It’s that magical time of year when many people search for the perfect holiday gifts for friends and family. Whether you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience or a truly unique stocking stuffer, these options are sure put a smile on every face on your list.
Plus, when you purchase something from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, you know your funds are helping us continue our important work. As a nonprofit that doesn’t receive any tax support, we rely on admissions, memberships, events and special programs like these to fund Zoo operations, improvements, animal care and conservation.
ANIMAL ART HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS
The Loft animals and their keepers have been painting the perfect stocking stuffers or gifts for your holiday party gift exchange. These 3” x 3” canvases with twine hangers are one-of-a-kind, because they were painted by an animal ambassador! Skunks, reptiles and even Bean the sloth added their artistic touch to the ornaments by participating in voluntary training with their keepers. Some animals walk through paint and onto the canvasses, leaving their adorable footprints in a variety of flashy colors. Others slither through the paint and some even hold the paintbrushes themselves! These ornaments are only available for purchase for $15 in person in The Loft, now through the end of December.
VIP TOURS
If you really want to spoil someone, give them the adventure of a lifetime: a CMZoo VIP Tour! During this private tour, your group of up to five people will experience your choice of two or three behind-the-scenes animal encounters of your choosing, plus a meet-and-greet with one of our ambassador animals in The Loft and a super-sized giraffe feeding. You can help train a sloth, get up-close with the grizzly bears, say hello to the hippos, or choose from our many other animal encounter options. Along the way, one of our experienced guides will tell you all about the Zoo, our animals and our conservation impacts around the world. When your tour ends, enjoy the rest of the day at the Zoo, because admission is included. Visit cmzoo.org/viptour to see our animal encounter options, to get all the details and to sign up.
CMZOO ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP
How about a gift that keeps on giving all year long? Memberships can be purchased as gifts! CMZoo members can take advantage of free daytime admission (with advance ticket reservations), discounts on programs and merchandise, free members-only summer nights, free Electric Safari visits in the winter and more. Visit cmzoo.org/membership or email [email protected] for more information.
TICKETS TO ELECTRIC MOONLIGHT AND ELECTRIC SAFARI
Give the gift of memories made by purchasing tickets to a holiday special event at the Zoo, and be early to the gift-giving season! In December, we have options for an adults-only date night (there will be a lot more than milk and cookies on the menu) or a festive evening on the mountain with the entire family.
Electric Moonlight (21-and-up!) returns to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo on Thurs., Dec. 5 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Advance tickets are required, and they are available now at cmzoo.org/em.
Electric Safari runs Dec. 6 though Jan. 1, 2025, except Christmas Eve, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. CMZoo members have access to early-entry by reserving tickets between 4 and 5 p.m. Electric Safari is free for members, but everyone needs to reserve an advance timed ticket. Tickets and more information are available now at cmzoo.org/electric.
ANIMAL GRAMS
Do you know someone who would love to open their front door to a skunk, tortoise, ferret, frog or other adorable animal? Surprise them with a CMZoo Animal Gram! Our EdVenture team will come to your home or workplace with a very special guest: an animal ambassador from The Loft or My Big Backyard. Each Animal Gram includes a 5- to 10-minute visit from an animal and staff, an animal art piece and photo opportunity. Book or gift your own Animal Gram.
ADOPT AN ANIMAL
Gift an adoption of any CMZoo resident to the animal enthusiast in your life. Our adoption packages start at just $35, but if you’re looking to give an extra-special stocking stuffer, check out our Wild Adopt packages ($55-65) to bring home an adorable, cuddly plush of your very own! All of our adoption packages include a certificate of adoption, an animal fact sheet and a photo of the animal at CMZoo. Each adoption directly supports the care of all our animals. Order by 3 p.m. MST on Mon., Dec. 16 to ensure delivery before Wed., Dec. 25, 2024. You can find our array of adoption packages at www.cmzoo.org/adopt.
TILE PROGRAM
Searching for a meaningful holiday gift that makes a lasting impact? Imagine visiting CMZoo and seeing your very own commemorative tile alongside your favorite animals! Our tiles offer a beautiful way to honor and celebrate loved ones while creating cherished memories. Each purchase also directly supports the care of our animals. This season, give a gift that lasts—a beautiful tribute that brings joy and remembrance to your loved ones! Find more information about our Water’s Edge: Africa tile program at cmzoo.org/tiles.