After 78 years Monkey Pavilion to Close at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: September 21, 2020 11:30 pm

cheyenne mountain zoo monkey pavilion closing

Enclosures in the monkey pavilion at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Photo Credit: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has announced that they will close their historic monkey pavilion which opened in 1942.

Originally built to house big cats such as tigers, leopards and lions it has undergone renovations over its history to house lemurs, monkeys and sloths. Once considered architecturally beautiful and state of the art the building now represents a symbol of the zoos past.

With changing standards for zoo enclosures Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has decided that the enclosure no longer fits with their mission.

In a release Cheyenne Mountain Zoo said, “Fostering relationships between our guests and animals is our top priority, supported by our focuses on animal care, conservation and education. The animals’ homes play a vital role in our ability to achieve our goal of helping people fall in love with wildlife and wild places. We understand perception matters. We want to inspire our guests, and have seen that if an enclosure presents too many barriers, our ability to foster those connections is limited.”

Enclosures outside the monkey pavilion at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Photo Credit: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

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While the exhibit may currently provide a suitable and enriching home for the animals the zoo believe the space could be better utilized in pursuit of their mission. A decision has not yet been reached on what the site will be used for in the future though the zoo say they are exploring ‘endless possibilities’.

The animals housed within the pavilion are set to be relocated either within the zoo or to other zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. These relocations will take place over the next month and a half before the building closes on October 28th 2020.

A pair of popular statues depicting a lioness and zebra near the monkey house will also be relocated within the zoo.