• Octopus Senescense
• A New "Spot" for Giraffes
• Meet the Animal Ambassadors
Hello, KCZoo fans!
I hope that you have been sufficiently bundled up this winter. As the days get a little longer, it becomes a easier to look forward to spring. Though some of you have braved the weather to come for a winter visit, I look forward to greeting more guests and seeing the Zoo spring to life in the coming months!
Despite the cold and snow that we received in January, we are continuing to push forward with construction projects. We are about half completed at the Africa kopje area and I am excited for you to see the improvements that are being made in that area. The highlights include an expanded lion inside viewing area, a new caracal habitat, and new permanent bathrooms in addition to widened pathways and other animal habitat expansions.
Also coming this spring is our first new ride in over fifteen years, the Flying Flamingo zipline. You can read more about it in this issue of Expeditions, but it should be another great addition to the fun experience your family can have while visiting.
I hope you also enjoy some of the other articles that feature the new giraffe complex that’s coming in 2026, the Zoo’s ambassador animals, and the life cycle of an octopus. We’re also sharing something most visitors won’t ever think about but is very important to our strategic plan, our sustainability efforts and Pathway to Net Zero plan. We have vastly improved sustainability programs over the past two decades and it is always our intent to be a leader in this area. While we focus on great animal care and guest satisfaction, we also want to make sure that we are “walking the talk” of conservation.
I wish you all the best and look forward to seeing you out here soon! As always, I appreciate your continued support of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium!
Sincerely,
Sean Putney
Executive Director & CEO
Friends of the Zoo BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Executive Committee
Tony Reinhart, Chairperson – Ford Motor Company
Dave Sanchez, Treasurer – PwC
Al Mauro, Jr., Secretary – Chinquapin Trust Company/ Hallmark
Dr. Yolanda Cargile – Community Volunteer
Sean Putney – Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
Wesley Fields – Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
Members
J.C. Alonzo – Black & Veach
Jennifer Bennett – Rocky Mountain Society of Orthodontists
Pat Contreras – KC Parks & Recreation
Chris Cotten – KC Parks and Recreation
Dr. Ellen Crowe – Metropolitan Community College
Ana Nubia Duin – La Mega KC Spanish Radio
Hayley Hanson – Husch Blackwell
Julius Lai – Community Volunteer
Kate Lambert – Dixon Family Foundation
Katie McDonald – Evergy
Janet Miles-Bartee – Local Investment Commission (LINC)
Salvatore Montalbano – Constellation Energy
Brian Pung – JE Dunn Construction
John Russ – UMB Bank
Willard Breidenthal Snyder – Community Volunteer
Mark Swanson – Burns & McDonnell
Todd Trent – Lockton
Tom Wright – Children’s Mercy
Representing the City of Kansas City
Andrea Bough – City Council
Brian Platt – City Manager
Zoological District Commissioners
Greg Canuteson, Chair – Clay County
Jerry Nolte, Vice Chair – Clay County
Charlie Franklin, Treasurer – Jackson County
Carol Hallquist – Jackson County
Pat Contreras – KC Parks & Recreation
Sean Putney – Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
Sean (right) and guest services ambassador Bruce Turrell (left) participate in the Chuck-a-Puck contest as part of the Zoo's partnership with the KC Mavericks hockey team.
A New "Spot" for Giraffes
The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is building a new “spot” for giraffes expected to begin construction this month and open in May 2026! The new giraffe complex will bring upgrades including year-round indoor viewing of the majestic animals, a giraffe feeding experience, and updated amenities in the Africa section of the Zoo. The project, designed by TESSERE and brought to life by general contractor JE Dunn Construction, will allow Zoo guests to be nose-to-nose with the tallest land animals in the world and learn more about this endangered species.
The current layout of the giraffe habitat and behindthe-scenes barn severely limits the number of days the animals can be seen by guests as viewing is highly dependent on weather conditions. The savanna habitat and the giraffe barn are separated by a quarter of a mile and it can be a slow process for the herd to navigate the corridor between them. The new complex will feature a large indoor giraffe habitat directly attached to the outdoor yards so weather will no longer be a barrier to seeing the animals year-round.
Guests will also be able to interact with the giraffes through feeding stations both inside the barn and outside on the African savanna. New restrooms will be ADA-accessible and include a universal changing table, plus a mother’s room and toddler seats. A new concessions area will address another guest need in the Africa section of the Zoo near the mid-point of the pathway loop.
