Recently the Board of County Commissioners announced the current Sedgwick County budget levels were unsustainable and directed the Sedgwick County Manager to plan a budget for a $0 deficit balance by 2013. In order for this to be achieved all essential Sedgwick County department budgets needed to be reduced by 3.3% and all nonessential Sedgwick County department budgets, which include Sedgwick County Zoo, will need to be reduced by 6.58% in 2012 and a reduction is expected again in 2013.

The Sedgwick County Zoological Society, Inc receives 48.4% of its operational support budget from Sedgwick County. (2010 audit)

Operating Support:
Sedgwick County $5,146,885. 48.4%
Donations & Grants $326,873. 3.1%
Other Contributions $73,153. 0.7%

Operating Revenue:
Admissions: $1,528,358. 14.4%
Concessions: $857,940. 8.1%
Memberships: $1,348,769. 12.7%
Other Income 12.8%
   Zoobilee: $806,304.
   Promotional Events: $237,648.
   Education Programs: $134,187.
   Investment Income: $8,304.
Miscellaneous: $172,199.

Total Support & Revenue: $10,640,620. 100.0%

Q: Why did Membership & Admission prices increase?
A: Unfortunately for our daily guests and members, Sedgwick County budget cuts created the need to increase Zoo revenue through all other sources including admissions and memberships.

Q: Is the Zoo doing anything to cut expenses?
A: Support from Sedgwick County helps cover Animal Management, Maintenance and Horticulture departments. Sedgwick County Zoo has cut five full-time positions: two zookeeper positions from the Animal Management department, two Zoo maintenance worker positions from the Maintenance Department and one grounds keeper position from the Horticulture Department. Other expenses not covered by Sedgwick County cannot be cut so easily. In fact, utilities and animal food costs have increased. We are always looking for other ways to cut expenses and increase revenues.

Q: How does Sedgwick County Zoo compare to other zoos across the country?
A: We know that no two zoos are equal and there are no apples to apples comparisons in this business. The variables are many and we will highlight just a few – type of governance, location of the zoo, labor unions, cost of living, exhibit types, and amount of financial support from Sedgwick County Zoological Society or friends groups, aquatic components or aquarium. We don’t try to compare ourselves to large theme parks, but look closely at the traditional, accredited AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums) zoos with total operating budgets of $10,000,000 or more. The following compares 49 traditional, AZA accredited zoos. These comparisons are based on information from the 2012 AZA Directory which uses 2010 data.

