Topeka Zoo

Topeka Zoo Enriching our community through wildlife conservation and education. Today, our Zoo features more than 300 animals amidst acres of native horticulture.

Located in the heart of Gage Park, the Topeka Zoo has been a favorite destination for kids and adults alike since the 1930s. As you enter the Zoo, your passport to adventure will take you on a journey to innovative animal exhibits – you can go on safari in Camp Cowabunga … enjoy the beautiful foliage of the tropics in the Tropical Rainforest … and interact with domestic animals in the popular Chil

dren’s Zoo. Come visit the new Kay McFarland Japanese Garden that features traditional koi ponds, lush landscaping, and exquisite architectural elements. Visit our website at www.topekazoo.org

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Today we share a heartbreaking update. After a well-lived, long life at the Topeka Zoo, lioness Asante has passed away a...
06/25/2026

Today we share a heartbreaking update. After a well-lived, long life at the Topeka Zoo, lioness Asante has passed away at the impressive age of 22.

In the prior week, we shared that her appetite had been worrisome. The Zoo's vet team decided to do an in-depth examination to evaluate her organ functions - specifically her kidneys given her diagnosis of renal disease over four years ago. After receiving blood results that eased concerns, and seeing a brief improvement of her appetite, the Topeka Zoo team was hopeful she was making a turn around. Unfortunately, she once again began refusing to eat, showing a decline in activity. After reviewing her quality of life, Zoo staff made the compassionate decision to humanely euthanize her this morning, June 25th. She was the oldest lion currently living in an Association of Zoos & Aquariums facility at the time of her passing.

"Asante" means "Thank you" in the African language of Swahili, with "Asante sana" meaning "Thank you very much". To everyone who has offered this lioness care, time, support, and love throughout her many years:

Asante sana. 🧡

06/24/2026

Here at the Topeka Zoo, we aim to be accessible to all!

Through the Museums for All program, qualifying families with state food or nutrition benefits can enjoy admission to the Zoo for $3 per person (up to six people, for at least one adult and one child 15 or under). Tickets must be purchased in-person at the admissions gate for discount to be applied. Proof of benefits and identification are required.

Learn more about the Zoo's accessibility incentives by clicking the following: https://topekazoo.org/visit-the-topeka-zoo/zoo-access-for-all/

Help us spread the word! Share this post or send to someone who may benefit. 🦁

06/23/2026

Can you imagine standing THIS close to a tiger? 😲🐯 Starting in July, you won't have to imagine it.

Tiger Trails & Den Academy is opening at the Topeka Zoo, bringing guests face-to-face with one of the world's most powerful and endangered predators through immersive new viewing experiences unlike anything we've offered before.

Watch as our animal care team works with the tigers at the new training wall, explore the habitat from multiple vantage points, and discover the stories behind these incredible animals.

Be among the first to experience Tiger Trails when it opens this July.
🐅 Grand Opening: July 15
📅 Start planning your visit today.

Trust us; you'll want to see this one for yourself!

It's Father's Day AND World Giraffe Day?! Perfect excuse to come say hi to Sergeant Peppers! 👋Even better: bring the fam...
06/21/2026

It's Father's Day AND World Giraffe Day?! Perfect excuse to come say hi to Sergeant Peppers! 👋

Even better: bring the family to feed a giraffe at one of our free giraffe feedings, courtesy of our friends at Silver Lake Bank.

🦒🥬 Sponsored feedings take place:
Tuesdays at 11 am
Sundays at 1:30 pm
or Saturdays at 11 am (cost of $1 per feeding due to popularity)!

Make your Zoo entry quick & simple. Pre-purchase general admission tickets here: https://topekazoo.org/visit-the-topeka-zoo/hours-and-admissions/

📸: Keeper Ericka

Today made one thing clear: the community cares about their Topeka Zoo residents, even after their passing. 💜🐘Zoo staff ...
06/20/2026

Today made one thing clear: the community cares about their Topeka Zoo residents, even after their passing. 💜🐘

Zoo staff & volunteers are feeling grateful after having so many wonderful visitors stop by today to celebrate the life of African elephant Tembo, who resided in Topeka for approximately 50 years. Tembo passed away on May 16 after being humanely euthanized following a rapid decline in her health. Being 56, she was considered geriatric when she passed and had received specialized care throughout her final years. She passed peacfully surrounded by her loving care team.

Over the 5 decades she spent in Topeka, Tembo inspired many to advance into career fields related to elephant care and conservation. Her celebration reflected just how much she meant to the Topeka community. Attendees completed drawings, brought mementos, and some even shared photos of themselves or family posing in front of Tembo throughout the years. Zoo volunteers have collected the items for her care team to look at and continue to find comfort in.

Thank you to those who helped us get the word out on her celebration. Follow us to stay up to date on any Topeka Zoo happenings. 💜🐘

Thank you, Zoo family, for all your love, support, and well wishes to Asante!Earlier this week, we shared that our 22-ye...
06/18/2026

Thank you, Zoo family, for all your love, support, and well wishes to Asante!

Earlier this week, we shared that our 22-year-old African lioness wasn't feeling her best. Given her more than 4-year history of renal disease, our animal care and veterinary teams were closely monitoring her condition.

We're happy to report a positive update! During an exam today, bloodwork revealed renal values that eased concerns about kidney failure. Even better, Asante's appetite has improved, and she's been more engaged with her care team throughout the week.

At her age, Asante will never be “out of the woods” of health concerns and will continue to receive specialized geriatric care, including a customized diet, medications, and close monitoring by our dedicated animal care staff.

Thank you for keeping Asante in your thoughts. Your support means the world to us, and especially to her care team.

06/18/2026

A bit of water offers a beary efficient way to cool down! 🐻💦

Friendly reminder to stay hydrated & bring a reusable water bottle on your Zoo trip. The Topeka Zoo has multiple water fountain stations where you can stop and let a refill rain down.

Follow us for more paw-some tips & tricks to beat the heat this summer! 😉

06/17/2026

A special delivery for the Zoo's Rainbow Lorikeets! 🏠

The Topeka Zoo is excited to share changes being made to the Lorikeet Aviary. The birds will have a brand-new indoor space all to themselves, also making it possible for visitors to enjoy seeing the lorikeets no matter the season!

Finishing touches are still needed before the birds and visitors can safely inhabit the aviary. Stay tuned & follow us to remain informed on when to expect the Lorikeet Aviary to fully take flight! 🦜

Happy tongue out Tuesday - we're only a month away from the opening of Tiger Trails & Den Academy! 👅In this photo, Sumat...
06/16/2026

Happy tongue out Tuesday - we're only a month away from the opening of Tiger Trails & Den Academy! 👅

In this photo, Sumatran tiger Thomas can be seen doing the flehmen response, a facial expression that is made when an animal inhales through their mouth to help identify a peculiar scent or where it came from. 👃

🏠🐯 The tigers' new home at Tiger Trails & Den Academy is getting closer to completion each day - staff can't wait to watch the tigers take in their new space with all the new smells as well. It is an expectation to see this facial expression a lot!

Click the following to find more information about Tiger Trails & Den Academy: https://topekazoo.org/tiger-trails/

👉 Tell us in the comments: What tiger behavior are you most excited to see up close in the new habitat? Exploring? Swimming? Playing? Roaring? Let us know!

Address

635 SW Gage Boulevard
Topeka, KS
66606

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+17853689180

Website

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