Kansas City Zoological Park in Swope Park in Kansas City, Missouri

The Kansas City Zoological Park in Swope Park, located at 6800 Zoo Drive in Kansas City, Missouri, is home to a wide array of animals from around the world, as well as fun activities and interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages. From North America, to Africa, Asia and Australia, guests will be introduced to exotic creatures and have the opportunity to learn about their habitats and behaviors.

While there is no formal North American exhibit, North American river otters indigenous to the U.S. Midwest and Great Plains regions, are a major attraction at the zoo. Hunted in the 1800s for their fur, the number of creatures populating the area fell significantly. Conservation efforts have allowed these soft, furry animals to be reintroduced in the Missouri waterways and their population has been on the rise.

Africa, the largest themed exhibit area of the zoo, is home to chimpanzees, Masai giraffes, African elephants, lions, hippos, cheetahs, zebras, gazelles, baboons and more. The seasonal exhibit is closed December-March. Grassy hillsides, rocky ridges, a water pool and other types of terrain native to Africa are on display, offering guests a realistic setting in which to observe the animals. Daily elephant demonstrations entertain and educate guests Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Red kangaroos, wallaby, New Guinea singing dogs, Sumatran tigers, binturongs, red pandas and Borneon orangutans welcome visitors to the Australia/Asia exhibit. The nearby Tiger Trail offers guests a look at fallow deer, langurs and a colorful variety of birds. Along the trail past Australia, the Kid Zone Discovery Barn and Peekaboo Tree provide children with plenty of entertainment options. The barn is an air-conditioned building for children and families, with exciting interactive games and exhibits. It holds ring-tailed lemurs, meerkats, macaws, Prevost's squirrels, marine toads, dart frogs and agouti. Juxtaposed to the barn, an inviting tree house and fun adventures await, including a two-story slide.

Visitors can travel via a variety of transportation mechanisms at the zoo, including by tram, by train, by boat, by carousel or all the above. A combo rides pass allows guests to enjoy all transportation options throughout their visit. The endangered species carousel offers a fun time for children, as well as a learning opportunity. Children can ask questions about the animals featured on the attraction. Guided tours also are available at the site, with visitors allowed to choose how they wish to move about the park - by golf cart or on Segway Personal People Movers. Additionally, strollers, wagons, wheelchairs and electric convenience vehicles can be rented on a first come basis through guest relations.

Senior, children and family walking clubs, as well as birthday parties, overnight stays, seasonal shows, and family, scout and camp programs provide an array of activities in which visitors can participate. Children are encouraged to check out the zoo's giant play snake. The zoo is open daily from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.