Kansas City Zoological Park
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| Kansas City Zoological Park | |
| Date opened | December 13, 1909 |
| Location | Swope Park, Kansas City, Missouri, USA |
| Land area | 202 acres (0.82 km²) |
| # of Animals | 1,300+ |
| Accreditations/ Memberships |
AZA |
| Website | |
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Kansas City Zoological Park (Kansas City Zoo) is a large zoo located in Swope Park at 6800 Zoo Drive. In Kansas City, Missouri
ZOO & IMAX ADMISSION
| Age Group | Zoo Price | IMAX Price |
|---|---|---|
| Children (3-11) | $5.50 | $4.00 |
| Adults | $8.50 | $7.00 |
| Seniors (55+) | $7.50 | $6.00 |
HOURS OF OPERATION: (Weekends) 9:30am-5:00pm - (Weekdays) 9:30am-4:00pm (Zoo/IMAX CLOSED) Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day
RULES: View here - KC Zoo Rules
EXTRA NOTES: Africa is closed in the Winter season, and various other animals are off-display in certain weather conditions.
The Kansas City Zoo is one of many zoos that has a Friends Of The Zoo program - FOTZ Info - Some features include discounts in gift shops, birthday parties, newsletter subscription, and free admission! (More than 140 zoos also use FOTZ)
Contents |
[edit] History
The zoo started to be planned in 1907, and opened its gates on December 13, 1909. The zoo evolved slowly in its first 40 years, while it added exhibits such as the Bear Pit in 1912. It gained more momentum when it added Monkey Island (1945), Children's Zoo 'Touchdown' (1948), Sea Lion Pool (1951), African Veldt (1954), Giraffe House (1955), and Flamingos (1957). In 1959, they began the Friends of the Zoo program. The zoo added an Otter Pool (1961), Elephant House (1962), Great Ape House (1966), Dairy Barn (1971), Great Catwalk (1972), and Gibbon Islands (1973). In 1991, after voting, the zoo grew to its 202-acre size it is today, due to a grant. The grant made record high visitors, for its opening of Australia (1993), International Festival (1994), and Africa (1995). The Africa section opening got a turn-out of approximately 40,000 visitors in first 2 days! A record high! A new bulding was added with the very first IMAX to be in a zoo. This and other new improvements made a record in 1998 of 700,000 zoo guests, and 400,000 IMAX visitors. The zoo went from a small one-building and 60-acre operation, to a very large 202-acre zoo filled with over 1,300 animals! The new Orangutan Primadome opened in 2002 as a part of the new management of the zoo. A major plan began to plot the zoo's next 20 years, including new imrpovements such as the Discovery Barn, which opened in 2006.
[edit] Zoo Guide
The zoo, which was founded in 1909, is 202 acres and it is home to more than 1,300 animals. It is located in Swope Park, the second largest urban park in the United States. It is divided into Australia, Tiger Trail, Africa, and International Festival (now KidZone). The zoo is the 10th largest zoo in the United States. The Kansas City Zoo is going through many renovations at the moment and in the near future.
Africa!
The Africa section is broken up into Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, Congolese Rainforest, and Uganda. The first section is Botswana, containing the African Elephants in a 4 and a half acre exhibit. The exhibit is very long, and includes a big water pool at one end. The elepants also do paintings and demos during weekends. The Kansas City Zoo was also chosen out of many zoos to be one of a few zoos for elephant breeding, as well as babboon breeding. The next stop is Kenya, starting with the cheetah, which sits on a hill, and includes a lookout building. Next is the warthogs, then a small dock looking out across the African savanna, allowing good view of the greater kudu, Grant's Zebra, and the very rare scimitar-horned oryx. There are ground hornbill, marabou stork, and saddle-billed stork in wetland-themed exhibits on the opposite side. Also, there is a bomas area, with huts to simulate Kenya, there are also animal exhibits in the bomas area, such as lappet-face vulture, aldabra tortoise, and blue duiker. Then, there is an aviary with many species of birds and also houses a pair of Red Ruffed Lemur. We then come into Tanzania! You can find the lions exhibit, which features a lookout building. There are small exhibits that appear carved or surrounded by rock. These include: serval, bush baby, rock hyrax, and bat-eared fox. There is then a log-themed bridge across the black rhino exhibit. A top chimpanzee enclosure is next, featuring a very vast area for the chimps to play and explore, and a lookout building. Now on the other side of the African plains, you can see the giraffe and ostrich. You then come upon some birds, the kori bustard and secretary bird. Next, there is a crocodile house, and then a hippo pool. The last are in the circle is Uganda. This section features a stage with seating. You come upon an exhibit with African wild dog in it, which alternates with jackal, depending on weather conditions. The last exhibit is baboon. The Congolese Rainforest is across a swinging bridge in Kenya. There you can find golden mangabey and black mangabey, which are monkeys. There is also a leopard exhibit, featuring an overhead area, which he is often seen laying on. You then come across beautiful bongo (antelope), which are a forest antelope. Next, you can find an enclosure with three male, lowland gorilla, this also includes a lookout building.
