I'm a big cat fan!

Trista Johnson

I look forward to seeing Trista’s smiling face when she comes in each week.  She has devoted her time to help in Monkey Pavilion and I know the keepers welcome her help!  Kudos and many thanks to Trista!  Both the staff and the animals at CMZ appreciate you!

- Megan Hudak – Volunteer Services Manager   

Favorite Zoo Animal
I'm a big cat fan, so I love the African lions, tiger, leopards, and mt. lions. In the Monkey Pavilion department that I volunteer in, I love them all (from the bears, lemurs, gibbons, guenons, howler monkeys, marmosets, sloths, etc.)

What’s your favorite part of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo?
I love the animal conservation programs that the zoo has and participates in. I also think the zoo does a great job in educating the public and involves the community in special events and workshops.  CMZ is also a wonderful place to see exotic and wild animals up close and personal.

How long have you been a volunteer?  
It will be a year next month (February)

What are some of the activities you have gotten to help with?
As a volunteer, I've been able to help prepare diets for the animals in Monkey Pavilion, Spectacle Bears, and Asiatic Bears. I get to help make enrichment items for the animals in Monkey Pavilion and watch them enjoy them. I also help the zookeepers clean exhibits as needed. I've been able to watch and observe the zookeepers do training sessions with the animals in Monkey Pavilion, with the African Lions, Spectacle Bears, and Asiatic Bears.

Do you have any funny/good stories about your volunteering experiences?
I enjoy watching the animals receive enrichment toys/food. I feel wonderful when I am able to help the zookeepers with the cleaning and preparing diets so they have more time to do their job (training, animal introductions etc.)