Pueblo Zoo updates Pioneer Ranch

It is said that new construction is a sign of progress. If that is true, the Pueblo Zoo is certainly progressing into the future with all the construction projects taking place.

The Islands of Life construction has been on-going at the Zoo for the past ?? years and scheduled to open in the Spring of 2007, but last August, the Pueblo Zoo staff was stunned when, during a routine inspection, the US Department of Agriculture (federal agency that licenses zoos) issued a citation requiring the goats, sheep, rabbits, horses, donkeys, and llamas in the very popular Pioneer Ranch to be fenced away from visitor contact or feeding unless constantly supervised by trained personnel. Previously, touching these animals over a fence or feeding crackers and grain sold by the Zoo had not been cited as inappropriate “contact.” Evidently, this citation was the result of the agency’s redefinition of the word “contact,” in their on-going work to assure that facilities like the Pueblo Zoo are doing everything possible to protect the animals in their care.

Unfortunately, the Zoo’s lean budget will not allow employment of a person to be on duty during all open hours. Zoo staff and contractors are currently in the process of meeting this challenge by rebuilding a significant portion of the Pioneer Ranch, with the goal of making it even more fun than it has been for the past 50 years. Fencing will be upgraded to protect the animals, while giving the public the opportunity to touch and feed the goats, sheep, rabbits, horses, donkeys, and llamas whenever it is possible to have a trained employee or volunteer in the area. Opportunities to feed chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys will be increased and displays of ranching equipment—much of it child-size—will be added, as will several interactive displays.

Greatly improved housing will also be provided for most of the animals.

Unfortunately, this work means that the goats, sheep, horses, donkeys, and llamas have been taken off exhibit and will remain in holding pens for the next couple of months. During this process, the Pioneer Ranch portion of the Zoo will be in construction phase. However, numerous exhibits continue to be open daily to the public, including the lions, bears, otters, penguins, reptiles, zebras, kangaroos, and many, many more.

This work is being funded by grants from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Pueblo Day Nursery Children’s Foundation, Pueblo City and County Foundation, and contributions to the Zoological Society. Anyone wishing to donate toward the Pioneer Farm project can mail a check to the Pueblo Zoo at 3455 Nuckolls Avenue, Pueblo, CO 81005 or call 561-1452 ext. 104 for further information.

Contact: Sunny Davis 561-1452 x106

[ Back ]