staff asked Bailey to move into another area so they could give the calf a hand. The team picked her up and moved her into the middle of the stall around 1:27 p.m. She took her first steps on her own after a quick medical assessment, then a nudge from mom, at 1:38 p.m. As long as keepers observe that baby and mom are doing well, they will continue to let Bailey take the lead on providing her care.

The weight and height of the calf are not known yet, although keepers and vet staff say she is one of the smallest giraffe calves they’ve ever seen. Newborn giraffe calves are typically five to six feet tall and weigh 150 to 200 pounds. Exact measurements haven’t been taken, but this calf appears to weigh about 100 pounds and is around five-and-a-half feet tall.

The calf is the seventeenth member of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s reticulated giraffe herd. The calf is the first offspring for mom, Bailey, and the sixth to be sired by dad, Khalid (pronounced cull-EED). Bailey moved to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo on a breeding recommendation in Sept. 2016. CMZoo’s breeding program began in 1954 and has welcomed more than 200 calves since its inception.

Thousands of 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 Bailey and the calf will continue to bond for the coming weeks. The live stream of the birth stall, and both outdoor giraffe yard camera feeds, are available at cmzoo.org/giraffecam. The Zoo will continue to provide updates on their social media channels.

The barn will remain closed to guests for at least another day, to give the new calf time to bond with mom. Other members 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.

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 October and November 2019, CMZoo helped establish a new population of a critically endangered giraffe in Uganda. The Operation Twiga IV team successfully reintroduced 15 Nubian giraffe to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, where they haven’t existed in nearly 25 years. CMZoo VP of Mission and Programs, Dr. Liza Dadone, assisted with research and anesthesia, and provided care for the giraffe during the translocation. Our contribution to this effort is possible thanks to ongoing support from CMZoo members, guests and donors. Operation Twiga IV is led by Uganda Wildlife Authority with support from Giraffe Conservation Foundation, Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and other partners from around the world. See a video about the Zoo’s latest field conservation effort, Operation Twiga IV, here.

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 $3 million to support important conservation efforts since 2008.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is moving forward with plans to demolish Monkey Pavilion, located centrally near the Zoo’s eateries and historic carousel, starting in November. Monkey Pavilion was built in 1942 and originally housed big cats, such as tigers, leopards and lions. Since then, the building has undergone renovations to support residents including lemurs, monkeys, sloths and more.

Since their inception, zoos have modernized in leaps and bounds. Fostering relationships between our guests and animals is our top priority, supported by our focuses on animal care, conservation and education. The animals’ homes play a vital role in our ability to achieve our goal of helping people fall in love with wildlife and wild places. We understand perception matters. We want to inspire our guests, and have seen that if an enclosure presents too many barriers, our ability to foster those connections is limited.

While the building provided good homes and enriching experiences for the animals that lived there, it falls short of providing an environment that helps our keepers build connections between guests and animals. We see opportunities for better use of the area. The possibilities seem endless, and we are considering every idea. We have not yet made decisions about the future of the space, but will announce them when the time is right.

The building, once considered architecturally beautiful and state-of-the-art, has become a symbol of zoos past, and its design does not reflect who we are today. We acknowledge that Monkey Pavilion is an iconic building at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Many longtime guests, members and staff have childhood photos by the outdoor exhibits or with the nearby zebra and lioness statues, which will be relocated within the Zoo. Its now-dated design is a nod to the progress Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited modern zoos have made since its construction, and its demolition is further evidence of the importance we place on providing the best possible opportunities for our guests to fall in love with animals, without distracting barriers.

Embracing our past, and learning from it, strengthens our future potential. It highlights how far we’ve come through positive changes across the zoo profession, and it encourages us to keep striving for additional change that will make us even better in the future.

Of course, demolishing this building requires a lot of coordination, and our animals’ best interests are at the heart of our planning, along with ensuring our guests’ experiences aren’t negatively impacted by the building’s removal. Some current Monkey Pavilion residents will move to other spaces at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. For others, we have identified new homes at other AZA-accredited facilities. The building will continue to empty over the next month and a half, with the building closing October 28, 2020.

Demolition is slated to begin in November and is expected to take several months. We will keep you posted as we make progress on this historic update to our Zoo.

About Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Active duty and veteran military members receive 50% off admission for entire household – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s annual Military Appreciation Week is Monday, Sept. 14 through Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. All active-duty, veteran and retired military members and their dependents who live in the same household will receive 50% off the base Zoo admission cost for the day and time they choose to attend. Timed-entry e-tickets are required and must be purchased in advance at cmzoo.org/military, due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Military Appreciation Week is the Zoo’s way of thanking military personnel for their service to our country. Tickets must be purchased in advance at cmzoo.org/military (capacity is limited); tickets will not be available for purchase at the Zoo’s admissions gates.

