GLOBAL TIGER DAY
Come visit us on June 28th from 9am to 3pm to celebrate Global Tiger Day as part of your regular admission to the zoo!
DINOMITE DEAL - GET IN FREE TO THE ZOO!
From 5pm to 8pm on July 18th, you can get in FREE to the zoo when you bring a non-perishable food item! Think canned goods, dried beans, dried pasta and more!
TIGER TRAILS & DEN ACADEMY
Tiger Trails & Den Academy offers an immersive experience that brings guests closer to Sumatran tigers and King Vultures while inspiring future conservation leaders. The Den Academy engages children in hands-on STEM learning, teaching them about wildlife conservation and the challenges tigers face. Through interactive activities, kids develop empathy and a deeper understanding of conservation, empowering them to take action. This initiative is a vital step in nurturing the next generation of wildlife advocates. Join us in making this vision a reality!
SUMMER NIGHTS
Experience the Topeka Zoo like never before with our returning exclusive "Summer Nights Program".
Enjoy a unique evening tour to explore the zoo's exhibits after hours. This perfect family-friendly outing offers a unique and intimate look at our amazing animals and exhibits, culminating in the final night on September 18th. GET TICKETS
🗣️ ENDANGERED SPECIES BABY ANNOUNCEMENT!!! 🧡
Great things come in pairs! The Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center is celebrating the birth of TWO Golden Lion Tamarins, a small primate noted for its golden-orange fur and lion-like mane. The twin babies join mother Esperta, father Kris, and brother Zico.
"We are beyond excited! The Topeka Zoo has been involved with AZA's (Association of Zoo’s & Aquariums) Golden Lion Tamarin species survival program for many years, and we are pleased to celebrate this new birth" said Wrylie Guffey, Animal Care Director. Each family group has one female that reproduces, but all individuals in the family help in rearing offspring! “Watching older siblings learn to take care of new babies is truly something to behold. The practice they receive sets them up to be better parents someday. The babies will cling to the mother, father, or even the brother periodically. This gives mom Esperta a much-needed break, especially as they grow larger."
🧡 Guests will be able to see the two babies clinging to their parents or sibling inside their habitat attached to the Tropical Rainforest dome. It may be hard to spot the babies right away, as they are very small and tucked into fur for camouflage. They will be more easily spotted in a few weeks as they grow and even start to explore on their own. While the babies are still getting used to seeing people, they may be off exhibit for small periods of time if a break is needed from crowds.
The Zoo will be closely watching the infants & family to ensure they are reaching the proper milestones. As of right now the sex of the babies is still unknown but keep checking the Zoo’s social media for baby updates & name announcements. 🧡
Great things come in pairs! The Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center is celebrating the birth of TWO Golden Lion Tamarins, a small primate noted for its golden-orange fur and lion-like mane. The twin babies join mother Esperta, father Kris, and brother Zico.
"We are beyond excited! The Topeka Zoo has been involved with AZA's (Association of Zoo’s & Aquariums) Golden Lion Tamarin species survival program for many years, and we are pleased to celebrate this new birth" said Wrylie Guffey, Animal Care Director. Each family group has one female that reproduces, but all individuals in the family help in rearing offspring! “Watching older siblings learn to take care of new babies is truly something to behold. The practice they receive sets them up to be better parents someday. The babies will cling to the mother, father, or even the brother periodically. This gives mom Esperta a much-needed break, especially as they grow larger."
🧡 Guests will be able to see the two babies clinging to their parents or sibling inside their habitat attached to the Tropical Rainforest dome. It may be hard to spot the babies right away, as they are very small and tucked into fur for camouflage. They will be more easily spotted in a few weeks as they grow and even start to explore on their own. While the babies are still getting used to seeing people, they may be off exhibit for small periods of time if a break is needed from crowds.
The Zoo will be closely watching the infants & family to ensure they are reaching the proper milestones. As of right now the sex of the babies is still unknown but keep checking the Zoo’s social media for baby updates & name announcements. 🧡
👉 Poking you with MORE additions to the Zoo!
