Sedgwick County Zoo opened on August 25, 1971, in Wichita, Kansas, and has grown into one of the largest zoos in the country by both size and collection. Spread across 247 acres, with 115 acres currently developed for exhibits, the AZA-accredited zoo is regularly cited as Kansas’ number one outdoor tourist attraction.
The zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals representing nearly 400 species, ranking it among the top 15 zoos in the United States by animal and species count. Signature habitats include the Downing Gorilla Forest, the Slawson Family Asian Big Cat Trek, Cessna Penguin Cove, and the Reed Family Elephants of the Zambezi River Valley, alongside the Tropics building, one of the oldest indoor rainforest exhibits in the country.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: Wichita, Kansas
- Opened: August 25, 1971
- Size: 247 acres (115 developed)
- Species/Animal Count: Nearly 400 species, over 3,000 animals
- Annual Visitors: About 650,000+ (historic figure; exact current count not published)
- Famous For: Kansas’ top-ranked outdoor tourist attraction and one of the largest zoos in the US by land area
What to See at the Zoo
Visitors can explore habitats spanning nearly every continent, from the Pride of the Plains African savanna exhibit to the Asian big cat trek featuring tigers and other big cats. The elephant habitat, expanded in 2016, and the penguin cove, added in 2007, are consistently among the most popular stops, along with daily keeper chats and animal feedings that give guests an up-close look at zoo operations.
The Tropics building has stood since 1977 and remains one of the oldest indoor rainforest exhibits in the United States, housing a dense mix of plant life and tropical species under one roof.
Visiting Sedgwick County Zoo
The zoo is located at 5555 W Zoo Blvd in Wichita and typically opens daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with animal activity often highest earlier in the day. It holds dual accreditation from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), reflecting its standards for animal care and conservation programs.
A zoo train and seasonal attractions add to the visitor experience, and the zoo continues to invest in new habitats, including a 2022 electric safari train and ongoing elephant barn improvements.
Explore more: Explore more top zoos and aquariums.
Sedgwick County Zoo FAQs
When did Sedgwick County Zoo open?
The zoo opened on August 25, 1971, in Wichita, Kansas.
How big is Sedgwick County Zoo?
The zoo covers 247 acres total, with about 115 acres currently developed for exhibits, making it one of the larger zoos in the United States by land area.
How many animals live at Sedgwick County Zoo?
The zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals representing nearly 400 species.
Get More from Sedgwick County Zoo
Log the coasters, stadiums, and venues you’ve experienced, rate Sedgwick County Zoo, and see what your friends thought. Get the ThrillZing app.
Photo: Patrick Pelletier / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.