Australia!
Australia is the northernmost part of the zoo. There you can find the Australian walk-through aviary, which includes black swans, and cockatoo. When you are out of the aviary, you can find an emu exhibit, an emu is like an ostrich, but smaller. Next is a dingo exhibit, which is an Australian wild dog. There is a large field in the middle of Australia, with about 50 kangaroos allowed to roam freely. Then, you come to an exhibit with two species of wallaby, which is similar to a kangaroo, but much smaller. Also, you can find a tree kangaroo house. Then, you come to another emu exhibit, which formerly had cassowary. You then come to a small town, featuring an Australian home, a reptile house with snakes, frogs, and kookaburra. There is a 'Sheep Station', which allows kids to pet and feed sheep. The last enclosure is an exhibit with camel.
Tiger Trail!
Tiger Trail has changed its name and animal features many times. It was Cat Walk, featuring puma, snow leopard, and tigers, but then it was transformed into Amazonia! Amazonia featured agouti, squirrel monkey, and toucan. It is currently Tiger Trail, because of the return of tigers. The Tiger Trail is a winding path with exotic animals. First, you come upon a type of monkey, and a keel-billed toucan. There is a cage featuring two small forest deer. There are, of course, tigers, which have returned to the zoo after previously being removed. You will also find the red panda, which have been moved from their previous home in The Valley, also the red panda baby is now on exhibit display. Next, you find the Orangutan Primadome, which is a large dome connected to a building. The orangutans have moved here from their previous home in the Great Ape Building, which was very outdated. Also, you can find binturong, which look a little like otters, but fuzzier. Some more exhibits include ring-tailed lemur (now also in Discovery Barn), demoiselle crane, and others.
KidZone!
Like the Tiger Trail, KidZone has changed its name many times. From Farmland USA & International Festival, to Blue River Farmland & International Festival, and then to finally combining the two and making KidZone. The KidZone features a lorikeet cage, with feedings that guests can participate in (first 25). There is a large sea lion pool, which has many shows and it attracts a lot of viewers. The Zooville building, next to the sea lions is the original 1909 building, which was basically the original zoo! This building later became a housing for spoonbill, flamingo, and other birds, but it was closed and renovated for a few years. It is now Zooville, which is a reptilian house, featuring many types of snakes, frogs, and lizards. There is a lot of farm animals in the KidZone, including pot-bellied pig, llama and alpaca, and many types of chicken. It also features a Bird Show Stage and a Birthday Bungalow. Recently, the Red Barn closed and is now reopened as the Discovery Barn. The Discovery Barn houses Scarlet Macaw, squirrel monkey, meerkat, and ring-tailed lemur. The pony rides are now reopen next door to the Discovery Barn, as well as the sheep and pygmy goats, which are located behind the pony rides. There is a camel ride near the sea lion pool. At Christmas time, there is sometimes reindeer on exhibit.
The Valley!
The Valley is the area in between Botswana and KidZone. It is a big valley with a huge lake in the middle, containing numerous ducks and swan species. There is an old rock aviary row, which contains golden eagle, bald eagle, Andean condor, and formerly the binturong. It also housed the red panda and maned wolf. The binturong and red panda moved to Tiger Trail. The Valley is currently closed for renovations, so the maned wolf, and birds are off-display. The opposite side of the rock aviary row, is a newer aviary row, and it is still on display because it is not down the hill in the actual valley. It contains barn owl, golden pheasant, red bourbon turkey, and others.
[edit] Food/Treats/Gifts
Restaraunts
- Beastro - located in the IMAX lobby, selling sandwiches, hot dogs, cookies, Dip-n'-Dots, etc. **Indoor Seating**
- Carousel Cafe - located in KidZone, selling burgers, pizza, chicken strips, etc. **Outdoor Seating**
- Rafiki Restaraunt - located in Nanyuki Market (Africa), selling burgers, fries, pretzels, etc. **Indoor & Outdoor Seating**
Snack Bars
- Bluey's Grill - located at Gundagi Station in Australia, selling hot dogs, pretzels, nachos, etc. **Indoor Seats & Outdoor Patio**
- Boathouse Bar - located in Nanyuki Market (Africa), selling beer, wine, margarita, etc.
