Hello, Zoo Friends!
As we get closer to tying a bow on 2025 and starting preparations for the new year, I want to thank you all, again, for your continued support of the KCZoo! For the third year in a row, we have welcomed over one million guests and reached more than 30,000 Friends of the Zoo memberships! We have come so far over the past twenty years, and I would personally like to thank you for your role in our successes.
I hope you have had the chance to visit us since the last edition of Expeditions. 2025 has been quite eventful and has changed the landscape of the zoo for a better guest experience. The renovations at the African Kopje area are wonderful and have improved the area for both you and the animals that reside there.
We are also extremely excited for 2026 as we will be opening the new giraffe complex by the time summer arrives. This addition will allow you to view these gentle giants every day that the Zoo is open and we will also be working toward offering opportunities to feed the giraffes after they are settled into their new home. This new area will be a place where visitors can relax while enjoying the animals, taking advantage of a new restaurant and restrooms that replace the 30-year-old facilities. We are also including another mother’s room and universal changing table for our guests who may need these amenities. I apologize for the time needed for construction of this project, but I know that you will appreciate the end results. Keep an eye out for a special sneak peek opportunity that we will have for FOTZ members in the new year.
As is always the case, there are many wonderful articles in this edition of Expeditions. From GloWild and holiday gift guides to numerous animal and conservation stories that I am sure you will enjoy and find educational as well.
I hope to see you at the Zoo & Aquarium in the coming months, and look forward to seeing you here in 2026. I wish you all the best during the holiday season!
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
Sean Putney – Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
Wesley Fields – Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
Members
Clifton Alexander – REACTOR Design
J.C. Alonzo – Black & Veatch
Jennifer Bennett – Rocky Mountain Society of Orthodontists
Chris Cotten – KC Parks and Recreation
Dr. Ellen Crowe – Metropolitan Community College
Ethan Essig – Essig Family McDonald's
Jan Francis – Community Volunteer
Beth Haden – KC Parks & Recreation
Hayley Hanson – Husch Blackwell
Kate Lambert – Dixon Family Foundation
Katie McDonald – Evergy
Janet Miles-Bartee – Local Investment Commission (LINC)
Salvatore Montalbano – Constellation Energy
Helen Ortiz-Turley – Carthage Commercial Real Estate
Brian Pung – JE Dunn Construction
Terry Rusconi – Community Volunteer
John Russ – UMB Bank
Willard B. Snyder – Community Volunteer
Mark Swanson – Burns & McDonnell
Todd Trent – Lockton
Tom Wright – Children's Mercy
Representing the City of Kansas City
Mario Vasquez – City Manager
Andrea Bough – City Council
Zoological District Commissioners
Jay Johnson – Clay County
Greg Canuteson – Clay County
Charlie Franklin – Jackson County
At-large TBD – Jackson County
Beth Haden – KC Parks & Recreation
Sean Putney – Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
Sean at Boo at the Zoo
Two Years with Tortellini: Part 2
By Tamara Arndt, Animal Care Team Lead
In the last issue of Expeditions, we celebrated green sea turtle Tortellini’s second anniversary at the KCZoo by learning about her rescue and rehabilitation in Florida, as well as her journey to her permanent home at Sobela Ocean Aquarium. This issue, we learn a little more about this popular Zoo resident.
Tortellini’s favorite type of enrichment is human interaction. Her favorite game is one where she turns her hind end towards me, and I pull her back and forth through the water before giving her a push. She “soars” across the habitat as fast as she can before turning around and coming back for another go. She also LOVES shell scratches. She will hold onto one of my hands with her back flippers while I scratch her shell with my other hand or with one of many brushes. She will even steer my scratches to where she wants them and wiggle back and forth once I have found just the right spot.
Since she likes scratches so much, animal care specialist Isabelle has built her a “brush cube” that she can swim into and scratch the top of her shell on her own. Isabelle is also designing and building more enrichment involving brushes that will help Tortellini scratch her underside as well.
Tortellini’s love of shell scratches has also come with some challenges. Since she loves human interaction, she has figured out that divers in the habitat can also provide her with attention. She doesn’t understand that divers are trying to clean her habitat and will wedge herself between their legs or try to get in between them and the task they are working on. While we are inclined to agree that the world does, in fact, revolve around Tortellini, we still have a job to do. We have started deploying her enrichment items during dives to help keep her appropriately occupied while we focus on the task at hand.
