Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Colorado
Located on Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs at an elevation of 6,714 feet, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is the highest zoo in the United States. Spanning 140 acres with 40 acres currently in use, the zoo houses more than 750 animals representing nearly 170 species, including over 30 endangered species. Founded in 1926 by businessman Spencer Penrose, it evolved from a private collection to a public non-profit trust. The zoo is internationally recognized for its large and prolific giraffe herd, having bred over 200 calves since 1954, and it established the International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe in 2022. Its exhibits are diverse and immersive, including the African Rift Valley, Encounter Africa, Australia Walkabout, and Rocky Mountain Wild, among others. Notably, the Encounter Africa exhibit received AZA honors for excellence. The zoo emphasizes conservation, education, and animal welfare, making it a leading institution accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Visitors experience naturalistic habitats featuring animals from around the world, including Amur tigers, snow leopards, African elephants, and more. The zoo also gained attention for its effective response to severe hailstorms in 2018, demonstrating commitment to animal and visitor safety.
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Astuce: Visit during spring and fall for mild weather and fewer crowds. Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid lines and check the zoo's website for seasonal events and feeding times. Discounts are often available for children, seniors, and military personnel. Arrive early to enjoy cooler temperatures and active animal behaviors. Wear comfortable shoes for the mountain terrain and bring water, as the zoo is spread over hilly terrain. Consider joining guided tours or special programs to enrich your experience.
Faits intéressants
- •Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is the highest zoo in the U.S. at 6,714 feet elevation.
- •It has bred 203 giraffe calves since 1954, making it one of the most prolific giraffe herds globally.
- •The zoo sent banked giraffe plasma to save a giraffe calf named Dobby at Denver Zoo in 2017.
- •Encounter Africa exhibit received special recognition at the 2014 AZA Honors and Awards event.
- •The zoo covers 140 acres, with 40 acres currently developed for animal habitats and visitor areas.
Histoire
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was founded in 1926 by Spencer Penrose, who began collecting animals after receiving a bear as a gift in 1916.
Initially, animals were housed at Penrose's Broadmoor Hotel until safety concerns led to establishing the zoo.
In 1938, Penrose incorporated the zoo as a non-profit public trust.
Over the decades, it expanded its collection and facilities, becoming a leader in giraffe care and conservation.
Despite challenges like the severe hailstorm in 2018, the zoo has continually adapted and grown, maintaining its status as a premier zoological institution without relying on public tax support.
Guide du lieu
African Rift Valley2010s
An African savanna-themed exhibit featuring African lions, reticulated giraffes, Cape vultures, meerkats, and other species. It immerses visitors in the diverse wildlife of Africa's Rift Valley region.
Encounter Africa2014
A major exhibit housing African elephants, eastern black rhinoceros, African cape porcupines, and meerkats. Known for its interactive and educational experiences, it was recognized by the AZA for excellence.
Australia Walkabout
A walk-through exhibit where visitors can see red-necked wallabies, Matschie's tree kangaroos, budgies, emus, and other Australian species in naturalistic settings.
Scutes Family Gallery1940s
Originally built in the early 1940s as the Bird and Reptile House, this gallery houses over 40 species of reptiles including Burmese pythons, sloths, and tortoises. The name reflects the scutes or scales of reptiles.
Asian Highlands
Exhibits Amur tigers, Amur leopards, snow leopards, and red pandas in mountain-side habitats, showcasing species native to Asia's highlands.
Rocky Mountain Wild
A $8.2 million exhibit featuring native North American wildlife such as grizzly bears, Mexican wolves, moose, and bald eagles, highlighting the region's biodiversity.
Primate World
Home to apes and other primates including Sumatran and Bornean orangutans, western lowland gorillas, golden lion tamarins, and siamangs, offering insight into primate behavior and conservation.
Water's Edge: Africa
A newer exhibit housing Nile hippopotamuses and African penguins, providing visitors with aquatic African species experiences.
Contact
Téléphone: (719) 633-9925