To validate their pre-purchased tickets at the front gate, military personnel and their dependents must 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 14 through Sunday, September 20
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; guests must arrive within 20 minutes of their ticketed time
Active-duty, veteran or retired military and their immediate family in the same household
50% off base Zoo admission

For more information and to purchase required advance e-tickets, visit: www.cmzoo.org/military

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Military Appreciation Week is possible because of the generous support of our partners, Black Bear Diner, Children’s Hospital Colorado, ENT Credit Union, and your Colorado Springs Toyota Dealers.

About Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Baby Siamang Born to First-Time Parents, Eve and Wayan – Eve, a 9-year-old Siamang at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, took a different approach to Labor Day this year: by going into labor. In the wee hours of the morning, she gave birth to an adorable black-haired, pink-eared baby, whose sex has not yet been identified. Baby and mom seem to be doing well so far, and dad, Wayan, is curious and calm around baby. Their keepers, once they recovered from the happy surprise of discovering the baby this morning, have been monitoring the family of three, and see good signs from all.

“Eve and Wayan are normally spooning together when we come into work for early-morning checks,” said Kelsey Newman, keeper at CMZoo who doesn’t always work in Primate World, but was the first to see the baby Siamang. “This morning, I noticed they were sitting a little differently. Then, Wayan moved away from Eve and I saw the little baby’s arm. It was a surprise, for sure.”

Although Siamangs, a kind of gibbon, are endangered in the wild, Eve and Wayan did not have a breeding recommendation from the Gibbon Species Survival Plan. Because their different families’ genetics are well represented in Siamangs in human care, they weren’t currently recommended to breed, but those recommendations can change at any time. With that in mind, Eve has been on oral birth control. Just like humans, oral contraceptives are not 100% effective for apes. Siamangs don’t show signs of pregnancy as obviously as humans, so the birth did come as a surprise to keepers, but Eve seems to have embraced motherhood without skipping a beat.

“You can tell just by looking at Eve that she’s head over heels in love with that baby already,” said Joanna Husby, Primate World animal care manager. “She’s cradling her baby with both arms, licking its head and nuzzling it while it nurses. It’s really sweet.”

Husby describes Siamangs as the ‘romantic apes,’ because they’re the only ape species that mates for life in the wild. They have tight family bonds, and fathers play a big role in raising their babies, unlike many species of the animal kingdom. When mom Siamangs get sleepy, you’ll see the dads cuddling the babies while the moms rest.

“We’re already seeing great instincts in Wayan,” said Husby, who in addition to managing Primate World, is secretary of the Gibbon SSP and has worked directly with gibbons at CMZoo for 12 years. “He’s sticking close by without interfering. He’s really curious and is being respectful, showing support without taking over.”

While the baby bonds with its new parents, it’s important they have access to a quiet, private space. In addition to their indoor on-exhibit areas, they have access to multiple behind-the-scenes dens. Depending on weather and the baby’s development, the family will also have access to their outdoor space. The gibbons may be visible to guests in Primate World, depending on where they prefer to spend time.

There are no plans to name the baby, yet. Stay tuned to the Zoo’s social media pages for more updates on this sweet little family.

Timed Entry Required; Additional Tickets Released Wednesday – Our breathtaking mountainside 4-mile route through the Zoo to Shrine of the Sun and back has become an annual Cheyenne Mountain Zoo tradition, and it is the only day of the year that guests are allowed to travel up to the Shrine of the Sun by foot! Run to the Shrine is an important fundraiser for the Zoo – and even more important this year, after we lost approximately three months’ worth of busy spring gate revenue.

To preserve this event while making it as safe as possible during the pandemic, this year’s Run to the Shrine will be an evening event, from 3:20 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, August 30, 2020. Please read below for important changes (that require registrants’ action) to Run to the Shrine 2020.

Ticketing and Check-In Information:

Run to the Shrine registrants must reserve their entrance time online in advance. Please check your email for the link to select your entrance time. A limited number of run/walk e-tickets is available to enter during each time period, in order to ensure proper distancing and comply with state and county guidelines. If your first choice is full, please choose another ticket time.
Check-in is at the front gate from 3:20 to 5 p.m. Advance registration tickets are required for all run/walk participants and guests, including children 2 & under.
Please be in line to enter the Zoo within 20 minutes after your ticketed time. Early arrivals or arrivals later than 20 minutes past your ticketed entry time may not be accommodated. If you arrive early for your time slot, please wait in your car until your entry time begins. Arriving during your designated arrival time will help us manage traffic flow into our parking lot and through the admission gates.
Capacity for Run to the Shrine has been limited to current registrants only, for the safety of runners, walkers and their families. Additional spots from cancellations will be released on Wednesday, August 19 at 10 a.m. at cmzoo.org/run.
Family and spectator tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets can be reserved via the links provided in the email we sent to registered runners. Family and spectator tickets do not include access to Shrine Road or any of the benefits of Run to the Shrine registration. These tickets are for CMZoo access during the event only.
Once you enter the Zoo, you are welcome to stay until the event ends at 8 p.m. Shrine Road access will end at 7:30 p.m.

