Hello, again, Zoo fans!
Spring is always my favorite time of year as we leave the cold behind and enter into a busier time. While winter wasn’t too horrible this year, it is always nice to have temperatures consistently warmer.
Some of our animals have been quite busy welcoming new additions, and you can read more about them in this issue of Expeditions. They are all quite adorable and I hope you get a chance to see them in person soon.
You’ll also see that we have some great news about sea turtles in this edition, including a fantastic update on our rescued green sea turtle, Tortellini. There is also an article introducing you to the Zoo’s new rescued Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, Phantom. I am sure her story will warm your heart, and she will soon join Tortellini’s ranks as a fan favorite.
I am also very excited for you to visit the new Giraffe Crossing opening this week on Friday, May 29. While it has been a long wait to see giraffes at the Zoo, I hope you will find it was worth it when you see these gentle giants every day we are open. Plus, the new amenities for guests should make your visit to the Africa section even more enjoyable.
Shortly after opening Giraffe Crossing, we will be starting construction on our next project, an expansion and renovation of our conservation and education building that sits to the right of the front gate. While much of this work is aimed at increasing space for classes, day camps, and staff, we will also be making improvements to the swan pond and adding bald eagle and bobcat habitats. In the meantime, you can find the trumpeter swans in their temporary habitat at the koi pond across from the Discovery Barn. So, we already have plenty to look forward to in 2027 as the Zoo keeps growing!
As always, this issue includes some of our conservation work and this time, efforts that are being made at one of my favorite places on the planet, Catalina Island off the coast of California. This is a new project for the KCZoo and I could not be more excited for you to learn more about it.
As you can see, we have a great deal going on! We continue our efforts each day to make the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium a better place for animals to live, and for you to visit.
I hope you all have a wonderful summer, and I look forward to seeing you here!
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
Wesley Fields – Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
Sean Putney – Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
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
Andrea Bough – City Council
Mario Vasquez – City Manager
Zoological District Commissioners
Greg Canuteson – Clay County
Sharon Cleaver – Jackson County
Charlie Franklin – Jackson County
Beth Haden – KC Parks & Recreation
Jay Johnson – Clay County
Sean Putney – Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
Sean working hard during Hallmark Wild Saturday
Tortellini's New Look
We are thrilled to announce that the Zoo has partnered with the Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC) to create a custom-fabricated harness for green sea turtle Tortellini. After months of hard work and collaboration, Tortellini is now wearing the harness routinely and swimming in her habitat with a more neutral buoyancy.
In February 2020, Tortellini was found off the coast of Florida with trauma to the back end of her shell, likely caused by a boat propeller, and was sent to Clearwater Marine Aquarium for treatment. Following rehabilitation, she was deemed nonreleasable due to her injuries, which made her a perfect fit for the KCZoo’s new Sobela Ocean Aquarium in 2023.
Fast forward to 2025, when Holly Weber, principal R&D scientist for KCNSC, noticed Tortellini swimming unusually on a visit to the Aquarium. Soon after, Holly found an article about a sea turtle at Mystic Aquarium with similar buoyancy issues that was now able to swim normally with the help of a 3D-printed harness. She then contacted colleagues at KCNSC including Dan Bowen, senior fellow and chief scientist, and Neiko Levenhagen, lead R&D scientist, to pitch the idea to create a 3D-printed harness for Tortellini in partnership with the KCZoo.
“This was too cool to pass up,” said Bowen, “Not only was this something KCNSC could do, but it would be really valuable to the community. And the idea of helping this cute turtle swim better just melts your heart.”
KCNSC and the Zoo worked in close collaboration for months to create this custom harness for Tortellini. The scientists and engineers at KCNSC and the animal care team at the KCZoo discussed plans at length to ensure this would be a success. Because shells grow as sea turtles do, it was important to create a harness that could not only be taken on and off easily but could also be adjusted to expand as Tortellini grows. The harness also needed to be made from a material that can withstand salt water, so materials like nylon and marine-grade epoxy were explored.
