The Sedgwick County Zoo is a popular wildlife park and one of the top attractions in Wichita, Kansas. More than 3,000 individual animals from almost 400 species live here. These residents are grouped here geographically and according to their natural habitats.
The following areas can be seen here: Africa, Asia, North America, Tropics, Children’s Farms, Amphibians and Reptiles, Koch Orangutan and Chimpanzee Habitat, Cessna Penguin Cove, The Downing Gorilla Forest, Slawson Family Tiger Trek and the South America and Australia.
Daily activities have something for every visitor. Look the wildest animals in the face. Meet the gorilla and observe endangered chimpanzees and orangutans.
Spend the day with colorful birds, playful penguins, poison dart frogs and more than 3,000 other animals of all sizes, shapes and colors.
One of the most important concepts of the zoo is experiential education. Exhibits are designed to immerse guests in the world of animals. In addition, visitors can move freely between the plants and animals in many areas.
Visit the Sedgwick Zoo and discover Kansas ‘ most popular attraction.
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History of the Sedgwick County Zoo
In 1971, the Wichita Zoo was established with the help of the Sedgwick County Zoological Society. The Sedgwick County Zoological Society is a volunteer community organization that began planning and building the zoo in 1963.
In 1971 the zoo opened with the American and Asian sections. Many exhibitions took place like Herpetarium, the Jungle, the South American Pampas and the Australian Outback. Other areas were added over time. For 2016 it is planned that the elephants will have their own area.
For as long as Sedgwick Zoo has existed, it has supported conservation programs and successfully breeds rare and endangered species.
Exhibits at Sedgwick County Zoo
A thrilling journey of adventure awaits you when you visit the Sedgwick County Zoo. Discover the Sedgwick Zoo, we have put together the individual areas for you here:
Africa – Downing Gorilla Forest – Pride of the Plains
Embark on a journey through Africa here. Explore the Downing Gorilla Forest and the Pride of the Plains.
Downing Gorilla Forest
Downing Gorilla Forest begins in a small village in Congo with exhibits of the Brazza monkey, Colobus monkey, bank pelican and white pelican. Further exhibitions on saddle storks, black crowned cranes and okapis will follow. The main attraction is a large gorilla exhibit. You can see the gorillas in an indoor home. Watch the gorillas snacking, playing and wrestling on the hilltop.
Pride of the Plains
Several footpaths meander through the African savannah here with an unobstructed view of the animals. Watch meerkats, red river hogs, lions and dogs. At the end of the Pride of the Plains exhibit you will encounter hippos, giraffes and elephants.
North America
North American species such as otters, bears, bison and other animals that once lived on the Kansas prairie are on display here. They were driven out by human encroachment. You can also take part in a boat tour from North America to Africa. You’ll pass under the Downing Gorilla Forest bridge, through Nganda Village, past the three Lemur Islands and then back to the Pride of the Plains.
Other animals found in this area include: grizzly bears, black bears, North American otters, white-tailed deer, bald eagles, Mexican wolves, native amphibians, reptiles, bison and prairie dogs.
Tropics
Wonderful animal species such as fish and birds from tropical areas around the world can be admired here. Cross the suspension bridge, from here you can see some tropical residents. Spot bats in the bat cave and spot birds from around the world.
Amphibians & Reptiles
Amphibians, reptiles and fish make up 70 percent of all known living vertebrates. Wichita Zoo exhibits a wide variety of fish, amphibians, turtles, snakes, lizards and crocodiles.
Cessna Penguin Cove
Cessna Penguin Cove features penguins gliding gracefully through the water. A 15 meter long underwater viewing area invites you to watch penguins being fed.
Cessna Penguin Cove, was built to showcase the coast of South America with the Humboldt penguins and Inca terns. Visit this exhibition and experience an adventure that delights all the senses.
Asia
Watch tigers roam the wild and play with each other. In the Asian forest, the chirping of many different birds fills the air. Maiden cranes, white storks, bar-headed geese, shelduck geese and many other species of waterfowl can be seen. But not only birds but also tapirs, Amur tigers, red pandas and deer with forehead antlers roam through the Asian forest.
Australia
The Australia area is home to many reptiles, more than 50 mammals and almost 200 individual birds. In addition to the colorful birds, a colorful splendor of plants awaits you here. Typical Australian animals such as cockatoos, kookaburra, wallabies and kangaroos live in this area.
South America
Over 150 birds live here, and flocks of bright pink spoonbills fly about. But not only spoonbills but also ibises, herons, colorful parrots and terns can be discovered. There are also reptiles, turtles and iguanas. Many of these South American mammals can be seen year-round, with few hibernating.
KOCH Orangutan & Chimpanzee Habitat
Chimpanzees and orangutans live here and their natural behavior can be observed. A waterfall, climbing areas and platforms provide a natural environment for the monkeys. Visit this area and watch the chimpanzees and orangutans skilfully use their tools to get food.
Children’s Farms
Three small farms with more than 40 different breeds of animals await you at Children’s Farm. There is the American Farm, the Asian Farm and the African Farm with lots of animals. A highlight for families with children.
Zoo attractions at the Wichita Zoo
Free trams run throughout the zoo, with a total of five stops. The tram runs daily, except in bad weather, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every 20 minutes. During the trip you will learn useful information about the zoo and the animals.
In the Africa and America area, boat tours are offered for a fee. There is also the opportunity to take part in giraffe feedings.
Admission prices and hours of operation at Sedgwick County Zoo
Admission to the Kansas Zoo is free for children 2 years old and under. Children ages 3-11 are $8.95, adults ages 12-61 are $13.95, and seniors (age 62+) are $11.95 (as of 2015).
Parking is free at Sedgwick County Zoo in more than 1,700 spaces.
For an average visit to SedgwickZoo, allow 3 to 4 hours. But you can easily spend a whole day at the zoo.
Address of the Sedgwick County Zoo attraction in Kansas
Sedgwick County Zoo
5555 Zoo Boulevard
Wichita, Kansas 67212
