The Topeka Zoo is hosting a writing and art contest! People of all ages can submit a piece of writing or work of art that centers on conservation issues happening in the world right now.
Prizes
ALL who enter either contest get free entry for Earth Day on Saturday, April 19th, 2025 This is just for those who enter, not their families, but all family members are encouraged to participate in the contests!
Winners will be announced on Facebook earlier in the week. There will be a winner for each age category for each contest. Winners will be invited to read their story or show their art on Earth Day.
Winners will get to choose one prize, from the following options:
o Zoo membership
o Gift shop gift certificate
o Animal painting
Check Out Previous Winners!
Theme:
Write a fictional story or create an art piece raising awareness of any real-life conservation issue (habitat loss, poaching, climate change, threatened and endangered species, and more).
Writing Contest:
The writing contest was launched in 2018, so this is our 7th year doing this! The story can be from the point-of-view of an animal, person, etc. It does not have to be sad, it just needs to raise awareness of the issues. There is no minimum or maximum page requirement, and there can be illustrations included, short stories, comics, etc.
Art Contest:
Created by the zoo's High School EcoClub, the art contest is in its 4th year! You can submit any kind of art (drawing, painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, etc.) We ask that your art piece not exceed 2x2 feet.
Age Categories for contests:
Five different age categories:
- Kindergarten-2nd grade
- 3rd-5th grade
- 6th-8th grade
- 9th-12th grade
- Adult
*One winner PER age category PER contest!*
To Submit:
Deadline to submit: Sunday, March 30th, 2025
Creative works can be dropped off at the zoo or emailed to education@topekazoo.org with name, grade, school, and contact email.
Contact education@topekazoo.org or 785-368-9137 with questions.