Meet father and son African cape porcupine duo, Pez & Moyo! You can already view these two munching away inside the Camp Cowabunga building, beside Gary’s Tent. The outdoor viewing window beside the Camp C ‘fire pit’ also offers a perfect glimpse of them exploring their yard or napping in the sun should they choose to be outside. ☀️
👉 Pez is 8 years old with a thicker white stripe on his crest than his son, 5-year-old Moyo. The Topeka Zoo is especially excited that Moyo was born Valentines Day, 2020, meaning the tradition of a Valentines Day porcupine party gets to continue! ❤️ (The Zoo’s previous porcupine, Spike, lived to be 22 and had a Valentines Day birthday. The lifespan of a cape porcupine in human care is around 20 years).
Though they just arrived this weekend, the small vertebrates team has already been doting over the pair and building their trust.
“We’re so excited to have these two boys with us!” says Animal Curator, Carley. “They are doing so well. Both have good appetites & have been acclimating nicely to their space & care team. We’ve already observed the sweet bond they share, and love seeing them resting right next to each other.”
👉 Cape porcupines are native to central and southern Africa. Being herbivores, they eat mostly shrub, bark, berries, roots, and grasses. They are the second largest living rodent (after the Capybara) and are constantly gnawing on bark or trunks to help wear down their teeth which never stop growing.
👋 Say hi to the new pair during your Zoo trip to learn more interesting facts and see their tender behaviors!
📸s: Animal Curator Carley & Kim B.
#porcupine #poke #porcupinefacts #capeporcupine #topekazoo
Meet father and son African cape porcupine duo, Pez & Moyo! You can already view these two munching away inside the Camp Cowabunga building, beside Gary’s Tent. The outdoor viewing window beside the Camp C ‘fire pit’ also offers a perfect glimpse of them exploring their yard or napping in the sun should they choose to be outside. ☀️
👉 Pez is 8 years old with a thicker white stripe on his crest than his son, 5-year-old Moyo. The Topeka Zoo is especially excited that Moyo was born Valentines Day, 2020, meaning the tradition of a Valentines Day porcupine party gets to continue! ❤️ (The Zoo’s previous porcupine, Spike, lived to be 22 and had a Valentines Day birthday. The lifespan of a cape porcupine in human care is around 20 years).
Though they just arrived this weekend, the small vertebrates team has already been doting over the pair and building their trust.
“We’re so excited to have these two boys with us!” says Animal Curator, Carley. “They are doing so well. Both have good appetites & have been acclimating nicely to their space & care team. We’ve already observed the sweet bond they share, and love seeing them resting right next to each other.”
👉 Cape porcupines are native to central and southern Africa. Being herbivores, they eat mostly shrub, bark, berries, roots, and grasses. They are the second largest living rodent (after the Capybara) and are constantly gnawing on bark or trunks to help wear down their teeth which never stop growing.
👋 Say hi to the new pair during your Zoo trip to learn more interesting facts and see their tender behaviors!
📸s: Animal Curator Carley & Kim B.
#porcupine #poke #porcupinefacts #capeporcupine #topekazoo
Happy World Giraffe Day! 🦒
A little reminder courtesy of Hope to stay hydrated. Fun fact- giraffes’ skulls are shaped in a way that limits blood flow while their heads are down, which keeps the giraffe from passing out/feeling faint when they put their head back up!
Celebrate World Giraffe Day by visiting today - we’ll have educational booths about our reticulated friends from 9 am to 3 pm. 🥬 Public giraffe feedings are also today at 11:00 - 11:30 am inside the giraffe barn! 🦒
A little reminder courtesy of Hope to stay hydrated. Fun fact- giraffes’ skulls are shaped in a way that limits blood flow while their heads are down, which keeps the giraffe from passing out/feeling faint when they put their head back up!
Celebrate World Giraffe Day by visiting today - we’ll have educational booths about our reticulated friends from 9 am to 3 pm. 🥬 Public giraffe feedings are also today at 11:00 - 11:30 am inside the giraffe barn! 🦒
It’s time to close a chapter to open a new one at the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center.