The next step in creating the harness was to get a 3D scan of Tortellini’s shell so an accurate model could be made.
A team from KCNSC visited the Zoo so they could create a to-scale, 3D-printed model of her shell.
“This was a new experience for me: I’ve never 3D-scanned something living, let alone a sea turtle,” said Peter Roth, senior mechanical engineer at KCNSC. “We ended up using a 3D scanning software on our phones, so we didn’t have to apply anything to Tortellini. The underside of her shell is soft tissue, and we wanted to keep the stress off there.”
The 3D scan was then turned into a workable model and the team from KCNSC held several brainstorming sessions to determine the general shape and features of the harness. Once the design was refined, the team created the harness using a 3D-printing technique called multi jet fusion. Powder was loaded into the machine before the design was printed one layer at a time. After the first prototype was created, animal care staff from the KCZoo visited the KCNSC facility to look at the model and make suggestions. Upon review, the decision was made to add padding to make it more comfortable for Tortellini and prevent the harness from slipping off her shell.
A second prototype was created, and on December 5, 2025, it was time to test out the harness on Tortellini herself. Before placing the harness on Tortellini, the KCNSC and KCZoo team walked through demonstrations on the model of Tortellini’s shell and, after plenty of practice, it was time to give it a real try. Zoo and KCNSC staff were able to quickly get the harness on Tortellini and soon she was swimming in her habitat.
The 3D-printed shell and a prototype of her harness have been gifted to the Zoo, so that docents and staff can teach visitors about the harness and let them see one up close. This collaboration is a testament to the hard work and dedication of both facilities, and the KCZoo is so grateful for the support from KCNSC!
King Penguin Chicks
Happiness is hatching at Helzberg Penguin Plaza! We are thrilled to share that four king penguin chicks hatched earlier this year and are now nearly as tall as their parents. Let’s meet the newest additions:
• Mort: Male; Hatched January 23
Parents are Dumpling and Gibert
• King Julien: Male; Hatched February 2
Parents are Kingsley and Cayenne
• Gloria: Female, Hatched February 10
Parents are Peepers and Brrger
• Corn: Male; Hatched February 15
Parents are Vortex and Wasabi
On your next visit to the Zoo, you'll find the four large chicks in a playpen within the cold-weather habitat. This protected area is the perfect spot for chicks who are still growing waterproof feathers and not quite ready to swim.
These hatch announcements are part of our Wild Beginnings program presented by Saint Luke’s and celebrates “zooborns” at the KCZoo. Saint Luke’s commitment to innovative, patientcentered maternity care has helped local families flourish for more than 140 years and is a perfect sponsor for the Zoo’s growing animal families.
Stinkin' Adorable!
We are thrilled to introduce the Zoo's new animal ambassador, Megan, a striped skunk who found herself at a wildlife rehab facility in Utah and was deemed nonreleasable. She originally made her home at Utah’s Hogle Zoo before being transferred to the KCZoo in late 2025. Although we don’t know her exact age, she is estimated to be 2-3 years old.
Megan will eventually participate in our Zoomobile educational programming and visit schools, libraries, senior facilities, and more. Although Megan is still shy, her care team tells us that she is slowly getting acclimated to visiting larger groups of people The team will work at Megan’s pace to ensure she is comfortable in the process.
The striped skunk is named for the white stripe that begins as a triangular shape on top of its head and splits into two stripes down the sides of the back. Widespread throughout North America, the striped skunk’s most serious predator is the great horned owl.
Top left: Mort; Top right: Gloria; Bottom left: King Julien; Bottom right: Corn
Photos by Sophie, advanced animal care specialist
Meet the Team - Savannah
Team Savannah’s animal care specialists have been very busy this year! From tending to young ones like the fennec and bat-eared fox kits to preparing for a move to the new Giraffe Crossing habitat, the team’s work has been extensive. Currently consisting of 13 full-time employees and 2 seasonal staff members, these specialists work tirelessly for the animals in their care, which include rhinoceros, giraffe, hoofstock, the African Kopje residents, and more.