• Sedgwick County Zoo was No. 7 in terms of Total Zoo Acreage with 247acres. The average acreage was 133 acres. Kansas City Zoo was No. 9 with 202 acres and Oklahoma City Zoological Park was No. 14 with 110 acres.
• Sedgwick County Zoo was No. 46 in terms of Operating Budget (not including concession cost of sales) with a total operating budget of $10,976,153. Kansas City Zoo was no 43 with a total operating budget of $12,681,406 No. 27 Oklahoma City Zoological Park, $19,050,276.
• Sedgwick County Zoo was No. 45 in terms of Fulltime Staff (not including part-time or seasonal staff) with a 108 fulltime employees. Kansas City Zoo was No. 40 with 125 fulltime staff and No. 35 was Oklahoma City Zoological Park with 142 fulltime staff
• Sedgwick County Zoo was No. 46 in terms of Operational Cost per Day at $30,072 per day. Kansas City Zoo was No. 43 at $34,744 per day and No. 27 was Oklahoma City Zoological Park at $52,193 per day.
• Sedgwick County Zoo was No. 47 in terms of Annual Attendance with 548,919 guests in 2010. Kansas City Zoo was No. 45 with 623,151 guests and No. 32 was Oklahoma City Zoological Park with 957,000 guests.
• Sedgwick County Zoo is No. 12 in terms of Market Saturation* with 90%. Kansas City Zoo was No. 36 with 30% and No. 15 Oklahoma City Zoological Park with 80%. (*Annual attendance divided by SMA Population)
• Sedgwick County Zoo was No. 23 in terms of Cost per Visitor with $19.99 per visitor. Kansas City Zoo was No. 22 at $20.35 and No. 26 Oklahoma City Zoological Park, $19.91 per visitor.
• Sedgwick County Zoo was No. 23 (out of only 29 price levels) in terms of 2010 Adult Admission at $11.50 per adult. Kansas City Zoo shares this spot at No. 23 for $11.50 per adult and No. 28 Oklahoma City Zoological Park is just $8 per adult.
• Sedgwick County Zoo was No. 16 (out of only 28 price levels) in terms of 2010 Family Membership at $90 for a household membership. Kansas City Zoo was No. 20 at $79 and No. 27 was Oklahoma City Zoological Park for $65 for a family membership.
• Sedgwick County Zoo was No. 13 in terms of Total Animal Species (Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds, and Mammals) with 364 Species. Kansas City Zoo was No. 39 with 183 species and No. 12 was Oklahoma City Zoological Park with 368 Species.
• Sedgwick County Zoo was No. 13 in terms of Total Animal Specimens (Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds, and Mammals) with 2,199 individual animals. Kansas City Zoo was No. 43 with 715 specimens and No. 26 Oklahoma City Zoological Park, 1,227 Specimens.
• Sedgwick County Zoo was No. 4 in terms of Number of Animals per Employee with 20.36 animals per employee. Kansas City Zoo was No. 30 with 5.72 animals per employee and No. 16 was Oklahoma City Zoological Park with 8.64 animals per employee.
• Sedgwick County Zoo was No. 5 in terms of Cost per Animal at $4,991.43 per animal. Kansas City Zoo was No. 28 with $17,736.23 and No. 24 was Oklahoma City Zoological Park, $15,525.90 per animal.
  You can see Sedgwick County Zoo ranks in the top 15 in terms of total animal species and individual animals! However, it is even more impressive that your Sedgwick County Zoo was No. 4 in terms of number of animals per employee; No. 5 in terms of cost per animal and No. 23 in terms of cost per visitor at $19.99 per person. This shows your Sedgwick County Zoo is already doing better than most in terms of efficiently providing excellent care for animals and a great experience for our guests. Your Sedgwick County Zoo is known in the zoo industry for getting the most “bang for the buck.”

Q: What is the economic impact that Sedgwick County Zoo has on Sedgwick County?
A: A recent visitor’s survey showed interesting findings of who we are and what we provide the community. It showed that: 1) 59% of Zoo visitors are Sedgwick County residents; 2) 51% of the out-of-county visitors came to Sedgwick County specifically to see the Zoo, 3) 10% of visitors were of a minority group, 4) 77% of visitors are younger than 45 and 73% have children under 18 years old, 5) 57% had annual household incomes of less than $50,000., 6) 42% are college educated, and 7) visitors traveled from all across Kansas, as well as from 42 states and 7 foreign countries. The above-mentioned survey’s results reinforce previous surveys and show that the Zoo has an economic impact of approximately $43 million on the Wichita area economy.

Sedgwick County Zoo is owned and operated under a public/private partnership between Sedgwick County and the Sedgwick County Zoological Society, Inc. The land and facilities are owned by Sedgwick County and your Sedgwick County Zoo is operated under contract by the Sedgwick County Zoological Society, Inc.

The Sedgwick County Zoological Society, Inc receives approximately 47% of its operational support budget from Sedgwick County. (2009 audit)

Recently the Board of County Commissioners announced the current Sedgwick County budget levels were unsustainable and directed the Sedgwick County Manager to plan a budget for a $0 deficit balance by 2013. In order for this to be achieved all essential Sedgwick County department budgets will need to be reduced by 3.3% and all nonessential Sedgwick County department budgets, which include Sedgwick County Zoo, will need to be reduced by 6.58% in 2012 and a reduction is expected again in 2013.

Q: Exactly how much is Sedgwick County cutting from the Zoo Operational Support?
A: As we plan for 2012, Sedgwick County has asked us to cut 6.58% ($360,468) from the Sedgwick County Operational Support budget of $5,478,238. The County Operational Support budget covers county employees’ salaries, benefits and overtime for the following operational departments: Administration, Animal Management, Animal Health, Education, Graphics & Exhibits, Horticulture, and Maintenance.

