Make your Zoo Lights visit extra special with a private igloo rental! Enjoy cozy seating, festive décor, and exclusive perks as you sip, snack, and soak in the sparkle of the season.
Ring in the Holiday season with Zoo Lights Presented by Evergy, one of Topeka’s treasured holiday traditions returning for its sixth season.
Santa is stopping by the Topeka Zoo for a SWEET Holiday visit - before his big night!
Celebrate the New Year in style at the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center with Toast at Ten, an exclusive cocktail event presented by SDG Architecture + Interiors, featuring a special plated dinner, entertainment, a silent auction, and a sparkling champagne toast at 10 PM.
Next on the list is Bumi, the male Bornean orangutan born here at the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center on February 25, 2013. Bumi was born to parents Mawas & Rudy (both highlighted previously) under the recommendation of the Orangutan SSP (Species Survival Plan).
As Bumi has gotten into his 'teenage' years, his looks/facial features resemble his mother Rudy more & more. Bumi is very playful- tugging on other troop members hair to illicit a reaction, swatting at whoever is below him while he swings, or rolling around with his dad are some of his more playful antics. He was one of the first members to welcome Kalijon, the 15-year-old female Orangutan who joined the troop in 2023 from Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. As they are close in age, Bumi & Kali can frequently be seen grooming each other, sharing food, or engaging in other friendly behavior.
🧡 This is the 20th year that Orangutan Caring Week has been recognized, and the hope is to illicit positive change for this critically endangered species. We believe connection fosters compassion and encourage people to visit the Zoo or keep following our social media to build a connection with our wonderful, unique Bornean orangutans.
Experience the Zoo after hours and support wildlife conservation with every ticket.
✨ Because even the wild ones don’t wait until midnight.
Reserve your seat for this wildly elegant celebration: https://topekazoo.org/zoo-events/toast-at-ten/
The Topeka Zoo is very proud to have members of staff & our docent academy that were once active military. They’d like to remind you that anyone who presents a Military I.D. or V.A. Card receives a discount of $1 off admission.
To all past & present military members, we thank you for your service! 💚
Zoo Lights: Around the World returns to the Topeka Zoo this holiday season! Wander through millions of lights, festive displays, and glowing wildlife scenes.
🎟️ Tickets are ON SALE NOW — don’t wait! Reserve your date early before nights sell out.
👉 https://topekazoo.org/events/topeka-zoo-lights-around-the-world/
Next up is mom, Rudy! Rudy is very special to many of our community members as she was born here at the Topeka Zoo on November 23 of 1985. In a few weeks, the Zoo will be celebrating her 40th birthday. Rudy is very clever and observative - she is always watching what visitors or her care team are doing and has been observed mimicking behaviors (such as trying to put on old muck boots or drawing with chalk that she received for enrichment).
Rudy has given birth to three offspring during her lifetime at the Topeka Zoo - Rayma (now residing at Phoenix Zoo), male Bumi (b. 2013) and female Udara (b. 2022). All 3 births were under the recommendation of the Orangutan SSP (Species Survival Plan) which matches pairs in accredited Zoos for the benefit of the entire species population.
We believe caring for critically endangered species begins by forming connections- visit the Zoo to see these incredible animals for yourself or keep following our social media for more posts connecting you to our Orangutan troop. 🧡🦧
Join us for Zoo Lights: Around the World and celebrate the season surrounded by friends, family, and wildlife.
🎫 Tickets are on sale now — book your favorite date today: [ticket link]
See news on our facebook page here.
2025 DATES
•Membership Only Events are in orange.
September
- Brew at the Zoo - Sept 13
- World Rivers Day - Sept 27
- Member pricing for Zoo Lights (discount codes will be emailed to members)
October
- 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 21
- 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 31
- Member pricing for Zoo Lights (discount codes will be emailed to members)
- Cookies with Claus (Member Discount): Saturday, December 6 (10 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
- Gift Membership Drive – Purchase the gift of year-round Zoo Membership!
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!
