Zoo exceeds goal for new exhibit

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo sent out the call for help - and the community answered.

The zoo's newest major exhibit, the Rocky Mountain Wild, opens May 2.

Tuesday, zoo supporters announced the Rocky Mountain Wild Capital Campaign had reached its goal of $8.2 million, raising $8,279,000 from foundations, organizations and individuals.

"These dollars have made it possible to plan, design and construct the Rocky Mountain Wild, as well as grow our endowment, which provides for a bright future for the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo," said campaign co-chair James Loo.

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of a handful accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums that operate without local tax support. It depends on admissions, membership dues, donations and grants.

The capital campaign got a big boost in 2006 when an anonymous donor gave $1.46 million, the largest donation from an individual in the zoo's history. That amount was matched by a gift from the El Pomar Foundation.

The 3-acre Rocky Mountain Wild, in the southwest section of the zoo, will be home to moose, grizzly bears, Canada lynx and other creatures of the Rocky Mountains. It's designed to provide unique, close-up views, with mountain lions peering down at visitors though the glass canopy of Cougar Canyon and the bears fishing for trout in a pool at the foot of Grizzly Falls.

The community's support is being sought through a program called Rock the Zoo. Engraved river rocks, available for $100 a rock, will make up a Community Wall of Names at the Rocky Mountain Wild's Moose Lake. So far, 840 rocks have been sold, said Bob Chastain, zoo president and chief executive officer.

"That's $84,000 worth of grass-roots support that we've got for this campaign," Chastain said.

For information on buying a rock, go to www.cmzoo.org or call 633-9925, ext. 115.