With each passing day, the development of our black-footed ferret kits seems to be on fast-forward, as they eagerly explore their surroundings and pick up new skills. Black-footed ferret (BFF) kits are about the size of a pinky finger when they are born. They experience major milestones, such as growing their baby teeth, eating meat, and opening their eyes, in their first 60 days of life.
Since 1991, we have successfully bred 605 BFF kits in our behind-the-scenes conservation center. We have partnered with other zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, National Black-Footed Ferret Conservation Center and other organizations to breed, release, and monitor black-footed ferrets to increase their wild population.
Native to prairies stretching from Mexico to Canada, BFFs were thought to be extinct in the 1980s. During Western frontier explorations in the early 1900s, cargo ships from Europe and Asia inadvertently brought sylvatic plague to North America. The spread of the plague bacteria by fleas among prairie dogs (and other animals), combined with poisoning and eradication programs led by newly settled farmers and ranchers who saw prairie dogs as pests, drastically reduced the prairie dog population. Because prairie dogs are their main food source, BFF populations declined dramatically along with them.
On Sept. 26, 1981, a ranch dog named Shep caught a BFF. Shep’s catch led to the discovery of a small population of the elusive animals in Meeteetse, Wyoming. Since then, zoos, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, National Black-footed Ferret Conservation Center and other organizations have banded together to breed, prepare, release and monitor BFFs to increase the population.
Because they or their offspring could be released to the wild, every effort is made to keep the black-footed ferrets as wild as possible. So, they are not visible to CMZoo guests. Guests can see a BFF, named Rouge, in The Loft! Every CMZoo guest helps support this important program because 75 cents from every visit goes to Quarters for Conservation, which helps fund BFF conservation and other important efforts around the world.
Last month, volunteers and conservation experts gathered in Wyoming’s Laramie Basin to release hundreds of critically endangered Wyoming toads to their wild native habitat. 200 of the toads were raised at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, including 10 little toads that CMZoo fans and guests named and followed online as they prepared for their big job: helping restore their species, which was once considered extinct in the wild.
Jeff Baughman, field conservation coordinator at CMZoo, has led the effort for the Zoo’s contribution to this multi-organization effort since 2008, along with partners from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and others. The year-round effort to breed, raise and release the toads culminates each year in June, as he helps the toads – and thousands of tadpoles – make their debut in four designated reintroduction sites.
For many years, 1-year-old toads and tadpoles have been released each summer. This year, for the first time, 2-year-old toads were also released. This summer, CMZoo released 200 adult toads, bringing to total ever released to 1,425. The Zoo has released 46,651 tadpoles (yes, they count every single tadpole!), and 215 metamorphs and young toads over the years.
Baughman’s goal is for toads to breed and survive in the wild. The hope has been for the 1-year-old toads to overwinter and breed the next year. The 2-year-olds released this year could potentially reproduce this summer, so even if they don’t make it through the year, their offspring could.
“We have seen wild egg strands during surveys and releases, which is always so exciting,” said Baughman. “Maybe next year we’ll see even more egg strands, or we’ll see 1-year-old toads that hatched in the wild this summer. We’re going to continue testing ways to help more toads survive from year to year.”
Some of the toads are microchipped, so that any toads found in the wild can be scanned to see where they were born. Ten of those microchipped toads have names – pretty unusual for an endangered animal intended for wild release, but CMZoo social media fans chose a name theme for the ten tiny toadlets born last summer. Jim, Pam, Dwight, Michael, Phyllis, Oscar, Kevin, Angela, Kelly, and Stanley are now playing the most important roles of their lives, supporting their ecosystem or maybe, hopefully, bringing a new generation of toads to the Laramie Basin.
Each year on the day of the release, the team from CMZoo meets in the early morning hours to load the toads, already safely stored in tubs of cool and misty moss, from the conservation center into a van. That van will also transport CMZoo keepers, volunteers, board members and supporters on a nearly 4-hour drive to the meetup spot at a local fairground parking lot.
That’s where teams coordinate, learn how to safely handle the delicate toads, and pick up their waterproof boots before splitting up to see the toads off into the wild. After another drive, way off the main highway, and traipsing through knee-high waters, thick mud and mosquito breeding grounds, the teams arrive at the edge of a beautiful, crystal clear pond that’s brimming with life.
Pelicans, dragonflies, blackbirds, chorus frogs and more make their summer home in the basin, surrounded by the Medicine Bow and Laramie Mountains in the distance. In between steps – painstakingly placed to protect the well camouflaged toads hopping through the tall, wet grasses – the team stops to remember that wild places like this are well worth early mornings, boots full of pond water, mosquito bites and Denver traffic. Not to mention the daily dedication CMZoo’s conservation team and their partners have for the effort year-round.
“Being out in the Laramie Basin to release toads every year, and getting to bring volunteers who haven’t been before, really cements my passion for this ongoing effort,” said Baughman. “This is the only place in the world Wyoming toads live, and it’s up to us to help them recover. I always try to take a moment to reflect on the year we spent preparing these toads for release. It gets me excited for the year ahead.”
In addition to the toads released each year, CMZoo makes a second summer trip to the basin to release tadpoles to the wild. The toads and tadpoles are vital to the health of the ecosystem, serving as insect control, food sources for other creatures, and indicators of the health of their homes.
“I used to hear people asking why we put so much effort into saving a toad,” said Baughman. “Amphibians are facing the biggest mass extinction since the dinosaurs, and we’re their biggest hope. Without amphibians, insect populations would become out of control, and birds and other animals would lack an important food source.”
Pesticides, drought and a deadly amphibian fungus are the leading causes for the worldwide decline in amphibians. Chytrid fungus causes a skin infection that prevents amphibians from absorbing water and breathing through their skin, a process called cutaneous respiration. This often leads to organ failure and death.
