About
For over 100 years, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has been delighting visitors with unique animal events, hand-feeding a giraffe, and close encounters with wildlife from around the globe.
The story starts in 1916, when multi-millionaire Spencer Penrose was given a black bear he named Toby. Enamored with the wild animal, he collected more exotic animals, displaying them along the golf course of his elegant Broadmoor Hotel. While a novel idea, the reality of having coyotes howl through the nights, seals barking for food, and a monkey biting a young boy had guests thinking otherwise.
Not wanting to lose clientele to his glamorous hotel, Penrose moved animals in 1926 to what is now the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. After years of development, Penrose deeded the Zoo in 1938 as a non-profit public trust to the people of Colorado Springs. His vision is still practiced today: to support recreation, education, conservation, and science.
In 1989, leadership created a Master Plan to replace aging exhibits, improve accessibility, and make the Zoo safer and more enjoyable. Over the following decades, more than $30 million was raised to bring that vision to life.
You'll appreciate these efforts at the African Rift Valley, offering close encounters with the famous giraffe herd, and the Rocky Mountain Wild followed, spotlighting native Colorado animals. The Encounter Africa arrived in 2013, featuring elephants and rhinos, and in 2020, Water's Edge: Africa opened with up-close views of Nile hippos and African penguins.
Such efforts were recognized by USA TODAY in its “10 Best Readers' Choice Awards” when it was rated #2 Best Zoo in North America.
Adding Cheyenne Mountain Zoo to your Colorado Springs itinerary will delight and entertain all ages.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: Fun Facts & Cool Features
For the ultimate, family-friendly, memory-making-moment, visit the new Giraffe Center! Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is home to one of the largest herds at any zoo in the United States, and this facility has increased the herd’s outdoor space by 25% and added a 12,000-square-foot giraffe barn. Best of all, there are more feeding stations, letting you hand-feed these gentle giants!
The Mountaineer Sky Ride is a chairlift that carries you to the summit where you can explore the children’s playground, enjoy a picnic, and check out the Mountaineer Train memorial. Afterward, hop aboard for the 7-minute chairlift back down the mountain. While access to the Zoo is prohibited at the summit, it offers a refreshing break and breathtaking views.
Aside from the exhibits to admire, for an extra cost, consider signing up for the Meet & Feed An Animal. A top pick is the lion encounter with a VIP tour of their enclosures, learning about caring for these beasts, and feeding a lion by tossing them meat. If lions aren’t your thing, consider the giraffe, hippo, marsupial, or elephant experience, to name a few.
For ongoing learning and giving experience, consider the Adopt an Animal program. With various tier financial gifts, you can be a foster parent to an animal.
For a creative endeavor, check out the Animal Art Experience. When you book a painting session with one of the artist animals, you’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind memory and a custom piece of animal art.
Add these all up, and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo earns a spot near the top of any Colorado Springs vacation. You get world-class animal encounters, a mountain setting with great views, and a full day of activity for every age.
Local Tips
- Timed e-tickets are required for visiting the Zoo.
- Pack a cooler with food and drinks. Note: bottles are not permitted.
- Lettuce bundles for feeding giraffes are $3 or two for $5.
- Plan on your visit lasting 3-4 hours.