Tortellini liking shell scratches has led to probably the largest challenge we have faced with her, which is trying to get her fitted with weights to help her achieve neutral buoyancy. As a result of the boat strike that led to her placement here, Tortellini essentially has thousands of air bubbles trapped under her shell which causes her butt to float up. Thankfully, Tortellini is a very strong swimmer and is fully capable of getting to the bottom of her habitat – even lying flat on the bottom and resting. However, once she fully relaxes, her hind end floats back up, a position that most Zoo guests have probably seen her in at some point.
Top: Divers with Tortellini
Bottom: Tortellini receiving head scratches
We want to help Tortellini have a more normal orientation in the water so we have tried to fit her with a weight system. The first version was a neoprene weight pouch. The pouch was able to open so that we could add and remove weights, since we weren’t sure exactly how much weight would help her reach neutral buoyancy. The weight pouch worked great until it fell off, was reapplied, and fell off again. We realized that when Tortellini was scratching her own shell on the underside of the rocks in her habitat, she was scratching the weight pouch off.
We then tried attaching the weight directly to her shell since we knew exactly how much weight she needed. Of course, she knocked that one off too. It became clear that any object on her shell was not going to stay there for long. Since Tortellini can navigate incredibly well and does not seem at all bothered by her condition, sometimes called "bubble butt syndrome," we decided to take extra time and do some research into other options.
At Mystic Aquarium, a sea turtle named Charlotte had a 3D-printed harness made for her by a shoe manufacturing company. I was able to speak with her primary caregiver while I was at an industry conference where she was presenting about their successes and challenges with Charlotte’s harness. We were also able to meet with the Mystic Aquarium team virtually to ask follow-up questions and determine if this was a viable avenue for us to pursue. Keep in mind that Charlotte’s shell looks nothing like Tortellini’s so it would require a completely different design. It took them more than three years to get a prototype for Charlotte. Nonetheless, we decided pursuing something similar was worth a try.
We are currently working with a local organization that is helping us design a harness for Tortellini. They visited Tortellini and took a 3D scan of her shell. They made a prototype that we have provided feedback on and we hope to have Tortellini try it on soon. We don't know that this option will be successful, but we are working with great partners and are excited to try it. If it does work, this might even lead to a methodology that could help other sea turtles! After all, we were inspired by Charlotte!
Photos provided by Tamara
Meet Blue!
Meet the newest resident of the Birds of Africa aviary! Blue is an 18-month-old Lady Ross’s turaco, a species native to the central and southern regions of Africa and known for "canopy hopping" in the trees rather than long, sustained flights. Blue recently transferred to the KCZoo from the Scovill Zoo in Illinois and is easing into to his new home.
This turaco species is quite vocal, and Blue is already demonstrating his communicative skills. These birds are primarily frugivorous, meaning they feed on fruit. Blue is particularly fond of grapes. In their native range, the Lady Ross's turaco species is unfortunately threatened due to issues like deforestation.
The next time you're at the Zoo, stop by the Birds of Africa aviary to visit Blue along with other species like the hamerkop, hadada ibis, and taveta golden weaver.
Photo by Danielle, advanced animal care specialist
Diving Into the World of Manta Rays
By Courtney Webster, senior animal care specialist
The Florida Manta Project is a one-of-a-kind research initiative operating in Central and South Florida. This project was started nine years ago by marine biologist Jessica Pate, and the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is proud to have been one of its earliest sponsors. The project focuses on learning more about the manta ray, as information about this species is quite limited, as well as raising awareness of manta ray conservation.
Jessica uses a combination of in-water photography, drones, aerial surveys, and satellite and acoustic telemetry to study manta rays in the wild. Based on her findings, it is now believed that Florida hosts one of three known manta ray nurseries in the world. Jessica has documented over 230 manta ray encounters and has been able to track seasonal trends to back up her findings.
In 2025, this project directly contributed to a genetic study and subsequent determination of a new manta species, Mobula yarae. In the last two years, the study has also expanded to include the first dedicated study of the freckled guitarfish, Pseudobatos lentiginosus. Jessica has identified more than 200 individuals of this species and successfully tagged 25 of them with acoustic tags.