For a long time, the approach has been to look for ways to address the fungus. Water adventurers can prevent the spread by disinfecting fishing gear, kayaks and other equipment used in water. But now, Chytrid is present in most wild waters, so Baughman and fellow scientists are looking for ways to help the toads become resilient to the fungus, or even adapt to it. That means intentionally exposing them to it.
“We think the tadpoles that hatch in Chytrid-infested waters might be more resilient to it than those born in Chytrid-free environments,” said Baughman. “Of course, introducing Chytrid to our breed-and-release facilities would pose a huge risk, because of the potential for it to wipe out entire populations. So, we need more wild-born toads to test the theory for us. In the meantime, we’ll continue building the numbers in the best way we know at this point, which is in breed-and-release facilities like ours, while we continue to test new methods.”
None of this work is possible without the support of CMZoo guests. Through CMZoo’s Quarters for Conservation program, 75¢ of every admission is dedicated to frontline conservation efforts like this, so guests can enjoy a day on the mountain with their favorite animals and support important programs dedicated to saving wildlife and wild places. Since 2008, when Q4C started, CMZoo’s guests and members have contributed more than $4 million to conservation projects worldwide.
Last month, 7-year-old male African lion, Boma, moved to San Diego Zoo Safari Park after living with his brother, Aslan, for about five years. With Boma leaving for a new social group, African Rift Valley keepers are working to provide Aslan with new social opportunities here at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
Four African lions currently live at CMZoo: the aging parents, Abuto and Lomela, their daughter, Elsa, and their son, Aslan. The long-term plan is for Elsa and Aslan to share space, with interbreeding preventions in place, and for Lomela and Abuto to share space. The introduction plan will be ongoing, so guests may see groups of two or three lions together as the care team works to support the changes in the pride.
Keepers say Aslan is doing well in his brother’s absence, but they have noticed some changes to his behaviors. He has started playing with enrichment more, which he didn’t do as much when he lived with Boma. His brother was more dominant, which meant Aslan didn’t always get as much time with enrichment before Boma began to resource-guard it, as leading lions instinctually do. Their leader/follower relationship also meant Aslan found confidence by following in Boma’s footsteps.
“Maybe Aslan’s new playful behavior and his tendency to be submissive will be a great fit for Elsa, who is fast and loud in every way possible,” said Kelsey Newman, keeper in African Rift Valley. “Elsa loves to pounce, play, wrestle and roar. She seems really excited to see Aslan again, but we want to take things slowly so she doesn’t overwhelm him with her enthusiasm.”
Aslan and Elsa lived together for a couple of years when they were little, and they take turns rotating in and out of spaces at the Zoo. They’re familiar with each other’s scents and sounds. But, they haven’t shared space in around five years. Big cat introductions are always risky, but so far their ‘howdies’ have been positive.
Howdies are opportunities for animals to see, smell and hear each other with a protective barrier between them. For Elsa and Aslan, they’re seeing each other from separate rooms with a 3-foot hallway between their spaces, so they’re not sharing a fence yet. To make howdies and introductions go smoother, keepers will often place a lot of really high-value enrichment items in the area. The intention is to give both parties plenty to do in addition to focusing on each other. For Elsa and Aslan, those items were wooden logs that had been de-barked by the African elephants, mud from the Red River hogs’ habitat, shavings and hay.
“When we invited Aslan and Elsa into their separate howdy rooms, they immediately ran to where they could see each other,” said Newman. “They usually love those smelly enrichment items, but they totally ignored them. Elsa was more intense about it and Aslan took the submissive role, which we expected. It’s still early days, but we’re happy with how it’s going so far.”
After a little while together, Aslan went outside in his side yard and took a nap. He was heard making what keepers call ‘baby noises’ or little chirps and chuffs to his sister. Elsa returned to her parents, where she playfully head-bumped Lomela then rolled over to pull on her dad, Abuto’s, mane.
Before taking next steps, keepers want to see calmer behaviors between the two lions. Experience tells them that the more the two see each other, the less they’ll react to each other. Once energy levels are appropriate, the siblings will continue howdies with a fence between them, and move on from there.
“We know these lions,” said Newman. “They know their habitats, and they know how to communicate with their keepers, so we can respond quickly if we see signs of discomfort. They’re aware of and familiar with each other. We feel confident in the decisions we’re making, and we’ll continue listening to the lions to set them up for the best chance at this ideal social setup for the whole group.”
While howdies and introductions continue, guests might notice post-excitement behaviors, like pacing or panting. Keepers are monitoring the lions extra closely to ensure they’re comfortable and confident as they rekindle their close sibling relationship.
Mila, a female Amur tiger, turned two years old behind the scenes on May 1, 2023, and Asian Highlands keepers had more than one reason to celebrate. Her second birthday seemed to be a turning point for the tentative tiger, who arrived at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in March 2023.
“It feels like we’re finally getting to know Mila, and wow, she’s fierce, and she’s smart,” said Basia Dann, lead keeper in Asian Highlands. “She catches on really quickly. Once you’ve gained her trust, she’s excited to see you and will come over to hang out near you. I’ll go back there with her food bin, and she’ll lie down, put her ears forward and look up at me with her big beautiful eyes. She’s patient while I get a meatball on the tongs and feed her through the fence, and not all tigers are so gracious. She also does an adorable little prance trot between us when we’re training. She’s great.”
Mila was born at Toronto Zoo (TZ) and lived with her mother, Mazy, until earlier this year, when TZ said Mila and Mazy started showing signs they wanted their own space. Around that age, Amur tigers in the wild set off on their own and live mostly solitary lives. CMZoo accepted a future breeding recommendation for Mila and worked with the Amur Tiger Species Survival Plan (SSP) to make a home for her on the mountain.
