Hutchinson Zoo. Hutchinson, KS .

In 1985 the Friends of the Zoo organization was formed and hosted it's first benefit auction. The following year on May 23, the gates of the Hutchinson Zoo opened to the public. Over the next several years the zoo expanded by leaps and bounds adding a number of new exhibits, special events and education programs. In 1991 the zoo began the rehabilitation program, rehabilitating thirteen animals. In 2004, the zoo rehabilitated 655 animals. Continuing to grow, in 1997, the zoo gained accreditation with the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA). The following year, the zoo became the first in Kansas to exhibit the most highly endangered species in North America, the Black-Footed Ferret. In 1999, the zoo welcomed the birth of Cotton-Top Tamarin twins. The Cotton-Top Tamarins are part of the Species Survival Program (SSP). The SSP, developed by the AZA, is a national conservation effort to protect and reintroduce endangered species. In early September of 2002 the zoo was re-granted accreditation for the next five years. The grand opening of the Visitor Center took place the following month, and the year came to an end with the establishment of the Hutchinson Zoo website.

Zoo Hours

The zoo is open year round 10:00 a.m.- 4:45 p.m.
The gift shop is open Monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. and Sundays from 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Extended Hours May-Sept.
Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, & New Years Day

Visit there site here. www.Hutchgov.com

   

Lee Richardson Zoo. Garden City, KS.

The Lee Richardson Zoo is considered by many to be the pride of Garden City. Located within the 110-acre Finnup Park, the zoo is a favorite gathering spot for nearly a quarter million visitors each year.

The mission of the zoo is to provide education and cultural enjoyment through the exhibition, conservation, and preservation of the earth's flora and fauna.

The population of animals on display at the zoo is as diverse as the human population of Garden City itself, hailing from far away places such as China, Japan, Australia, Africa, and South America to name a few. Approximately 350 animals representing more than 100 different species inhabit the 47-acre zoo. A professional staff cares for animals ranging from the tiny Yellow-billed Cardinal to the immense African Elephant.

Zoo Hours

The zoo is open 7 days a week.
8:00 AM to 7:30 PM during Daylight Savings Time
(first Sunday in April until last Sunday in October)
8:00 AM to 4:30 PM during Central Standard Time
The zoo is closed on
Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission

Admission is free if you walk through.

There is a $3.00 per vehicle charge if you drive through. The drive through fee is not charged before 10:00 AM, or during the months of December, January, and February.

Current members of the Friends of Lee Richardson Zoo are admitted free.

Visit there site here. www.garden-city.org/zoo

Rolling Hills Wildlife Adventure. Salina, KS.

You won't believe what you see! Rolling Hills Wildlife Adventure is a one-of-a-kind experience. Whether you have an hour or two days, this is a place you must see to appreciate. It is a wildlife encounter that truly has extraordinary surprises around every corner.

Imagine the thrill of seeing a rare white rhino lumbering toward you or seeing four massive polar bears eyeing a giant walrus from across the frozen water. Hold your breath as a snake charmer coaxes a deadly cobra out of his basket.

All this and more is Rolling Hills Wildlife Adventure; both a world-class zoo with over 300 animals and an immersive museum with seven world regions from the tropical rainforst to the polar regions.

Rolling Hills is open year round and conveniently located in the heart of Kansas, just west of Salina on I-70.

Hours

Summer
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Winter
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Visit there site here. www.rollinghillswildlife.com