In addition to actively learning about the animals themselves, the project also focuses on education and conservation outreach. Jesscia has published a children's book about manta rays and has designed seven science lesson plans that are available free to educators. Her team has gone to multiple Title I schools to talk about the work they're doing and how incredible manta rays are, reaching over 6,000 students.
Beyond that, the project has mounted a strategic media rollout to alert the public and authorities to the severe threats to manta rays posed by boat strikes and unsafe fishing practices. This included conducting and publishing the first study of recreational angler attitudes towards, and knowledge of, manta rays in Florida.
We are excited about the success of this important work, but there is still much to be done to help preserve the endangered species. Learn more about the Florida Manta Project at marinemegafauna.org/americas/florida-manta-project
Photos provided by Courtney
From Scraps to Success
By Hannah Wilson, sustainability coordinator
The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is thrilled to introduce composting at Tuxedo Grill! For the first time, guests can compost their food waste at this restaurant during regular Zoo operating hours. The new waste stations feature color-coded containers for composting, recycling, and landfill. To help guests sort their waste successfully, we have created signs with photo examples of common items received while dining in Tuxedo Grill. The waste stations also feature a tray return rack. Earlier this year, Tuxedo Grill transitioned from serving food in single use paper boats to reusable metal trays. With that change alone, we have saved 2,900 pounds of waste from the landfill.
The Zoo has developed a plan to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 that includes actions such as these to reduce waste that is sent to the landfill. Instead, composting transforms food waste into nutrient-rich material for landscaping. Besides improving the physical structure of the soil, using compost has other benefits such as modifying temperature in the soil by insulating root systems from extreme conditions. In addition, it utilizes water more efficiently because less moisture is lost due to evaporation and runoff, thereby permitting better absorption during high water volumes like heavy rains.
We have a long history of composting behind-the-scenes at the Zoo. In 1999, the Zoo received a grant from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and Mid-America Regional Council to install a concrete pad for composting herbivore animal waste and bedding. This program evolved into Zoo Manoo, through which we sell composted animal manure to the public yearround. Today, our program diverts 75% of animal waste producing approximately 1,200 tons of Zoo Manoo annually.
In 2023, the Zoo began a partnership with KC Can Compost to collect food waste from restaurants behind-the-scenes and events such as Jazzoo, Wine Walk for Wildlife, and Brew at the Zoo. KC Can Compost then delivers that food waste to Missouri Organics’ industrial composting facility which can process BPI-certified compostable plates and silverware since the compost piles reach temperatures high enough to break down the materials. Since the partnership began, the Zoo has composted 55,000 pounds of food waste. With this success, we are excited to expand our program to include our daytime guests, starting with Tuxedo Grill.
The Zoo is dedicated to creating a greener community and inspiring change that helps preserve our natural world. We’re proud to serve as a resource for the Greater Kansas City community and to model steps we can all take to reduce daily waste.
Meet MJ!
The next time you’re in the Discovery Barn, see if you can spot the Zoo’s newest squirrel monkey, MJ! Born to mom Marley and dad Quentin on August 31, MJ is thriving with a spunky personality that keeps its mom quite busy. While this 2-month-old’s sex has not yet been determined, we will be sure to update you on that news via our social media channels.
Squirrel monkeys are native to the tropical forests of Central and South America. They are known for their incredible ability to leap from branch to branch as well as their petite size. While the tail is not prehensile, it is still important in providing balance.
Photo by Maggie, senior animal care specialist
White-cheeked Wonder
The next time you’re at the Zoo, swing by the Tropics to visit the new white-cheeked gibbon baby! Born to mother Kit and father Smithers on October 18, this yet-to-be named gibbon is flourishing under the watchful care of its doting parents. The infant can be seen keeping a tight hold on mom Kit, who still defies gravity as she traverses the habitat branches.
This exciting birth provides hope for the white-cheeked gibbon species, which is native to southeast Asia and classified as critically endangered due to issues like the illegal pet trade and habitat loss. While these engaging animals are beloved, exotic species are often victims of animal trafficking. We hope you’ll support the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Wildlife Trafficking Alliance by taking a pledge to protect wildlife at notapet.net
Meet the Team:
Admissions
The Zoo’s admissions team is not only always ready to greet you with a smile, these vital employees also ensure a smooth and memorable Zoo experience from start to finish. Customer service is at the heart of this team, whether they are scanning and processing your membership cards, answering phones, selling tickets, or assisting guests with questions or concerns.