The new habitat not only benefits Zoo guests but the animals themselves! The Zoo is currently home to five Masai giraffes, which will be able to choose whether they want to spend their time inside or outside. Natural substrate and increased space inside the building and additional shade structures outside will ensure the giraffes are comfortable in both environments. The animal care team will also have easier ways to feed the giraffes and to provide them with the critical enrichment that keeps their bodies and minds healthy. The Zoo will also be expanding its partnership with global
organizations that work to protect this endangered species in its native habitat, as well as adding a giraffethemed curriculum to educational programming. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the opening of the Africa section at the Zoo and this will be the largest project that has been done in that area since it opened in 1995. The total cost for the endeavor is expected to be about $20 million, with half being contributed by the Zoological District and the other half being raised in private funding.
“Stand tall” with us as we begin construction on the giraffe complex! We hope you’ll help us reach our $10 million fundraising goal to make this exciting project a reality. Your gift will go a LONG way in making the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium an even better spot for the much-beloved giraffes, the increasing number of guests, and the generations of children who will learn to love our world here.
Learn more about the giraffe project and how you can get involved by scanning the QR code or by visiting kansascityzoo.org/giraffe-habitat
Senescence: The Natural End-of-Life Process Among Octopuses
By Margo Mendez, senior animal care specialist, Aquarium team
Giant Pacific octopuses are highly advanced invertebrates who constantly inspire people with their impressive intelligence and unique personalities. Despite their large size and surprising intellect, they share a common characteristic found among all octopus species: a short lifespan.
Giant Pacific octopuses, the largest and longest-lived octopus out of around 300 existing species worldwide, have an average lifespan of 3-5 years, while other types may live less than one year. The Zoo is home to Chuck and Artie, two female octopuses who were determined to be adults upon their arrival in 2023, although an exact age was unknown.
The final life stage of an octopus is called senescence; this is a natural completion of their cycle and has several indicators watched by our staff. Senescence can span one month or many months, depending on the individual and environmental factors. As this happens, the octopus will show a variety of behavioral and physical signs including loss of appetite and weight, declining to participate in enrichment, dulling color, and white spots or lesions on the skin. While all of these may seem sad to observers, it is a natural process that happens to all mature octopuses both in the wild and in human care.
The onset of senescence is often coupled with the one and only time an octopus will reproduce in its life. Most octopuses are solitary for the majority of their lives, only venturing out to find a mate well after they have reached adulthood. Whether or not she is successful in her search, a female octopus will return to her den to lay her eggs. There she will spend her remaining months caring for the tens of thousands of eggs she has laid, guarding, aerating, and cleaning them. She will not even exit her den to eat, losing up to 70% of her body weight in the process. Ultimately, this process will lead to her death. If no male was found for fertilization, the eggs will not hatch. If fertile or viable, the eggs will hatch, and her young disperse as plankton in the currents of the ocean as the cycle restarts.
Cover photo & top photo by Jerry Olschki
Bottom photo by Jordan Smith
While we cannot stop senescence, we continue to provide the best care possible for our octopuses through this final stage of life. Starting when they arrive, we routinely conduct specialized welfare assessments for them, tracking their behavior and physical condition. When the signs of senescence become apparent, we continue to offer our octopuses food and enrichment in their dens for as long as they will accept it and monitor their behavior to make this stage as free from stress and disturbance as possible.
Chuck, who has been called a playful, gentle giant, started laying eggs in her cave in September 2024, but she still had been out and active, exploring around her tank, and interacting with me for a couple of weeks following. Recently she began to spend more time in her cave, aerating and cleaning her eggs for a few months. I still offer her food and let her eat as much as she will accept of her diet; however, her appetite has been slowly decreasing. We have plans to bring her and her eggs to a behind-thescenes habitat to more closely monitor her behavior. Artie, known for her rambunctious personality, is behaving and eating like normal and has not shown signs of entering senescence quite yet. Once we move Chuck, Artie will get
Our Green Resolve
By Hannah Wilson, sustainability coordinator
to call the larger side of the habitat her new home, as we prepare the smaller side for a new octopus.
