Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is the only mountain zoo in the United States. See exotic animals up close, get a little exercise, and do it all in a beautiful mountain location. A ZOO ON A MOUNTAIN? Cheyenne Mountain Zoo really, truly sits on the side of Cheyenne Mountain. The zoo path kind of zig-zags up switchbacks, with each area getting a little higher. The walk isnt strenuous, but it is in high altitude, so if youre new to town, just take your time and have your water handy. There is also a Tram that circles the zoo every 15 minutes that is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
***INSIDER TIP If youre visiting in the cooler months, get there earlier as the sun ducks down behind Cheyenne Mountain around 2pm, and it gets cold quick! Many of the animals head inside earlier too. But in the summer, that extra shade might feel nice. ***
The African Rift Valley is probably the most popular part of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and rightly so. This is where you get to hand-feed the giraffes. There are over 30 reticulated giraffes in the herd, and they roam around searching for kids (and adults!) who might have a giraffe cracker or two to feed them. (3 for $1.00) 
The giraffes are a blast.Their giant, gentle heads hover over you by the railing while their foot-long tongues sneak out and snatch that snack youre holding. Its amazing. And they are so gentle with children, waiting patiently for their treat. You dont need to be a kid to have fun by the giraffes. Take a peek at their LIVE ZOOCAM for a preview. Also--dont miss the Giraffe Stampede at 4pm! Another great activity is viewing the mountain lions. 
There is a new Rocky Mountain Wild section going up this summer, where youll be able to see them in their true mountain habitat.Its fascinating to see them up close after hearing so many warnings about them out on hiking trails. They are truly majestic creatures. A Snow Leopard and Amur Tiger also grace the mountainside. Dont miss those guys. The zoos Primate World features a state-of-the art exhibit with glass enclosures that let you get nose to nose with the apes. Other zoos have used this as an example for their own primate exhibits. ANIMAL ENRICHMENT There are several animal enrichment programs available at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo:
Staff are happy to share their knowledge with you. We took part in an enrichment program with a White-Cheeked Gibbon, who delighted in taking a paper bag full of sweet potatoes and apples from us. She promptly ripped it open, and was very vocal about her appreciation. Then she swung all around her living area, across bars, down ropes--a real acrobat. We watched the Gibbon for almost half an hour alone. Other Animals to See:
ADMISSION Adults ages 12 to 64 are $12.00 Seniors age 65 and above are $10.00 Children ages 3 to 11 are $6.00 Children ages 2 and under are FREE With your admission, you also get a free ticket up to the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun, an historic monument 1.4 miles up the mountain at 8,136 feet. Breathtaking views of Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region up there. 9am-3pm in the winter. 9pm-4pm in the summer. ***INSIDER TIP The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo awards Military discounts, so use it if you have one. Hey, its extra money to buy crackers for the giraffes! *** ZOO HOURS GETTING THERE Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is located in southwest Colorado Springs on the side of Cheyenne Mountain, above the Broadmoor Hotel. From Interstate 25, take exit 138 - Circle Drive, go west to the Broadmoor Hotel. Turn right at the hotel and follow the signs to the Zoo. BUS TO THE ZOO: During the summer months (Memorial Day through Labor Day) Mountain Metropolitan Transit provides this service right to the front gate. Call 385-RIDE (7433) for more info. CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOO |
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