When Mila first arrived at CMZoo, she did not want anyone to approach her space, which made building a trusting relationship challenging. Luckily for Mila, she has a compassionate, tenacious, patient and talented team of keepers on her side. CMZoo’s dedicated tiger team met with animal behavior experts within and outside of the Zoo to help Mila settle in. Mila’s team met multiple times per week to review her progress and discuss any new lessons learned to constantly update her care plan with her best opportunities for success.
“The first month was a big transition for Mila,” said Dann. “Animals are individuals with unique backgrounds, experiences and tendencies, so we expect them to acclimate to new environments differently. We spent the first few weeks letting her know that she has choices, she is in control of her environment, and she can be confident knowing that we’re not going to rush her into anything before she shows us she’s ready.”
The Asian Highlands team at CMZoo has 48 combined years of experience working closely with a number of tigers over the years. They’ve welcomed tigers from other zoos on moves recommended by the Amur Tiger SSP, like Mila, and they’ve prepared tigers to move to other facilities on those same sorts of recommendations. They leaned on that experience to help Mila settle in.
“It’s an art and a science,” said Dann. “We had a plan in place before Mila arrived, based on what has worked well for other tigers and our knowledge of the species’ tendencies and needs, but we’re also dedicated to listening to our animals and making changes to our plans to best support them as individuals.”
From the moment she arrived, her care team respected Mila when she showed them she wasn’t comfortable with visitors, by growling or jumping. To communicate that they understood what she wanted and respected it, they would leave her space immediately, and try again later. Their intention was to let Mila know that she did not need to have big responses to be heard.
“Our experience told us that she would start to settle down when she recognized that she was in control of the situation, and she did,” said Dann. “We wanted her to learn that we get it. Sometimes you’re going to have big feelings, and we’re always going to respect that. If you want us to go away, we will, and you can tell us in a way that helps you feel calm.”
Mila got it, too. Incrementally, she started reducing her reactions, learning that her keepers were tuned into her. Even a slight lip curl would be seen and respected as a notice for keepers to give her some space. By around her second birthday, she had built such trust in her team that she didn’t feel the need to request space as often. Dann says her proudest moment was one day when keepers went to deliver Mila’s dinner.
“It’s like something really clicked for her that day,” said Dann. “She must have heard us coming, because we went into the building, and she had come out of her den and was waiting for us by the device we use to safely deliver food. She was just sitting there calmly, looking at us with her big adorable eyes, not making a sound at all, and waiting patiently. It was a big moment.”
Since then, Mila is making massive progress, and keepers couldn’t be more proud of her. She enjoys exploring outdoors in a side yard, investigating enrichment, and even training. She previously learned an up-and-down behavior at TZ, where she stands on her back legs and reaches up on the fence between her and her keepers, so they can get a good look at her body condition and paws. Recently, she has learned how to translate that behavior to her new space and team at CMZoo. She’s also learning how to shift into different spaces when asked, and she’s even taking rewards directly from keepers, who use tongs to deliver yummy snacks.
“She’s starting to get excited about enrichment we offer her,” said Dann. “She’s comfortable enough to be vulnerable around us, and she knows she is safe to direct her attention to cardboard boxes instead of keeping an eye on us when we’re in the building. We’ve seen her getting playful, and having a spring in her step. When she encounters something new, she does this little head tilt like she’s trying to get a better look at it.”
Next up for Mila: a new swimming pool. Keepers plan to introduce her to new opportunities for enrichment and training as she continues to progress. There’s no timeline for when she’ll be ready to explore the main yard, where guests will be able to see her. But, keepers are excited at the new pace she’s setting for achieving milestones. For now, she’s spending lots of time in her private yard, watching guests on the Sky Ride, soaking up the sunshine, rolling around in the mud and spying on her stripy neighbor, CMZoo’s 8-year-old male Amur tiger, Chewy.
“She can see him through a window in the side yard wall, and she’s very curious,” said Dann. “She has heard him chuff when they’re in separate spaces in the same building, too. She’s so cute. Her head tilts slightly to the side and her ears go forward, like ‘Who’s that?’. She hasn’t talked back yet.”
Howdies – which are opportunities for animals to see each other through a protective barrier as a first step toward introductions – with Chewy won’t likely happen for years because she’s still so young and there’s no immediate need. For now, Mila has plenty of other things to learn and to teach her team about herself.
“She’s going to keep us on our toes, that’s for sure,” said Dann. “I have so much respect for her. Look at what she has accomplished over the past few weeks, and imagine what she’ll do next, now that she knows she’s going to have a life of control, choices, care and hopefully lots of fun with us.”
CMZoo will continue to share updates on Mila as she makes progress, and will let fans know when they can see her in the main yard, when the time is right.
UPDATE September 17, 2023 – Four-month-old brothers, Basha and Mango, are growing quickly and are full of energy!
UPDATE August 29, 2023 – Mango and Basha are discovering the world, one pounce at a time!
This dynamic duo is learning how to engage with the exciting world around them. They are often found wrestling with each other, swatting at their mom, Anya’s, tail, climbing up trees, and bouncing from rock to rock. For Basha and Mango, anything is a fun enrichment item!
Visit Amur leopards Mango, Basha and Anya in the north leopard yard in Asian Highlands, just above Australia Walkabout, during your next visit to CMZoo!
UPDATE August 9, 2023 – This weekend, 3-month-old Amur leopard cubs, Basha and Mango, starting exploring the north leopard yard with their mom, Anya! The north yard is right above Australia Walkabout and is visible to guests. Anya and the cubs will be given regular access to this yard so make sure you stop by and visit them on your next Zoo adventure!