There have been numerous attempts at various institutions to raise giant Pacific octopuses born in human care, with the only success having occurred in 1986. As we continue to learn more about this fascinating species, our respect for their unique life cycle grows, and we are excited to have the opportunity to care for and share them with staff, volunteers, and guests at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium.
As a leader in wildlife education and conservation, the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium takes part in local and global wildlife conservation and research efforts. While you probably already knew that, fewer people are aware of our sustainability efforts, which go hand-in-hand with conservation at the Zoo. Sustainability means preserving the diversity of species for multiple generations through responsible management and conservation of resources.
In 2023, the Zoo completed a Pathway to Net Zero plan with a goal of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Greenhouse gas emissions are created when we burn fossil fuels for energy, such as coal, oil, or natural gas, and carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. The carbon dioxide buildup acts as a blanket that traps heat around the world, which disrupts the climate. This extra heat results in habitat loss for some animals and increased extreme weather events. To achieve net-zero emissions, we are implementing projects that reduce or offset the emissions created while operating the Zoo. The Pathway to Net Zero plan includes electrifying our vehicles, moving away from fossil fuel heating, finding efficiencies within our systems, using renewable energy, and reducing waste.
Top photo: Chuck's eggs
Bottom photo: Electric train
Each year we complete a greenhouse gas inventory to check our progress and in 2024, we have made great progress in transportation. We added an electric train and two electric vehicles for Zoomobiles, which provide off-site educational programming. Our staff travel across the Zoo using electric and solar golf carts, as well as bikes.
To ensure the Zoo’s buildings operate as efficiently as possible, we use a building automation system that allows us to control the heating and cooling and adjust equipment. Another way to achieve energy efficiency is through renewable energy, so we have rooftop solar panels on nine of the Zoo’s buildings. Last year, the panels generated enough power equivalent to the electrical use in 37 homes for one year. Two buildings with solar power are certified by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), which recognizes the use of green building practices. Sobela Ocean Aquarium, Helzberg Penguin Plaza, Polar Bear Passage, and Tuxedo Grill are all LEED-certified. The next time you are at the Zoo, look for the signs at these buildings that highlight all the their green attributes!
We also manage over 20 waste streams at the Zoo. Behind the scenes, we recycle metal, tires, batteries, paper, electronics, pallets, and more. We have an on-ground compost program that includes bedding and manure from approved herbivore animals and produce from animal diet preparation, which is then sold as Zoo Manoo. For events and restaurant operations, we partner with KC Can Compost to collect food waste and compostable plates, bowls, and silverware. Since partnering, we have diverted 31,155 pounds of food waste from the landfill.
One accomplishment this year was transitioning employee badges into a fully recyclable option. The new badges are made of recycled acrylic and laser-etched by Zoo staff. When a badge reaches its end of life, we will send the badges back to the manufacturer to be recycled into new acrylic sheets, and our previous badges were donated to a local craft business to be upcycled.
With over one million visitors a year, we strive to create a place of enjoyment, demonstration, and education. We aim to provide tangible solutions for our guests and empower them to make sustainable choices. As green practices evolve, we are committed to finding ways that advance our sustainability efforts and reach our Pathway to Net Zero Goal of 2050.
To find out how you can particiapte, visit the Zoo or our website to learn about our efforts.
Top: Electric-powered Zoomobile
Middle: Solar-powered golf carts
Bottom: LEED Silver plaque awarded for Sobela Ocean Aquarium
Sustainability by the Numbers
REDUCE REUSE
Onsite composting program diverts of animal waste which is then used throughout the Zoo’s landscaping to improve soil structure and absorption qualities
Installed rooftop solar panel chargers on 35 golf carts to date
10 buildings are on a management system to reduce energy usage and increase performance of HVAC systems
2,095 lbs. of trash removed from local waterways by Kansas City Zoo Stream Team cleanups
25,200 lbs. of food waste was diverted from the landfill by composting at our 2024 events and back of house food service
33 water refill stations diverted over 200,000 plastic bottles from the landfill
567
The Zoo consistently assesses its product procurement to assure they are only purchasing certified sustainable palm oil products
205 lbs. of old uniforms were donated to university Fashion Studies program
65 lbs. of vinyl banners were donated to local craft facility to be upcycled
672 books were upcycled from ZooEd to little libraries through Jackson and Clay counties
Solar panels on 9 buildings produced 223,278 kWh in 2024 That’s equivalent to the electrical use in 37 homes for 1 year!
