Emporia Zoo

06/04/2026

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 🎟️

06/03/2026

🦒🐀 Wildlife helping Wildlife — and Humans too!

Did you know the African Southern Giant Pouched Rat is making a huge difference around the world? Animals like our very own Mr. Bean, who you can visit in the Zoo Education Center, are helping detect wildlife trafficking, locate dangerous land mines, and even assist in disease detection.

These intelligent rats use their incredible sense of smell to help save both human and animal lives every day. Stop by and learn more about these amazing conservation heroes Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1pm-4pm at the Zoo Education Center! 🌍💚

Read more about what these amazing APOPO HeroRATS are doing.

https://loom.ly/vYKY148

APOPO’s rats–fondly known as HeroRATs–are best known for detecting landmines and tuberculosis. Now, APOPO hopes to apply HeroRATs' scent-detection ability to prevent international wildlife trafficking.

06/02/2026

🌎🦒 Adventure is calling this summer at the David Traylor Zoo!

Grab your KaZOO Wild Adventure Passport and explore all 7 AZA-accredited zoos across Kansas — including right here in Emporia! Collect stamps, discover amazing wildlife, and make unforgettable family memories along the way. 🐾☀️

Start your wild adventure at the David Traylor Zoo this summer!

Learn more and download your passport at: emporiaks.gov/zoo

06/02/2026

🌟🎬 Stroll-N-Show at the David Traylor Zoo! 🦁🐻🦊

Join us on Friday, June 12, 2026, for an evening of FREE family fun featuring Disney's Zootopia!

🚶‍♀️ Stroll in the Zoo: 5:00 PM – 6:45 PM
🎥 Movie Begins: 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Zoo Education Center

Take an evening stroll through the zoo, visit your favorite animals, then settle in for a showing of the beloved Disney adventure Zootopia!

Bring your family and friends for a wild night of fun, laughter, and movie magic. We can't wait to see you there!

Sponsored by Emporia Friends of the 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.