ZOOS KANSAS

The K-State Insect Zoo is an educational insect exhibit located on the Kansas State University campus at 1500 Denison Avenue in Manhattan, Kansas. Home to more than 80 species of arthropods and invertebrates, the zoo invites visitors to discover the fascinating world of insects through walk-in visits, private guided tours, and classroom field trips. Knowledgeable staff introduce guests to a wide variety of species, including millipedes, roaches, and other intriguing creatures, offering hands-on learning opportunities for children and adults alike. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 1 to 6 p.m. with a modest admission fee, the Insect Zoo is a year-round community resource that makes entomology accessible and engaging. Whether visiting independently or as part of a school group, guests come away with a deeper appreciation for the diversity and importance of the insect world.

Tanganyika Wildlife Park is a remarkable wildlife park and nonprofit breeding facility for rare and endangered species located in Goddard, Kansas, near Wichita. Founded in 1985 and opened to the public in 2008, the park is home to over 400 animals across more than 40 exhibits, featuring species such as Amur leopards, clouded leopards, snow leopards, African honey badgers, reticulated giraffes, Grevy's zebras, ring-tailed lemurs, Indian rhinoceroses, pygmy hippos, and white-handed gibbons. Tanganyika is nationally recognized for its immersive interactive experiences, including hand-feeding giraffes, walking among kangaroos, stepping inside a lorikeet aviary, and the celebrated penguin swim and otter swim programs. The park also features Tanganyika Falls, a 5,000-square-foot animal-themed splash pad included with admission. With 37 successful breeding programs, Tanganyika Wildlife Park stands as a leader in exotic animal conservation and guest engagement.

Safari Zoological Park is a wildlife refuge and zoological park established in 1989 by the Harvey family in Caney, Kansas, dedicated to providing a sanctuary for endangered and exotic species. The park is home to a remarkable variety of animals including tigers, lions, bears, hyenas, wolves, kangaroos, alligators, ring-tailed lemurs, primates, large cats, tropical birds, and more. Visitors stroll along shaded paths and experience close-up encounters with animals from Africa, Asia, Madagascar, and beyond, guided by knowledgeable staff who share insights about each species. Safari Zoological Park has earned recognition as a top visitor attraction in Caney and received TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice honors, offering an intimate and authentic wildlife experience that is especially memorable for families and wildlife enthusiasts visiting southeastern Kansas.

David Traylor Zoo of Emporia is a small but distinguished free-admission zoo located in Emporia, Kansas, and is one of the smallest zoos in the United States to hold accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Home to nearly 400 individual animals representing more than 80 species of birds, mammals, and reptiles, the zoo showcases residents in naturalistic habitats, including tamarins, lemurs, a playful prairie dog colony, a mountain lion, bison, red foxes, and a variety of native and endangered species. A beloved local landmark, the zoo features both a drive-by viewing area and a walk-through section that invites leisurely exploration at any pace. Open daily with extended summer evening hours, David Traylor Zoo offers a warm and welcoming wildlife experience for families, school groups, and visitors to the Flint Hills region of central Kansas, all at no cost to the community.

The Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo is a free, publicly accessible zoological facility located in Great Bend, Kansas, offering visitors up-close experiences with more than 50 species of animals. Founded in 1953 through the vision of city parks director Brit Spaugh, the zoo features lions, white tigers, grizzly bears, monkeys, servals, bison, majestic birds of prey, and a variety of other wildlife. A standout feature is the on-site Raptor Center, dedicated to the treatment and rehabilitation of injured birds including eagles and owls. Visitors can enjoy animal feedings, educational talks, picnic areas, and playgrounds, making this a wonderfully accessible destination for families across the central Kansas region. The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at no charge.

Lee Richardson Zoo is an AZA-accredited public zoo operated by the City of Garden City, Kansas, located at 312 E Finnup Drive and offering an extensive collection of amphibians, birds, invertebrates, mammals, and reptiles with a strong focus on endangered species conservation. The zoo's Finnup Center for Conservation Education serves as the hub for interactive learning, supporting school field trips, summer camps, keeper chats, and animal encounter programs. Visitors can also enjoy regular publications through the Zoo Gnus newsletter, birthday party experiences, and sensory-accessible facilities. Free and family-friendly, Lee Richardson Zoo combines recreational enjoyment with meaningful wildlife conservation efforts, making it a valued community asset for environmental education and a welcoming destination for visitors across western Kansas and beyond.

