At Penrose Heritage Museum, guests embark on an...
engaging journey through an all-new exhibit commemorating the origins, evolution, and lasting impact of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, established in 1926 by Spencer Penrose. Rare artifacts, archival materials, and ephemera bring to life Penrose’s transformation of his personal menagerie into a pioneering mountainside zoo. Guests encounter stories of notable animals, innovative breeding achievements, progressive exhibit designs, and the Zoo’s transition from spectacle to science. A new documentary deepens the experience, expanding on the stories that shape Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s extraordinary history.
The Zoo's Early Origins
The Penroses married in 1906 and spent their life in Colorado Springs building and giving back to the community. In addition to the Zoo, the couple created many longstanding attractions and events in the Pikes Peak region, including The Broadmoor hotel, the highway up Pikes Peak, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, and Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo.
Spencer began collecting exotic animals in the early-1910s, and by 1926 hoofstock pens lined Cheyenne Mountain Highway, which he had constructed the year before. The Zoo grew rapidly over the next several years as Spencer built exhibits for his expanding animal collection. After personally funding the Zoo for more than a decade, Spencer incorporated Cheyenne Mountain Zoo as a nonprofit in 1938, establishing a legacy in which the Zoo continues to be privately funded to this day.
Documentary
The exhibit includes an all-new short documentary exploring Spencer Penrose’s bold vision for Cheyenne Mountain Zoo through interviews, historic film footage, and archival records. Viewers will learn about the fascinating early years of the Zoo’s creation as well as recent innovations and its impact on conservation and community.