Mango seems to has found his footing as he explores, stretching, jumping and climbing trees as high as he can without giving it a second thought. Basha tends to be more pragmatic with new things and seems to be interested in exploring close to Anya. As their motor skills develop, Basha and Mango should continue to grow in confidence and agility while scampering up trees and rocks.
Amur leopards are widely known as the rarest big cats on the planet. The cubs are adorable, certainly, but their existence is hope for the future of their species. Only around 100 individuals remain in the wilds of far east Russia and China. Read more about these very important cubs, and watch video updates as they’ve grown over the last couple of months, at cmzoo.org/cubs.
UPDATE July 31, 2023 – CMZoo’s 10-Week-Old Amur Leopard Cubs Have Names! The critically endangered Amur leopard cubs born at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in May have names! Allow us to introduce Basha [BAH-shuh] and Mango.
Generous CMZoo donors picked their names. Basha’s name is inspired by the name of the lead animal keeper in Asian Highlands, Basia. Basia and Anya, the cubs’ mother, have worked closely together since Anya arrived at CMZoo in 2015, and Basia is a passionate leopard conservationist. Mango was named in honor of a beloved domestic cat who inspired the donors’ dedication to wildlife.
Mango has slightly darker features, a distinct ‘M’ spot pattern across his forehead and more defined lines instead of individual spots on his face. Basha currently has a lighter face than Mango and is slightly bigger than his brother. Basha’s keepers have also seen a heart-shaped spot above his right eye. Their size comparisons and spot patterns could change as the boys continue to grow, but these distinguishing features are great ways to tell the boys apart for now.
The 10-week-old cubs have started exploring outdoor spaces with their mom, and guests might catch a glimpse of them in a not-easily-viewed part of Asian Highlands. When they’re a bit bigger, they will explore more visible spaces where guests can easily see them. We’ll let you know as soon as that happens.
In honor of their new names, CMZoo is offering a special limited-availability adoption package, complete with a leopard plush toy and fact sheet, certificate of adoption, and a photo of Mango and Basha. Visit cmzoo.org/adopt to symbolically adopt a cub before this limited edition adoption package runs out.
Amur leopards are widely known as the rarest big cats on the planet. The cubs are adorable, certainly, but their existence is hope for the future of their species. Only around 100 individuals remain in the wilds of far east Russia and China. Read more about these very important cubs, and watch video updates on this page as they’ve grown over the last couple of months.
UPDATE July 19, 2023 – We have exciting news! Both of our blue-eyed Amur leopard cubs are boys! At 2 months old, they are quickly growing in confidence and exploration. Keepers are currently working on developing trust with the cubs for future husbandry training.
The brothers are very vocal and will sometimes call to their mom, Anya, when she receives enrichment or one-on-one training time in a different space to find out what she is doing. When they vocalize with Anya right next to them, they seem to be expressing their discovery of the world around them and want to communicate with their mom about it.
We don’t have names for the boys just yet, but we’re working on it and will let you know as soon as possible! The cubs have started to explore a space outside which is not easily in guest view. Once they’re out and about, we’ll share on our social channels. Stay tuned!
#ICYMI, these precious cubs were born to first-time mom, Anya, on May 17, 2023. Amur leopards are widely known as the rarest big cats on the planet. The cubs are adorable, certainly, but their existence is hope for the future of their species. Only around 100 individuals remain in the wilds of far east Russia and China. Read their birth announcement and see subsequent updates below.
UPDATE June 30, 2023 – Our 6-week-old Amur leopard cubs are doing great behind the scenes! Join Asian Highlands Lead Keeper, Basia, for an update on the two cubs’ following mom, getting more mobile, and communicating by making the cutest cub calls you’ve ever heard! Once they show keepers they’re mobile and comfortable enough to explore outside where guests can see them, we will share that update on our social media channels.
Anya is an attentive mother, showing patience and leadership to her offspring. Her team has been working to support Anya and bring healthy cubs to the world for years, and Anya’s two previous litters were stillborn. Those experiences were difficult, and they serve as important reminders of just how delicate the breeding and rearing process can be. Anya and her care team have shown perseverance through their commitment to contributing to the Amur Leopard Species Survival Plan because Amur leopards are the rarest big cats on the planet, with only around 100 individuals left in the wild. We appreciate your support, which allows us to continue this important work to save species.
The cubs have not been named yet, and two incredible donors who made generous contributions to the Zoo will get the honor! We will share the cubs’ names as soon as we have them. Because the cubs and Anya are doing so well, we have not needed to intervene, so we have not confirmed the cubs’ sexes or weights. Keep up with the cubs and see previous updates below.
UPDATE June 15, 2023 – Hello, blue-eyed babies! Enjoy a quick update on our Amur leopard cubs, and the first-ever #KeeperCam footage of them in their nest box.
— The cubs will be one month old on Sat., June 17!
— We’re grateful to report that they have been doing really well, so our team hasn’t needed to medically intervene. That also means we have not documented their weights or sexes yet.
— We haven’t named them yet, but we’ll share as soon as possible.
— One cub is a little bigger than the other, and the bigger one seems to be more confident exploring the nest box and just beyond it.
— Both cubs are getting more mobile, but mom is not letting them get too far out of her sight, or out of the nest box. They’ve stepped out of the nest box a couple of times, and Anya either picks them up and brings them back or guides them in the direction she wants them to go (back into the nest box).
— One of the cubs has a pattern of spots that makes an “M” shape above its forehead.
— They have both been very vocal recently. Keepers have heard them calling to their mom, Anya. (We haven’t been able to catch it on video because they stop calling when keepers get close enough to film, but we’ll keep trying!)