🦦 In 2009, the Kansas Carnivores exhibit opened in the northern range of the Zoo. At the time of its opening, the exhibit was state-of-the-art in showcasing two carnivore species native to Kansas- Mountain Lions and the North American River Otter. The exhibit opened with a male & female pair of rehabilitated, orphaned 18-month-old mountain lions (Dakota & Cassy) and a brother duo of otters (Tony & Albert). As years have gone by and animals have passed, the standards in animal care have continued to evolve while the buildings continued to age- making it apparent that it is time for updates.
🐯 Construction begins VERY soon on the Mark & Bette Morris Family Tiger Trails & Den Academy, a NEW exhibit that will bring guests an up-close, different perspective on Sumatran tigers & the tiger breeding program that Topeka Zoo is proud to participate in. The exhibit also includes a S.T.E.A.M. lab, and a chance to view a species that will be NEW to the Zoo - King vultures. This exhibit is set to open in June of 2026. (More info here: https://topekazoo.org/tiger-trails/)
🏗️ For the construction of Tiger Trails to begin, the demolition of Kansas Carnivores must first be completed. Demolition is set to begin within the next couple of weeks.
This opportunity for growth came at a quicker pace than expected, pushing forward the move of river otters Albert, Bruce & Crush to an area that is off exhibit. As of yesterday, river otters will no longer be visible by guests. While moving a community favorite to an area behind-the-scenes was a difficult decision to make, they will be residing here peacefully and continue to be spoiled rotten until their new facilities are ready for their arrival. Be looking for future posts as we continue to document and share their antics on socials!
The Zoo understands that this announcement may be difficult for guests who look forward to seeing river otters during their visit. We'd like to share that while it is years later down the road in construction phasing, the Zoo's Master Plan does include river otters in the future.
EDITED TO CLARIFY: The otters will be moving to new, AZA accredited zoos or aquariums in the near future. Otters will not be viewable at the Topeka Zoo until renovation plans are complete years in the future.
🦦 In 2009, the Kansas Carnivores exhibit opened in the northern range of the Zoo. At the time of its opening, the exhibit was state-of-the-art in showcasing two carnivore species native to Kansas- Mountain Lions and the North American River Otter. The exhibit opened with a male & female pair of rehabilitated, orphaned 18-month-old mountain lions (Dakota & Cassy) and a brother duo of otters (Tony & Albert). As years have gone by and animals have passed, the standards in animal care have continued to evolve while the buildings continued to age- making it apparent that it is time for updates.
🐯 Construction begins VERY soon on the Mark & Bette Morris Family Tiger Trails & Den Academy, a NEW exhibit that will bring guests an up-close, different perspective on Sumatran tigers & the tiger breeding program that Topeka Zoo is proud to participate in. The exhibit also includes a S.T.E.A.M. lab, and a chance to view a species that will be NEW to the Zoo - King vultures. This exhibit is set to open in June of 2026. (More info here: https://topekazoo.org/tiger-trails/)
🏗️ For the construction of Tiger Trails to begin, the demolition of Kansas Carnivores must first be completed. Demolition is set to begin within the next couple of weeks.
This opportunity for growth came at a quicker pace than expected, pushing forward the move of river otters Albert, Bruce & Crush to an area that is off exhibit. As of yesterday, river otters will no longer be visible by guests. While moving a community favorite to an area behind-the-scenes was a difficult decision to make, they will be residing here peacefully and continue to be spoiled rotten until their new facilities are ready for their arrival. Be looking for future posts as we continue to document and share their antics on socials!
The Zoo understands that this announcement may be difficult for guests who look forward to seeing river otters during their visit. We'd like to share that while it is years later down the road in construction phasing, the Zoo's Master Plan does include river otters in the future.
EDITED TO CLARIFY: The otters will be moving to new, AZA accredited zoos or aquariums in the near future. Otters will not be viewable at the Topeka Zoo until renovation plans are complete years in the future.
