Silver Spring, Maryland (September 23, 2009) – The Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) today announced that the Sedgwick County Zoo was granted accreditation by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission.

“The Sedgwick County Zoo is one of the best in the world because it has met the highest standards in the world,” said AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy. “It takes hard work and a sustained commitment to excellence to meet Association of Zoos and Aquariums Accreditation Standards.”

To be accredited, the Sedgwick County Zoo underwent a thorough investigation to insure it has and will continue to meet ever-rising standards, which include animal care, veterinary programs, conservation, education, and safety. AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete this rigorous accreditation process in order to be members of the Association, and are required to resubmit to this process every five years.

“The Sedgwick County Zoo is also a great place for people to connect with nature,” Maddy added. “Members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums support their schools and communities with science-based wildlife education programs that not only inform, but also inspire conservation action.”

The accreditation process includes a detailed application and a meticulous on-site inspection by a team of trained zoo and aquarium professionals. The inspecting team observes all aspects of the institution’s operation in areas such as animal care; keeper training; safety for visitors, staff, and animals; educational programs; conservation efforts; veterinary programs; financial stability; risk management; visitor services; and other areas. The inspection team prepares an extensive written report for the Accreditation Commission. Finally, top officials are interviewed at a formal Commission hearing, after which accreditation is granted, tabled, or denied. Any institution that is denied may reapply one year after the Commission’s decision is made.

Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting an institution dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, the AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information, please visit www.aza.org.

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Please contact Christan Baumer at the Sedgwick County Zoo at 316.266.8212 for additional information about the institution, including special events and activities for visitors and its ongoing commitment to wildlife conservation and science education.
 

You will take a trek through a simulated tiger reserve as you cross a rugged bridge and enter through a gateway into another land where tigers roam. Hikers must pass through a poacher’s checkpoint in order to be allowed into the park. Poaching is a big threat as the tiger’s meat, skin, and bones are used for medicines. Many countries have passed laws to stop the sale of products made from tiger parts. Once past the poacher’s checkpoint, you enter tiger territory! Learn more about Malayan and Amur tigers as you observe them as they play, pounce and rest.

Along the trail, a red panda can be found just beyond a washed out gully. The taxonomy of this animal has given scientists many headaches. It has been put in both the raccoon family and the bear family, but now it is in its own family, Ailuridae. These adorable creatures are naturally found in the bamboo forests of the rocky Himalayan foothills.

Ahead, you will come to the Tiger Reserve Lodge, a place to come in out of the weather, relax a bit, and get a close-up view of the nearby tigers. The big cats may be cooling themselves in the mountain stream or enjoying their enrichment training from the keepers. The lodge will be available for overnights and group events. Imagine sleeping soundly with these huge nocturnal predators roaming just outside the window.

Leaving the lodge, a stone path leads to a shaded viewing structure. Here you may see tigers as well as evidence of human encroachment. Logging, another threat to tigers, has left only tree trunks sticking out of the ground. Often the clearing of trees is the first step towards people inhabiting a new area. Not even the tiger park reserve is immune to population expansion.

Trekking onward, you will find the trail becomes an elevated boardwalk, that takes you to a lookout tower. This vantage point offers a majestic view of the tigers as well as the first glimpse of a rare deer species. In the wild, tigers prey on wild boar, birds, fish, mice, brown bear elk, and deer.

At the edge of the reserve, you will see a settlement of shacks and tents. Urban sprawl has stretched its first finger into the park. Learn more about tigers and how you can make a difference through learning adventures at the Zoo. Sedgwick County Zoo works to promote conservation initiatives around the world including the Save the Tiger Fund. This fund allocates funds to 13 different tiger range countries in Asia to enable tiger conservation activities such as research, education, breeding programs, habitat restoration, sustainable development projects, and human-tiger conflict reduction. Every time you visit the Zoo, you help fund conservation programs that Sedgwick County Zoo supports!

• How the Slawson Family Tiger Trek began
• Isn't a tiger just a tiger
• Lesser but sill amazing
• Progression of a forest
• Tigers are coming to the Zoo. Are you?
• Media advisory
• Next group event a growling good time
• Media photo library

The votes are all in. We've counted and we've carefully selected our prize winners!

What will the tigers' new names be? Who will win the grand prize packages? You'll have to wait a few more days to find out. Join us at the ribbon cutting ceremony to find out - Friday, May 22 at 10:00 a.m. in front of the Slawson Family Tiger Trek! See you there.

Four Grand Prize Winners will receive:

• A one-year membership - Enjoy unlimited visits for one full year.
  Yes, if you are already a member this can be added to your current membership.
• Summer Concert Season Tickets for Two - Enjoy the sounds of summer at Sedgwick County Zoo.