Each day, Savannah’s animal care staff clean, feed, enrich, and train approximately 110 animals. Along with these tasks, they also cut browse for feeding and prepare enrichment. When the giraffes' favorite prairie bundle flower is in season, the team will drive around the Kansas City metro area cutting 50+ lbs every day for the herd. And when it comes time for a birthday, the team will always find time to create a fun and memorable celebration that is also enriching for the animals.
Many Savannah team members serve on Zoo committees such as training, safety, and enrichment – just to name a few. The work goes beyond Zoo grounds as well, with some team members assisting in conservation grant projects locally and around the world that support freshwater mussels, grey crowned cranes, and giraffes.
As you can imagine, a big item on the to-do list this year has been training the giraffes to make the transition to their new home as smooth as possible. The team has done an amazing job in preparing for Giraffe Crossing and easing the animals into the new habitat.
Ben Klopf, animal care manager, tells us that Savannah's care specialists are always ready to support one another so that they can succeed as a team!
Have You Heard the News?
Fennec fox mom Beshte and dad PJ became parents to a kit on February 22! The young female was named Molly by her care specialists and is thriving under the dedicated care of her watchful parents. You can visit this sweet family daily in the African Kopje section of the Zoo.
Molly had a littermate but unfortunately, the other kit had a neurological condition that led to it being euthanized. This is the second litter for these parents; brothers Radar and Echo were born last year and were recommended by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan for transfer to another accredited zoo. While fennec fox populations are generally stable in their native range in Africa, they do face threats from the illegal pet trade and increased human development of their habitat.
Each Wild Beginnings birth announcement is presented by Saint Luke's Health System and celebrates the “zooborns” at the KCZoo.
They're All Ears!
We are thrilled to share that bat-eared foxes Jane and Chewbacca (Chewie) became parents to three new kits on March 12. The young trio were named Shadow, Storm, and Aurora through a public vote on social media and are currently viewable in the African Kopje habitat.
Jane originally gave birth to four kits, but we are sad to share that one did not survive. This is the first successful litter for 7-year-old Jane and 3-yearold Chewie. Thanks to positive reinforcement training, senior animal care specialist Jacob was able to assist the veterinary health team in keeping an eye on the kits before they were even born, as Jane participated in ultrasounds.
The new kits are quite energetic and already keeping mom and dad very busy. In the bat-eared fox world, the father plays a big role in their upbringing, and Chewie is proving to be an amazing dad.
The bat-eared fox is a true insectivore – the only canid to earn that label. In the wild, termites make up 80-90 percent of this species’ diet. Native to the African savanna, a bat-eared fox can eat up to a million termites in a year. Their impressive ears help them listen for prey while also regulating their body temperature in the sun.
CIMI Kelp Restoration Project
By Animal Care Manager Erin Hoff & Senior Animal Care Specialist Meghan Rice
The Catalina Island Marine Institute (CIMI) is a STEM-based outdoor science school located on Catalina Island, off the coast of Southern California. Its two study locations on the island offer hands-on marine science education for students in 4th to 12th grades. After an unprecedented marine heat wave in 2014 decimated the kelp forests around Catalina Island, CIMI launched their Kelp Restoration Project to assess changes, map and monitor restoration sites, conduct experiments to optimize kelp restoration, and share their findings. The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium began supporting the CIMI Kelp Restoration Project in 2025, and we look forward to growing our partnership in the coming years.
The coastal California environment is known for its impressive kelp forests, which are underwater habitats made up of dense kelp, a specific type of macroalgae. A wide diversity of marine life relies on kelp forests for food and protection including fish, invertebrates, mammals, and birds. Historically, these kelp forests thrived at Toyon Bay and Fox Landing, CIMI’s facilities on Catalina Island that face mainland
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California. However, the kelp at these sites was destroyed by high ocean temperatures following an unprecedented marine heat wave between 2014 and 2016, when severe storms and El Niño weather patterns spread invasive Sargassum horneri and native turf algae in the area. What was once a thriving, iconic kelp forest was reduced to only a few patches.
