The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs is home to a captivating species of small mammals – the red panda. These charming creatures, native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China, are known for their distinctive raccoon-like faces and bushy tails. As the highest zoo in the United States, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers visitors a unique opportunity to observe these vulnerable animals in a naturalistic setting that closely resembles their native habitat.

Discovering the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Red Panda

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is located on the lower slopes of Cheyenne Mountain, at an impressive elevation of 6,800 feet. This unique setting allows the zoo to create exhibits that closely mimic the natural environment of the red panda, providing them with a comfortable and enriching home.

Red Panda Habitat and Characteristics

Red pandas are small, arboreal mammals that thrive in the temperate forests of the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. They are known for their striking reddish-brown fur, which helps them blend in with the foliage of their native habitat. These agile creatures are adept climbers, using their long, curved claws and prehensile tails to navigate the trees with ease.

Conservation Efforts at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is committed to the conservation of red pandas and other endangered species. The zoo supports various conservation projects aimed at protecting the habitats and populations of these vulnerable animals. Visitors can learn more about these initiatives and how they can contribute to the cause by visiting the zoo’s conservation section.

Exploring the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with extended hours during the summer months. Admission prices are $19.75 for adults, $17.75 for seniors 65 and over, $14.75 for children ages 3-11, and free for children under 2. Parking is free, and strollers, wheelchairs, and wagons are available for rent.

Exhibits and Attractions

In addition to the red pandas, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is home to over 700 animals representing 170 species. Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits, including a giraffe herd with more than 200 live births since the 1950s, a colorful antique carousel built in 1926, and the Mountaineer Sky Ride, a chairlift that offers stunning views of the zoo and the surrounding landscape.

Interactive Experiences

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers a range of interactive experiences for visitors. Guests can feed the giraffes for $2 and take a stroller- and wheelchair-accessible tram ride around the zoo for $5 for adults and $4 for children.

Events and Programs

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year, catering to visitors of all ages and interests. These include animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, and educational programs for children and adults.

Membership and Gift Shop

The zoo also has a membership program that offers discounts and other benefits, as well as a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and merchandise related to the zoo and its animal residents.

Conclusion

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s red pandas are a true highlight for visitors, offering a unique opportunity to observe these captivating creatures in a naturalistic setting. With its commitment to conservation, diverse animal exhibits, and engaging experiences, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the wonders of the natural world.

References:
– Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. (n.d.). Welcome to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – CMZoo. Retrieved from https://www.cmzoo.org/
– Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. (n.d.). Animals A-Z – CMZoo. Retrieved from https://www.cmzoo.org/animals/a-z/
– Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. (n.d.). Asian Mountain Quest Red Panda Zip Line Playset. Retrieved from https://giftshop.cmzoo.org/en_US/products/asian-mountain-quest-red-panda-zip-line-playset
– Frommer’s. (n.d.). Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs – Attraction. Retrieved from https://www.frommers.com/destinations/colorado-springs/attractions/cheyenne-mountain-zoo
– Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. (n.d.). Animals – CMZoo. Retrieved from https://www.cmzoo.org/animals/.