Emporia Zoo

05/27/2026

Get ready for a wild adventure across Kansas! 🦁🦒🐻

The new KaZOO Wild Adventure Passport program is officially here, inviting families and wildlife enthusiasts to visit all seven AZA-accredited zoos across Kansas — including the David Traylor Zoo right here in Emporia!

From now through September 7, 2026, guests can collect passport stamps and special gifts at each participating zoo while exploring wildlife conservation, education, and family fun across the state.

Participating zoos include:
📍 David Traylor Zoo – Emporia
📍 Hutchinson Zoo – Hutchinson
📍 Lee Richardson Zoo – Garden City
📍 Rolling Hills Zoo – Salina
📍 Sedgwick County Zoo – Wichita
📍 Sunset Zoo – Manhattan
📍 Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center – Topeka

Once all seven stamps are collected, completed passports can be entered into the KaZOO Wild Adventure Grand Prize Drawing for a chance to win a special animal encounter experience at the participating zoo of your choice! 🐾

Zoo members can also enjoy reciprocal admission discounts at participating Kansas AZA-accredited zoos.

Download your KaZOO Wild Adventure Passport from any participating zoo website and start your Kansas zoo adventure today!

Kansas families and wildlife enthusiasts are invited to embark on an unforgettable statewide zoo adventure with the launch of the new KaZOO Wild Adventure Passport program — a collaborative init

05/26/2026

World Otter Day at David Traylor Zoo 🦦

Join us at David Traylor Zoo for an “otterly” fun afternoon celebrating World Otter Day!
📅 Wednesday, May 27
🕐 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
📍 Activities will take place in the Zoo and inside the Education Center

Did you know a North American river otter’s tail makes up nearly 40% of its body length? These playful and graceful swimmers can travel through the water at speeds up to 8 mph and dive more than 36 feet deep!

Stop by for:
🦦 Educational activities
🎨 An Otter-themed craft
🌎 Conservation information
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly fun throughout the afternoon

North American river otters are one of the most common otter species, but they still face challenges in the wild from habitat loss, pollution, and trapping. Come learn more about these fascinating animals and how we can help protect them for future generations.

We hope to see you at the Zoo for a fun afternoon celebrating one of nature’s most playful swimmers!

05/24/2026

☀️ Summer hours are almost here at the David Traylor Zoo! 🐾
Beginning May 24, 2026, the zoo will have extended summer hours:
🗓 Sunday, Wednesday, & Saturday (NEW this year!)
⏰ 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

🗓 All other days
⏰ 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Make plans to spend more summer evenings exploring your hometown zoo!

05/22/2026

🦁 Get ready for a KAZOO Wild Adventure this summer! 🌎🐾
From May 24 – September 7, explore all 7 AZA-accredited Kansas zoos during one wild statewide adventure!

Pick up or print your zoo passport, visit participating zoos to collect stamps and exclusive tokens, and complete all 7 stops for a chance to win an unforgettable animal encounter experience! 🎉

Be sure to stop by the David Traylor Zoo and start your summer adventure with us!

05/13/2026

🚨 Notice for Zoo Visitors 🚨
Due to scheduled hydrant work on S. Commercial on Thursday, May 14, 2026, water service will be temporarily affected at the David Traylor Zoo. During this time, restroom facilities and drinking fountains will not be available.

Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and bring bottled water if needed. We appreciate your patience and understanding while this important infrastructure work is completed.

05/11/2026

2026 Zoo Camp Registration is now OPEN! 🦁🌿
Join us to learn about ENDANGERED SPECIES 🌍
July 6-10, 9 AM to Noon ⏰

Participants will dive into the world of Endangered Species and discover how conservation plays a vital role in safeguarding wildlife through engaging activities, crafts, and games! 🎨🧩

Member Cost: $80.00 💰
Non-Member Cost: $90.00 💳

For more details or to register, visit www.emporiaks.gov/zoocamp 🎟️

05/08/2026

04/28/2026

🐸 Save the Frogs Day is April 28!

Join FrogWatch USA, a program by the Akron Zoo, and help protect local frogs and toads!

🌿 Volunteers track frog calls in wetlands (Feb–Aug) to help scientists understand species diversity, invasive species, and long-term environmental changes.

💚 No experience needed—just curiosity and a willingness to learn!

👉 Find a chapter near you & sign up: https://loom.ly/NF6sPDg

🌎 Be part of something bigger—help save the frogs!

04/22/2026

Before the first Earth Day in 1970, Americans consumed massive amounts of gasoline, and industry polluted freely with little regard for environmental impact. Inspired by Denis Hayes and Senator Ga***rd Nelson, a nationwide movement grew—bringing together millions to demand change. On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans took action, sparking a legacy that continues today.

Earth Day reminds us that small actions matter. 🌎

🌱 Plant trees
♻️ Reduce waste
💧 Conserve water & energy
🦋 Protect wildlife and habitats

Together, we can build a cleaner, greener future.