1,580 lbs. of
Meet the ANIMAL AMBASSADORS
The next time you’re at the Zoo, be sure to stop by Animal Adventures LIVE! This entertaining and educational program features a rotating lineup of animal ambassadors that demonstrate some of their coolest adaptations each day at 11 am and 2:30 pm.
Animal Adventures LIVE is free with admission and held in the Beastro Lobby Auditorium, the perfect spot to stay warm and cozy on the chilly winter days. Meet some of the show’s animal ambassador superstars on these pages.
BIG SUR
THE WESTERN GREY SQUIRREL
This spry and intelligent squirrel joined the Animal Adventures LIVE program in 2024 and has made a big impression with guests. Big Sur has learned over 20 different behaviors, and that list continues to grow. One of the coolest behaviors? Big Sur can find a specific scent between four newspaper pieces!
The western grey squirrel is native to the northwest. An important part of the ecosystem, the western grey squirrel is known as a seed disperser. These squirrels will eat truffles and spread the spores all around the forest, which helps truffles to grow.
PEEVES
THE SOUTHERN GROUND HORNBILL
Seven-year-old Southern ground hornbill Peeves started training to be a featured Animal Adventures LIVE ambassador in 2021, and since that time he has been wowing audiences with his sizable appearance and energetic personality. The Southern ground hornbill is native to Africa and uses its large beak to strike at prey like insects, small mammals, and reptiles. During the show, Peeves participates in various training activities that demonstrate the tweezer-like precision of his incredible beak!
THE BINTURONG
This 4-year-old ambassador arrived at the KCZoo in May of 2024, and since that time she has made huge strides training with her care team. Currently, Poppy is getting used to crowds and guests watching Animal Adventures LIVE play a big part in helping her become comfortable. The care team reports that Poppy is an excellent learner and has mastered a “wave” behavior through positive reinforcement training!
Binturongs are native to southeast Asia and are also called bearcats, but they are not related to bears or cats. They do, however, have a cat-like face and a bear-like body. Related to civets and fossas, the binturong has been known to smell like popcorn due to the aroma from its oil gland.
POPPY SHERLOCK
THE AFRICAN GREY PARROT
This talkative animal ambassador has been a fan favorite for years! While parrots are known for their intelligence, the African grey is one of the smartest and some have been estimated to have the cognitive ability of a 5-year-old. During the show, Sherlock wows the audience with her ability to mimic dozens of phrases and sounds.
Native to rainforests of central Africa, this parrot species is known for its silver-grey body, white face, and red tail feathers. The African grey parrot is unfortunately classified as endangered due to threats such as habitat loss and hunting.
Meet the Team: Animal Ambassadors
Let’s learn a bit more about the team that creates this informational and entertaining show. Led by animal care manager Erin Hoff, the Animal Ambassador team is comprised of care specialists and shows speakers who undertake a wide variety of animal husbandry duties year-round along with presenting training sessions for guests to enjoy daily.
Behind the scenes, the Animal Ambassador team prepares diets, cleans habitats, assists with veterinary exams, creates enrichment, and provides socialization for the many birds, reptiles, and mammals under their care. Education is another key component, and the team will often take an ambassador to visit the public in the Beastro Lobby, at offsite programs, and even the occasional TV studio!
Care specialists are truly jacks of all trades and will often perform routine maintenance duties or habitat construction. Perching is an important aspect of bird
Meet the Lionfish
habitats, and the team regularly collects branches and wood to properly accommodate the feathered ambassadors.
The Animal Ambassador team is constantly creating new training plans for animals. These plans not only provide enrichment for the animals, they also give our guests a true “wow” moment during the daily shows. Some of these learned behaviors even help the animal residents participate in their own medical care.
The Zoo is excited to welcome a fascinating new aquatic species to Helzberg Penguin Plaza, the volitans lionfish (Pterois volitans) These predators of the sea have very few natural enemies and are capable of reproducing rapidly. The lionfish has large, hollow spines along the back that can inject venom as a defense mechanism. Although painful, the venom is often not fatal to humans.
There are several species of lionfish, but the volitans variety is the largest, commonly reaching between 12 and 15 inches in total length. This species is native to the Indo-Pacific region.