Word travels fast about the arrival of Cheetahs to the Topeka Zoo! 🐆
Today, brothers Leopold and Roosevelt stepped foot into their outdoor yard at Camp Cowabunga to explore for the very first time! The 8-year-old duo arrived yesterday from Tyler, Texas and have cautiously been settling in to their new home. As with any new arrival to the Zoo, we politely ask that guests respect their space and not make any loud noises or gestures towards the animals as they continue to adjust & build a relationship with their care team.
“So far they’re doing awesome, they ate from us (their care team) last night, and have been super calm” said Animal Curator, Shanna Simpson.
🐆🐆 We know what you’re thinking- how does animal care spot the difference between the two brothers?
“Roosevelt has more white coloration on the tip of his tail, Leopold’s tail is black & white. Leopold also has a fluffier face!”
JOIN US this Saturday, June 21 in welcoming the duo along with Chester Cheetah from Frito Lay! Chester will be handing out Cheeto samples & taking photos with visitors from 10 am - 11 am. 🐆
Today, brothers Leopold and Roosevelt stepped foot into their outdoor yard at Camp Cowabunga to explore for the very first time! The 8-year-old duo arrived yesterday from Tyler, Texas and have cautiously been settling in to their new home. As with any new arrival to the Zoo, we politely ask that guests respect their space and not make any loud noises or gestures towards the animals as they continue to adjust & build a relationship with their care team.
“So far they’re doing awesome, they ate from us (their care team) last night, and have been super calm” said Animal Curator, Shanna Simpson.
🐆🐆 We know what you’re thinking- how does animal care spot the difference between the two brothers?
“Roosevelt has more white coloration on the tip of his tail, Leopold’s tail is black & white. Leopold also has a fluffier face!”
JOIN US this Saturday, June 21 in welcoming the duo along with Chester Cheetah from Frito Lay! Chester will be handing out Cheeto samples & taking photos with visitors from 10 am - 11 am. 🐆
A special post for Veterinary Appreciation Day! 🩺🐾
Dr. Shirley Llizo, Veterinarian, has worked at the Topeka Zoo for 19 years. As well as being the Topeka Zoo’s Lead Veterinarian, she has aided with inspections & accreditations of other AZA (@zoos_aquariums) facilities- helping others with upholding high standards of animal care & welfare. In total, she has helped with 15 accreditations - including 1 that was international!
We asked Doc what inspired her to follow her career path- here’s her answer: “I grew up in a house that butted against a jungle. I encountered many wild animals, amphibians, reptiles, birds and monkeys. My family had the usual pets, dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens and also the not-so-usual crocodiles & alligators. I developed an interest in science & medicine at an early age and combined with my love for animals, it was only logical to become a veterinarian.”
What advice does she have for students studying vet med or wanting to get into the field?
“I have been very fortunate to work at my dream job at several Zoos, including one overseas. The Zoo & Wildlife field is very competitive, and one needs to gain as much experience possible and be willing to move where the job is.”
We’re very appreciative of Dr. Llizo, our amazing vet team, and the other veterinary professionals that keep animals around the world healthy and alive.
Speaking of appreciating our vet team - we currently have a position open for a full-time vet tech! Learn more about the position and where to submit your application here: https://topekazoo.org/jobs/
Dr. Shirley Llizo, Veterinarian, has worked at the Topeka Zoo for 19 years. As well as being the Topeka Zoo’s Lead Veterinarian, she has aided with inspections & accreditations of other AZA (@zoos_aquariums) facilities- helping others with upholding high standards of animal care & welfare. In total, she has helped with 15 accreditations - including 1 that was international!
We asked Doc what inspired her to follow her career path- here’s her answer: “I grew up in a house that butted against a jungle. I encountered many wild animals, amphibians, reptiles, birds and monkeys. My family had the usual pets, dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens and also the not-so-usual crocodiles & alligators. I developed an interest in science & medicine at an early age and combined with my love for animals, it was only logical to become a veterinarian.”
What advice does she have for students studying vet med or wanting to get into the field?
“I have been very fortunate to work at my dream job at several Zoos, including one overseas. The Zoo & Wildlife field is very competitive, and one needs to gain as much experience possible and be willing to move where the job is.”
