Topeka Zoo Topeka Zoo News

This is so incredibly odd to me. Why are they giving up like half of their animal roster they easily have room for in favor of an attraction with barely any species at all? Will the zoo ever get the dogs or cougars back?
 
Brayden Delashmutt said:
This is so incredibly odd to me. Why are they giving up like half of their animal roster they easily have room for in favor of an attraction with barely any species at all? Will the zoo ever get the dogs or cougars back?
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The painted wild dogs were moved via an SSP recommendation and as far as the two Kansas Carnivore exhibits scheduled to be replaced and the 2 species they hold : Their last cougar passed away and the river otter exhibit may be my least favorite in the Zoo, other than the tigers, which will now get much more spacious and complex exhibit, breeding and holding facilities. Plus adding King vultures and new educational space, and opening up the north central part of the Zoo for the innovative multi-phased "My World" exhibit. The new sales tax for improvements and civic and private donations are paying off.
 
2 Pieces of Mid-2025 News Not Mentioned:

On March 5th, the zoo announced they acquired a (0.1) golden eagle named Seteweela from Turtle Bay Exploration Park in California which is on exhibit.

Topeka Zoo

On April 19th, the zoo announced they acquired a new hive of western honeybees which are behind the scenes.

Topeka Zoo

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Nile Hippo Expert said:
Two cheetah brothers have arrived at the zoo, though their names and previous location have not been released yet.
Topeka Zoo
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On June 19th, the zoo officially announced the arrival of the cheetahs, named Leopold and Roosevelt, from Caldwell Zoo in Texas on June 18th which are now on display in Camp Cowabunga.

Topeka Zoo
ericnielsenkc said:
The painted wild dogs were moved via an SSP recommendation and as far as the two Kansas Carnivore exhibits scheduled to be replaced and the 2 species they hold : Their last cougar passed away and the river otter exhibit may be my least favorite in the Zoo, other than the tigers, which will now get much more spacious and complex exhibit, breeding and holding facilities. Plus adding King vultures and new educational space, and opening up the north central part of the Zoo for the innovative multi-phased "My World" exhibit. The new sales tax for improvements and civic and private donations are paying off.
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On June 20th, the zoo announced that demolition of the Kansas Carnivores area will begin in the next couple weeks, with their resident North American river otters taken off-display and moved to other unspecified AZA facilities in the upcoming weeks.

Topeka Zoo
 
Zoofan15 said:
Set to open in June 2026, Tiger Trails and Den Academy is an immersive experience that will bring guests face-to-face with Sumatran tigers and king vultures.
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As of today (July 1st), the zoo announced that the site of the future Tiger Trails officially broke ground; with construction now underway for this new development.

Source: New tiger exhibit breaks ground at Topeka Zoo
 
Topeka Zoo has just welcomed 2 young orphaned American Black Bears.
Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center on Instagram: "BLACK BEAR CUBS SIGHTED AT THE TOPEKA ZOO The Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center is thrilled to welcome two orphaned black bear cubs — a male from Wisconsin and a female from Montana — who are now calling Topeka home! (SAFE, inside Hill's Black Bear Woods!) Meet Taz, a 7-month-old ball of energy with a dark coat and a big personality. “This little guy is all paws and personality,” says Animal Curator Shanna Simpson. Rescued at just a few days old, Taz is too comfortable around people to return to the wild — and he's already charming the entire team. Joining him is Kiona (Kee-OH-nuh), an 18-month-old female with beautiful chestnut fur and a calm, sweet demeanor. Kiona means ‘brown hills’ in multiple Native American languages, attributing to her chestnut-brown fur & the fact she was found in Montana. Kiona has vision impairments that make living in human care her safest option. “She’s warming up to our staff and making great progress,” adds Simpson. “Each year, orphaned cubs need places like ours,” says Animal Care Director Wrylie Guffey. “We’re proud to give these two a forever home and can’t wait to watch them grow.” Zoo staff are closely monitoring the two cubs, and it is indefinite when they will be mature enough to be in the bear yard, viewable by guests entering Hills Black Bear Woods. Stay tuned and follow us for more cubdates!"
 
Leopold, one of the cheetahs that arrived earlier this year, has been euthanized.
Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center on Instagram: "A sad update regarding cheetah, Leopold: On Thursday, September 18, animal care staff noticed that Leopold was walking with tenderness regarding his hind legs. Despite a few days of rest and treatment, his condition worsened. As a result, Leopold was examined using a CT scan on Sunday thanks to our good friends at Topeka ER. The CT scan revealed that he had a fractured vertebra, which would require corrective surgery. Leopold’s caregivers transferred him to BluePearl Specialty & Emergency Vet Hospital in Overland Park on Tuesday for an MRI and surgery. The surgical team discovered at that time that the damage to his spine could not be repaired, and the humane decision was made to euthanize him. Upon reviewing video footage from Leopold’s habitat, it appears that he was alert and visibly excited by activity occurring outside his enclosure on Wednesday. Although he was not fully in view during the entire recording, it seems likely that he sustained an injury at that time, as he was observed walking away with noticeable tenderness. In response, we are actively working to modify this outdoor space as needed. “Losing Leopold is tragic and he will be deeply missed. He was a neat cat who very quickly stole the hearts of many,” said Wrylie Guffey, Animal Care Director. “Our focus has now turned to supporting his brother Roosevelt.” Eight-year-old littermates Leopold and Roosevelt arrived this summer after the Zoo, in consultation with cheetah experts from other Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ facilities, carefully renovated its former African Painted Dog enclosure to accommodate cheetahs. The Zoo appreciates the comments & support it has received during the past few days from community members."
 
Piece of June / July / September 2025 News Not Mentioned:

On June 23rd, the zoo announced they acquired (2m.0) Cape porcupines named Moyo and Pez, which are on display in Camp Cowabunga.

Topeka Zoo

On July 26th, the zoo announced they transferred a (1m.0) Bali myna to another unspecified facility.

Topeka Zoo

On September 27th, the zoo announced they acquired a (0.1f) trumpeter swan named Miso from Blank Park Zoo in Iowa, which is on exhibit. The zoo also announced their previous female, Sedna, passed away from age-related issues.

2.1K views · 366 reactions | Welcome, Miso! We’re very happy to share a positive outcome for Miso & Silla after they both lost their retrospective mates this year (our previous female Sedna passed from age-related issues). While swans are monogamous and do not always form another mated bond after losing their first, they are very social creatures. We’re happy to see Miso & Silla choosing to enjoy the same space and protecting each other. #swan #trumpeterswan #swans #positivenews #topekazoo | Topeka Zoo

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On October 21st, the zoo announced they acquired a central bearded dragon named Lite Brite, which is now on display in Gary K. Clarke Education Center.

Topeka Zoo
 
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