Q: What will the budget cut mean to the Zoo as a whole?
A: Our guests and our animals are on the top of our priority list. A public/private partnership such as between Sedgwick County and The Sedgwick County Zoological Society means that we share the highs and the lows. The County needs our help and is asking us to make this cut. So, we’ll do our part. We’ll work lean and mean while maintaining AZA accreditation, providing excellent care for animals and offering a great experience for our guests.

Q: What will the budget cut mean to the guest experience?
A: It is our hope that the public will not notice a decline in the quality zoo experience they have come to know and appreciate. During this County deficit reduction process, we have no plans to permanently close any exhibits.

Q: What is the biggest expense at the Zoo?
A: The biggest expense at Sedgwick County Zoo is the cost of personnel to operate the Zoo and provide our guests the services they have come to expect. The money from Sedgwick County covers employee salaries, benefits, overtime, worker’s compensation, etc. for the operational departments mentioned above and is 47% (audit 2009) of our total operating budget.

Q: Where will the cuts be felt the most?
A: At Sedgwick County Zoo we do our best to blend the County and the Sedgwick County Zoological Society. This means we try to provide the Sedgwick County Zoological Society employees with benefits that match the County's benefits. Therefore, the Sedgwick County Zoological Society will share the blow of the budget cuts while being asked to increase revenue for the Zoo. We will cut five County positions: two zookeeper positions from the Animal Management department, two zoo maintenance worker positions from the Maintenance Department and one grounds keeper position from the Horticulture Department. We are still reviewing employee positions within the Sedgwick County Zoological Society departments - Guest Services, Development, and Finance - in order to reduce the workforce expenses where possible. Of course, we are also looking for other ways to cut expenses and increase revenues. We’ll expect more with less from our revenue generating departments.

Q: Does this mean Admission prices and Membership prices will increase?
A: Yes, there will be increases in some Admission and Membership prices. We will need to increase revenue through all other sources including donations, grants & other contributions; admissions; concessions; memberships; and other income such as Zoobilee, promotional events, educational programs, investment income.

Q: How will the Sedgwick County budget affect the Zoo Master Plan or plans for new exhibits?
A: We have no need to revise our Master Plan at this time. However, when we add new animals and new exhibits to the Zoo often times we need to add staff in those new areas. Since the County Operational Support Budget, which covers staff, is currently being reduced this puts any new exhibit plans and construction on hold.

Q: How does Sedgwick County Zoo compare to other zoos across the country?
A: We know that no two zoos are equal and there are no apples to apples comparisons in this business. The variables are many and we will highlight just a few – type of governance, location of the zoo, labor unions, cost of living, exhibit types, amount of financial support from Sedgwick County Zoological Society or friends groups, aquatic components or aquarium. We don’t try to compare ourselves to large theme parks, but look closely at the traditional, accredited AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums) zoos with total operating budgets of $9,000,000 or more. The following compares 52 traditional, AZA accredited zoos. These comparisons are based on information from the 2011 AZA Directory which uses 2009 data.

