Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center Guest Guidelines
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all our guests—and the welfare of the animals in our care—we ask that you follow these important guidelines during your visit.
The following Rules of Conduct are an express condition of entry into the zoo and are in place to ensure the safety of animals, guests, and staff. Failure to adhere to any of the following Rules of Conduct constitutes grounds for immediate removal from the Zoo.
Prohibited Items
The following items are prohibited within the Zoo:
- Pets, excluding service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Emotional Support Animals are not considered service animals. Service animals in training need to be identified at gate. Our Service Animal Policies can be found by clicking here.
- No alcoholic beverages, or smoking paraphenalia. Smoking and vaping are prohibited within the Zoo.
- Fireworks, explosives, or other incendiary devices.
- Weapons, signs/sticks, laser or sound devices.
- Balloons, balls, frisbees, or other items that may be thrown.
- Skates, skateboards, wheeled shoes, roller blades, bicycles, and unicycles.
Prohibited Actions & Behavior
- All fences, barriers, and gates located throughout the Zoo are for the safety of our guests and should never be crossed. Guests found crossing a barrier, intruding in authorized staff only areas, or attempting to enter an animal exhibit may also be subject to criminal charges.
- Guests should not attempt to touch or pet any animals except in authorized contact areas (Children’s Zoo and Lorikeet Aviary). Guests attempting to touch an animal may also be subject to criminal charges.
- Intimidating, threatening, or offensive behavior directed at animals, guests, or staff is prohibited. Profanity, illegal substances, and suggestive or offensive clothing including protesting comments and/or opinions are prohibited. Guests engaging in this behavior may be subject to criminal charges.
Tobacco & Vaping
Smoking of any tobacco product, e‑cigarettes, and vaping devices is not allowed anywhere on Zoo grounds.
Entry & Attire
Bags are subject to search prior to entering.
Shirts and shoes are required at all times. We require guests to wear appropriate clothing.
- Children under age 13 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Quick Links:
Contact Us
Topeka Zoo Main Office:
785-368-9180
The Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center is committed to a safe, welcoming, and accessible experience for all guests. Our Rules of Conduct—with entry required—help protect both our animals and your enjoyment.
Accessibility & Guest Services
For questions or accommodations, please contact the Topeka Zoo at 785‑368‑9180 or help@topekazoo.org, preferably one week before your visit.
Service Animals
Service Dog Policy
The Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center welcomes guests with service animals in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), while also maintaining the health and welfare of the rare and endangered species in our care.
What Qualifies as a Service Animal?
Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog individually trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability. Emotional support animals, comfort animals, therapy dogs, and pets do not qualify as service animals and are not permitted.
Zoo staff may ask:
Is this a service animal required because of a disability?
What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
Special Classifications Recognized by Kansas Law
Service Dogs in Training
Service dogs in training are allowed in the Zoo when accompanied by a qualified trainer. The trainer must provide, upon request, an identification card or letter containing the following information:
Trainer’s name
Name of the training center
Address and telephone number of the training center
The types of tasks the dog is being trained to perform
A picture of the trainer
Professional Therapy Dogs
Professional therapy dogs may enter the Zoo when working as part of a professional care team and under the control of a qualified handler.
Handlers must produce, upon request, the same identification card or letter as required for service dogs in training, which includes:Handler’s name
Name of the training center or organization
Address and telephone number of the training center or organization
The types of tasks the dog is trained to perform
A picture of the handler
General Rules for Service Animals
Service Dogs in Training
A dog that is being trained to become a service dog is welcome at the Topeka Zoo when accompanied by a qualified trainer. Service dogs in training are subject to the same rules and guidelines as fully trained service dogs.
The trainer must produce, upon request, an identification card or letter containing the following information:
Name of the trainer
Name of the training center
Address and telephone number of the training center
The types of functions for which the dog is being trained
A picture of the trainer
Professional Therapy Dogs
A dog that is being trained to be a professional therapy dog may be admitted to the Zoo when accompanied by its handler. Professional therapy dogs are subject to the same rules and guidelines as fully trained service dogs.
Handlers must produce, upon request, the same identification card or letter required for service dogs in training, which includes:
Name of the handler
Name of the training center or organization
Address and telephone number of the training center or organization
The types of functions for which the dog is being trained
A picture of the handler
General Rules for Service Animals
Must be leashed, harnessed, or tethered unless this interferes with their task.
Must remain under the handler’s voice or signal control at all times.
Owners are responsible for supervision, care, and well-being of the service animal.
The Topeka Zoo is not responsible for the care of a service animal if it must be removed from the premises.
Service animals may be excluded if:
- They are aggressive or out of control.
- They are not housebroken.
- They pose a direct threat to the safety or well-being of others.
Guests may continue to enjoy the zoo even if their service animal must be removed.
