The zoo will close at 3pm on June 14 for the Joel Sartore event. Tickets are selling FAST! Get yours today!
AN AFTERNOON WITH JOEL SARTORE
Join us for a captivating experience with renowned National Geographic photographer and conservationist Joel Sartore, founder of the Photo Ark—a global mission to document every species in human care and inspire action through the power of photography. To learn more about Tiger Trails & Den Academy coming to the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center.
Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Time: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: White Concert Hall, Washburn University
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
🐯 We're adjusting our open hours for this Saturday! 🐯
The Zoo will be CLOSING EARLY on June 14 to allow our staff and volunteers the opportunity to attend An Afternoon With Joel Sartore, hosted at the White Concert Hall on Washburn University's campus from 4 - 5 pm. Joel Sartore, Photographer is a renown conservationist & founder of National Geographic's PhotoARK. Each ticket purchased for the event directly supports the Topeka Zoo's Tiger Trails & Den Academy initiative.
Along with the lecture, Joel will also be hosting a free book signing at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library from 12 - 1 pm.
Find out more or purchase tickets to the lecture at https://topekazoo.org/an-afternoon-with-joel-sartore/
The Zoo will be CLOSING EARLY on June 14 to allow our staff and volunteers the opportunity to attend An Afternoon With Joel Sartore, hosted at the White Concert Hall on Washburn University's campus from 4 - 5 pm. Joel Sartore, Photographer is a renown conservationist & founder of National Geographic's PhotoARK. Each ticket purchased for the event directly supports the Topeka Zoo's Tiger Trails & Den Academy initiative.
Along with the lecture, Joel will also be hosting a free book signing at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library from 12 - 1 pm.
Find out more or purchase tickets to the lecture at https://topekazoo.org/an-afternoon-with-joel-sartore/
Cora had her own crowd yesterday, chased in from The Bandit Run! 🏁
Did you know Topeka Zoo is home to a retired movie star? Cora was credited as ‘Charlotte’ the elephant in Smokey & the Bandit II. She arrived at the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center in 2016, and resides with African elephant, Tembo.
We were happy to host the fan group, who styled up our parking lot with around 100 classic Trans Ams.
If you attended- feel free to post pictures in comments! 🚗
📸: Kim B.
Did you know Topeka Zoo is home to a retired movie star? Cora was credited as ‘Charlotte’ the elephant in Smokey & the Bandit II. She arrived at the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center in 2016, and resides with African elephant, Tembo.
We were happy to host the fan group, who styled up our parking lot with around 100 classic Trans Ams.
If you attended- feel free to post pictures in comments! 🚗
📸: Kim B.
Vroom, vroom - The Bandit Run is chasing its way to Topeka tomorrow!
On Monday June 9, our South Parking Lot will be reserved for around 200 Trans Ams, traveling from Nebraska and putting it in park just to visit our retired movie star. 🤩
Cora, our resident 66-year-old Asian elephant, starred alongside Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, Jackie Gleason, Jerry Reed, and Dom Deluise in Smokey & the Bandit II. She was even credited for her character 'Charlotte'.
Cora was previously owned by Bill & Cindy Morris of Elephant Encounter; Bill was a second-generation elephant handler and had basically grown up with Cora. After Bill passed suddenly in 2015, it was decided for Cora to live out the rest of her days happily in retirement at the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center. She arrived in 2016 and has the company of African elephant Tembo, as well as the elephant care team that dotes on her daily.
On Monday June 9, our South Parking Lot will be reserved for around 200 Trans Ams, traveling from Nebraska and putting it in park just to visit our retired movie star. 🤩
Cora, our resident 66-year-old Asian elephant, starred alongside Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, Jackie Gleason, Jerry Reed, and Dom Deluise in Smokey & the Bandit II. She was even credited for her character 'Charlotte'.
Cora was previously owned by Bill & Cindy Morris of Elephant Encounter; Bill was a second-generation elephant handler and had basically grown up with Cora. After Bill passed suddenly in 2015, it was decided for Cora to live out the rest of her days happily in retirement at the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center. She arrived in 2016 and has the company of African elephant Tembo, as well as the elephant care team that dotes on her daily.
Surf’s up for World Oceans Day! 🌊
From 9 am to 3 pm today you can celebrate the Oceans and their inhabitants with us. Learn how our choices matter for the health of the Ocean ecosystem, even though we are a landlocked state!
We have arts & crafts, educational booths and activities, and are serving up fresh seafood samples that fall under Seafood Watch guidelines. 🐟
👕 Our clothing drive that was previously scheduled for Earth Day is also happening in our South Parking Lot! Help us reduce waste going to landfills, while also aiding our community. Our goal is to collect the weight of our largest resident (Tembo the 3500lb African elephant) in clothing. You do NOT have to enter the Zoo to donate.👖
🌊 Oceans Day Event is included in Zoo General Admission! 🌊
From 9 am to 3 pm today you can celebrate the Oceans and their inhabitants with us. Learn how our choices matter for the health of the Ocean ecosystem, even though we are a landlocked state!
We have arts & crafts, educational booths and activities, and are serving up fresh seafood samples that fall under Seafood Watch guidelines. 🐟
👕 Our clothing drive that was previously scheduled for Earth Day is also happening in our South Parking Lot! Help us reduce waste going to landfills, while also aiding our community. Our goal is to collect the weight of our largest resident (Tembo the 3500lb African elephant) in clothing. You do NOT have to enter the Zoo to donate.👖
🌊 Oceans Day Event is included in Zoo General Admission! 🌊
🐦 Party Like It’s Your Bird-Day! 🎉
Why wing it when you can soar into 2025 with an unforgettable birthday celebration at the Topeka Zoo? From chirpy crafts to wild animal encounters, we’ve got everything you need to make your special day the toucan of the town! 🦜
Don’t ruffle your feathers over planning—we’ll take care of it all. So be an early bird and book your party now—it’s guaranteed to be a hoot! 🦉
https://topekazoo.org/cww-private-events/parties-at-the-zoo/
#BirdDayParties #TopekaZooFun #WildCelebrations
Why wing it when you can soar into 2025 with an unforgettable birthday celebration at the Topeka Zoo? From chirpy crafts to wild animal encounters, we’ve got everything you need to make your special day the toucan of the town! 🦜
Don’t ruffle your feathers over planning—we’ll take care of it all. So be an early bird and book your party now—it’s guaranteed to be a hoot! 🦉
https://topekazoo.org/cww-private-events/parties-at-the-zoo/
#BirdDayParties #TopekaZooFun #WildCelebrations
🏳️🌈 Our PRIDE shown bright on this Wildly Colorful Wednesday 🏳️🌈
Each day, we welcome guests & staff through our gates coming from a variety of paths of life. Each animal resident has a team of people that care for (and about) them daily - a team of varying identities, personalities and backgrounds.
We are extremely appreciative of the support we see each day, and the support we saw today from the community. We are proud of the collaboration this took from staff to handpaint boxes that represent themselves and others in the LGBTQA+ community. 🏳️🌈
💕 Any comments that reflect hate, bullying, harassment or include profanity will not be tolerated and are subject to removal. 💕
Each day, we welcome guests & staff through our gates coming from a variety of paths of life. Each animal resident has a team of people that care for (and about) them daily - a team of varying identities, personalities and backgrounds.
We are extremely appreciative of the support we see each day, and the support we saw today from the community. We are proud of the collaboration this took from staff to handpaint boxes that represent themselves and others in the LGBTQA+ community. 🏳️🌈
💕 Any comments that reflect hate, bullying, harassment or include profanity will not be tolerated and are subject to removal. 💕
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!