• Sedgwick County Zoo was No. 7 in terms of Total Zoo Acreage with 247acres. The average acreage was 129 Acers. Oklahoma City Zoological Park was No. 17 with 110 acres.
• Sedgwick County Zoo was No. 45 in terms of Operating Budget (not including concession cost of sales) with a total Operating Budget of $11,511,361. No. 1 San Diego Zoo, $210,000,000. No. 24 Oklahoma City Zoological Park, $20,213,693.
• Sedgwick County Zoo was No. 45 in terms of Fulltime Staff (not including part-time or seasonal staff) with a 108 fulltime employees. No. 1 Bronx Zoo, 922 fulltime employees. No. 37 Oklahoma City Zoological Park, 140 Fulltime Staff
• Sedgwick County Zoo was No. 45 in terms of Operational Cost per Day at $31,538 per day. No. 1 San Diego Zoo $575,342 per day. No. 24 Oklahoma City Zoological Park, $55,380 per day.
• Sedgwick County Zoo was No. 44 in terms of Annual Attendance with 654,494 guests in 2009. No. 1 San Diego Zoo, 3,400,000 guests. No. 37 Oklahoma City Zoological Park, 828,285 guests.
• Sedgwick County Zoo is No. 12 in terms of Market Saturation* with 1.07 visits. No. 1 is Zoo de Granby with 6.88 visits. *Annual Attendance Divided by Metro Population. No. 17 Oklahoma City Zoological Park, 0.68 visits.
• Sedgwick County Zoo was No. 36 in terms of Cost per Visitor with $17.58 per visit. No. 1 San Diego Zoo $61.76 per visit. No. 16 Oklahoma City Zoological Park, $24.40 per visit.
• Sedgwick County Zoo was No. 19 (out of only 24 price levels) in terms of 2009 Adult Admission at $11 per adult. No. 1 San Diego Zoo $37 per adult. No. 23 Oklahoma City Zoological Park, $7 per adult.
• Sedgwick County Zoo was No. 17 (out of only 28 price levels) in terms of 2009 Family Membership at $85 for a household membership. No. 1 Calgary Zoo $226 for a family membership. No. 27 Oklahoma City Zoological Park, $60 for a family membership.
• Sedgwick County Zoo was No. 17 in terms of Total Animal Species (Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds, and Mammals) with 348 Species. No. 1 San Diego Zoo with 697 Species. No. 14 Oklahoma City Zoological Park, 392 Species.
• Sedgwick County Zoo was No. 14 in terms of Total Animal Specimens (Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds, and Mammals) with 1,528 individual animals. No. 1 Bronx Zoo with 4,949 Specimens. No. 22 Oklahoma City Zoological Park, 1,081 Specimens.
• Sedgwick County Zoo was No. 2 in terms of Number of Animals per Employee with 14.15 animals per employee. No. 52 was Smithsonian National Zoological Park with 2.29 animals per employee. San Diego Zoo is No. 34 with 5.18 animals per employee. No. 12 Oklahoma City Zoological Park with 7.72 animals per employee.
• Sedgwick County Zoo was No. 3 in terms of Cost per Animal at $7,533 per animal. No. 52 was Smithsonian National Zoological Park with $75,000 per animal. San Diego Zoo is No. 50 at $46,833 per animal. No. 24 Oklahoma City Zoological Park, $18,699 per animal.

You can see Sedgwick County Zoo ranks in the top 20 in terms of total animal species and top 15 in terms of individual animals! However, it is even more impressive that your Sedgwick County Zoo was No. 2 in terms of number of animals per employee and No. 3 in terms of cost per animal. This shows that your Sedgwick County Zoo is already doing better than most in terms of efficiently providing excellent care for animals and a great experience for our guests. Your Sedgwick County Zoo is known in the zoo industry for getting the most “bang for your buck.”

Q: What is the economic impact that Sedgwick County Zoo has on Sedgwick County?
A: A recent visitor’s survey showed interesting findings of who we are and what we provide the community. It showed that: 1) 59% of Zoo visitors are Sedgwick County residents; 2) 51% of the out-of-county visitors came to Sedgwick County specifically to see the Zoo, 3) 10% of visitors were of a minority group, 4) 77% of visitors are younger than 45 and 73% have children under 18 years old, 5) 57% had annual household incomes of less than $50,000., 6) 42% were college educated, and 7) visitors traveled from all across Kansas, as well as from 42 states and 7 foreign countries. The above-mentioned survey’s results reinforce previous surveys and show that the Zoo has an economic impact of approximately $43 million on the Wichita area economy.

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 2,000 animals of nearly 400 different species. For more information, visit www.scz.org.

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We are sorry to report that Friday, May 6, a boy, on a school outing, at the Zoo was injured by an Amur leopard after going past a guardrail separating the exhibit from the public. The boy was on an outing with Linwood Elementary School from Wichita. He is seven years old and in first grade.

The boy got past a guardrail and approached the Amur leopard enclosure in the Asian exhibit. The animal grabbed the boy with it's paws. A woman and a man on the Zoo’s tram saw what was happening. They jumped off the tram and spooked the leopard, which released the boy.

The boy suffered laceration wounds. He was taken to Via Christi on St. Francis, treated and later released.

Sedgwick County Zoo officials are reviewing the incident along with policies and procedures and have reached out to officials at USDA and our accreditation association, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Both of these organizations will conduct a review as well. The exhibit and guardrail currently meet the standards of both these organizations. We will continue to uphold their standards and recommendations.

