Sedgwick County Zoo follows the advice of the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks. They recommend that we do our native wildlife a favor and leave them alone. It's common to encounter young wild animals, especially in spring and summer. Some people have an irresistible attraction to these wild youngsters. Every year, the lives of young wild animals are needlessly jeopardized by well-intentioned people who take them from the wild in the mistaken belief that the animals are abandoned or orphaned and will die if not given care. In fact, rescuing wildlife from the wild often results in the death of the animal.

If you find yourself in an unfortunate situation involving an injured, abandoned or displaced animal you should contact the nearest office of the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks regarding information on rehabilitators that have the correct permits for the animal in question. Rehabilitators ease the suffering of these animals by either caring for them until they can be released or humanely euthanizing them.
 

During your visit to Sedgwick County Zoo you might be photographed, videotaped or filmed. Your paid admission to the Zoo serves as permission for use of your image by Sedgwick County Zoological Society. The commercial use of photographs, video and film you take during your visit is prohibited without written consent of Sedgwick County Zoological Society. If you are interested in filming or taking photos for commercial use, please review and fill out a commercial/broadcast application. Send your completed application to: Sedgwick County Zoo, 5555 Zoo Boulevard, Wichita, Kansas 67212 for consideration. Thank you.

In the event of emergency - severe weather or the threat of severe weather—our responsiblities are to provide for the safety of our visitors, our employees, our animals, and our equipment.

The weather is monitored through the Zoo Administrative Office and Entry. It is the responsibility of the Office and Entry to notify Zoo personnel and to keep them advised of any changes. Please note the Administrative Office will not answer the phone during a tornado warning. 

Actions visitors should take for each type of severe weather:

Severe Thunderstorm Watch – This means conditions are favorable for a severe thunderstorm. The senior Zoo staff member in charge will assess conditions and direct that you either take action or be prepared to take action.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning – This means high winds and hail can be expected. Zoo staff will advise the public of the approaching weather conditions and if necessary tell them where they can take shelter.

Tornado Watch – This means weather conditions are favorable for a tornado. Zoo staff will advise the public of the approaching weather conditions and if necessary tell them where they can take shelter.

Tornado Warning – This means a reliable weather observer has reported a tornado or weather radar indicates that a tornado is likely. You are being warned to take cover. Zoo staff will advise the public of the approaching weather conditions and if necessary tell you where you can take shelter.

After Storms: Visitors should remain in shelter until the Zoo is confident that there is not a potential hazard.

In the case of an animal emergency or escape, seek protective shelter immediately. Each Zoo department and its employees have prescribed functions. Visitors should not attempt to assist with the emergency in any way.