While lionfish are not native to the Caribbean, they have become one of the most damaging invasive species to the Caribbean Sea in modern history. They were likely introduced to the Caribbean in the late 20th century through releases from the personal pet trade, and have decimated Caribbean fish populations and reduced the biodiversity in some areas by over half.
The next time you’re at Helzberg Penguin Plaza, you’ll find the lionfish in the Ocean Garden habitat. Species that previously resided in that habitat, such as the clownfish and blue tang, will soon be viewable in the Live Coral habitat at Sobela Ocean Aquarium.
Kopje Construction
We can’t wait to unveil the African kopje’s renovations this summer! The construction team led by Centric has been hard at work since this project began last year, and we are thrilled to report some of the latest progress to this section that is home to lions, fennec foxes, caracal, and many other animals.
• The new public restroom and the caracal habitat are nearly completed. The crew is awaiting warmer weather to apply stucco to the exterior.
• Much of the exterior rock work has been completed. The team is awaiting warmer weather for the final touches.
• Work on the indoor lion viewing area has begun.
• Old pathways are being replaced with new ones in the coming weeks.
• The Zoo is working with the City of Kansas City, Missouri to select artwork that will be commissioned as part of the One Percent for Art program. This will be installed after the artwork is completed post-opening.
During the construction process, the animal care specialists have put extra effort into creating new and stimulating
Flying Flamingo Prepares to Soar!
Get ready to take to the skies because the Flying Flamingo is expected to open in March! This exciting zipline attraction will accommodate four guests per ride and stretch from the area between Sobela Ocean Aquarium and Elephant Expedition to the south so that riders have birds-eye views of the flamingo habitat as well as elephants. Reaching a top speed of 30 mph, the Flying Flamingo will provide an exhilarating experience that lifts you 100 feet in the air.
All flights will require a reservation, which guests can only make on the day of their visit at Guest Relations, Membership Services, World Gate, Africa Market, or the Flying Flamingo kiosk. Premier Friends of the Zoo members will enjoy the Flying Flamingo free, but will still need to make a reservation. For all other guests, a single flight is $8 or double your fun with two flights for $15. You also have the option of purchasing a commemorative photo or video, or both.
For the safety of guests, you must be at least 50” tall to ride alone, while those 42”-49” in height will need an
enrichment for the animals while they are behind the scenes. Enrichment can take many forms and provides mental and physical stimulation for the Zoo’s residents. The team has done an incredible job ensuring the animals’ well-being with everything from fun ball pits to a festive “12 Days of Christmas” gift extravaganza.
The kopje renovations are funded in part by the City of Kansas City’s GO Bonds that were approved in 2017 and designated for ADA updates, with additional funding from the Zoological District for animal habitats and upgraded guest amentities. Stay tuned to our social media channels for updates in the coming months!
accompanying adult. The maximum combined weight for four people is 900 pounds or 450 pounds for two people. Please note that the maximum weight for one seat is 300 pounds. Safety is the Zoo’s top priority, so we thank our guests for understanding that we must adhere to the weight limits determined by the ride manufacturer.
Stay tuned to our social media channels for the official opening date. We hope you are as excited as we are for the Flying Flamingo to take wing!
Events Calendar
February
Scan the code or visit kansascityzoo.org/events for more information on each event.
Interested in being a vendor or sponsor at one of these events? Email askthezoo@fotzkc.org
International Polar Bear Day
Saturday, February 22 | 10:00am-3:00pm
Join us in celebrating Polar Bear Day with pawsome activities hosted by our docents inside Polar Bear Passage.
Polar Bear Day was founded by the Zoo’s partner, Polar Bears International, to coincide with the time period when polar bear moms and cubs are snug in their dens. The day aims to bring awareness to the need to protect denning families across the Arctic.
Teddy Bear Clinic
Saturday, February 22 | 10:00am-2:00pm
Do you have a teddy bear or stuffed animal in need of some TLC? Bring your favorite stuffed friends to the Teddy Bear Clinic and let the volunteers from Kansas City Young Matrons nurse them back to health. We will fix rips, tears, and holes – and give them a good fluff! Once they are back in tip-top shape, they will receive a clean bill of health. Final patients accepted no later than 1:30pm.
Host your event at the Zoo!
The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is the purr-fect location for your next event. See the Rent the Zoo section at kansascityzoo.org to learn more about company outings, evening rentals, birthday parties, and more. Contact Group Sales at 816-595-1210 or at groupsales@fotzkc.org for all event options.