Nia, the Amur Leopard is back on exhibit and doing well. The keepers took advantage of the fact that Nia was off exhibit for a short time allowing them to  change her habitat around a bit, for example, giving her new perching areas and moving perches to new places. This made her habitat that much more fun and interesting for her when she came back to her den, giving her more to explore.

updated 12-1-2011
 

Sedgwick County Zoo’s master plan, which is our guide to what the Zoo will look like in the future, has planned for more than one lion pride and that is just what is happening! In the wild young males leave the pride at about three or four years of age and form bachelor groups before forming their own pride. Michael and Jamil are at the age when they would naturally be leaving the pride, but since they can’t go out and find females we have to give them a little help. Last October we received a 1½-yearold female lion from the Lee Richardson Zoo in Garden City, KS. Kianga, which means “a burst of sunshine,” was introduced to Michael and Jamil in February to form a second pride for a while. However, sometime this fall one of the males (the one that has bonded the least with Kianga) will be shipped to another zoo to begin his own pride. Then if given the SSP recommendation, our new young pair will breed and form a proper pride. The two prides, Majola’s Pride and the Michael-Jamil-Kianga Pride, will be rotated on and off the public exhibit.

Read more about Majola's Pride >

Along with spring comes spring cleaning. If you’re feeling like most people you’re probably ready for some spring temperatures and anxious to do some spring cleaning outside. A good place to start is in your backyard. However, keep in mind that you might have some new backyard guests. Sedgwick County Zoo supports Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks in their efforts to promote a hands-off approach when it comes to wildlife and we want to provide you with the information you need sooner rather than later. It’s common to encounter young wild animals in your own backyard, especially in spring and summer.

Some people have an irresistible attraction to these wild youngsters, and want to take care of them. Every year, the lives of young wild animals are jeopardized by well-intentioned people who take them from the wild believing that the animals are abandoned or orphaned and will die if not given human care. However, the truth is rescuing wildlife from the wild often results in the death of the animal. KDWP gives us five good reasons why people should leave them in the wild: 1. THEY’RE NOT ABANDONED. Bird and mammal mothers will leave their young while they search for food during the day. This is the time when the young are most vulnerable to well-meaning humans. The adult animal is possibly watching and waiting for you to leave so it can return to care for its young. 2. IT’S ILLEGAL. Picking up young animals is against the law. Both the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment have regulations against such activity. Fines can be up to $1,000. State permits are required to legally possess most species of wild animals. For some species, federal permits are required and fines are more severe. 3. THEY MAY CARRY DISEASE. Even though they may look cute and fuzzy, wild animals carry a number of potential health threats. Rabies can be transmitted from a bite or saliva contacting an open wound. Ticks and fleas borne by some animals carry lyme and other diseases. Wild animals may also carry bacteria, roundworms, tapeworms, mites, and/or protozoans that can cause diseases in humans or their pets. 4. THEY’RE NOT PETS. Although young animals may be cute and cuddly, they are wild animals. Many well-meaning people have taken animals home, and then quickly learned that they’re not equipped to handle the animal as it matures. Many people have been injured by animals that initially seemed easily tamed. 5. GOOD INTENTIONS CAN BE DEADLY. Many animals taken into captivity soon die. Those that don’t are denied the opportunity to learn how to survive in their natural environment, so they seldom develop the skills necessary for them to survive when they are eventually returned to the wild. Their ability to find natural foods is hindered, and the natural wariness that is learned in the wild is impaired. Young wildlife raised in captivity often develop an attachment to humans. Upon their release to the wild, they may have little fear of people and return to make nuisances of themselves or put themselves in danger of traffic, or attack from domestic animals. Further, when released to the wild they may be thrust as unwelcome intruders into the home range of another member of their species. And you might relocate an animal with disease into a population that did not have the disease.

