Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, nestled in the heart of Colorado Springs, offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors through its renowned Animal Encounters program. This program provides guests with the opportunity to get up close and personal with a variety of fascinating creatures, from reptiles and birds to mammals and invertebrates.
The Loft and My Big Backyard: Intimate Encounters with Smaller Animals
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Animal Encounters primarily take place in two distinct areas: The Loft and My Big Backyard. These sections of the zoo are dedicated to providing visitors with hands-on and up-close experiences with smaller animals, including:
- Tortoises
- Skunks
- Snakes
- Lizards
- Chickens
- Bunnies
- Amphibians
- Invertebrates
During these encounters, guests have the chance to meet the animals, prepare their diets, feed them, and even assist in their training. This intimate interaction not only educates visitors about the animals but also supports the zoo’s conservation efforts by inspiring visitors to take action.
Animal Art Experiences: Unleashing Creativity with Animal-Painted Masterpieces
In addition to the traditional Animal Encounters, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers a unique experience called Animal Art Experiences. These interactive sessions allow visitors to participate in the painting process from start to finish, working alongside a keeper to train an animal and decide on the color palette for their modern art masterpiece.
Afternoon Activities: Expanding Knowledge with Animal Care 101 and Backyard Exploration Classes
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s educational offerings extend beyond the Animal Encounters, with a variety of afternoon activities designed to deepen visitors’ understanding of animal care and the natural world. These classes cover topics such as:
- Pet rabbit care
- Backyard chicken coop setup
- Native birds of Colorado
These engaging and informative sessions provide a well-rounded experience for zoo enthusiasts, allowing them to explore the fascinating world of animal care and conservation.
Exceptional Reputation and Positive Visitor Experiences
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has earned a stellar reputation among visitors, with TripAdvisor reviewers consistently praising the friendliness of the staff and the unique opportunity to feed the zoo’s iconic giraffes. A Reddit user who completed an internship in the elephant barn also shared their positive experience, describing the chance to meet the elephants, learn about them, observe keeper training, and even hand-feed them.
Conclusion
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Animal Encounters program offers a truly remarkable and immersive experience for zoo enthusiasts. From intimate encounters with smaller animals to creative art experiences and educational afternoon activities, the zoo provides a multifaceted and engaging way for visitors to connect with the natural world and support conservation efforts. Whether you’re a seasoned zoo-goer or a first-time visitor, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Animal Encounters are sure to leave a lasting impression and inspire a deeper appreciation for the incredible creatures that call this zoo home.