Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs (must see)

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo boasts the highest elevation of any zoo in the United States at 6,714 feet (2,046 meters) above sea level. Spanning 140 acres of land, with 40 dedicated to animal exhibits, it houses over 750 animals from nearly 170 species, including 30 endangered ones.

Established in 1926 by businessman Spencer Penrose, the zoo's roots lie in his fascination with exotic animals, initially housed at his Broadmoor Hotel. In 1938, it became a non-profit public trust, driven by a commitment to wildlife welfare and conservation without relying on public tax support.

In 2018, the zoo faced a severe hailstorm, earning praise for efficiently safeguarding animals and visitors. Sadly, some animals and guests faced confusion during this event, resulting in injuries and the loss of five animals.

The zoo's remarkable giraffe herd, with over 200 births since 1954, is a standout feature. Notably, they saved a giraffe named Dobby in 2017 by providing critical blood transfusion assistance to the Denver Zoo. This exemplifies their dedication to animal welfare and conservation.