After nine years being absent, kelp began returning through natural recruitment in 2023, coinciding with the launch of the CIMI Kelp Restoration Project. Through the study, current information is compared to historical data to understand changes to kelp distribution and abundance over time. It is also monitoring the kelp’s natural recovery by conducting a comprehensive mapping effort of the area and systematically tracking changes. Hydrographic data is collected from multiple sources including drone imagery, multibeam sonar, wave and temperature sensors, and dive surveys. By identifying when and where the kelp returns, the insights help to understand how kelp recruits naturally, the environmental factors that shape it, and how restoration efforts can enhance it. Experiments are being conducted to assess different restoration methods and determine best strategies for long-term recovery.
In addition, kelp forest monitoring and restoration has been incorporated into CIMI’s educational programming, engaging tens of thousands of students annually. All data collected from this project is available to the public through interactive maps and 360-degree video footage, allowing anyone to see changes in kelp over time and better understand its impact on the reef and its inhabitants. Transparent data sharing will hopefully help enhance kelp protection by providing valuable information to scientists and policymakers as well as garnering public interest.
In 2025, the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium began supporting the CIMI Kelp Restoration Project by sponsoring the purchase of a Sofar Spotter Wave and Temperature Buoy which collects oceanographic measurements for the study. In 2026, the Zoo sponsored the purchase of additional current meters that can be moved to various locations to expand the oceanographic data being collected. This advanced technology offers more detailed data collection than similar studies have been able to provide. This fall, KCZoo staff will also begin traveling to Catalina Island to participate in annual dive surveys. For more information about the CIMI Kelp Restoration Project, please visit www.cimikelp.org
Photos courtesy of Catalina Island Marine Institute
The Newest SPOT at the Zoo!
Welcome to Giraffe Crossing! We can’t wait for you to experience this new addition, which includes year-round indoor viewing and updated amenities. The project, designed by TESSERE and brought to life by general contractor JE Dunn Construction, allows Zoo guests to be upclose with the tallest land animals in the world and learn more about this endangered species.
Meet the Zoo's newest mascot, Georgie!
The new complex, which began construction in February of 2025, features 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. You’ll find new ADA-accessible restrooms that include a universal changing table, plus a mother’s room and toddler seats.
Purchase Your Giraffe Plaque!
Guests will also discover Longnecker’s Café, a new concessions spot that will feature scrumptious items like street tacos, nachos, and burrito bowls. Treat yourself to a churro while you’re there!
We plan to eventually offer opportunities for Zoo guests to feed the giraffes, but will first allow the herd time to become acclimated to their new home and trained for hand-feeding at the new decks. Stay tuned to our social media channels for all updates on Giraffe Crossing!
These plaques, which are located in the plaza outside of the new complex, are a great way to honor the memory of a loved one, commemorate a special occasion, or proclaim your family’s love of both the KCZoo and giraffes! Scan the QR code or visit kansascityzoo.org/giraffe-habitat for more information.
Meet Phantom
We are swimming with excitement for you to meet Sobela Ocean Aquarium’s newest resident! Phantom is a Kemp’s ridley sea turtle who was rescued on September 14, 2024, in Nags Head, North Carolina. Weighing only 4 pounds upon her rescue, Phantom had suffered a severe boat strike to her face. Her road to recovery began at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island and the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. Phantom's injuries required extensive surgery, and although she lost one eye, this special turtle never gave up.
During her recovery, Phantom showed incredible resilience –healing from her injuries, adapting to life with limited vision, and steadily regaining strength. With dedicated care and rehabilitation, she learned to swim, feed, and navigate her environment again. Today, Phantom weighs 12.6 pounds and continues to thrive. At around 3 years old, Phantom has defied the odds and has proven herself to be an extraordinary fighter.
