Travel Tips & Trends

New complex at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, in Colorado Springs, is the nation's only mountain zoo. In May it opens a major new section for native species of the Rocky Mountain region. The new exhibit complex was constructed at a cost of $8.2 million and will cover three acres of mountainside. Species include grizzly bears, mountain lions and moose.

The zoo's new Mountaineer chairlift-style sky-ride will open in late May and will be open year-round, weather permitting. It will provide an eagle's-eye view of the entire zoo and the vistas beyond, including Colorado Springs and Cheyenne Mountain.

The seven-minute ascent takes visitors to a scenic overlook at the top of the zoo. It is available with or without zoo admission. At the top, visitors will find a yurt (in case a thunderstorm breaks), a children's playground and benches from which to enjoy the view.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo takes an active role in wildlife conservation, with more than 30 endangered species and the largest breeding collection of giraffes in North America. Feeding the giraffes is popular—they'll gently take crackers (sold on site) from a visitor's hand with their long, soft tongues.

For information, call 719-633-9925 or visit www.cmzoo.org.