Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is home to a remarkable group of African lions that offer visitors a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures. The zoo’s African Lion Encounter allows guests to feed and learn about the zoo’s four lions – Abuto, Lomela, Elsa, and Aslan.

The African Lion Encounter at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

The African Lion Encounter at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a 30-minute experience that allows visitors to get within a few feet of the zoo’s lions. During the encounter, guests have the chance to feed the lions and learn about their care and behavior from the knowledgeable zoo keepers.

The encounter costs $475 for up to four people, with additional participants able to join for $95.75 each. The maximum group size is six. Visitors should contact the zoo at least one week in advance to schedule the encounter, and cancellations can be refunded with a minimum of 24 hours’ notice.

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Lion Pride

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is currently home to four African lions: Abuto, Lomela, Elsa, and Aslan. These lions are part of a complex social dynamic that the zoo’s keepers are carefully managing.

In 2023, the zoo began working on re-introducing Elsa and Aslan after their brother, Boma, moved to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The long-term goal is to provide healthy groupings and vital social interactions for the four related big cats, with Lomela, the mother, playing a crucial role in bridging the gap for her family.

Lomela and Aslan’s Reintroduction

In early February 2024, Lomela and Aslan started sharing space after several positive interactions during their “howdies” (the process of introducing lions to each other). Lomela, who is described as calm and assertive, is helping Aslan re-learn what is acceptable behavior around female lions.

The two lions are often seen engaging in natural behaviors, such as drinking water, interacting with enrichment individually, and sleeping in separate areas of the same room – all signs that they are comfortable with each other’s presence.

Lion Enrichment Demonstrations

In addition to the African Lion Encounter, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo also offers animal demonstrations, including a lion enrichment demonstration on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 10 a.m. These demonstrations are included with regular daytime admission and provide visitors with a chance to see the lions’ natural behaviors and unique features up close.

Visiting the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Lions

To schedule an African Lion Encounter, visitors should contact the zoo at least one week in advance. Cancellations will be refunded with a minimum 24 hours’ notice, and rescheduling may be available.

For those who can’t participate in the encounter, the zoo’s regular daytime admission allows visitors to observe the lions in their habitat and attend the lion enrichment demonstrations.

Conclusion

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s African lions offer a truly unique and intimate experience for visitors. Whether you choose to participate in the African Lion Encounter or simply observe the lions during your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about these magnificent animals and their complex social dynamics. Don’t miss the chance to get up close and personal with the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Lions!

References:
– Cheyenne Mountain Zoo African Lion Encounter
– Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Featured Animals: African Lion
– Cheyenne Mountain Zoo News: African Lions Take Steps Towards New Social Groups
– Cheyenne Mountain Zoo News: Animal/Lion
– Cheyenne Mountain Zoo News: Delicate African Lion Re-introductions Move Forward