On Tues., Sept. 15, we celebrated the Giraffe Center grand opening by inviting the community to CMZoo for a day of festivities, including live music, free lettuce to feed the giraffe, access to the brand-new Giraffe Center, and opportunities to learn from our docents. The day kicked off with a special opening ceremony featuring several speakers and was made even more memorable... more

While all giraffe have beautiful, one-of-a-kind spot patterns, behaviors, and sizes, it can still be tricky to tell them apart! Get to know the CMZoo giraffe tower, from their unique physical features to their individual behaviors. Then, see if you can spot each one in the brand-new Giraffe Center during your next visit to CMZoo!... more

Written by Kacie Meffley, Giraffe Manager - Over the last two years, African Rift Valley has been immersed in construction and change. The giraffe herd encountered new doors to shift through, construction sounds, a brand-new drawbridge to walk through into new yards, and regularly adjusted spaces – and they have done it with incredible resilience, trust in their care team, and even excitement and curiosity!... more

There’s a new cutie-pie at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – a 10-month-old male reticulated giraffe named Khari (pronounced KAH-ree ). He joined the herd from Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot, North Dakota, on Thurs., Sept. 17, and he is settling in well – already taking lettuce from guests and stealing hearts along the way.... more

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s shipping container farms have moved to their new home — just steps away from the new International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe, which is now open! Inside these climate-controlled hydroponic farms our horticulture team grows fresh produce year-round for the animals, including romaine lettuce, kale, bok choy, wheatgrass, and more.... more

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is remembering Laikipia (lah-KEY-pee-yah), a 19- year-old female giraffe. She passed away without human intervention early Monday morning. Her cause of death has not been identified, but she had a sudden decline over the past two days. Born at CMZoo in 2007, Laikipia is well known by Zoo members and giraffe fans... more

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is inviting media, members, the public, staff, and board members to celebrate the grand opening of the International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe (Giraffe Center) at 9:30 a.m. on Tues., Sept. 15, 2026.  During the event, attendees will hear remarks from CMZoo Board Chair, Mike Edmonds, and CMZoo President and CEO, Dave Ruhl. Then, the Giraffe Center will open to the public!  The Giraffe Center is a 12,000 square-foot giraffe barn and renovated and expanded giraffe yard. For the first time in CMZoo history, guests will be able to feed and observe giraffe from every angle – from above, face-to-face and feet-to-hooves... more

While The Giraffe Center isn’t quite ready to welcome guests, we’re getting closer every day! Stay tuned for details about The Giraffe Center Grand Opening. The new space is coming together beautifully, and behind the scenes, our giraffe care team is preparing the herd for a successful transition into their new home. Through positive reinforcement training and new routines, the giraffe are building confidence ahead of the move. We’re getting closer, and we can’t wait to welome you ... more

Laikipia (pronounced lah-KEY-pee-yah), a 19-year-old female giraffe at The International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (Giraffe Center), will receive treatments under anesthesia for progressing hoof and joint issues at the end of July. To prepare, her care team is leaning on their expertise and a collaborative network of giraffe professionals ... more

Meet Thorn, a one-year-old male giraffe who recently arrived at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and is settling into life in African Rift Valley! Since arriving in May, Thorn has adjusted quickly and is fitting in with the herd. He can often be seen spending time with giraffe like Ohe, Kinda, and Wednesday as he explores his surroundings. Brave, curious, and engaging, Thorn is already a confident giraffe while still being gentle and playful with both his herd mates and care team. ...more