(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Grizzly bears, Emmet and Digger, have returned to their Rocky Mountain Wild habitat at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (CMZoo) after a renovation project, and visitors are invited to their Housewarming Party from Saturday, Aug. 31, through Monday, Sept. 2.
The event will feature special activities and keeper talks all Labor Day weekend, while guests get to experience the new views of the 20-year-old bear celebrities as they enjoy their new-and-improved digs.
The elevated boardwalk has been removed and a new sidewalk leads visitors on a meandering path surrounded by native trees, flowers, and shrubs to the grizzly demonstration area and the familiar pond and yard at the top of the habitat. Those who climb the tower for a higher view can take a thrilling ride down the new 20 and 30-foot-tall fire tower slides.
Along the way, guests can visit Emmet and Digger’s new neighbors, Benton, Baker, and Baldwin, three charming raccoon brothers from an accredited zoo in Louisiana.
Since the bears moved back into their enclosure, they have been enjoying environmental enhancements, such as an expanded lower yard, an exciting new mud pit for the bears to dig in, and a bear-safe overnight outdoor den, allowing them to sleep under the stars.
There is now enough space that more bear groups can be comfortably housed, allowing CMZoo to provide a home for orphaned bear cubs who need long-term care.
Those who want to attend the housewarming party need to book tickets in advance through the zoo’s website, and it’s advised to act soon, as Labor Day weekend is always a busy time.
The activity schedule for the weekend includes:
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Show your best #GrizzlyRizz at the selfie photo station with grizzly-themed photo props.
Visit the docent biofact station to learn about bears, and how to protect them in the wild.
Color your own grizzly paw to display for the weekend.
While you’re near the grizzlies, take a plunge down our brand-new 20- and 30-foot-tall fire tower slides!
11:15 a.m.
Watch a daily raccoon keeper talk.
2:45 p.m.
Watch a daily grizzly demonstration.