• Three of our winners will receive a Sedgwick County Zoo Growling Good Time Gift containing tons of terrific tiger merchandise.
• One of our winners will receive a NewMarket Square Gift Basket - Enjoy special items from NewMarket Square retailers and restaurants.

Rules: No immediate family members of The Wichita Eagle, Sedgwick County Zoo or Sedgwick County Zoological Society living in the same household are eligible to win. You need not be present to win if your entry is chosen. The Wichita Eagle and Sedgwick County Zoo are not responsible for any lost or damaged entries. Contest participants grant unlimited, non-exclusive use license to The Wichita Eagle and Sedgwick County Zoo. The Wichita Eagle and Sedgwick County Zoo reserve the right to use the winners’ names in printed materials and electronic media in the promotion of Sedgwick County Zoo, Slawson Family Tiger Trek and other activities and events. All entries must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 1. The four names with the most votes win. Four prize winners, one for each tiger, will be selected from the group of entries who voted for the winning name. Prize winners will be announced during the Grand Opening ribbon cutting celebration May 22 at 10:00 a.m. The Wichita Eagle and Sedgwick County Zoo reserve the right to select the grand prizewinner. All decisions are final. Contest is void where restricted or prohibited by state or local laws. Limit one vote per person.
 

Have you noticed that the flamingos near the Zoo entrance are a varied bunch lately? The Caribbean flamingos (the bright pink ones) are the usual residents there. The flamingos that look pale pink to almost white are greater flamingos. They normally reside in Nganda Village but are currently staying with their youngsters in the Caribbean flamingo exhibit for easier care and more protection from the elements. The gray flamingos are the juvenile greater flamingos, just four months old. Watch the following video interview with Bird Curator Joe Barkowski as he provides behind-the-scenes info regarding our flamingos.

Wichita, KS - The Sedgwick County Zoo finished 2008 with a total of 584,076 guests, making it the third best year in terms of attendance in the Zoo’s history. Sedgwick County Zoo achieved attendance record highs in 2004 with the opening of The Downing Gorilla Forest (591,687 guests) and 2007 with the opening of Cessna Penguin Cove (593,428 guests). 

Sedgwick County Zoo also exceeded revenue goals in 2008 by 5.9% ($332,871). This additional revenue is already being invested in the Zoo. Plans for a new Avian Propagation Facility are underway as well us general maintenance plans for buildings, pathways, animal shelters and much, much more. 

“We have been very fortunate to experience such tremendous growth both in exhibits and attendance over the last few years,” said Mark C. Reed, Executive Director. “The support of this community has been outstanding and thanks to the public/private partnership we have with Sedgwick County, we have been able to make this zoo one of the premier attractions in the state and a real asset to the quality of life for those living in South Central Kansas.” 

As for a return on investment from all funding sources to the Zoo, a recent study showed that Sedgwick County Zoo has a total annual economic impact of more than $43 million to Wichita and Sedgwick County. Nearly half of the guests who visit the Zoo come from outside Sedgwick County making it one of the top attractions in Wichita and, in fact, the state of Kansas. 

“The Zoo is becoming a destination attraction for our community and with the opening of the Slawson Family Tiger Trek this May, we are working hard to make 2009 an even better year than 2008,” said Reed. “In these tough economic times, we all have to work a little harder and offer even more valuable, quality experience to our customers when it comes to their discretionary recreational dollar.” 

^{The Sedgwick County Zoo is a not-for-profit organization, accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information, visit www.aza.org. Sedgwick County Zoo is also a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums www.waza.org. Sedgwick County Zoo has been recognized with national and international awards for its support of field conservation programs and successful breeding of rare and endangered species. It's the No. 1 outdoor family tourist attraction in Kansas and is home to more than 2,500 animals of nearly 400 different species. For more information, visit www.scz.org.}

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May 30, 2008
Wichita, Kansas

The overall Master Plan of Sedgwick County Zoo addresses the existing land on which the Zoo is located (approximately 247 acres). No property expansion plans have been made. The Zoo is organized in two different ways. Exhibits located north and around the Central Plaza are oriented to specific themes, such as habitats (i.e. the Jungle) or animal groups of special interest (i.e. Amphibians & Reptiles). Exhibits south of the Central Plaza are organized zoogeographically by continent.

Immersion exhibits are a successful trend that have been adopted by the Zoo. In this type of exhibit design the visitor is immersed into an environment that resembles the natural habitat of the animals that are presented. Examples are the Jungle, The Downing Gorilla Forest and even Cessna Penguin Cove. This method enhances educational value since it provides the opportunity to share information about entire biomes shared by animals, plants, and humans, allowing us to tie together strong conservation messages.