The Africa Market
Opening mid-February
We can’t wait for you to experience the Africa Market gift shop! Located conveniently near the Africa tram station and Sky Safari, this new gift shop has a wide selection of items available for all ages and budgets. Be sure to make a stop at the Africa Market on your next visit to the Zoo!
City Nature Challenge
Our cities are filled with wildlife that we need to better understand now more than ever. The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, the City of Kansas City, and the Heartland Conservation Alliance are inviting citizen scientists of all ages from across the KC metro area to participate in the 2025 City Nature Challenge.
We can’t fully protect nature without studying what is living in cities. Each year, thousands of people join in this global challenge to see just how many observations of wildlife we can gather together. Every photo you take contributes to vital wildlife research. The international database helps scientists and naturalists better understand the type of wildlife living in our cities and works to make them better places for humans and wildlife to live.
Participation is easy:
1. Download the iNaturalist App on your device.
2. Search for and join the 2025 Greater Kansas City Metro Area City Nature Challenge project.
3. From April 25 until April 28, take pictures of wild plants and animals using the iNaturalist app.
4. Share your photo with the iNaturalist community.
Any wildlife pictures you share through the iNaturalist app during this time will automatically count towards the
challenge. And don’t worry if you aren’t sure what you just took a picture of, because the app will help you identify it. Scientists all over the world will work to verify the species you upload as well.
We are looking for photos of plants, birds, insects, and other animals that are in their natural habitat. Go out and hike your local trails, visit a nearby park or nature center, or check out a lake or river you’ve been wanting to explore. Any wildlife in the Greater KC Mero area is eligible.
Join us in discovering the nature of your neighborhood and help change the world one observation at a time. You can find out more about the challenge, including helpful videos and observation tips, at www.citynaturechallenge.org
Education Programs
For more information, call 816-595-1765 or email education@fotzkc.org.
Summer Break Camps
Join us this summer for animal antics, fun games, crafts, experiments, and animal encounters! Four-day camps (Monday - Thursday) are available all summer long. Single-day camps are also available on select Fridays.
Cost: $265 for four-day camps, $65 for Friday camps, $33 for Pre-K Friday half-day camps (FOTZ members receive a 10% discount) kansascityzoo.org/camp/summer-break-camp
Overnights
Spend the night at the Zoo! It is the WILDEST place in town for an overnight adventure! Stay in Helzberg Penguin Plaza, Sobela Ocean Aquarium, or the Zoo Learning Center, then take a night hike through the Zoo and enjoy a movie. Feeling more adventurous? Pitch your tent for one-of-a-kind camping in our Outback or African campgrounds! Overnights are scheduled for Friday or Saturday nights only. kansascityzoo.org/overnights
Sponsored by
In Memoriam
Charcuterie
The Zoo is grieving the passing of sand tiger shark Charcuterie on November 7, 2024. Charcuterie and three other sand tiger sharks were among the first animals welcomed to Sobela Ocean Aquarium in May of 2023 when they were transferred from the Georgia Aquarium. Of the four, Charcuterie was the smallest and the omega in their social hierarchy. After a decline in health last summer, radiographs revealed a large fishhook and wire leader present in his body cavity that predated his time in Atlanta. Careful planning was started for a surgical procedure to remove the foreign objects, but unfortunately Charcuterie's health declined acutely and he passed before the surgery could be attempted. He will be fondly remembered for being an incredible ambassador for his species.
Jinx
The Zoo is sad to announce the passing of 15-year-old scimitar-horned oryx Jinx. Following a decline in health due to chronic heart disease, the difficult decision was made to euthanize her in December. Jinx was born on February 18, 2009, at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and arrived at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium in the summer of 2015. While she only had one calf of her own, Jinx played the part of auntie to multiple calves and could often be seen protectively watching the babies while their mothers relaxed in the distance. Her care team says that her trusting nature allowed them to easily treat her medical conditions and provide excellent end-of-life care. Jinx will be dearly missed by all.
Launchpad
The Zoo is mourning the loss of 10-year-old Pekin duck Launchpad, who passed away due to cancer. Launchpad became a resident of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium in 2014 and spent his first years as an ambassador in education programs. In the summer of 2021, Launchpad and his duck buddy Darkwing moved to the flamingo habitat. Launchpad developed arthritis in his later years and was the first bird at the Zoo to receive groundbreaking stem cell therapy.
