Zoos can be located in a wide variety of climates and environments—modern science can make it possible for captive animals to live just about anywhere—but for some reason there are only two mountain zoos in the entire United States. The Cheyenne Mt. Zoo, established in 1926 by tycoon Spencer Penrose, was originally intended to house his exotic animal collection before being handed over to the town of Colorado Springs. Visitors rave about the exhibits, which encourage interactivity with the diverse animal population. The Cheyenne Mt. Zoo is world-famous for its herd of reticulated giraffes—these majestic animals thrive in the Colorado climate, and the herd is the largest in captivity in the United States. It’s a thrill to have the opportunity to feed them snacks provided by zoo workers. There are also some animals you will see at few other zoos, including the slow-moving South American mountain tapir.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
(719) 633-9925
www.cmzoo.org
