Friends of the Topeka Zoo

This is an excellent park and zoo, such a wonderful attraction in Topeka. It's a real gem of a place.

Thanks to the sunflower summer app, kids and their parents can enjoy the zoo once per summer for free. We were invited to a party in Topeka, and if we were going to drive the hour from KC, we might as well make a day of it! This zoo is the perfect size for younger children like we have (ages 2, and almost 4). We saw a bear, giraffes, hippos, elephants, moneys, and more! The new giraffe house is really awesome! It puts you really close to the giraffes. When my daughter got in the giraffe house she had this huge face of excitement and said, "woh!" It was also my favorite exhibit. We like that the zoo is small, and doesn't take all day. I also like that a lot of exhibits are in door because the Midwest has a lot of months with unbearable weather. There needs to be a lot more updates to the zoo, and that's why a 4/5. We will be back I am sure. When we left we paid to go in the miniature train and the kids loved that. Lastly, we went to the discovery center which is only a couple of minutes away. There is so much to do in such close proximity for kids.

I will always have a soft spot for the Topeka Zoo because of their tropical rainforest inside a glass-topped geodesic dome full of birds, bats, and all manner of animals, mostly flying/running free. There are wildlife surprises around every curve and in every corner...just be sure to look up (bats!), down (unless you are afraid of small rodents!), and all around (Scarlet Ibis)! Repeat visitors know to look for the usually well-hidden and well-camouflaged two-toed sloth, and delight in pointing him/her out to new visitors. On my most recent visit, he was uncharacteristically in full view, taking his time eating, but so contorted trying to get to the food that you could hardly tell one end from the other (see the photo)! Also look for the beautiful, sleek Greater Malayan Chevrotains...their name is longer than they are! They are sometimes called the "mouse deer," and you will see why.Although the dome could use some sprucing up, it's still a fascinating treasure hunt. And the new Camp Cowabunga has added a whole new territory to explore. It's always a good idea to check the schedule of feedings and zookeeper talks, because you are likely to see surprising animal antics wherever they are. The orangutans may be the most fun to watch (see photos). We were also treated to a great show by one of the black bears as he did a balancing act high up in a tree, then painstakingly lumbered (yes...lumbering while taking great pains not to fall!) all the way down the trunk. The very young and the oldsters like me were all enthralled.Check out Ilene H's review from 6/2018...I completely agree with her assessment, rating, and reasoning. I've never been disappointed on my visits, but I don't go in expecting it to be on a par with "Big City Zoos." I think the Topeka Zoo is a little gem.

This is the worst most bored zoo. Most animals were not available to see.The one elephant and the giraffe was the only exciting thing to watch.I think we went to a shelter not a zoo.Sunset zoo is much smaller & they have more animals and much prettier & organized. Do not recommend this zoo at all. Waste ofMoney !!

I'm giving this zoo 4 stars and here's why. I read many of the negative reviews on here. The basis for their low star reviews are construction and lack of animals being out. As someone who used to work with animals for over 20 years, I appreciate the efforts that this little zoo makes. If construction is around, guess what, those are the improvements being made for the animals. Also, the animals aren't there for you; they are living their lives for themselves and they are not on your schedule. Keep in mind that the seasons have a lot to do with whether or not an animal will explore its habitat. I think the staff here is friendly. I also love Gage Park and the activities offered for families. Overall, anybody that would compare this zoo to Omaha or San Diego isn't being realistic or fair. Working at a zoo is a lot of hard work and I think Topeka Zoo is doing what they can based on funding. I appreciate the staff here and I love seeing the animals. If you love insects, this place has awesome stuff. I'm planning my next visit tomorrow and am happy that I have a membership so I can come here when I want.SIDE NOTE: If people give low reviews to wonderful places like this for petty reasons, you're potentially messing with profit. The less money they have coming in to support the facility, it becomes harder to take care of these amazing animals.

This was a HUGE waste of the drive and money. The website was not current, so when my 3 year-old and I made the long drive from out of town to feed the giraffes they were no longer doing that. He was so excited that he ran over to a zoo employee and told her he wanted to feed the giraffes! With zero empathy or care she told a toddler "this is no longer offered"... Seriously?! I went ahead and broke it to him that the giraffes had already eaten. Animals were being put away 2 hours before closing, and there lions and others not available due to construction...something that was a word of mouth locals info thing. No plans on coming back. It would have been nice to be informed of these changes at front gate before going in and ending up running into dead ends.

Of the 7 days of the week, I picked one of the 3 when the lorikeets are unavailable. I didn't find this out until after the ticket seller told they were available and had purchased a ticket. This is a sweet little zoo crammed with attractions. Unfortunately, the bad employees are in bad places. Selling tickets is more than simply taking money. Also, I had to ask for a map. One was not offered to me.

Reasonably priced zoo. Cool lion exhibit. Kids always seem to enjoy. Took about 2 hours to casually go through whole zoo. I will come back again.

We take our great grandson , and enjoy it so much . They always have new things to introduce.

One of the most accessible places!!!The zoo has been nothing but accommodating for my service dog and me! Under the ADA business are allowed to ask two questions.1. Is that a service animal?2. What tasks is it trained to provide?being partnered with Fussion for 6 months, the zoo is the first and only place to ask me these questions! They are always so sweet and understanding as well!!