Changes to the Event:

Run to the Shrine 2020 will not be a timed run/walk. Runners and walkers will have access to start the ascent up Shrine Road from the time they arrive until 6:30 p.m. Participants have the option to enjoy Shrine Road and visit the rest of the Zoo (including animals!) at your own pace. Visit Shrine Road, animal exhibits and food outlets at your leisure. Shrine Road will close to pedestrians at 7:30 p.m., so be sure to finish your round trip to the Shrine gate before then.
This year’s Run to the Shrine will only include access to Shrine Road up to the Shrine’s parking lot gate. Due to logistics, the Shrine grounds and buildings will be closed during the event.
Your commemorative performance T-shirt, featuring this year’s wolf mascot, and commemorative runner bib will be available for pick up in Lodge at Moose Lake. Donation gifts will also be available in Lodge at Moose Lake, for those who have raised $100 or more.
Bring your own hydration. Water stations will be limited, for the safety of runners and walkers.
Post-race activities, the awards ceremony and vendor expo are cancelled.

Other Important Information:

– Zoo guests are required to wear masks inside all Zoo buildings, due to the mandate by the state of Colorado. We also strongly encourage wearing a mask when within 6 feet of other groups in outdoor areas. Our staff is wearing masks, and so should you.

– Jogging strollers are welcome as long as they have the proper safety equipment (tethers and hand brakes required).

– Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the Grizzly Grill.

– If you or anyone in your party is experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, please stay home and visit us again when you’re better.

Thank you for joining us for Run to the Shrine, supported by our wonderful partners, Children’s Hospital Colorado and Black Bear Diner.

About Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

New tickets available Monday, Aug. 17; timed reservations are required. – Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is making changes to its popular 21-and-up event, Moonlight on the Mountain, rescheduled to take place the evening of Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020. Those who previously purchased tickets are required to make timed reservations for entry to the Zoo which can be made via a custom link provided to ticket holders in an email from CMZoo. Tickets that had been held to avoid potential overselling are being made available on Monday, Aug. 17 at 10 a.m. MDT at cmzoo.org/moonlight.

Nothing is quite the same in this strange summer of 2020, and unfortunately, Moonlight on the Mountain has to change and adapt, also. Many events like this have been cancelled, and although Moonlight on the Mountain will have to look very different this year, we think that still offering access to our beautiful mountainside on a pleasant evening with live music, food and drinks still has some value in our stressful lives. So we are moving forward with a very different event this year.

We are offering a $34 discount/refund for VIPs and $24 discount/refund for General Admission in exchange for the new event format, which will not include local food and alcohol samples. Instead, guests receive two drink tickets (three for VIP) and purchase food from one of our eateries or bring their own picnic dinner. Cash bars will also be available. Attendance has been capped at approximately half the guests of a normal Moonlight on the Mountain.

CURRENT TICKET HOLDERS: They are encouraged to check their email and reserve their designated entry time.

NEED A TICKET? Additional tickets will be available starting at 10 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 17 at cmzoo.org/moonlight. Tickets have been reduced to $85.75 for advance VIP and $55.75 for advance General Admission ($5 more at the door, if available). Read below for a summary of the significant changes to this year’s event.

What does this year’s Moonlight on the Mountain include?
– There will be no local businesses sampling this year. Drink tickets (2 for General Admission, 3 for VIP) can be used at four bars throughout the Zoo.
– Food can be purchased at one of our on-site eateries, or you may bring your own picnic dinner (no outside alcohol allowed).
– Enjoy six bands throughout the Zoo until 9:30 p.m. Feel free to bring a camp chair and spread out in each band area. Social distance will be encouraged between groups while listening to bands and throughout the event.
– Get the full CMZoo experience until 8 p.m. (when our animals go to bed). Event ends at 10 p.m.
– Receive a souvenir sampling cup at the end of the night.

Other important info:
– Entry to the event will have timed ticketing to allow for proper social distancing at the front gate. Please arrive during your designated 20-minute window to ensure access to the event.
– This is an all-weather event, so plan to come and walk on the wild side, rain or shine.
– All COVID-19 precautions will be in place. Learn more at cmzoo.org/open and wear a mask for our safety and yours. (Masks are required indoors and are strongly encouraged throughout the Zoo.)
– Social distancing will be encouraged at each band area. Feel free to bring a camp chair to spread out and enjoy the music from a safe distance from other groups.

Please visit cmzoo.org/moonlight for the full list of details for the event!

Moonlight on the Mountain is sponsored by your Colorado Springs Toyota Dealers and Cordera.