The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is home to Jumbe, a 2,800-pound Eastern black rhinoceros. As one of the largest land mammals on Earth, Jumbe is a true sight to behold, and visitors to the zoo have the unique opportunity to learn about his species and support rhino conservation efforts.
Introducing Jumbe: The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Eastern Black Rhino
Jumbe is a male Eastern black rhinoceros, a subspecies native to Africa. These rhinos are known for their distinctive prehensile upper lip, which they use to strip leaves and bark from the shrubs and trees in their natural habitat. At the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Jumbe is the star attraction, and visitors can participate in seasonal rhino feeding opportunities to get up close and personal with this gentle giant.
Rhino Feeding Experiences at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
From March through October, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers visitors the chance to hand-feed Jumbe during scheduled feeding times. For a $10 fee, guests can participate in this unique experience, which not only provides an unforgettable encounter with the rhino but also supports the zoo’s conservation efforts.
The funds raised from these feeding sessions go towards supporting the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s black rhino and African elephant conservation partner, Tsavo Trust. This organization works tirelessly to protect these endangered species and their habitats in Africa.
Jumbe’s Voluntary Training and Health Monitoring
Jumbe is known for his calm and attentive demeanor, making him an excellent participant in the zoo’s voluntary training program. Through target training, Jumbe is rewarded for touching a target with his nose, which allows his keepers to monitor his health and well-being, as well as provide him with enrichment and mental stimulation.
This training not only benefits Jumbe but also helps the zoo’s staff to better understand the needs and behaviors of Eastern black rhinos, which can inform conservation efforts both at the zoo and in the wild.
The Rhino Encounter Experience
For those who want an even more immersive experience with Jumbe, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers a Rhino Encounter. This 30-minute, behind-the-scenes experience allows guests to learn about the zoo’s wild rhino conservation efforts and meet Jumbe up close.
The Rhino Encounter costs $475 for up to four people and includes admission to the zoo for the day. During the encounter, guests will have the opportunity to meet Jumbe’s keepers, take photos, and observe the rhino’s behavior.
Supporting Rhino Conservation Beyond the Zoo
In addition to the opportunities to interact with Jumbe, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo also encourages visitors to take action to support rhino conservation beyond the zoo’s walls. The zoo has launched the free WAZA PalmOil Scan app, which allows users to scan products before purchasing them and supports companies that use sustainable palm oil.
This helps to prevent further destruction of the Indonesian habitats where rhinos, like Jumbe, live. By making informed purchasing decisions, zoo visitors can directly contribute to the conservation of these magnificent animals.
Conclusion
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Eastern black rhinoceros, Jumbe, is a true ambassador for his species. Through interactive feeding experiences, voluntary training programs, and immersive encounters, the zoo provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about and support the conservation of this endangered animal.
By participating in these programs and using the WAZA PalmOil Scan app, zoo enthusiasts can make a tangible difference in the lives of rhinos like Jumbe, both at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and in the wild.
References:
– Get to Know Jumbe, CMZoo’s Eastern Black Rhino
– Rhino Encounter at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
– Featured Animals: Black Rhino