Topeka Zoo Topeka Zoo News

MGolka said:
Like Wyman posted above, the two elephants they have are extremely old and the only way I see them getting new elephants is if they expand the elephant exhibit after the giraffes move to their new exhibit by Camp Cowabunga. This would require some connection to the front of the Large Mammal Building, or it might be that this building gets demolished and they start from scratch in this space. Using the old giraffe exhibits would almost double the size of the current elephant exhibit.

The docents did make it sound like they felt they had a lot of unused space at of the zoo grounds, and they do in some areas, but not enough to create a new elephant exhibit. Most of the unused space to the south towards the ball fields will be used for the new giraffe exhibit.
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Okay, genuine question, does anyone know why the zoo didn’t just open up the old giraffe yards for the elephants? That would give them plenty of space, and they wouldn’t have to phase them out (if not, why not move the hippos there either?)
 
Brayden Delashmutt said:
Okay, genuine question, does anyone know why the zoo didn’t just open up the old giraffe yards for the elephants? That would give them plenty of space, and they wouldn’t have to phase them out (if not, why not move the hippos there either?)
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I have no specific insight on Topeka Zoo's decision making, but modern elephant exhibits are a lot larger than what would be available for them by just expanding into the adjacent former giraffe yard probably. The future of elephants in zoos is keeping them in family groups, which would require a new holding facility, more space, availability of more elephants (which may either never happen or take a very long time), and many, many millions of dollars to make all that happen.
 
DavidBrown said:
I have no specific insight on Topeka Zoo's decision making, but modern elephant exhibits are a lot larger than what would be available for them by just expanding into the adjacent former giraffe yard probably. The future of elephants in zoos is keeping them in family groups, which would require a new holding facility, more space, availability of more elephants (which may either never happen or take a very long time), and many, many millions of dollars to make all that happen.
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True, but with the elephants they already have, I think it could work as a home for them until they die. Either way, I still feel like it could be used for something other than an event yard
 
Brayden Delashmutt said:
Okay, genuine question, does anyone know why the zoo didn’t just open up the old giraffe yards for the elephants? That would give them plenty of space, and they wouldn’t have to phase them out (if not, why not move the hippos there either?)
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The zoo's most recent master plan calls to phase-out elephants when they pass and relocate their Nile Hippo to make way for a new restaurant, a tiger care center, and a rhinoceros exhibit in place of the Animals & Man Building.
Zoo Master Plan - Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center
 
Smaggledagle said:
On November 11th, the zoo announced they made Fawn Moser (former Deputy Director) as the new interim CEO until the position is fulfilled.

Topeka Zoo - As one chapter ends, a new one begins. We...
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On March 22nd, the zoo announced they hired a new CEO, Christina Castellano. Her resume includes leading a specialized team responsible for breeding critically endangered species at Zoos Victoria in Australia, as well as having several leadership positions at facilities like The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, HawkWatch International, and the Hogle Zoo (all in Utah).

Topeka Zoo
 
This is Topeka Zoos master plan for a new children’s zoo called “My World.” I’m not sure when this detailed plan was released, but I happened upon it about a week ago.

The exhibit will be divided into several themed zones focusing on different ecosystems with both native and exotic animals, along with interactive children’s play areas. The exhibit will be located in the center of the zoo, from the entrance back to the existing farm exhibit. Most of it appears to encompass the site of the former giraffe yard.

Zoo Master Plan - Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center

My World Case Statement.pdf

I personally think this looks like it will be a great addition to the zoo!
 
DesertTortoise said:
This is Topeka Zoos master plan for a new children’s zoo called “My World.” I’m not sure when this detailed plan was released, but I happened upon it about a week ago.

The exhibit will be divided into several themed zones focusing on different ecosystems with both native and exotic animals, along with interactive children’s play areas. The exhibit will be located in the center of the zoo, from the entrance back to the existing farm exhibit. Most of it appears to encompass the site of the former giraffe yard.

Zoo Master Plan - Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center

My World Case Statement.pdf

I personally think this looks like it will be a great addition to the zoo!
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If this plan goes through in its current form, it looks like it'll be really great! A perfect combination- featuring both popular, charismatic species (Humboldt penguins, otters, meerkats, gibbons) and more niche species (freshwater mussels, bobwhites, songbirds, an insect exhibit). Prioritizing invertebrates, fish, and amphibians, alongside the classic zoo animals, is something I always love to see!
 
3 Pieces of May 2024 News Worth Mentioning:
On May 17th, the zoo announced that they released 53 Salt Creek tiger beetles into the wild.

Topeka Zoo

On May 10th, the zoo announced they moved their (1.0) turkey vulture Lurch from a behind-the-scenes holding area to on display from the boardwalk in the Hill's Black Bear Woods area.

Topeka Zoo

On May 15th, the zoo announced they built a new den structure in the cougar exhibit.

Topeka Zoo

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On August 14th, it was reported that the zoo received a "substantial lead gift" from the Lumpkin Family Trust that will go towards the facility's next master plan.

https://www.ksnt.com/news/local-new...substantial-gift-will-go-towards-master-plan/

On October 3rd, the zoo announced that a (1.0) African wild dog named Ryker passed away on September 30th due to a leak in its gastrointestinal track 3 days prior.

Topeka Zoo
 
Sumatran tigers and king vultures are quite the combination. The zoo stated this will be taking the place of Kansas Predators on Facebook. With the zoo not having cougar currently, the only animal they would need to move are the river otters. According to their Facebook replies the otters will temporarily inhabit the painted dog exhibit for now until a new exhibit can be built for them. After this time the zoo will expand the lion exhibit into this area.

I’d imagine once the tigers have moved the zoo can focus on it’s bigger project, My World which they have been actively fundraising for a while.
 
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