Zoos in Kansas (Wichita, Kansas City, Topeka: high school, subdivisions, live in)

[ProspectiveTransplant]

A few years ago, I stopped by the Topeka Zoo for the first time since childhood and was struck by just how bad of shape it was in. The elephant enclosure in particular struck me as way too small (and this was even before the controversy about its humaneness drummed up a year or two later). After reading about some of the other problems that have ensued with the zoo since, I have to wonder what makes the zoo so "world famous".

The sad thing is it's not even the worst zoo I've seen in Kansas. I don't know to what extent it deserves the name "zoo", but the zoo in Clay Center horrified me. I remember seeing one squirrel in a cage with literally nothing but a small ball.

I've never been to the zoo in Wichita, and I was impressed by the outdoor thing near Salina. How has the Manhattan zoo kept up over the years? I probably haven't been there in twenty years.

[Mathguy]

Originally Posted by ProspectiveTransplant

A few years ago, I stopped by the Topeka Zoo for the first time since childhood and was struck by just how bad of shape it was in. The elephant enclosure in particular struck me as way too small (and this was even before the controversy about its humaneness drummed up a year or two later). After reading about some of the other problems that have ensued with the zoo since, I have to wonder what makes the zoo so "world famous".

The sad thing is it's not even the worst zoo I've seen in Kansas. I don't know to what extent it deserves the name "zoo", but the zoo in Clay Center horrified me. I remember seeing one squirrel in a cage with literally nothing but a small ball.

I've never been to the zoo in Wichita, and I was impressed by the outdoor thing near Salina. How has the Manhattan zoo kept up over the years? I probably haven't been there in twenty years.

Since you live in Olathe....don't waste your time on those zoos.

Drive 30 minutes and support the KCMO Zoo over towards the baseball stadium. The new director has done fantastic work with the place in recent years and is improving it year after year.

[ProspectiveTransplant]

Originally Posted by Mathguy

Since you live in Olathe....don't waste your time on those zoos.

Drive 30 minutes and support the KCMO Zoo over towards the baseball stadium. The new director has done fantastic work with the place in recent years and is improving it year after year.

I agree and I did take my stepdaughter there recently.

[Rivertowntalk]

The Kansas City Zoo is great. The Manhattan Zoo is excellent. The Rolling Hills Zoo west of Salina is exceptional as well. Someone else recently mentioned on this forum that the Garden City Zoo is one of the best zoos in the state. I have never been there, but will have to check it out.

[denverian]

Originally Posted by Rivertowntalk

The Kansas City Zoo is great. The Manhattan Zoo is excellent. The Rolling Hills Zoo west of Salina is exceptional as well. Someone else recently mentioned on this forum that the Garden City Zoo is one of the best zoos in the state. I have never been there, but will have to check it out.

They have zoos in Manhattan and GC?? Who'd have guessed?

[Mathguy]

Originally Posted by denverian

They have zoos in Manhattan and GC?? Who'd have guessed?

While I cannot speak to those in particular, there are a number of very high quality specialty zoos tucked in around the country.

Ellowa farms in the north suburbs of chicago, nestled up amongst subdivisions of multi-million dollar mansions has a tremendous collection, especially with regards to venemous snakes. Who knew?

The black hills reptile institute (close to Mt. Rushmore) has one of the worlds greatest reptile collection on display.

<shrug>

[denverian]

Originally Posted by Mathguy

While I cannot speak to those in particular, there are a number of very high quality specialty zoos tucked in around the country.

Ellowa farms in the north suburbs of chicago, nestled up amongst subdivisions of multi-million dollar mansions has a tremendous collection, especially with regards to venemous snakes. Who knew?

The black hills reptile institute (close to Mt. Rushmore) has one of the worlds greatest reptile collection on display.

<shrug>

Interesting. I guess I just figured zoos would be limited to large cities to attract people. They're not cheap!

[Mathguy]

Originally Posted by denverian

Interesting. I guess I just figured zoos would be limited to large cities to attract people. They're not cheap!

The one tucked away in the north suburbs of Chicago is fairly small and is at least partially funded by the rather wealthy city it's located in.

Not sure what funds the black hills reptile institute but they are near some tourist locations and snakes are probably fairly cheap to keep relative to some other types of animals.

[Torn2pieces]

The Lee Richardson Zoo in Garden City, KS does have a Nice Zoo. I've been to it a few times. Free to walk through, have to pay if you Drive through it.

Lee Richardson Zoo - Garden City, KS

[EliteStaffingSolutions]

I think the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita is well maintained and cared for. I think there is a special education program at West High School that teaches job skills, where students volunteer at the zoo.