Sedgwick County Zoo

01/02/2025

Love the Sedgwick County Zoo? Now you can take your Zoo pride to the streets with a specialty license plate! 🚘

Not only is this tag a unique way to express your love for SCZ, but it’s also an amazing way to support our mission! $50 from each plate registration goes directly to support the Zoo's conservation efforts.

How to Get Yours:
1️⃣ Visit your local county tag office during your annual tag renewal.
2️⃣ Let them know you want the Sedgwick County Zoo plate.
3️⃣ Exchange your current tag for a temporary one. Your new plate will arrive in the mail within a few weeks!

Ready to learn more? Visit our website to find all the details ➡️ scz.org/zoo-plate-pride

01/01/2025

Happy MOO Year! 🥳🎉

We're open today with $5 admission for Winter Wednesday. What better way to bring in the "zoo year" than with a trip to SCZ?!

12/31/2024

ELEPHANT BUMPDATE 🐘🔔

All of our expectant moms are doing wonderfully and participating in regular ultrasounds as part of their specialized care and training.

Simunye, who’s due first, has already received her booster shots (Tetanus and Rabies) to ensure she’s healthy and ready for her little one’s arrival in the spring.

These amazing mamas-to-be are making great progress, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome our first calf in 2025! Stay tuned for more updates as the journey continues. 🧡

Pictured elephant: Talia

12/30/2024

🚨IMPORTANT UPDATE:
We've recently learned of a positive case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) identified within Sedgwick County.

While this strain doesn't pose a high risk to human health, it does put many Zoo animals at risk. To ensure their safety, we've activated our HPAI action plan. As a result, the Tropics building will be temporarily closed and Penguin Encounters will be discontinued. Our dedicated animal care staff is working tirelessly to provide the birds with the best care, following strict safety protocols.

We appreciate your understanding and support. We'll keep you updated regarding the reopening and the resumption of our Penguin Encounters. 🦜💚

12/26/2024

‘Twas the day after Christmas, and all through her space,
Alizeti the chimp had a smile on her face.
Her stocking was stuffed with sweet treats and great care,
And gift boxes awaited with surprises to share! 🎁

She ripped through the wrappings with joy and delight,
Her holiday cheer was a magical sight.
The Zoo is still buzzing with post-Christmas glow,
We’re OPEN today - come join in the show!

Bring your family, your friends, and your holiday cheer,
We can’t wait to see you before the New Year! 🎄✨

12/25/2024

Sama and Takelma received a greeting card from K’wasi the lion at wishing us a paw-sitively wonderful holiday season! 🐾🎁

They seemed to love their card, which was placed on a gift box for enrichment thanks to Keeper Lindsey.

📷Photo Credit: Marissa K.

12/25/2024

🎄From all of us here at Sedgwick County Zoo, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of holidays!

Looking for a fun way to burn off those holiday calories and spend time with your favorite animals? 🧡 Join us at the Zoo today for just $5! We're open and ready to make your day extra special.

📷Photo Credit: Keeper Jody

12/24/2024

Reindeer, caribou, and elk - oh my! 🦌 Ever wondered what sets them apart? This holiday season, we're sharing the true tail of how they differ.

Whether you're an animal trivia expert or just a fan of Santa's sleigh team, this article is one yule need to read! 🧐 https://scz.org/blog/elk-reindeer-and-caribou-whats-the-difference

With holiday events fast approaching, it’s time to brush up on your Christmas critter knowledge! No animal better symbolizes Christmas than a reindeer, but few people actually know the differences…

12/23/2024

Our meerkat crew has been paws-itively loving their latest enrichment - crinkling, tearing, and pouncing on wrapping paper! 🎁🐾

They’re not just playing; they’re putting their natural foraging instincts to work. Plus, they’re showing us that when it comes to fun, it’s all in the un-fur-ling.

We're open through the holidays so come see them in action! Just don’t expect them to wrap your gifts - they’re more about deconstruction than presentation! 😅

12/22/2024

Tonight's the night! ✨ Don’t miss your last chance to experience the magic of Wild Lights! Bring your family and friends to stroll through our enchanting light extravaganza one final time.

🎟️ Grab tickets at the gate or online at scz.org/event/wild-lights

12/21/2024

Just poppin' in to let you know that we will be OPEN through the holidays! 🙈🎁

If you need any last-minute gift ideas, a membership to the Zoo is a gift that keeps on giving, all year round. 🎄👉 scz.org/gifts

12/20/2024

Don’t miss out - these are your FINAL NIGHTS to experience Wild Lights! ✨🏮

The magic ends this Sunday, December 22nd, so bundle up, grab your loved ones, and take one last stroll through the Zoo. 🌟 With countless glowing lanterns and dazzling light displays, it’s the perfect way to wrap up your holiday activities.

🎟️ Plan your visit now: scz.org/event/wild-lights

Let’s make these final nights unforgettable!

12/19/2024

We tried the trending wrapping paper photoshoot with the lemurs, and we would say it went well. 🎁😍 Animal enrichment at its finest!

12/18/2024

Tonight is our LAST DISCOUNTED NIGHT for Wild Lights this year! ✨ Visit for just $15 or $13 if you're a member.

🎟️Grab your tickets at the gate or by visiting: scz.org/event/wild-lights

12/17/2024

The chimpanzees now have a fresh layer of mulch in their habitat, thanks to the incredible efforts of over 30 volunteers who dedicated 90+ hours to make it happen! Together, they spread an impressive 80 cubic yards of mulch - talk about heavy lifting! 💪

A huge shoutout to the amazing teams from John Deere, Southern Star Pipeline, Fiber Dynamics, and our dedicated SCZ volunteers. Their hard work helped our chimps have a more comfortable and enriching space to call home. Thank you!

12/16/2024

Ready to turn your Wild Lights adventure into picture-perfect memories? 📸 Check out these tips for capturing the glow:

🌙 Use Night Mode! Many smartphones have this feature - activate it for brighter, clearer images of the lanterns.

📲 Before taking the photo, tap on the object that you want to capture to bring it in focus and adjust the lighting!

↕️ Manually adjust exposure (tap and slide up/down on the screen) to ensure your family/friends are well-lit without overexposing the lanterns.

🧼 It may seem simple, but wiping off your camera lens before taking photos will ensure you have sharp, clear images. Your phone is dirtier than you may think!

Ready to light up your camera roll? Share your photos with us in the comments below! We can’t wait to see your creativity shine! ✨

Don’t miss out - Wild Lights ends THIS SUNDAY! ⏳ Get your tickets now at scz.org/event/wild-lights.

12/14/2024

Ever wondered WHY poo is collected at the Zoo? 💩 We’re taking you behind the scenes to find out!

In part two of episode 12, of Beyond the Barrier, Registered Vet Tech Caitlin dives into the not-so-glamorous but seriously fascinating world of p**p! 🐢 From why fecals are sampled to how poo is "scored", we’re talking all things number two and why it's so important.

12/14/2024

Searching for a gift that gives back? Symbolically adopt Sama and Takelma this holiday season and make your holiday shopping BEARABLE! 🎁🐻

Each adoption package includes:
🎄 Pewter keepsake ornament
📜 ZooPal certificate
📖 Animal info sheet
📸 4x6 photo
✨ Recognition in the Zoo for one year

After December 19th, packages will be digital-only, so order soon to get your keepsake in time! 🐾 scz.org/gifts