Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers unique and intimate experiences with owls, including the Screech Owl Meet and Greet and the Barn Owl Meet & Greet. These encounters allow visitors to get up close and personal with these captivating birds of prey, learn about their behaviors and habitats, and even participate in hands-on activities.
Screech Owl Meet and Greet
The Screech Owl Meet and Greet features a Western Screech Owl named Hootenanny. Hootenanny is described as “tiny but mighty,” weighing only about 4 ounces but making a variety of trills and whinny sounds when excited about food. Visitors will have the opportunity to help prepare Hootenanny’s diet, engage in positive reinforcement training, and create enrichment for the animal. They’ll also hear personal stories about Hootenanny and learn about the important role of Western Screech Owls in their natural habitats.
Barn Owl Meet & Greet
The Barn Owl Meet & Greet allows visitors to encounter a Barn Owl, known for its silent flight and ability to fly loudly while screeching. During this experience, participants will assist the Loft Zoo Keeper in various tasks, such as preparing diets, engaging in positive reinforcement training, and creating enrichment for the Barn Owl.
Observing Owl Training
In addition to the Meet and Greet experiences, visitors can also observe Barn Owl training at the Scutes Family Gallery at 11:30 a.m. daily. This provides an opportunity to see an owl fly and showcase its impressive skills, including silent flight and loud screeching.
Scheduling and Costs
Both the Screech Owl Meet and Greet and the Barn Owl Meet & Greet are open to adults and children aged 5 and up, when accompanied by an adult. These encounters must be scheduled at least one week in advance and last approximately 30 minutes. The cost for each experience includes two people, with an additional fee for each additional person (up to a maximum group size of 6). Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult participant. The cost includes admission to the Zoo for the day.
Location and Cancellation Policy
The Loft Animal Encounters, including the owl experiences, are held at the Zoo’s Loft, located at 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906. Cancellations must be made at least one week in advance, and cancellations with less than 24 hours notice will not be refunded. Rescheduling may be available, subject to availability.
In conclusion, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers a unique and engaging opportunity to interact with owls, learn about their behaviors and habitats, and participate in hands-on activities. Whether it’s the Screech Owl Meet and Greet, the Barn Owl Meet & Greet, or observing owl training, visitors can enjoy a memorable and educational experience at the zoo.
References:
– Screech Owl Meet and Greet – CMZoo: https://www.cmzoo.org/events-programs/custom-animal-experiences/meet-feed-an-animal/screech-owl-meet-and-greet/
– Barn Owl Meet & Greet – CMZoo: https://www.cmzoo.org/events-programs/custom-animal-experiences/meet-feed-an-animal/barn-owl-meet-greet/
– Featured Animals – Barn Owl – CMZoo: https://www.cmzoo.org/animals/a-z/featured-animals-barn-owl/
– Featured Animals – Western Screech Owl – CMZoo: https://www.cmzoo.org/animals/a-z/featured-animals-western-screech-owl/
– Meet Hootenanny the Screech Owl – CMZoo: https://www.cmzoo.org/news/archive/meet-hootenanny-the-screech-owl/