- Kahuzi-Beiga - located in Congolese Rainforest (Africa), selling ice cream noveltives, snacks, and soft drinks **Outdoor Seating**
- Safari Snacks - located in Nanyuki Market (Africa), selling ice cream, funnel cakes, soft drinks, etc. **Outdoor Seating**
- Treetops - located in Tanzania (Africa), selling ice cream novelties, nachos, hot dogs, etc. **Outdoor Seating**
- Tweet Treats - located in KidZone, selling soft-serve ice cream, cotton candy, and drinks **Outdoor Seating
Gifts
- Deja Zoo - located in the main entrance building by the IMAX
- Peek-a-Boutique - located in KidZone near the Birthday Bungalow
- Equator Gifts - located in Nanyuki Market (Africa)
Selling clothing, toys, stuffed animals, figurines, games, pens, candy, books, calendars, and more unique items. **Elephant Paintings sold at Deja Zoo**
[edit] Transportation
- Zebra Trams
A zebra-themed tram takes zoo guests alongside the magnificent African elephants and pretty flamingos, sharing interesting facts along the way
- Zoo Train Ride
A mini train takes visitors on an enjoyable ride around the main area of the zoo, intended for a ride more than animal tour, but it passes some exhibits - most notable are the Camel and Kangaroo
- Lake Nakuru Boat Ride
(Open Memorial Day -> Labor Day) A large boat takes visitors for an up-close view of the African savannah animals, such as the greater kudu and scimitar-horned oryx
| Transportation | Price (1-way) | Price (Round Trip) | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zebra Tram | $.50 | $1.00 | World Gate & Nanyuki Market (Africa) |
| Mini-Train | (None) | $2.00 | World Gate & Gundagi Station (Australia) |
| Lake Nakuru Boat | (None) | $2.00 | Boathouse & Uganda Pier (Africa) |
[edit] Coming Soon To The Zoo
The zoo is currently having many renovations done, and more will be coming within the next 2-3 years or so. The Discovery Barn just opened, formerly the Red Barn. It contains many beautiful exhibits, and things such as slides for children. Outside, their is a Peek-a-Boo Tree, that is fun for children to play in and get a sky-high view at the top of the tree, and like the Discovery Barn, it also contains a slide. The Pony rides are back in a new location, next to the Discovery Barn. The Promenade is finished, which is a wide path straight to the African elephants exhibit. The Promenade makes getting to Africa much faster. Also, the Valley area, which previously housed the Red pandas, maned wolf, and other animals, is closed for renovations. There will be a large polar bear exhibit, right by the World Gate, including a massive waterfall, this is planned for 2007. Another new addition will be a ski-lift from the World Gate, down the hill to the Nanyuki Market in Africa. A carousel will be added sometime soon, and they have already finished a portion of the hand-crafted animal seats for the carousel ride, which will include around 30 exotic and endangered species.Many more additions will be coming to the zoo as well. An aquarium is also proposed to be added to the zoo in the future.
Completed Projects
- Discovery Barn/Peek-A-Boo Tree
- Promenade
- Carousel Cafe
Coming Soon (Future)
- Ski-Lift
- Polar Bear
- Aquarium
- Carousel
- The Valley
[edit] Zoo Events & Show Times
New Carousel Animals/Contest - November & December 2006 - the zoo will unveil its carousel in Spring 2007! Every paid visitor in November and December receives a ticket to ride the carousel in 2007. Guess the weight of the animal (three winners) and receive a season rides pass for the carousel, good for all of 2007.
Holiday Wildnights - December 8, 9, & 10 at 4:00-8:00pm - come for evening of holiday goodies! Enjoy christmas light decorations, hot chocolate, holiday carols, and arts & crafts for children. The Admission is $3 for adults ($2 if FOTX) and $2 for children (Free if FOTZ).
Kris Kringle & Krispy Kreme - December 16 & 23 at 10:30am-2:30pm - come to the zoo to eat Krispy Kreme doughnuts and meet Santa! For $5 you can get a picture with Santa. You can make holiday crafts in the Discovery Barn aswell.
Kiss & Tail - Friday, February 9 - an adult Valentines event, with hor d'oeuvres and cocktails, followed by a program and dancing! - Tickets are $75 a couple, $70 for FOTZ members, or $40 a person, this includes hor d'oeuvres, two drinks, the program and entertainment.
Current IMAX Showings (More Imax info - IMAX Theatre )
| IMAX Show | Show Times |
|---|---|
| Mystic India | 3:45pm Daily |
| Into The Deep | 2:30pm Daily |
| Antarctica | 1:15pm Daily |
| Amazon | 12:00pm Daily |
Animal Shows:
- Bird Show: located at the Bird Show Theatre, in KidZone - 11:00am & 2:30pm (Weekends only)
- Reptile Show: located in Zooville, near the Sea Lion Pool - 11:30am (Weekends only)
- Sea Lion Show: located at the Sea Lion Pool - 10:00am, 1:30pm, & 3:30pm (Note - No 3:30 show on Wednesday)
- Lorikeet Feeding: located in KidZone, at Lorikeet cage - 11:00am, 1:00pm, & 3:00pm (Daily)
- Chimp Chat: located at Chimpanzee exhibit, in Tanzania (Africa) - 1:30pm (Weekends only)
- Elephant Demo: located in the elephant exhibit, Botswana (Africa) - 10:30am (Weekends only)
- Elephant Painting: located in the elephant exhibit, Botswana (Africa) - 1:30pm (Weekends only) **Buy Elephant Artwork in Deja zoo Gift Shop, Zoo Entrance**
[edit] Tours
Golf Cart Tours - Info (Golf-Cart)
Wild Safari Tours - Info (Wild-Safari)
