COLORADO SPRINGS — After shutting down for nearly three months, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is back open and adapting to the new normal. However, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, things are looking a little different at the zoo these days.
What you should know!
One of the first things that you should know is that online reservations are required, including for zoo members. Reservations can made ahead of time at www.cmzoo.org. You'll be given a 20-minute window to enter the zoo, and once inside, you're welcome to stay as long as you'd like.
As of the date of this story, daily tickets cannot be purchased at the gate. They must be purchased ahead of time on the zoo's website.
Masks are strongly encouraged, but are not required at this time.
We spoke with Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's Public Relations and Social Media Manager Rachel Wright.
She told News 5 that the closure was the longest in the zoo's 94-year history. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo first opened its doors to the public back in 1926.
Wright also said that when the zoo reopened in early June, they had the grand opening of their newest exhibit, Waters Edge Africa, which is home to hippos, penguins, lemurs, warthogs and more.
Planning your visit will be different
When asked what the public should know when planning a visit, Wright said, "Just like the rest of life right now, things are a little different up here, but you can still have an amazing time and an amazing visit. Just plan ahead a little bit."
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will be open in limited capacity this summer daily from 9 am to 6 pm, with online reservations required.
For more details, including a complete list of changes, you can visit the zoo's website at www.cmzoo.org.