— Anya is participating in training, like scale training and regular husbandry behaviors, so that her care team can monitor her, too. She seems to be doing great. She has also been spending some time outside and short periods away from the cubs, so she’s comfortable exiting the nest box if keepers need to intervene to help the cubs in the future.
— The cubs will continue to bond (and grow!) behind the scenes with Anya. As soon as we know when guests might be able to see them, we will share that information on our social media channels.
#ICYMI, these precious cubs were born to first-time mom, Anya, on May 17, 2023. Amur leopards are widely known as the rarest big cats on the planet. The cubs are adorable, certainly, but their existence is hope for the future of their species. Only around 100 individuals remain in the wilds of far east Russia and China. Read their birth announcement and see subsequent updates at cmzoo.org/cubs.
UPDATE May 24, 2023 – Our two Amur leopard cubs turn one week old today! Enjoy a few behind-the-scenes clips, including a big stretch, an adorable yawn and lots of wriggling and cuddling.
Keepers say Anya is an absolute champion of a mom. She’s caring for her two cubbies, taking time to groom herself and sleep, and has been regularly interacting with her keeper team.
As you can see, the two tiny cubs are nursing, cuddling and wriggling around well. The little ones’ eyes are still closed. Sexes have not been identified and won’t be for a while. We don’t have naming plans yet. Watch this YouTube short: https://youtube.com/shorts/lxxPJu6HZpU?feature=share
TWO SPOTTED, WRIGGLY, CRITICALLY ENDANGERED CUBS BORN AT CMZOO – There were happy tears at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo on Wednesday, when Asian Highlands keepers celebrated the long-awaited arrival of two V.I.C.s – very important cubs. It has been nearly 20 years since Amur leopard cubs were born at CMZoo. Three days after Mother’s Day, Anya, a 9-year-old critically endangered Amur leopard became a first-time mom.
The little ones are covered in black spots and their favorite activities seem to be snuggling, nursing and wriggling. They look to be about average size for a leopard cub – around 2 pounds. For the first week or so, they’re pretty vulnerable with closed eyes, but they’re in good paws with Anya.
“Imagine nursing your first baby while having contractions for your second,” said Rebecca Zwicker, animal care manager in Asian Highlands. “I think Anya is absolutely incredible. She looks confident and comfortable with the cubs, and we’re elated for her and her babies. I’m so proud of our animal care team and their commitment to Anya and the future of the Amur leopard species.”
Amur leopards are widely known as the rarest big cats on the planet. These cubs are adorable, certainly, but their existence is hope for the future of their species. Only around 100 individuals remain in the wilds of far east Russia and China. CMZoo’s Amur leopards – which doubled in number from two to four on Wednesday – now represent four percent of the wild population.
That’s why CMZoo has been committed to the Amur Leopard Species Survival Plan (SSP) and accepted the risky breeding recommendation in 2019. Dad, 7-year-old Anadyr, will not have an active parenting role for the cubs, as is normal for male Amur leopards. Because both Anya’s and Anydyr’s genetics are underrepresented in both wild and human care populations, these cubs are considered very important within the SSP.
The first weeks and months of a leopard cub’s life are extremely fragile, but Zwicker says leopard fans everywhere have reason to feel optimistic.
“It always amazes me when a first-time mom embraces the role as naturally as Anya has,” said Zwicker. “She’s a patient and attentive mom. She knows where those babies are at all times. There’s a lot of cuddling, grooming, nursing and cleaning going on, and we’re seeing Anya take time to groom and care for herself, which is equally important.”
The two-day-old cubs and Anya are bonding well. The first cub born quickly showed instincts to nurse, which helped Anya’s maternal instincts take over for the second cub’s arrival about two hours later. At first, the second cub seemed less active than the first-born cub, and it took a while for it to get the hang of nursing. Once cub #2 smelled where cub #1 was having its meal, it made a baby beeline for the nipple. After a short sibling squabble, a full-bellied cub #1 moved aside for cub #2 to settle in for its first meal. Since then, both cubs have been nursing regularly and cub #2 is quickly catching up to its sibling’s energy level.
Our team is watching the new family remotely via cameras that were pre-placed in Anya’s den. So far, Anya is the only one to see the cubs in person, and we plan for that to continue, since she’s showing great maternal instincts for a first-time mom. The cubs will mark their first milestones with Anya behind the scenes for at least eight weeks, but we’ll be sure to announce when they’re big enough for guests to visit them in Asian Highlands. The cubs’ sexes haven’t been identified and likely won’t be any time soon. There are no plans for names, in line with Zoo tradition to wait 30 days to name a baby.
These two little cubs are stealing staff hearts already (via camera). The squirmy little ones have no idea how much they have just contributed to their species’ future, but we do, and it proves this longtime commitment to the Amur Leopard SSP has paid off.
About Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Cheyenne Mountain Zoological Society was founded in 1926. Today, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, America’s mountain Zoo, offers comprehensive education programs, exciting conservation efforts and truly fantastic animal experiences. In 2023, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was voted #4 Best Zoo in North America and CMZoo’s Rocky Mountain Wild was named #2 Best Zoo Exhibit in North America by USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. It is Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s goal to help guests fall in love with animals and nature, and take action to protect them. Since 2008, CMZoo’s Quarters for Conservation program has raised more than $4.5 million dedicated to frontline conservation efforts around the world. Of the 238 zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of just a few operating without tax support. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo depends on admissions, membership dues, special event attendance and donations for funding.
We are excited to announce the rankings of our annual Member Conservation Vote! When you become a member at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, you get to vote on which conservation projects we support. $75,000 of membership revenue is sent to support employee-championed field conservation partners around the world. Thanks to CMZoo members, five conservation efforts will receive funding.