Here are some things you can do to protect wildlife in your backyard. Before you mow, especially tall grasses walk the area looking for turtles, toads, or rabbit nests. Turtles and toads can be gently moved along. However, a rabbit nest should be left alone. You can protect the nest and mark it to help you remember not to mow over it. Place a 2’ X 2’ or larger piece of flat wood over the nest, with the wood perched on bricks or other material so that the parent cottontail can get to the youngsters but curious dogs or cats can’t. Be sure to check all limbs before trimming trees. If you accidentally knock a nest from a tree or if it is knocked down by strong Kansas winds the best thing to do is put the bird carefully back into the nest, or shepherd it into some thick shrubbery or other protected space in your yard. The parents will continue to feed and care for the fledgling. Also, keep your dogs and cats away allowing the young bird’s parent to care for it. It is a myth that a parent won’t return to a young bird or nest if it has been touched by humans. To keep birds from flying into your recently cleaned windows you can hang a visual obstruction inside. At the Zoo you’ll see we use dark vinyl wildlife stickers to help the birds navigate around glass panels. If a bird hits your window don’t worry. Often, birds are just stunned from impact; generally, they recover after a few minutes and fly off. What if the parents don’t return and/or the animal dies? However unfortunate this may seem, death is an integral part of our natural world. It may even represent life to another wildlife species which can use that animal as sustenance or to feed their young. Many animals die before reaching adulthood. While it may seem disheartening to see a young animal die, it represents only one individual in an entire population which could not thrive if all young born survived. Now that your grass is mowed, your trees are trimmed, and your windows are clean you can sit back and enjoy the great outdoors. Sedgwick County Zoo wants to inspire you to observe the wildlife in your backyard, but remember a hands-off approach is always best. Please remember, the Sedgwick County Zoo does not currently carry permits for wildlife rehabilitation. However, if you find yourself in need of more information regarding how to deal with wildlife in your backyard or if you need to locate a licensed rehabilitator near you please visit:  http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/Other-Services/Rehabilitation

On May 4, 2010 Sedgwick County Zoo welcomed its 15 MILLIONTH guest. When Sedgwick County Zoo opened in 1971, families were pleased, but they had little idea of the great things that were in store. The Zoo has seen steady progress through the past three decades with major exhibits opening every few years. This is quite an accomplishment for our community.

The Downing Gorilla Forest opened in 2004 to the excitement of thousands. Then Cessna Penguin Cove delighted adults and children alike. Today the Slawson Family Tiger Trek continues to inspire guests every day. It is with great pleasure that we welcomed our 15 millionth guest and look forward to many more. 

“I can’t believe it!” said Suzanne Armendariz, “I never win anything! This is so exciting! Thank you so much!” Suzanne, accompanied by her son Ethan, were rewarded with two season tickets to the 2010 Sedgwick County Zoo Capitol Federal Summer Concert Series; four tickets to one of the upcoming INTRUST Bank Arena events and a gift basket courtesy of KWCH Channel 12; plus a lifetime membership to the No. 1 outdoor family tourist attraction in Kansas – your Sedgwick County Zoo. Ethan was a bit shy at first, due to all the excitement, but before the party was over he was blowing kisses and giving out high-fives to Zoo staff.

“I’ve always believed that zoos are a reflection of their community,” said Executive Director Mark C. Reed. “Our community has been so very supportive and without that support we would not be here celebrating 15 million guests and still counting.”

We are pleased to announce that for the first time ever, we have Humboldt penguin chicks at Sedgwick County Zoo! Our first two penguin eggs hatched on March 21 and March 23 and the chicks are both doing well.

You can identify the penguins by their wing bands: In nest box #4 we have parents yellow/black/black + pink/yellow/yellow and in nest box #6 we have foster parents white/blue/blue + white/yellow/yellow. The first pair of penguins in nest box #4 actually laid both eggs but one egg from nest box #4 was moved by the keepers to nest box #6. By splitting the eggs between penguin pairs we hope to increase our chances that both chicks will be raised without any problems.

After an incubation period of 39 days, the two penguins hatched. Humboldt penguins share the parental duties of incubation and chick rearing equally. By doing this the species increases its chances of raising chicks to independence. The hatching occurs in the artificial burrows on exhibit but is difficult to see since the adults are so protective and need to keep the egg or hatchlings warm under their own bodies.

What Does This Mean for the Species?
Humboldt penguin reproduction is carefully monitored by breeding recommendations made by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Species Survival Plan management group. Each possible pairing is assessed based on genetic and demographic components of the entire population, showing us the importance of resulting offspring.
 

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.