Odif
The Zoo is heartbroken to share that bat-eared fox Odif passed away at the age of 9 in December. The difficult decision was made to euthanize Odif when his chronic renal failure no longer responded to treatment. Born on November 15, 2015, Odif lived at the San Diego Zoo until his arrival at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium in 2019. Odif will be remembered as a gentle and easy-going fox who was very trusting of his animal care team. He enjoyed interacting with enrichment toys, especially puzzle feeders containing his favorite treats of mealworms and super worms, and was very caring to his habitat mate Jane. Odif will be greatly missed by his Zoo family.
Lion’s Pride Society
The Lion's Pride Society was founded in 2011 to recognize and honor the valuable contributions of friends who express their commitment to our mission by including the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium in their estate plans. Over the years, the "pride" has grown strong. We invite you to join us!
Our benefits include:
Introduction at the Friends of the Zoo (FOTZ) Annual Meeting
Invitations to sneak previews and exhibit openings
Invitations to estate-planning seminars
Prominent recognition on Zoo Grounds
Create your legacy
With a little planning, you have the opportunity to ensure that future generations are able to experience the adventure and wonder of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. By including a charitable gift within your overall estate and financial plans, you can provide your support far into the future.
Why Barb is giving...
"The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium gives me hope for the future of this planet. By allowing us to see and experience animals in natural habitats and by educating us about our connectedness with these animals, the zoo inspires us to conserve the earth for future generations."
– Barb Sherer, Lion’s Pride Society member
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Thank you to all of our 1909 Lion’s Pride Society members for their continued support.
Anonymous
Jan Armstrong
Raymond & Nancy Benoist
Kenneth Campbell
Dee & Joe Carlisle
Marlee Carroll
Debbie & James Eads
Jeanne Hays
Betty & Leonard Hershman
Louise & Gary Hicks
Sarah Hopkins
Harold Hudson
Joanna Ioannidis
Richard Jensen
Audrey Keairnes
Patricia Keairnes
Gayle & Bruce Krigel
Judith Layton
Kay Lippincott
Leslie & John Martin
Kentucky McDaniel & Carol Murphy
Patrick & Amy McHenry
Mary & Michael McNiel
Anne & Sam Mollet
Kathryn Morgan
Debra Myers
Elizabeth Norton
Sean & Cyndie Putney
Brad Redburn
Marjorie Roberts
Debra & Michael Ryder
Dianne Schmidt
Don Shanks
Barb Sherer
Kathy Smith
Linda & Harlan Smith
T.J. Snyder
Juston Taylor
Grace Thornton
Sandie & John Valentine
Frank & Gerry Victor
Jean & Don Wagner
Richard Wells
Barb & Randy Wisthoff
Contact Richard Wells, donor relations manager, at richardwells@fotzkc.org or 816-595-1217 or visit kansascityzoo.org/planned-giving to explore the many ways you can extend your legacy at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium for years to come.
We are grateful for the continued generosity of our sponsors. Thank you for your steadfast support that helps make our world-class Zoo & Aquarium possible.
If your company would be interested in sponsoring an animal or area of the Zoo, please contact lisafickenscher@fotzkc.org. Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium sponsorship is a great way to increase visibility for your business and support the incredible work that our Zoo does year-round.
African Tram
Sumatran Tiger KCZoo Railroad
6800 Zoo Drive | Kansas City, MO 64132 816-595-1234 | KansasCityZoo.org
9:30am – 4pm
March - October 9:30am – 4pm Mon-Fri 9:30am – 5pm Sat-Sun
If you would like to work in a fun, unique environment and help families create lasting memories, you’ll feel right at home as a part of our Guest Services team. In this role, you’ll be providing customer service in retail, rides, or admissions. The Zoo is an equal opportunity employer that offers a starting rate of $14.25 an hour. Flexible, weekend and/or weekday shifts are available! No nights. Flexible schedules for students/retirees. Visit kansascityzoo.org/careers to apply.
We’re on a mission to improve our map! Our new digital map shows realtime updates about which animals are on habitat, as well as expanded info about attractions and amenities. If you’re at the Zoo, open the map on your mobile phone to view your own location as you move through the park, to make finding your way around easier.
kansascityzoo.org/zoo-map