Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is about to unveil the largest change to the zoo in years, and the timing — arriving just as the back-to-school season begins — makes it a perfect destination for a family outing before the routine of the school year fully sets in.

The zoo's $40 million International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe is opening very soon, according to a KKTV report on August 6. An exact date has not been announced as of this writing, but zoo officials have indicated the facility is ready. Colorado Springs families should check cmzoo.org for the official opening announcement, which could come any day.

What Makes This Center Different

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's giraffe herd has been one of the most recognizable features of the Colorado Springs institution for decades. The existing feeding platform gives visitors the chance to feed and observe giraffes up close — it is consistently ranked among the most popular experiences at any zoo in the region.

The new center takes that concept significantly further. Eleven feeding zones, up from the current three, means families can spend more time with the animals and there is less congestion at any single feeding point — a meaningful improvement for visitors on busy days. The 12,000-square-foot barn is designed for both visitor experience and the long-term care of the animals, with the ETFE roof providing natural light in a structure that can shelter the herd during Colorado Springs winters.

ETFE — ethylene tetrafluoroethylene — is a lightweight, transparent material used in major architectural projects around the world. CMZoo notes that this application will be the largest of its kind covering an animal exhibit in North America. The design is intended to provide a more naturalistic environment for the giraffes while making the entire experience more visually immersive for visitors.

CMZoo's Centennial Year

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo was founded in 1926, making 2026 its centennial year. The giraffe center is the signature addition to the zoo's 100th anniversary and represents the most significant infrastructure investment in the zoo in many years.

The zoo is a nonprofit institution and is one of only two privately funded zoos in the United States. It does not receive tax funding, which makes major capital projects like the giraffe center entirely dependent on membership fees, admissions, donations, and fundraising campaigns. The $40 million project reflects both the zoo's ambition for its second century and the support of Colorado Springs donors and partners who contributed to the project.

What's Next

No official opening date has been announced. The best way for Colorado Springs families to stay current is to follow Cheyenne Mountain Zoo on their website at cmzoo.org and on social media, where the official opening announcement will be posted when the date is confirmed.

In the meantime, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo remains open during regular operating hours. Current admission prices and hours are available at cmzoo.org. The zoo is located at 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road in Colorado Springs.