Lions, tigers and bears, oh my

The Sedgwick County Zoo just keeps getting bigger and wilder and better. The latest news: An anonymous donor (thank you, whomever you are) recently gave $1 million to the zoo to start a new tiger exhibit, scheduled to open in late 2008 or early 2009.
Tigers, the largest cats in the animal kingdom, are also among the most popular zoo attractions, but the Sedgwick County Zoo hasn’t had an Asian tiger exhibit since the 1980s.
They’ll generate a lot of excitement when they return.
Among the zoo’s other ambitious plans in coming years: adding four more elephants and expanding their acreage to roam, doubling the size of the jungle exhibit, and adding sea lions.
Wichitans tend to disparage the cultural offerings in their city, but they should be proud of this first-class regional attraction.
Posted by Randy Scholfield

13 Comments

  1. hmmm ...
    Posted November 13, 2006 at 7:53 am | Permalink

    The Sedgwick County Zoo is a world-class operation. It is truly a crown jewel of our area.

  2. Tony
    Posted November 13, 2006 at 9:12 am | Permalink

    At the rate they are going, they will have to start carving into the SC Park to the west soon…

    It was very intelligent of whom ever placed the park and zoo where they did. Between the two, that’s approx 1.4 sq miles of space that dedicated only to playing.

    The zoo can expand into the park as they need to expand. Great plans for a world class facility…

    I hope they come up with the matching 1 mil to get the rest of the donation…

  3. Julie
    Posted November 13, 2006 at 10:01 am | Permalink

    My 3 year old daughter LOVES going to the zoo with Grandma. She goes thru zoo withdrawals if she doesn’t go at least once a week.I’m looking forward to the penguins and all the new plans for the future!

  4. J R
    Posted November 13, 2006 at 7:46 pm | Permalink

    Julie,

    I hope grandma makes use of the yearly membership option. That is the most economical solution for those who visit the Zoo alot.

    I have been to the famous San Diego zoo. Now that was 16 years ago but at the time it was not that much better or bigger than our zoo. Our zoo might be the ONE thing that has the potential to be a world class attraction. This would be helped by the addition of a large marine aquarium.

  5. Joe Williams
    Posted November 13, 2006 at 8:09 pm | Permalink

    Very cool!

    I think the community will step up! I will for sure! :)

  6. Ben Huie
    Posted November 13, 2006 at 9:47 pm | Permalink

    Our zoo IS a world-class attraction, at least in the profession. Although I don’t visit as often as I should I consider my family membership a great value. My grandkids love it; only problem is they want to move in with the chimps!

  7. Keith
    Posted November 14, 2006 at 1:24 am | Permalink

    It is amazing what you can do with $5 million. I am glad that we have a great zoo. The city of Wichita could also have a great living history museum too. But this city can not do two things at once. If Cowtown got half of what the zoo’s budget is Cowtown would be another great attraction for Wichita.

  8. Roo Haa
    Posted November 14, 2006 at 2:49 am | Permalink

    Memories of braving the icy weather for the sake of $-Wednesdays. I’ve been to quite a few zoos around the world, and I have to say that this Zoo is simply marvellous, a WORLD-CLASS indeed.

  9. kansassam
    Posted November 14, 2006 at 11:55 am | Permalink

    can’t wait for the PENGUINS!!! They are so COOL… no pun intended!!

  10. Julie
    Posted November 14, 2006 at 12:03 pm | Permalink

    yes JR, Grandma has a family membership and takes her to the zoo classes that are offered to toddlers and pre-schoolers.I put a zoo membership on my wish list for Santa this year.

  11. J R
    Posted November 14, 2006 at 12:21 pm | Permalink

    I’m 41 so the “new” Zoo and I sorta grew up together.

    I just barely remember the old Riverside Zoo and the alligator pit there. I remember the new zoo from the time it opened.

    The $ Wedesdays in the winter was an excellent idea that should be done again. If you can catch a nice warm winter day, many of the animals are much more active than in summer. The otters were hilarious one warm winter Wednesday.

    Another feature not many use is the boat ride. It is worth paying for at least once as this is the only way you get to see the macacs. I guess they must be hard to keep contained as they are kept on several islands. This may be the only place the prairie dogs have not colonized: )

  12. Josie
    Posted November 25, 2006 at 10:22 am | Permalink

    i love this idea i think is is cool… i also want to no how much or if i could ever bye a tiger when i get older cuz my favorite animal is a tiger and i’m just dieing to wait and see one or even hold a baby… i love tigers to death i wish i could have one so like if you would will you tell me how much one is and how much money it would take to feed one…sincerally Josie

  13. steve hall`
    Posted December 4, 2006 at 4:27 pm | Permalink

    You have a fine zoo in wichita,one of the finest i’ve ever been too. When i eventually settle there from England, a annual season ticket will be one of my first purchases. I’ve visited it many times in the past two years and look forward to doing so for many years to come. Well done to sedgewick county zoo.