Ahhhhhhh, a day at the zoo.
A place where the boundaries between the wild and the everyday blur, and the ordinary can turn extraordinary in a flash. A trip to the zoo isn’t just about seeing animals; it’s about connecting with the natural world.
We are lucky to have two zoos within easy reach: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs and the Pueblo Zoo in Pueblo.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
The lion may be king of the jungle, but the humble giraffe is king at this zoo carved into the side of a mountain. The highlight? Hand-feeding a tower of 15 giraffes (did you know that’s one name for a group of giraffes?).
“We hear over and over that it never gets old, no matter how many times you’ve visited,” says Rachel Wright, communications and marketing director. “It’s really an incredible experience to be that close to them.”
And the experience is about to get even better. The zoo is in the process of constructing a new 12,000-square-foot barn for this reticulated herd and creating an expanded and more diverse outdoor giraffe habitat.
“The giraffes will have different elevations to explore,” Wright says. “Our giraffe care team has seen that giraffe naturally want to get different vantage points and climb up to higher ground.”
Other improvements will include a footbridge to an interactive island where guests can feed these lanky ungulates, a lower viewing area to observe giraffe calves, and garage-style doors that will allow guests to offer snacks from the new covered guest plaza.
The giraffes alone are worth a visit, but this zoo has loads more to offer.
If you’ve never been, go. If you’ve been many times, go again. There’s a reason why this place has been named one of America’s best zoos over and over (and over and over).
Situated at 6,714 feet with panoramic views of the region, it’s simply magical for all ages. Discover more than 30 species of endangered animals and countless other creatures big and small.
“We exist to inspire to care about wildlife and wild places… and provide those ‘as close as is safely possible’ experiences,” Wright says.
The African penguin area, for instance, surprises people. A little beach intertwines with the guest pathway, providing an up-close experience with the flock: Safara, Alex, Pearl, Captain, Percy, Biggs, Ivy, Geirfugl, Roxy, Rico, Napoleon, Pomona, Rufaro, Rudo, Ichaboe and Speniscus.
“They’re such little characters,” Wright says.
The Loft is another interactive area, featuring mostly smaller mammals and reptiles. If you’re in the right place at the right time, you might get to help train an animal, make a meal, or watch a reptile get a bath. And don’t forget to look up—Bean, the five-year-old two-toed sloth, regularly hangs out along a series of ropes near the ceiling.
And make sure to check out the Treehouse in “My Big Backyard”—it’s cozy, tucked away and filled with amphibians.
You could spend an entire day simply going from one “keeper talk” to the next, learning things you never knew you needed to know. And in between, you’re sure to run across unscheduled pop-up experiences such as watching an African tortoise go on a walk. Check out the daily schedule for animal demonstrations, feeding times and other experiences. Or book a VIP tour to go behind-the-scenes to meet, feed, or train your favorite animals.
For the infants and toddlers, “stroller safaris” feature different themes about five times per month. There are also homeschool programs, summer camps, teen programs and “Wild Nights” sleepovers.
Then, there are a myriad of events. A few highlights:
· Dog Days at the Zoo: Selected dates throughout the year. Bring a furry friend.
· Run to the Shrine in May: A four-mile run/walk course through the Zoo, up to the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun and back down.
· Moonlight on the Mountain in June and Electric Moonlight in December: Adults-only. All-inclusive samples of beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks, delicious eats from area restaurants and local musicians.
· Tails, Tunes & Tastes in July, August and September: Live music, as well as unlimited small plates and two drink tickets. Cash bars also available.
· Silent Night at the Zoo in September: A silent evening at the Zoo with no phones, conversations or disruptions—just the sounds of the animals and nature.
· Boo at the Zoo in October: This unique Halloween event is a fun way for families to trick-or-treat and enjoy Halloween festivities in a safe environment.
· Electric Safari in December: More than 85 light sculptures, along with larger-than-life illuminated inflatable animals, and a new holiday-safari themed drone show.
TIPS:
· Save time for a trip up the mountain on the Mountaineer Sky Ride
· You can bring your own food and drink—just no alcohol or glass
· Wear comfortable shoes for walking—it’s hilly
· Get tickets in advance on the website (they’re required!)
· Drink water before, during and after visiting, especially if it’s a warm day
· Wear sunscreen
· Bring cash for animal feedings
· Plan on 2.5 to 3 hours, minimum
Website: CMZoo.org
Facebook: @CMZoo
Instagram: @CheyenneMountainZoo
Pueblo Zoo
A quick 40-mile drive south lands you at the charming Pueblo Zoo, located in historic Pueblo City Park.
“Guests regularly comment about our zoo’s accessibility, with wide and level pathways that lead guests closer to animal exhibits than they find at other zoos, providing a truly immersive guest experience,” says Brett Mills, associate director of marketing and communications.
Don’t miss the red pandas, unique and endangered mammals from the high forests of Nepal. Besides being very rare, there are very few relatives of this species on the planet. Pueblo Zoo was the first in the state to welcome these adorable, cat-sized mammals, and guests fell in love immediately.
“Rupert and Momo are certainly fan favorites here at the zoo!” Mills says. “We have recently re-introduced them to our amazing Behind the Scenes program, where guests can get up close and personal with these amazing animals and ask questions and get more information from their keepers.”
Behind-the-scenes encounters are also available for North American bison (Cody and CJ), African painted dogs, and African penguins.
Let’s step back for a bigger view of this smaller zoo, home to more than 300 animals from 125 species.
“We have recently welcomed four new Rodriguez Flying Foxes (fruit bats) to our Islands of Life building,” Mills says. “We are extremely proud to host so many of these creatures as they are incredibly endangered in the wild.”
In January, a Bactrian camel named Humphrey sporting “a killer mullet” joined the zoo, followed by a Watusi cow named Mrembi.
And in 2024, Pueblo Zoo welcomed Khari, a three-year-old male African lion as a companion to its female, Mashavu.
“These introductions tend to take some time, but they are settling in well,” Mills says. “He has proven to have an amazingly goofy personality, and can be found running around pushing toys in their enclosure between lazy siestas in the warm Pueblo sunshine.”
Recently, the zoo reopened its Mahlon T. White Discovery Room, which features a reading nook full of books and seating area surrounded by custom-built fixtures where younger guests can see smaller animals face-to-face.
Coming soon: Woods of Wonder, a multi-use space featuring play spaces for kids, animal presentations and exercise areas, and shaded family gathering spaces.
Don’t forget Pueblo Zoo’s signature events:
· Brew at the Zoo in April: Pueblo’s wildest brewfest sells out quickly.
· Zoofari in June: Gala-style fundraiser with delicious food, wine, live music, silent auctions and amazing behind-the-scenes experiences.
· Senior Week & Senior Safari Day in September: Free admission, fun activities, live music, yoga, and food for seniors aged 65 and up.
· BooBonus in October: First, a members-only trick-or-treating event. The next day is BooZoo, open to the public with themed treats, crafts and games—safe Halloween fun.
· ElectriCritters in November and December: A magical wonderland with over 150 whimsical animal-themed designs and 250,000 twinkling lights. Enjoy a hot chocolate and a warm cookie at the Candy Cane Cafe and meet with Santa on Santa Sundays!
Website: PuebloZoo.org
Facebook & Instagram: @PuebloZoo
Both of these local zoos are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, a designation earned by fewer than 10 percent of the 2,800 animal exhibitors licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture. The accreditation means these facilities incorporate the best modern zoological practices in animal welfare and management and are deeply committed to conservation.