We’re very appreciative of Dr. Llizo, our amazing vet team, and the other veterinary professionals that keep animals around the world healthy and alive.
Speaking of appreciating our vet team - we currently have a position open for a full-time vet tech! Learn more about the position and where to submit your application here: https://topekazoo.org/jobs/
See news on our facebook page here.
2025 DATES
•Membership Only Events are in orange.
FREE DAYS:
- July 18th- 5pm-8pm.
- August 30th from 9am-3pm
January
- The zoo is open! 9:00 am - 5:00 pm with last admission at 4:30 pm
- Spring break camp enrollment opens - 20th
February
- The zoo is open!
- Friends Giving Society Brunch: Saturday, February 22
March
- Annual meeting for members - March 8th The meeting is in the Kay's Garden venue. We will meet at 1:00pm. Members can enter through the turtle gate to have direct access to the venue.
- Spring break camp March - 10-14
- Docent training March - 19-22
- World Water Day - March 22
- Members Only Giraffe feeding: Saturday, March 8 (1:30 p.m.)
- Wake & Learn- Animal Personalities at the Zoo: Friday, March 21 (8 – 9 a.m.)
April
- Kansas Ballet Performance - April 4-6
- Eggstravaganza - April 12
- Earth Day - April 19
- Roar and Pour - April 26
May
- KS Safe Kids - May 3
- Pollinator Palooza- Wildflower sale - May 10
- Endangered Species Day - May 17
- World Turtle Day - May 24
- Membership drive month – offer 10% off for new memberships
- Member Preview for Dinosaurs Alive! – Friday, May 23 (5:30 – 7:30 p.m.)
- Wake & Learn - Dinos and their Topeka Zoo Relatives: Thursday, May 29 (8 – 9 a.m.)
June
- Oceans Day - June 7
- Rainforests Awareness Day - June 14
- Joel Sartore/Tiger Fundraiser - Day presentation + Evening Event - June 14
- Giraffe Day - June 21
- Member Morning – Saturday, June 14 (Gates open for members at 8 a.m.)
- Member Morning – Saturday, June 28 (Gates open for members at 8 a.m.)
July
- Global Tiger Day - July 26th
- Member Morning – Saturday, July 12 (Gates open for members at 8 a.m.)
- Member Morning – Saturday, July 26 (Gates open for members at 8 a.m.)
- Member Appreciation Night – Thursday, July 31 (5 – 7:30 p.m.)
August
- World Lion Day - Aug 2
- World Elephant Day - Aug 9
- World Orangutan Day - Aug 16
- World Painted Dog Day - Aug 23
- Gage Park Founder's Fest/Free Day - Aug 30*
*Admission is free with suggested non perishable food item. - Ballet Midwest - Wildly Creative Event - Aug 30
- Wake & Learn: Growing Green in the Heart of the Zoo: Saturday, August 9 (8 – 9 a.m.)
September
- Brew at the Zoo - Sept 13
- World Rivers Day - Sept 20
- Member pricing for Zoo Lights (discount codes will be emailed to members)
October
- Chalktoberfest Event - Oct 11
- Chalk and Cheers - Oct 11 at 6 p.m.
- Boo at the Zoo - Oct - 18
- Boo at the zoo - Oct -25
- Boo at the Zoo (Member Only Lane) – Saturday, October 18 (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
- Boo at the Zoo: (Member Only Lane) – Saturday, October 25 (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
November
- Zoo Lights Begins - Nov 20
- Wake & Learn – Behind the Scenes of Zoo Lights: Tuesday, November 11 (8 a.m. – 9 a.m.)
- Member pricing for Zoo Lights (discount codes will be emailed to members)
December
- Cookies with Claus - Dec 6
- Zoo Lights Closes - Dec 28
- Member pricing for Zoo Lights (discount codes will be emailed to members)
- Cookies with Claus (Member Discount): Saturday, December 6 (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
- Gift Membership Drive – Purchase the gift of year-round Zoo Membership!
Our Mission is to enrich our community through wildlife conservation and education.
BE THE DIFFERENCE.
When you become a business partner, you become a huge part of the success of the zoo AND the community! Join us today!