NIKITA IS DOING JOYOUS FLIPS

Nikita is giving all the Zoo guests a “high paw” for visiting in 2011.  This year the Kansas City Zoo saw the largest attendance on record since privatization in 2002 and just missing the biggest attendance recorded in 1998 by only 554!  The Kansas City Zoo hosted 713,813 guests in 2011; a 14.5% increase over 2010 attendance.   Additionally, the Zoo ended 2011 for the eighth consecutive year with a balanced budget. 

Thanks to all the support from residents, tourists, corporations and our neighbors for showing appreciation for all the improvements.  The new African Sky Safari hoisted guests above cheetahs, lions and rhinos for a ride above the African Plains; Nikita continues to be the Zoo’s Rock Star showing his favorite moves every day.

Zoo Mourns the Loss of Penney,
the Zoo's oldest Elephant

It is with great sadness but with tremendous fondness in our hearts that we remember Penney, Kansas City Zoo’s oldest elephant. Penney passed away this morning, January 24 at age 51.  Penney was the second oldest elephant residing at any accredited zoo nation-wide. 

She will forever be remembered by many as the elephant with the long, beautiful ivory tusks who favored her female Zoo Keepers and marveled Zoo guests for more than 40 years. Tough as nails and slightly cantankerous when it came to training, Penney was brilliantly smart.

Weighing in at 8,000 pounds, her favorite treats were watermelons and pumpkins.  Despite her age, she still had spunk. Zoo Keepers, her day to day caregivers, spoiled her during the holiday season with special treats of crushed candy canes. Her Zoo Keepers also pampered her by hand feeding her balls of grain. 

Her passing is mourned by all staff, volunteers and friends.

New Bundles of Furry Joy on Exhibit in Tropics

The Kansas City Zoo is proud to welcome twins!  Twin Golden Lion Tamarins were born on Wednesday, January 18 and are now on display in the Tropics. Golden Lion Tamarins are critically endangered making this pair important to the conservation of the species. For now, the two cling close to mom, so much so, you have to look hard for the two black spots and tiny orange arms woven in her fur. When grown, the pair will probably be sent to other Zoos continue to strengthen the genetics of this species.

Visit the new family today in the climate-controlled Tropics, an indoor rainforest.

Discounted 2012 JAZZOO Tickets are On Sale Now!

Weekly Walking Clubs
Wednesdays - Wild Walkers; 9 a.m.
Thursdays - Toddling Troops; 9 a.m.

Saturday, February 4 - Kiss & Tail: A Special Valentine's Presentation **
Wednesday, February 8 - Science Adventure Club **
Thursday, February 9 - Science Adventure Club **
Saturday, February 11 - Kids Fun Fest & Teddy Bear Clinic, Roots & Shoots and Kids Conservation Club

**Reservations Recommended.

Jackson and Clay County Residents
Thank you for supporting the Zoo through the Zoological Tax District

• All residents of Jackson and Clay Counties receive discounted Friends of the Zoo (FOTZ) memberships which include discounts on special events, educational programs, camps and classes.  Click here for FOTZ membership pricing for residents of Jackson and Clay Counties. The membership discount benefit starts today!
• Residents of Jackson and Clay Counties, with proof of residency receive discounted daily admission to the Zoo.  These prices are $5 for adults, $4.50 for seniors and $4 for children ages 3-11. (Only $3 through February.)
• The Zoo will be free for Jackson and Clay County residents four days during each calendar year. In 2012 these days are Saturday, March 31, Saturday, June 30, Saturday, August 25 and Saturday, September 29. 
• Jackson and Clay County residents will have a dedicated “Zoomobile,” one per county which will bring zoological experiences into the schools, libraries and community centers and other public events in Jackson and Clay Counties. Reservations can be made starting early to mid summer for appearances in the fall due to the process of purchasing vehicles, acquiring animals, creating programming and training and hiring educators to present the programs.
• Each classroom in Jackson and Clay Counties, receive free admission when making an advanced reservation to visit the Kansas City Zoo. This benefit begins January 1, 2012.
• Each school district in Jackson and Clay Counties will receive fully sponsored field trips, including bus transportation, for three designated grade levels each year.  In addition, on the field trips students will receive instruction based on a scientific curriculum that meets and exceeds the Missouri Show-Me Standards to complement the students’ visit to the Zoo.  This benefit begins fall semester of 2012 due to the need of evaluating grade level requirements, creating the programming, hiring curriculum writers, training and hiring educators and coordinating and obtaining buses.