Cheyenne Mountain Zoo announces winners of $75,000 conservation funds

Dara Korn
·2 min read

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — On Monday, April 29, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (CMZoo) announced the winners of $75,000 in member conservation project funds, as voted on by zoo members, via its social media platform.

Over the past month, members cast their votes to help the Zoo decide how to spend the $75,000 from six potential conservation projects. Each year, a total of $100,000 of membership revenue is donated to conservation, with $25,000 going towards the Quarters for Conservation program, and $75,000 to projects voted for by zoo members.

Each of the top three winners was given enough money to fully fund the project. This year’s top three winners were:

1st place: Track and protect Flammulated Owls in Colorado: $4,150

Acquire ten tracking tags to gather vital migration data for flammulated owls. Migratory birds confront threats like pollution, pesticides, habitat loss, and collisions with structures. Two Motus towers, installed at the zoo and Fountain Creek Nature Center, aid in tracking numerous local birds, including the flammulated owls native to Colorado Springs.

2nd Place: Support agroforestry to protect Okapi habitat: $24,600

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, okapi habitats face threats from slash-and-burn agriculture and human settlements. The Okapi Conservation Project plans to use the donation to equip farmers with essential tools, seeds, land plots, and education, creating sustainable agriculture and reforestation practices.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo announces winners of $75,000 conservation funds
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo announces winners of $75,000 conservation funds
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo announces winners of $75,000 conservation funds
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo announces winners of $75,000 conservation funds

3rd place: Help build a new island home for Orangutans in Borneo: $17,642

The Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation rescues, rehabilitates, and releases orangutans into their natural environment. However, some orangutans have injuries or conditions preventing safe release, so BOS provides lifelong care. Member funds will help provide materials for a new island home for three orangutans, ensuring a spacious and enriching environment.

The remaining funds will partially finance the three projects that did not receive the highest number of votes.

  • Protect Pancake Tortoises through community conservation in Kenya: Community awareness training and research to protect critically endangered tortoises and their habitats.

  • Expand African Penguin chick rearing capacity: Provide construction materials and equipment to rear penguin chicks.

  • Support kids’ education camps to help protect African Lions: Help protect large carnivores by empowering a new generation in Kenya.

CMZoo extended its appreciation to the members who helped support these efforts and take part in the decisions.

“I hope our members recognize what an impact they make for wildlife and wild places through these staff-championed conservation efforts,” said Ashley Cioppa, CMZoo membership manager. “Our members’ annual investment in their Zoo memberships directly supports animals here in Colorado and all around the world.”

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