Join or renew August 15–31 for a chance to WIN A PRIVATE GIRAFFE ENOUNTER FOR 4! 🦒 
From May 24 – September 7, 2026, explore ALL SEVEN AZA-accredited Kansas zoos on one unforgettable wildlife road trip!
Get creative at the Topeka Zoo during Wildly Creative: Arts with the Animals! Enjoy dance, art, crafts, and music inspired by wildlife—brought to you by Ballet Midwest and community partners.
Fall & Winter Adventure Camp registration opens September 1! Explore the upcoming camp dates, daily themes and details so you’re ready when registration begins.
Calling all young conservationists! EcoClub is a fun, hands-on program for students in grades 5-12 who are passionate about wildlife, nature, and making a difference. Click for meeting dates, registration, and program details.
One of the Topeka Zoo’s most anticipated adults-only events is back! This year we’re turning the Zoo into the ultimate ’80s rock party.
Celebrate Conservation Day at the Topeka Zoo during Gage Park Founders Fest! Learn how local and global efforts protect wildlife and habitats.
Join us October 3, 2026, for Gage Park Founders Fest & Topeka Zoo Celebration Day. A community celebration honoring the history of Gage Park and the Topeka Zoo with family-friendly fun and experiences.
In 1971, the Zoo successfully hatched Golden Eagles under human care, one of the accomplishments that backs up its “World Famous Topeka Zoo” nickname. The breeding program continued until around 2008, producing a total of 59 chicks.
Today, we’re home to 15-year-old Seteweela, or Sete. After she ran into a wind turbine in Redding, California, she sustained permanent damage to her right wing and was unable to return to the wild.
Her name, given to her by the Wintu Tribe, means “the soaring one,” a fitting name for an eagle who continues to inspire us every day.
While Sete may be “the soaring one,” she’s also quite the personable bird! She enjoys training with her keepers, watching guests walk past her habitat, and taking a dip in her little pool. She’s even been known to catch her dinner right out of the air!
Plan your visit today! 🦅 https://topekazoo.org/zoo-events/brew-at-the-zoo/
📷credits: Tracey, Madison B., Sara
We’re excited to welcome Jennifer Goetz from Compass Marketing, Dane Kroll from KSNT, Mayor Spencer Duncan, House Representative Tobias Schlingensiepen, and Bradley J from 94.5 Country to the dunk tank!
Join us Saturday, September 12, from 5–9 PM for Brew at the Zoo, presented by Kaw Valley Bank: Totally ’80s, TOTALLY WILD! Grab your tickets and come see if you can make a splash!💦
https://topekazoo.org/zoo-events/brew-at-the-zoo/
Who are you hoping to see get drenched? 👀
We’re thrilled to see Wrylie recognized as a 2026 Topeka’s Top 20 Under 40 honoree!
This well-deserved honor celebrates the passion, leadership and positive impact she brings to our Zoo and our community every day.
Join us in congratulating Wrylie on this fantastic achievement! 👏
#20Under40 #TopekaZoo #TopekaProud
Meet Wrylie Guffey, one of Topeka’s 20 Under 40 honorees!
Wrylie is the Animal Care Director at the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center, where she leads a team of approximately 25 people responsible for the care, enrichment and well-being of the zoo’s animals. Her connection to the zoo began when she joined as an intern, and she has since built a career dedicated to animal care, conservation and creating meaningful experiences for Topeka families.
🦒 Representing Topeka:
Wrylie also serves as an accreditation inspector for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, helping ensure zoos and aquariums across the country meet rigorous professional standards. Along the way, she brings new ideas and best practices home to Topeka while proudly representing our community within her profession.
🔧 Giving back—one project at a time:
Wrylie volunteers with the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center, helping assemble exhibits and create spaces where thousands of children can play and learn. She also volunteers as a “fixer,” bringing her own tools and skills to repair items community members might otherwise have to replace—from a favorite sewing machine to a treasured radio. Her work saves items from the landfill, but more importantly, it helps neighbors help neighbors.
🌟 What leadership means to Wrylie:
For Wrylie, leadership is about building teams that can succeed without depending on one person. Faced with rebuilding an entire elephant care team, she focused less on finding people with the perfect résumé and more on finding people who could learn, adapt and support one another. She then taught them what they needed to know until, in her words, she was no longer needed.
From caring for animals to creating spaces for children and fixing something meaningful for a neighbor, Wrylie continues to find practical ways to make the community she loves a little better.
👏 Congratulations, Wrylie, on being recognized as one of Topeka’s 20 Under 40!
#20Under40 #Topeka #TopekaProud #CommunityLeadership #YoungProfessionals
From bright, contrasting colors to fascinating textures, every animal at the Topeka Zoo has something unique to discover. Take a closer look and you might notice details you’ve never seen before!
Come see these incredible animals in person and discover the beauty, colors and textures that make each one so unique. Plan your visit today! https://topekazoo.org/visit-the-topeka-zoo/
Guests are invited to come see our great apes and write what they love about orangutans on their habitat window. Window-safe markers will be provided, and Udara especially loves having new artwork to admire!
Orangutan enrichment and keeper chats will be at 9:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.
Come celebrate this incredible species with us and create some memories with our orangutan family! Make your plans to visit the Zoo today! https://topekazoo.org/visit-the-topeka-zoo/
Picture it: You’re at the Zoo, beer in hand, Villains Dance is rocking the stage, and you’re dressed like you just stepped out of your favorite ’80s movie.
Maybe you’re Molly Ringwald. Maybe you’re Marty McFly. Maybe you’re channeling Madonna or Prince. Or maybe you’re creating your own totally tubular ’80s masterpiece.
Whatever you choose, don’t be afraid to commit. More neon. More denim. Bigger hair. Bolder accessories. You get the idea!
Start planning. Start teasing that hair. We’ll see you at Brew at the Zoo!
👉 Get your tickets now and let’s party like it’s 1985! https://topekazoo.org/zoo-events/brew-at-the-zoo/
See news on our facebook page here.
The last two weekends in October are all set for spooky, family fun! Visit vendors, collect candy, giveaways, and more! Dress up as your favorite characters, goblins, witches, and ghosts and we will see you SOON!
Ring in the Holiday season with Zoo Lights Presented by Evergy, one of Topeka’s treasured holiday traditions returning for its sixth season.
Enjoy a memorable night tucked away from the cold at the 2025 Topeka Zoo Lights! Our Igloos provide a cozy, secluded space to enjoy this Winter Wonderland all evening long. Whether celebrating a birthday, anniversary or having a night out with friends or coworkers. Elevate your experience with your very own private igloo!
Santa is stopping by the Topeka Zoo for a sweet holiday visit—before his big night! Come enjoy a magical morning filled with: Cookie decorating & hot cocoa, A festive holiday craft, Giraffe feeding, Storytime & music, A photo opportunity with Santa, and a candy cane hunt!
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!