Sensitive or Restricted Areas
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, fully trained service dogs are welcome at the Topeka Zoo. It is our intent for all guests to safely enjoy the Zoo’s experiences while being responsible stewards of the rare and endangered animals in our care, including following guidelines set by the USDA Animal Welfare Act.
For the welfare of both Zoo animals and service animals, some areas are restricted due to the potential for stress, agitation, or risk to the Zoo’s animals. Guests with service animals may be asked to bypass the following areas:
Off-Limits Areas
Giraffe Feeding Platform
Elephant Barn
Lorikeet Feeding Area
Rainforest Exhibit – No entry permitted due to close interaction with free-roaming animals.
Farmyard Contact Areas – No entry permitted due to close interaction with free-roaming animals.
Restricted with Limitations
Indoor Giraffe Viewing Area – Entry permitted, but service animals must remain at a safe distance.
Camp Cowabunga indoor viewing glass (lion, patas monkey, cheetah, porcupine) – Entry permitted, but service animals must remain at a safe distance.
Zoo staff may monitor your path to help avoid disruption to sensitive animal habitats.
Signs of Distress (Zoo Animals)
If any Zoo animal shows signs of distress—including vocalizing, erratic behavior, or excessive movement—please move away from the exhibit immediately.
Animal Health & Behavior Check
Staff may assess service animals for:
Aggressive or uncontrolled behavior
Visible signs of illness (nasal discharge, vomiting, scabs, parasites)
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we balance the safety, enjoyment, and accessibility of our Zoo with the welfare of the animals in our care. Thank you for being a respectful and responsible guest!
Contact Us
If you have any questions about our service animal policy, please contact the Topeka Zoo at 785-368-9180.
The Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center is committed to making the Zoo a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible experience for all. We believe everyone should be able to enjoy the wonders of wildlife, and we strive to support that by accommodating individuals with disabilities while maintaining the safety and well-being of the animals in our care.
Admission
Regular admission applies to all guests. Service animals are not required to purchase a ticket.
Drinking Fountains
Drinking fountains for our guests are located at:
Near the Log Cabin Restroom by the Children’s Zoo
Lions Pride Restroom
Inside the Gary K. Clarke Living Classroom, when open
Inside the Kay McFarland Japanese Garden (closed during private rentals)
Inside the Giraffe & Friends Building
Inside Camp Cowabunga
Fountains located at restrooms are seasonal.
Cups of water may also be requested at the Sunflower Café.
First Aid
First Aid boxes are located at:
Admissions
Gary K. Clarke Living Classroom
Log Cabin Restroom near the Children’s Zoo
Lions Pride Restroom
AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) are located in public spaces:
Inside the Animals and Man Building
Inside the Giraffe & Friends Building
Inside the Kay McFarland Japanese Garden
Additional AED units are available in staff-only locations.
If at any time you need immediate assistance, please ask any zoo employee or call 911.
Guests with Limited Mobility
Please keep in mind that Zoo employees are neither trained nor permitted to lift guests. A guest requiring such physical assistance should plan to visit the Zoo with an attendant.
Parking
Accessible parking is available in our parking lot on a first-come, first-served basis. A valid disability parking placard or license plate is required. Vehicles parking in marked spaces for disabled access, but without the appropriate placard in view or a disabled access license plate can be ticketed by local or park police. Be sure to display your placard issued by an appropriate government motor vehicle agency.
Wheelchairs and Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices
The Topeka Zoo is widely accessible to guests using both manual wheelchairs and powered mobility devices (such as electric scooters, motorized wheelchairs, and power chairs). Consistent with federal guidelines, we define “wheelchairs” as devices designed primarily for use by individuals with mobility disabilities.
Guests using mobility devices are advised to consult the Zoo’s map to determine which areas may be challenging.
The Topeka Zoo has a limited number of manual wheelchairs and powered mobility devices available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis.
Manual wheelchairs and powered mobility devices may be rented inside the Leopard Spot Gift Shop. Rentals require a valid photo ID, held at the Guest Services desk. Rental rates can be found here.
The age requirement to operate a powered mobility device is 16 years old.
Please note:
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Guests may also use their own powered mobility devices designed for individuals with mobility challenges.
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All mobility devices must travel at a speed consistent with the flow of surrounding pedestrian traffic.
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Gas-powered or street-licensed vehicles are prohibited.
Restrooms
All the restrooms in the Zoo are accessible. Each restroom is equipped with a baby changing station. There is an infant nursing stall located in the concessions restroom.
Once on grounds, please feel free to discuss any special needs you have with zoo employees.
In light of the changing needs of our guests and other developments, we reserve the right to modify this guide and our accessibility policies as appropriate.
Thank You for Your Cooperation
Your care and consideration help protect the animals and create a welcoming experience for every guest.
Enjoy your visit to the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center!