Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, located in Colorado Springs, CO, is home to various kangaroo species, including the Matschie’s tree kangaroo. This guide provides detailed information about the zoo’s kangaroo offerings, focusing on the Matschie’s tree kangaroo.
Matschie’s Tree Kangaroo (Dendrolagus matschiei)
Matschie’s tree kangaroos are arboreal marsupials native to the Huon Peninsula of northeastern Papua New Guinea. These unique creatures are considered endangered due to threats from logging and mining exploration.
Habitat and Conservation Status
- Habitat: Matschie’s tree kangaroos spend most of their time in trees, making their home in the lush, tropical forests of Papua New Guinea.
- Conservation Status: The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified Matschie’s tree kangaroos as endangered, with an estimated population of around 2,500 individuals in the wild.
Physical Appearance
Matschie’s tree kangaroos have a distinctive appearance, with the following features:
– Pointy ears
– Bulbous pink nose
– Muscular tails
– Soft chocolate-and-caramel-colored fur
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Exhibit: Australia Walkabout
The Matschie’s tree kangaroos at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo can be found in the Australia Walkabout exhibit, which features animals native to the land down under, including free-roaming wallabies.
Visitor Experiences
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers several engaging experiences for visitors to learn more about the Matschie’s tree kangaroo:
- World Tree Kangaroo Day: Annually, the zoo hosts World Tree Kangaroo Day, offering family-friendly activities in the Scutes Family Gallery, such as coloring pages, paper masks, button making, simulated pouch peek activity, and “Walk like a tree kangaroo” activity.
- Keeper Talks: Visitors can attend keeper talks at the Matschie’s tree kangaroo exhibit in the Australia Walkabout to learn more about these fascinating creatures.
- Puppet Shows: Puppet shows near the entrance to the Sky Ride entertain and educate visitors about various animals, including the Matschie’s tree kangaroo.
Current Residents
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is currently home to two Matschie’s tree kangaroos:
| Name | Age | Gender |
|---|---|---|
| Som | 3 years | Female |
| Tristan | 8 years | Male |
Tristan recently moved to the Denver Zoo to breed with a female Matschie’s tree kangaroo named Pearl, as part of the Matschie’s Tree Kangaroo Species Survival Plan (SSP).
Conservation and Breeding
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo supports the Matschie’s Tree Kangaroo Species Survival Plan (SSP), which tracks the genetics of animals in human care and makes recommendations for future breeding to maintain a genetically diverse population.
Visitor Information
- Hours: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Admission: Adult (12-64) – $24.95, Child (3-11) – $17.95, Senior (65+) – $22.95.
Contact Information
- Phone: (719) 633-9965
- Address: 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd. Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Matschie’s tree kangaroo exhibit offers a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about and appreciate these endangered arboreal marsupials. With engaging activities, keeper talks, and a chance to see these fascinating creatures up close, the zoo provides an immersive experience for all who visit.
References:
– Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – World Tree Kangaroo Day
– Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – Matschie’s Tree Kangaroo
– Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – New Matschie’s Tree Kangaroo Arrival
– Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – Matschie’s Tree Kangaroo Breeding
– Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – Australia Walkabout