Yes, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is AZA accredited. It has earned an incredibly rare clean report of inspection and its seventh consecutive five-year accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). This accreditation is considered the gold standard, with only 242 zoos and aquariums accredited by the AZA out of approximately 2,800 animal exhibitors licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The Significance of AZA Accreditation
The AZA accreditation is a rigorous process that ensures the highest standards of animal care, conservation, education, and guest experience. To maintain accreditation, organizations must apply and be inspected every five years, and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has been consistently accredited since 1983.
The accreditation process includes a lengthy application and a multi-day on-site inspection by the Accreditation Commission, a team of accomplished zoo and aquarium professionals. They evaluate the zoo’s facilities, animal care, veterinary programs, conservation efforts, education initiatives, and overall management.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s Unique Funding Model
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of the very few AZA-accredited zoos in the nation that operates without any tax support, relying on admissions, memberships, donations, and special event attendance for funding. This financial independence allows the zoo to focus on its core mission of animal care, conservation, and education without the constraints of government bureaucracy.
Location and Hours of Operation
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours in the summer. The zoo offers a variety of exhibits and experiences, including the world’s largest herd of reticulated giraffes, a high-altitude reptile house, and the famous Mountaineer Sky Ride, which provides breathtaking views of the zoo and the surrounding Pikes Peak region.
AZA Accredited Facilities
As of March 2024, the total number of AZA Accredited Related Facilities is 15. These facilities have demonstrated their commitment to the highest standards of animal care, conservation, and guest experience, and are recognized as leaders in the zoo and aquarium industry.
| Facility Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Cheyenne Mountain Zoo | Colorado Springs, Colorado |
| Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden | Cincinnati, Ohio |
| Columbus Zoo and Aquarium | Columbus, Ohio |
| Denver Zoo | Denver, Colorado |
| Henry Doorly Zoo | Omaha, Nebraska |
| Indianapolis Zoo | Indianapolis, Indiana |
| Kansas City Zoo | Kansas City, Missouri |
| Louisville Zoo | Louisville, Kentucky |
| Milwaukee County Zoo | Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| National Aquarium | Baltimore, Maryland |
| Philadelphia Zoo | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Saint Louis Zoo | Saint Louis, Missouri |
| San Diego Zoo | San Diego, California |
| Smithsonian’s National Zoo | Washington, D.C. |
Conclusion
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s AZA accreditation is a testament to its commitment to excellence in animal care, conservation, and guest experience. As one of the few AZA-accredited zoos that operate without tax support, the zoo’s financial independence allows it to focus on its core mission and continue to be a leader in the industry. Visitors to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo can be confident that they are supporting a world-class institution that is dedicated to the well-being of its animals and the education and enjoyment of its guests.