Over the last few years, this team has also been part of the educational experience at Sobela Ocean Aquarium and Stingray Bay. Along with greeting guests at the Aquarium entrance or explaining rules for touching animals at Stingray Bay, this team also connects with guests by providing more in-depth information about the aquatic species at the Zoo.
As part of the Guest Services department, these employees have also been the primary force behind the GloWild lantern festival. From setting up and staffing the event to scheduling performers and designing the new Glimmer pop-up bar, they have been instrumental in creating magical.
The next time you’re at the Zoo, be sure to thank this wonderful team for all of their amazing work!
Photo by Amy, social media coordinator
Top: Bruce, guest services ambassador Bottom: Alice, admissions team member
MEET the ZOOBORNS
The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium has been brimming with new life in 2025! Each birth announcement this year is sponsored by Saint Luke’s as part of the “Wild Beginnings” program, which celebrates the “zooborns” at the KCZoo. Saint Luke’s commitment to innovative, patient-centered maternity care has helped local families flourish for more than 140 years and is a perfect sponsor for the Zoo’s growing animal families. From the feathered to the furry, let’s meet the Zoo’s newest arrivals!
BUBBA BLUE
Bennett's Wallaby
Born Feb. 2025
Parents: Betty Blue & Zeek
BITRO
Red-ruffed Lemur
Born 4/21/25
Parents: Hydra & Fred
MONTY & MAVERICK
Addax
Born 4/28/25 & 5/1/25
Parents: Nigel, Mary Kate & Ashley
JAMBI
Rhinoceros Hornbill
Hatched 5/3/25
Parents: Boni & Raja
Photo by Jinger Stevens, KCZoo Photo Club
Photo by Jinger Stevens, KCZoo Photo Club
Photo by Tessa, senior animal care specialist
Photo by Sara, animal care team lead
CIELO & ESTRELLA
Cotton-top Tamarin
Born 5/19/25
Parents: Sarah & O'Brien
Photo by Mikaela, animal care specialist
ECHO & RADAR
Fennec Fox
Born 6/3/25
Parents: Beshte & PJ
CAPPY
Rock Hyrax
Born 7/28/25
Parents: Idaho & Perseus
by Anastasia, development & donor database coordinator
Squirrel Monkey
Born 8/31/25
Parents: Marley & Quentin MJ (MARLEY JR.)
White-cheeked Gibbon
Born 10/18/25
Parents: Kit & Smithers [NAME COMING SOON!]
by Bill Arimborgo
Photo by Carla Farris, KCZoo Photo Club
Photo
Photo by Maggie, senior animal care specialist
Photo
Dazzling New Additions at GloWild!
Along with illuminated sculptures that celebrate the past, present, and future, GloWild also features festive attractions in November and December that are sure to make your holidays merry and bright.
Now through December 28, experience the North Pole Village that features breathtaking holiday lanterns. Santa Claus will also be in town each evening GloWild is open to greet families from 5:30 to 9 pm now through December 23. Also included with GloWild admission, the Grinch Express returns for free nightly train rides and children can make reindeer food. Plus you can decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus or make s'mores for an extra charge.
We are also excited to introduce Glimmer, a 21+ holiday-themed pop-up bar that will be open during GloWild through December 21. Located in the Tropics Event Pavilion, this bar features holiday decorations, themed specialty cocktails and mocktails, plus appetizers to tame your belly’s roar. Private themed igloos are available to rent for parties of up to six guests. Learn more about Glimmer and make igloo reservations at kansascityzoo.org/glowild/glimmer
GloWild requires a separate timed ticket from regular Zoo admission or membership. All of our regular Zoo accessibility amenities will be available, including ECV scooters, strollers, wheelchairs, and wagons. We ask that you reserve your ECV scooters online at least 24 hours in advance at kansascityzoo.org/form/glowild-ecv-rental
Running through December 28, GloWild is closed Mondays and Tuesdays with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks. View the full operating calendar, get tickets, and learn about GloWild presented by Saint Luke’s at kansascityzoo.org/glowild
KCZoo 2025 Holiday Guide
Zoo Gift Shops
Our holiday elves at the Zoo's gift shops have been busy creating the ultimate shopping headquarters! We have something for everyone, from adorable plush toys and Zoo apparel to home decorations and art created by the Zoo’s animal residents. And, of course, don’t forget to treat someone special (or yourself) to our delectable selection of fudge!