Some of the Master Plan improvements—
The existing entrance building, built in 1972, is in need of major changes to meet current and future needs. The architecture of the entrance complex is to identify it as the main gateway into the Zoo. It will take on a character that compliments the Cargill Learning Center.

The African zoo-geographic zone of the Zoo will be strengthened with both new animals and new exhibits for existing animals. A new elephant exhibit will be located between the Pride of the Plains and The Downing Gorilla Forest.

A new event area and stage will be located south of Plaza Beastro in the existing giraffe yard (giraffes will move to a new exhibit where the current elephant yard is located). It will consist of a stage and an amphitheater with a capacity of 2,000 people to serve large functions such as the popular concert series and Zoobilee.

The Aquatic Complex is off to a good start with the opening of the popular Cessna Penguin Cove in May 2007. The Master Plan provides more aquatic encounters with an exciting seashore biome by adding a large saltwater facility for sea lions.
 

May 21, 2008
Wichita, Kansas

Sedgwick County Zoo is happy to announce three new residents: three Chinese alligators from Houston Aquarium. Chinese alligators are smaller than American alligators. These alligators are critically endangered in the wild. Their few numbers can only be found in a small area of the Yangtze River ecosystem in China.

The Chinese alligators are the start of a new habitat area in the Amphibian & Reptile building at Sedgwick County Zoo representing the most endangered river system in the world – the Yangtze River. Also new to this exhibit are golden thread turtles and yellow pond turtles.

April 25, 2008
Wichita, Kansas

The new restaurant has officially been named Plaza Beastro. A Restaurant Naming Contest was held in coordination with B98 FM, providing us with an outstanding 3,000 plus name possibilities! We had many excellent, creative names submitted and we thank everyone who contributed their ideas. After much deliberation, the final name was chosen and is actually a hybrid of two names. The name was unveiled and the two winners were announced at the restaurant’s Grand Opening, held on April 25. Congratulations, Chris McNiece and Jinger Titus!

Plaza Beastro serves as the main restaurant of the Zoo. It is located in the Central Plaza and offers views of the surrounding ponds and of the nearby giraffes and grizzly bears. The new restaurant can accommodate guests inside and many more outside, both on the restaurant’s deck and off.

Plaza Beastro boasts indoor restrooms, an ATM, and three entrances, with the main entrance located across from the giraffes. The cafeteria-style setup inside is much more conducive to serving large groups. There are two separate cash register lines, two beverage areas, and easily accessible condiments so you can fix up your food just the way you like it.

Do you have places to go and animals to see? Just hit the Beastro Express walk-up window on the northwest side of Plaza Beastro, across from Cessna Penguin Cove. There you will be quickly served your choice of our more popular items such as pizza, nachos, drinks, and more!

The expanded indoor area of the restaurant leaves us with opportunities for indoor birthday parties and group events, things that we previously could not accomodate indoors. We even have a party room that is separate from the main seating area and seats up to 24; it’s perfect for a personal party or a business meeting!

Next time you’re here, stop by the newest addition to the Zoo. The only animals inside will be the humans, but we can satisfy the appetite of a bear!
 

February 1, 2008
Wichita, Kansas

Sedgwick County Zoo has become the first zoo in the Americas to document that Komodo dragons are capable of parthenogenesis (reproduction without the contribution of a male). One Komodo dragon entered the world on January 31 and a second hatched on February 1, 2008 thanks to this type of asexual reproduction.

Parthenogenesis is a reproductive process that occurs naturally in some species including invertebrates, lower plants, and less commonly in vertebrates such as reptiles and fish. A parthenogenetic egg needs no fertilization from a male because it inherits and duplicates the mother’s chromosome. Based on a Komodo dragon’s genetics of sex determination, hatchlings reproduced in this way will always be male.

The hatchlings are healthy and feisty, the first measuring almost 17 inches long from nose to tail and weighing 104 grams and the second hatchling measuring 16 inches long and weighing 100 grams. Both males are doing well. Because of the nature of Komodo dragons, only one will be on exhibit at a time starting in the Amphibian and Reptile building.

Sedgwick County Zoo has two adult Komodo dragons; both are female and cared for separately. One female laid approximately 17 eggs on May 19-20, 2007 and Zoo staff followed the Species Survival Plan (SSP) recommendation to incubate and hatch two eggs. The SSP wanted to further document that Komodo dragons are capable of parthenogenesis. Only two earlier cases were documented in 2006 at London Zoo and Chester Zoo in England.