The Migratory Bird Project, the African Lion Project, the African Penguin Project and the Spotted Owl Project will receive full funding and the Pancake Tortoise Project will receive partial funding. Thanks to CMZoo members for helping protect wildlife and wild places!
If you are interested in becoming a member so you can vote in our future Member Conservation Vote, learn more at cmzoo.org/membership.
After seven years of settling in, the Western lowland gorillas at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo are officially a cohesive troop! 32-year-old Goma – the troop’s silverback – is living with the four females full-time, which means they’re ready to take the next step as a family.
Goma came to CMZoo on a breeding recommendation in 2016. Joining a tightly bonded group of females was no easy task for the silverback, who came from a bachelor group without much experience living in a traditional family unit. He had to learn how to lead and communicate with females, 30-year-old Asha, 30-year-old Kwisha, 42-year-old Juju and 46-year-old Roxie.
“It’s a fine line because he had to gain their respect, but also show them respect,” said Jon Wild, lead keeper in Primate World. “Now that they’re living together comfortably all the time, we can start working on one of the main reasons he came here: to hopefully help bring a bundle of joy to the group.”
The Western Lowland Gorilla Species Survival Plan recommended Goma and Asha to breed, and although Goma has no experience in that department, they’re hopeful Asha will lead the way. In the coming months, keepers will end Asha’s oral contraception (birth control).
Keepers have seen ‘flirting behavior,’ from Asha, where she’ll sit extra close to Goma or stare intensely at him. She throws hay and plays near him to get his attention, but Goma hasn’t responded. The end of birth control means Asha’s hormones will shift, so it’s likely she’ll be even more motivated to get on his radar. If Goma were human, some might think he’s playing hard to get. What’s more likely is that inexperienced Goma simply doesn’t know what to do yet.
“We haven’t seen any breeding behavior from Goma yet,” said Eleanor Knox, senior keeper in Primate World. “That’s not the case with confident Asha. She’s quite interested in him. Asha and Goma sit, sleep and eat comfortably near each other, within about five feet, which is promising. He’s learned so much already, so we’re hopeful he’ll be able to learn this new role, too.”
Asha has experience as a teacher. She previously taught breeding behaviors to another silverback. Of all the females, keepers say Asha led the way in helping Goma get settled into the troop. With the change in her hormones, the rest of the troop will likely adapt to her behaviors, too.
They’re a family that lives together 24/7, so, like any family, they have disagreements and they work them out in their own way. To communicate they’re not thrilled with something that’s happening, gorillas will ‘stiff stance,’ which is when a gorilla stands on all fours with stiff front arms while facing another gorilla intensely. They also chase, vocalize, or make noise with objects near them. This might look alarming to the untrained eye, but it’s all normal conflict resolution for gorillas.
Juju has mellowed out in her advanced age and after bouts of health issues. She very rarely initiates conflict anymore. However, she’s happy to participate with a grunt from a distance and a little chase, or she might dish out a signature ‘bop’ on the head as someone chases by her.
Because the keepers know the gorillas so well as individuals, they can identify behavioral changes and look for physical changes that could indicate pregnancy. Weight is a factor, but gorillas are naturally round-bellied, so keepers will depend on scale training and specific weights, rather than whether a gorilla ‘looks pregnant.’ Similar to humans, gorilla pregnancies can also be confirmed with a urine test.
“Guests sometimes ask if they’re pregnant now,” said Knox. “Asha and Kwisha, our younger two females, have round bellies. It’s understandable why guests might think that. Obviously, if there’s a pregnancy, no one would be more excited than us, and we would be shouting it from the mountainside when the time is right.”
The team is hopeful for a baby for a variety of reasons. Having kids in a gorilla troop generally helps make a cohesive troop even more bonded. Asha has two offspring, 16-year-old female Tumani and 10-year-old male Dembe, who now live at other zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Having young gorillas in a troop is a natural part of gorillas’ dynamic and it’s enriching for everyone to have a baby around.
“Roxie is in the last years of her life, and she has loved playing with the kids in the past,” said Knox. “We would love to see her enjoy that role as a grandma one more time. We also want to help maintain the species, and there’s nothing like a baby to get people’s attention and inspire a new generation of conservationists.”
Western lowland gorillas are critically endangered in the wild. In addition to disease and poaching, they face habitat loss due to logging for agricultural use, human settlements and mining. Many of the west African lowland forests and swamps that these animals call home contain natural deposits of coltan, a mineral used in cell phones and other electronics. Due to the ever-increasing demand for cell phones across the world, the destruction of these gorillas’ habitats for mining purposes has unfortunately only increased.
Coltan is recyclable, and by donating old cell phones, gorilla advocates can supply valuable coltan for future phone production. In Primate World, guests can deposit their old and unused cell phones in a recycling bin near the gorilla habitat. CMZoo sends them to Eco-Cell, an organization that recycles the phones, as well as tablets, smart watches, Bluetooth devices, GPS devices, e-readers, digital cameras, handheld gaming systems and their accessories.
CMZoo will provide updates on the gorilla troop’s progress as the group reaches milestones.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has reached a huge conservation goal: reducing its overall annual water usage by nearly half. To offset its water usage, CMZoo also continued a commitment to Trout Unlimited’s water conservation efforts right here in Colorado.
You can’t make homes for hippos and penguins without a whole lot of water, but CMZoo’s previous aquatics building was never going to meet the Zoo’s long-term water saving goals, due to outdated life support system design. From 2009 to 2017, CMZoo used an average of 29 million gallons of water per year. Now, thanks to creative solutions throughout the Zoo and techniques and technologies in Water’s Edge: Africa, the Zoo uses around 16 million gallons per year. That’s a forty-five percent reduction in water use and a savings of 13 million gallons per year.