Hutchinson Zoo is a charming 9-acre municipal zoo located in Hutchinson, Kansas, with a focus on animals native to Kansas and North America. Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits featuring North American river otters, bison, black-footed ferrets, swift foxes, bobcats, American badgers, and a diverse herpetarium showcasing lizards, snakes, turtles, and amphibians. A free-flight wildlife aviary and a resident American beaver round out the natural experience. Children delight in the Dino Dig play area and a prairie dog exhibit with tunneling systems that let kids peer into underground burrows. The Prairie Thunder Railroad, a miniature train running through the zoo since 2003, adds to the family fun. With its emphasis on regional wildlife education and hands-on exploration, Hutchinson Zoo offers an engaging and accessible outing for families in south-central Kansas.

Sedgwick County Zoo is a popular outdoor zoological attraction located in Wichita, Kansas, offering diverse wildlife encounters and educational experiences for visitors of all ages. Guests can hand-feed giraffes and river otters, observe African painted dogs, take a scenic train ride, and cruise a canal through the park. The zoo features Wild Encounters for intimate wildlife experiences and offers educational programming including keeper chats, nature STEAM activities, and learning adventures. Special events such as Twilight Tuesdays and Pajama Parties enhance the family-friendly atmosphere. As an accredited member of both the AZA and WAZA, Sedgwick County Zoo upholds the highest standards in animal care and conservation, welcoming visitors daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the heart of south-central Kansas.

Rolling Hills Zoo is an AZA-accredited nonprofit zoological park located near Salina, Kansas, dedicated to wildlife conservation and interactive education. The zoo is home to over 100 species, including African giraffes, ring-tailed lemurs, and Komodo dragons, all housed in thoughtfully designed exhibits. A highlight of the facility is its Wildlife Museum, which features one of the world's premier collections of full-mount animal specimens, with more than 500 mounts representing over 200 species displayed across seven immersive dioramas depicting global ecosystems from the African Plains to the Arctic Tundra. Educational programming includes keeper talks, interpretive signage, school group visits, and seasonal events. Rolling Hills Zoo offers a rich and informative wildlife experience on the Kansas prairie for families and conservation-minded visitors alike.

The Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center is a community zoo and wildlife conservation facility located at 635 SW Gage Boulevard in Topeka, Kansas. The zoo is home to Sumatran tigers and the facility's first King vulture, Picasso, both featured in the recently opened Mark & Bette Morris Family Tiger Trails & Den Academy, which also offers interactive STEM learning spaces. A striking rotating exhibit called "Washed Ashore" displays large marine sculptures crafted entirely from plastic debris, highlighting ocean conservation. The zoo's mission focuses on enriching the community through wildlife conservation and education, supported by programs such as Project Topeka, summer camps, and docent volunteering. Seasonal events including Zoo Lights, Boo at the Zoo, and Summer Night Tours make it a lively destination for families throughout the year.

Sunset Zoo is a community-centered wildlife park located in Manhattan, Kansas, open seasonally from April through October. With a mission to inspire conservation of the natural world, the zoo features a diverse collection of animals from multiple continents displayed in engaging habitats. Beyond standard wildlife viewing, the zoo offers summer camps, educational classes, birthday party packages, and special events such as Water Safari Day, Zoo Late Nights, and Painting with the Animals programs. Animal spotlights and interactive keeper presentations bring guests closer to the creatures in residence. Membership options and volunteer opportunities reflect the zoo's deep roots in the local community. Sunset Zoo is a welcoming destination for families, schools, and nature lovers across the Flint Hills region of Kansas.

The Kansas Wildlife Exhibit is a free public wildlife attraction located in Central Riverside Park at 700 Nims in Wichita, Kansas, continuing a tradition of animal encounters in the park that dates back to 1901. The exhibit is home to over 25 species of native Kansas mammals, reptiles, and birds across eight displays, featuring non-releasable wildlife ambassadors such as a bobcat, golden eagle, beaver, hawks, quail, and turtles. A daily noon feeding program lasting approximately 30 to 45 minutes is the best time to see the animals at their most active, followed by access to an indoor exhibit. Open every day of the year at no charge, the Kansas Wildlife Exhibit is an accessible and educational destination for families and nature enthusiasts in the Wichita area.