COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs has plenty of unique features. But few are as unique as its location.

It’s the only zoo in the nation that sits on the side of a mountain, dubbing it: the only ‘mountain zoo’ in America.

“We’re America’s only Mountain Zoo. Our front gate starts at 6,714 feet in elevation and just goes up from there,” said Erica Meyer, spokesperson for the zoo.

The zoo is open 365 days a year and features animal exhibits that allow people to get up close and personal with rare creatures.

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has approximately 750 animals and 170 species available for people to see. Sixteen of those animals are giraffes.

“It’s one of the largest giraffe herds in North America and we’ve actually had 198 births [at the zoo] since 1954,” said Kayla Ringuette, a zookeeper who works with the giraffes.

The zoo is also unique because it doesn’t rely on tax dollars.

“We also operate without any tax support. Which makes us really unique. We’re one of only 10 accredited  zoos that doesn’t receive tax supports,” said Meyer.

To learn more about The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, visit its website.

To get a behind-the-scenes look at the zoo, watch Kevin Torres‘ ‘Unique 2 Colorado‘ feature about it by clicking play on the video above.