Gift a Zoo Membership
Purchase a Premier Family membership as a gift this season and receive a FREE giraffe plush ready to go under the tree!
Your gift membership includes:
• Unlimited visits for a year from redemption date, including the opening of the giraffe complex in 2026
• Discounts on concessions, retail & events
• Unlimited rides
• Reciprocal discounts to other Zoos
Adopt A Wild Child
Warm a loved one’s heart this holiday season by adopting one of the Zoo’s beloved animal residents! When you symbolically adopt red-ruffed lemur Bitro, Sumatran tiger Phoebe, red panda Kashmir, sea turtle Tortellini, or sea otter Matti, you’ll be playing a vital role in supporting the wellbeing of the nearly 10,000 animals under our care, including your selected companion.
The $80 package includes a framed photo of your adopted animal, a huggable plush friend, a detailed animal fact sheet, a certificate for holiday fudge from Deja Zoo, and a personalized adoption certificate, creating the ultimate holiday gift. You can also choose from many other animals and create your own package. Limited quantities are available. Get started on your adoption package today at kansascityzoo.org/support-us/adopt-a-wild-child
Giraffe Plaques
We can't wait to unveil the new giraffe complex that is opening by summer of 2026! Leave a lasting mark on this endeavor with a commemorative plaque that will be placed outside the new complex. Whether you are honoring the memory of a loved one, celebrating a special occasion, or proclaiming your family’s love of the Zoo, these plaques are the perfect way to show you care.
Get started on your commemorative plaque at kansascityzoo.org/form/purchase-your-giraffe-plaque
Donor wall art not final
Events Calendar
November
December
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
GloWild: Time Traveler Presented by Saint Luke's Now - Sunday, December 28 | Hours vary
This year’s event features a journey through time to nineteenthcentury Paris, the American centennial, a sci-fi-themed trip to the future, and much more! Plus, Santa is here, along with other fun holiday activities! GloWild: Time Traveler is supported in part by the City of Kansas City, Missouri Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund. kansascityzoo.org/glowild
FOTZ Bring A Friend Free Weekend
Friday, November 28 - Sunday, November 30 9:30am - 4:00pm
The more, the merrier, on Thanksgiving weekend at the Zoo! Friends of the Zoo (FOTZ) members are invited to bring up to FOUR guests per membership to receive complimentary admission Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Penguin Marches
Saturdays and Sundays November 29 - February 2026
11:00am
See the penguins up close as they take a stroll in front of Helzberg Penguin Plaza. Arrive early for the best view!
Meet Santa at the Zoo
Saturday, December 6 - Sunday, December 7
Santa will be making a special stop at the Zoo 10am-3pm in North Pole Village near Sheep Station. Be sure to bring your camera to capture those candid moments. You can also catch our cold weather penguins as they take a walk in the chilly outdoor air during our Penguin March at 11am.
Zoo Year's Eve
Wednesday, December 31 | 10:00am - 12:00pm
Roar in the Noon Year at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium! Why wait until midnight to celebrate the New Year? We are kicking off the party early with a countdown to noon for the kiddos! Some of the animals will also be receiving special themed enrichment.
2026 Save the Dates!
Saturday, February 14
Host your event at the Zoo!
Friday, June 5
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.
Education Programs
For more information, call 816-595-1765 or email education@fotzkc.org.
School's Out Camps
School's out! Join us at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium for an exciting day filled with activities to learn about your favorite animals. These single-day and multiple-day camps are available for ages 5-12.
Single-day cost: $65 per camp (FOTZ members get a 10% discount) kansascityzoo.org/camp/schools-out-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
Lois
We are mourning the loss of African elephant Lois, who resided at the KCZoo for more than four decades. At 47 years old, Lois was considered a geriatric elephant, so her long life is really a testament to the excellent care she received. The difficult decision to euthanize her was made on October 21 due to diminished quality of life.