To offset the environmental impact and to reduce water usage, the team got creative and specific, by:
Designing a new hippo habitat with more efficient methods of water filtration than the old aquatics building possessed.
Improving animals’ water quality and reducing water used in animals’ habitats by fine-tuning water testing and filtration methods.
Catching water that was previously drained when the hippo pools were vacuumed.
Installing pumps to improve water pressure and reduce water volume on hoses used to clean animal areas.
Reinforcing a ‘water aware’ culture throughout the Zoo, with leaks reported more often and repaired more quickly.
Offsetting the 16-million-gallon annual usage by funding the release of equal annual amounts into the Rio Grande basin of southern Colorado.
“Water conservation really is about collectively saving every single drop we can,” said Nicole Chaney, CMZoo conservation and sustainability coordinator. “It’s wild to think that by making a minor adjustment to the hippo pool vacuum, we saved 1,883,400 gallons of water per year. I hope CMZoo guests and fans will look for opportunities in their own homes – even if they don’t have a huge river pool that houses four hippos – to look for small changes that can make big impacts.”
CMZoo guests also make a contribution to water conservation efforts by supporting the Zoo. Every visit to CMZoo is conservation in action. CMZoo recently continued its funding support for Trout Unlimited (TU), a CMZoo conservation partner and nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of habitat for animals that rely on our local rivers, which operates a program in the Rio Grande Basin of southern Colorado.
Under the program, TU arranges for releases of water from storage reservoirs to restore river flows for the benefit of fish populations and the riverine environment. From 2019 to 2021, the Zoo donated $45,000 to support the water releases. For 2022 usage, the Zoo donated $20,000 for Trout Unlimited to release 65 acre-feet of water (which translates to 21,180,315 gallons or 50 football fields one foot deep in water) from storage into the Rio Grande River or its tributaries.
Roughly ninety percent of Colorado’s water supply is used by farmers and ranchers, according to Trout Unlimited, and this agricultural water use drives rural economies. Rivers also support many important functions in our state: feeding diverse ecosystems of plants and animals; generating tourism and making an economic impact on local business through its fishing, hunting, camping and whitewater sports; and transporting water from reservoirs to those who need it.
CMZoo supports TU’s program to partner with water users and incentivize them to re-time portions of their water for delivery during the winter months when possible. Restoring stream flows below working reservoirs during the winter months, while simultaneously satisfying water-user needs, creates a better balance of water delivery for the environment, and the people who rely on it.
Water rights are complicated in Colorado, but the experts at TU have established partnerships with water rights holders so TU can lease and re-time water rights that are used to restore waterways while benefiting the San Luis Valley communities. The annual water use volume that CMZoo uses is purchased and then released back into streams in the winter months, helping to restore winter flows to the Upper Rio Grande Basin.
Every drop of water saved helps wildlife and wild places, so look around your own habitat to see what small changes you could make. Colorado Springs Utilities offers rebates and incentives for locals who install water-saving appliances, like high-efficiency toilets and showerheads. Find more information about how you could help save Colorado’s waterways by being water-wise at home at https://www.csu.org/Pages/WaterConservationEfficiency.aspx.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s conservation team recently returned from Panama. The trip highlighted CMZoo’s commitment to support ongoing research, education and breeding efforts for amphibians facing threats in the wild.
As part of the Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation (PARC) project, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is actively involved in saving 12 top-priority species of Panamanian amphibians threatened by an infectious fungus called chytrid.
Thanks to the breed and release work done with Wyoming toads, CMZoo and its partners have played an important role in helping support PARC. While the CMZoo conservation team was in Panama, they shared valuable knowledge and provided a case study to help further release strategies and future planning. With the sharing of information and financial support, we are excited to help develop future release plans for PARC.
Amphibians worldwide are facing a mass extinction, and by visiting CMZoo, you’re supporting teams focused on finding solutions. This trip was funded by our Quarters for Conservation program. Every time you visit the Zoo, you are making a difference for Panama frogs and many other species around the world.
Looking at Jumbe [JOOM-bay], Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s 2,800-pound Eastern black rhinoceros, visitors might assume that his demeanor matches his stature. On the contrary, according to Annie Dinwiddie, senior keeper in Encounter Africa who has worked with Jumbe for nine years.
“He’s actually really gentle,” said Dinwiddie. “I have worked with three black rhinos and two greater one-horned rhinos, and they’re all amazing, but there’s something special about Jumbe. He has this look where he tucks his upper lip in, and he makes eye contact with you, and you kind of just see each other quietly. You can tell he’s really observant.”
20-year-old Jumbe, who came to CMZoo in 2012, is an Eastern black rhino – a species of rhino native to Africa whose most distinguishable feature is its prehensile top lip. Eastern black rhinos’ ‘pointy’ lips help them strip leaves and bark from shrubs and trees in their native landscapes, whereas white rhinos’ flat lips help them most efficiently mow grass in their native African savannahs.
CMZoo guests who participate in Jumbe’s seasonal rhino feeding opportunities know his pointy lips well. At noon every day from March through October (weather permitting), guests can line up in Encounter Africa for a paid opportunity to hand-feed Jumbe. By extending his top lip to wrap it around the produce being offered, he gently accepts it – and usually leaves guests with a slobbery goodbye.
“To be that close to a rhino is a life-changing experience for most of our guests,” said Dinwiddie. “The slobber is part of the fun!”
Jumbe’s snack times also help guests make a direct connection with rhino conservation. The $10 cost to participate supports CMZoo’s black rhino and African elephant conservation partner, Tsavo Trust.
Being messy is a way of life for Jumbe, who loves a good mud wallow, which his keepers provide whether he’s inside or outside. He lies down on his side in the mud and rolls around until he has a thick coat of cool, protective mud all over. When he’s inside, he has the option of a hands-on mud bath, courtesy of his keepers.
“Jumbe loves to get a bath, and we happily oblige,” said Dinwiddie. “He walks into a stall where we have access to him from every angle through bollards. We reach in and scrub him with long brushes, warm water and vet-approved soap. After that, we get big handfuls of mud, and he walks over so we can rub it all over him. Sometimes he makes quiet happy little squeaks and really leans into the bollards so we can reach all of his favorite spots.”
Dinwiddie says he likes to get scrubbed between his toes and will even lift his feet up one at a time to tell them where to scrub. If a mud bath isn’t on the day’s agenda, you can bet daily scratches are. Jumbe also likes to be scratched behind his ears and in his armpits, which feel velvety soft compared to the rest of his body, which feels a bit like a cantaloupe.
“Jumbe consistently chooses to spend time with people when it’s an option, and we always have plenty of activities for him to choose to do,” said Dinwiddie. “He’ll be enthusiastically tossing a huge barrel around, or stacking huge tires on his horns, or mud wallowing, but if he sees us, he almost always comes over to see what we’re doing.”
That doesn’t mean he’s longing for attention, though. Jumbe, like the preference of wild male black rhinos, is solitary at the Zoo. Because his genetics are well represented in the assurance population of black rhinos, it’s highly unlikely he’ll be recommended to breed. Apart from his keepers, he seems to enjoy socializing with his elephant neighbors.
“We have seen him and Jambo, one of our six African elephants, standing on either side of bollards next to each other,” said Dinwiddie. “Jambo will smell Jumbe with her trunk, and Jumbe will nudge her with his horn, and they just seem to be enjoying the tactile interaction for a few minutes. But, we don’t think he would enjoy sharing the space with the elephants. He still enjoys having his own space and being able to interact when he chooses to.”
Eastern black rhinos are one of five remaining species of rhinoceros, along with two species native to Indonesia, the Javan and Sumatran rhinos, which each have only 70 or fewer wild individuals remaining. The greater one-horned rhino is native to India and Nepal, with around 4,000 wild individuals remaining. White rhinos are native to Africa and have around 15,000 in the wild. Eastern black rhinos, like Jumbe, are native to Africa with around 6,000 individuals in the wild.
“For most people in the U.S., he’s the only rhino they’ll ever see,” said Dinwiddie. “Even people who visit Africa multiple times aren’t guaranteed to see them, so we’re very aware of what a special opportunity it is to work with or meet Jumbe.”
Tsavo Trust works to protect the last of the big tuskers, which are African elephants with tusks weighing more than 100 pounds, and Eastern black rhinos, in Tsavo National Park, in Kenya. Funds raised through Jumbe’s snack times and scheduled daily seasonal elephant feedings help pay for pilot hours of frontline aerial surveillance that protects rhinos and elephants from poachers seeking their ivory and horns.
Along with funding from the Kratt Family Foundation, CMZoo guests’ support has helped build permanent housing that allows staff to live on the land where these endangered giants live. It has funded the construction of a vehicle maintenance building and special projects in local communities.
“By feeding Jumbe, you’re making a connection with him, and you’re directly supporting his wild counterparts,” said Dinwiddie. “That’s why we’re here, and Jumbe can inspire guests to care for wild rhinos better than any of the rest of us can.”
One way to prevent further destruction of Indonesian habitats where rhinos live is by supporting companies that use sustainable palm oil, rather than using unsustainable palm oil production. Download the free WAZA PalmOil Scan app, launched by CMZoo, Auckland Zoo and Chester Zoo, under the direction of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) last summer, and scan products before purchasing them. (Learn more and download the app at cmzoo.org/palmoil.)
Jumbe’s attentive gentle nature makes him an excellent voluntary training participant. He participates in target training, positioning his body in different ways so keepers can get closer looks at different parts of him, x-rays, presenting his horn, injection training and blood draws.
“One of the first things I trained with him on was a blood draw,” said Dinwiddie. “He quickly picked up what we were asking him to do. He presents one of his front legs so we can draw blood from a vein where his skin isn’t as thick. He has been such an exemplary student that we’ve been able to share our training methods with other people who care for rhinos. We communicate with him, and he communicates with us throughout the sessions.”
During blood draw training, Jumbe puts his foot on a black mark on the ground. When he is ready to move on to something else, he knows he can move his foot off that mark, and his trainers will end the training session. His favorite training rewards, or reinforcers as they’re known in the zoo profession, are apple, banana and carrots dipped in peanut butter and jelly, or blueberry bagels – all in vet-approved treat-sized amounts.
“He’s truly amazing, and I just can’t imagine a world without rhinos,” said Dinwiddie. “Rhino and elephant conservation can be complicated. It can be de-motivating because the problem can feel so big that it’s overwhelming, but all of us can make a difference. People can directly support Tsavo Trust by visiting our Zoo, and we can teach them not to purchase rhino products. The leading cause of decline for all five rhino species is horn poaching and habitat loss. We have to stop the demand for rhino horns by educating people that rhino horns don’t contain medicinal materials. Their horns are made of keratin, and are literally no different than a fingernail.”
Next time you’re at CMZoo, stop by Encounter Africa to wave hello to Jumbe and plan your day to line up for a scheduled seasonal feeding opportunity. Even if you don’t make it to feed Jumbe, you’re supporting black rhino conservation by visiting CMZoo. 75¢ from every admission supports local and worldwide conservation efforts through our Quarters for Conservation program.