The care specialists that knew her best described Lois as “a strong-willed girl with an unwavering spirit.” Lois was beloved by Zoo staff and guests, and most easily identified by her pointed left tusk and red hair on top of her head.
Matilda
The Zoo is mourning the loss of 14-year-old black-necked swan Matilda due to kidney failure. Matilda resided at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium for most of her life and was a companion to Sergio. Guests could often hear the distinctive honks of the pair, who resided at the Waterfowl habitat. Matilda’s caregivers say that she brought smiles to their faces each morning, particularly for her head wiggles as she “monitored” them washing the windows. Matilda was a beautiful swan who will be missed by all.
Ricky
The Zoo is sad to announce the loss of 23-year-old king penguin Ricky, who passed away on October 28. Ricky had been treated for chronic inflammations of her ankle with laser therapy, multiple analgesics, and multiple anti-inflammatory medications, but she recently stopped responding to treatment. The difficult decision was made to euthanize Ricky when her quality of life diminished.
Since her arrival in 2013, Ricky has been a beloved member of the colony. Known for her sass and popularity with the other penguins, she will be remembered as a penguin full of personality and resilience. She was the mother to king penguins Vortex, Brrger, and Littlefoot, and a valuable ambassador of her species. Ricky will be missed immeasurably.
Snaps
The Zoo is sad to announce the passing of Snaps, a 14-year-old Kirk’s dik-dik known for her sweet and shy personality. Snaps was geriatric and had arthritis and impaired vision, and staff made the difficult decision to euthanize when she no longer responded to medical treatment.
Born at San Diego Zoo Safari Park on September 9, 2011, Snaps eventually made her home at the KCZoo in 2017. She will be fondly remembered for her frequent "bird call" vocalizations and her loving companionship with fellow dik-dik, Dasher. Snaps will be missed by all.
Lois photo by Cassie, animal care manager
Matilda photo by Sara, animal care team lead
Ricky photo by Sophie, advanced animal care specialist
Snaps photo by team veterinary health
1909 Lion’s Pride Society
The 1909 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 support far into the future.
Why Lisa is giving...
"Our Zoo is a lifeline to animals that are endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, and pollution. I want to contribute towards the future of the Zoo to continue creating habitat environments that will promote natural animal behaviors and their quality of life, inspire conservation action, provide specialized animal healthcare, and educate our community."
– Lisa Jane Kern, Lion’s Pride Society member
Thank You to Our Sponsors
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.
Thank you to all of our 1909 Lion’s Pride Society members for their continued support.
Anonymous
Jan Armstrong
Raymond & Nancy Benoist
Dee & Joe Carlisle
Marlee Carroll
Erin Channell
Jim & Linda Cole
Debbie & Jim Eads
Jeanne Hays
Betty & Leonard Hershman
Louise & Gary Hicks
Sarah Hopkins
Harold Hudson
Julie Hull
Joanna Ioannidis
Richard Jensen
Audrey Keairnes
Patricia Keairnes
Lisa Jane Kern
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
Elizabeth Norton
Sean & Cyndie Putney
Brad Redburn
Marjorie Roberts
Terry Rusconi
Debra & Michael Ryder
Dianne Schmidt
Don Shanks
Barb Sherer
Kathy Smith
Linda & Harlan Smith
T.J. Snyder
Juston & Christine 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.
African Tram
Wild Beginnings
Red Kangaroo
Stingray Bay
African Lion
6800 Zoo Drive | Kansas City, MO 64132 816-595-1234 | KansasCityZoo.org
Another Giraffe Calf!
The Zoo is thrilled to announce another joyous addition to the Masai giraffe herd. On November 4, 6-yearold Chandy gave birth to a male calf. Although this is Chandy’s first calf, she has been an attentive mom to the young one, who weighs 134 pounds and is approximately 5'6" tall. The yet-to-be named calf is being introduced to the rest of the giraffes in the barn, including father Aidan, Makali, Alika, and Willow.
Stay tuned on our social media channels for more updates on the calf and be sure to visit page 11 of Expeditions to learn how you can leave a lasting mark on the new giraffe complex that is set to open in 2026! There’s no better way to celebrate this new arrival!
Photos by Julia, senior animal care specialist
November-February 9:30am – 4pm Daily
Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day & Martin Luther King Jr. Day