The Kemp’s ridley sea turtle is one of the smallest species of sea turtle and is classified as critically endangered. You can visit Phantom at Sobela Ocean Aquarium’s Sandy Shore habitat, where you’ll also find green sea turtle Tortellini!
Meet Slate, Khaki & Copper
The African plains habitat is full of new life! On your next visit, you’ll see several new scimitar-horned oryx calves frolicking in the field. Slate was born to mom Greta on April 26; Sedona became a mom to Khaki on May 6; and just a week later, Ginger gave birth to Copper on May 13. The father to all three calves is Bokoro.
The scimitar-horned oryx is an antelope species native to Africa that has been moved from an "Extinct in the Wild" classification to "Endangered" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. At one time, this antelope disappeared from its native range as a result of unregulated hunting and environmental factors, but a recent report showed 500 scimitar-horned oryx in the African country of Chad. Thanks to global conservation efforts, the species is gradually being reintroduced into native habitats.
These recent births mark a hopeful future for the species and are additions to our Wild Beginnings program, a celebration of our "zooborns" presented by Saint Luke's. Stop by the Africa section to see the oryx and other amazing antelope species!
An Aquatic Collaboration
An aquatic collaboration has been in motion over the last year! It started when Kirk Embree, Aquarium Science instructor at the Central Campus Marine Sciences program in Des Moines, Iowa, reached out to KCZoo staff regarding an aquaculture project involving his high school students. The Blank Park Zoo had originally provided Central Campus with orbicular batfish eggs, which Embree’s students hatched and raised for three months. They hoped to send the resulting adult batfish to the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium for a permanent home in Sobela Ocean Aquarium’s Pacific Reef habitat.
“We jumped at the chance and thought it was a great idea,” said KCZoo Animal Curator Stuart Clausen. “We’ve had the fish at our facility for about a year now, and in that time they’ve grown to the point that we are now comfortable they can live in the habitat with the other animals."
Native to the Indo-Pacific, the orbicular batfish is a schooling fish known for its flat, disc-like body and dark bands through the pectoral fin and eye. The Aquarium’s new batfish are still growing and have the potential to reach 24 inches in length.
On May 21, the students visited the KCZoo to watch their aquacultured batfish be released into the Aquarium’s Pacific Reef. Twenty-two batfish were successfully integrated into the habitat that is also home to an assortment of species such as the sand tiger shark, Maori wrasse, and laced moray eel.
The Aquarium Science program at Central Campus prepares students for careers in marine biology, environmental science, aquarium maintenance, and more. The KCZoo staff has been thrilled to connect with these hardworking students, and we look forward to more collaborations with schools in the future!
Otter-ly Amazing News
Ursula, an 8-year-old-North American river otter, gave birth to three female pups named Skie, Sprout, and Storm on March 3. Since their neonatal exams, the pups have been developing quickly. The trio recently made their debut in the outdoor habitat and are being introduced to male river otter Arthur.
River otters utilize a reproductive strategy called delayed implantation, meaning fertilized eggs do not develop until several months after breeding. Skokie, a beloved 15-year-old otter who passed away in June 2025 due to age-related conditions, is the father of the pups. In 2023, Ursula and Skokie also parented Jetsam and Flotsam, who have moved to new facilities on the recommendation of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan.
We are also thrilled to welcome our new North American river otter habitat sponsor, Ottawa University/Ottawa Professional & Online Campuses. The otter pups are part of our Wild Beginnings program presented by Saint Luke's Health System, celebrating “zooborns” at the KCZoo.
See Polar Bears with the CEO!
Are you looking for a special adventure that few people have experienced? The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium can help! We have already started to plan our next travel experience with Executive Director & CEO Sean Putney: seeing polar bears in their native range! We are preparing to take a group to Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, for an Arctic experience with polar bears in October 2027. We will start the journey in Winnipeg with a visit to the Assiniboine Zoo including dinner at their polar bear habitat, then will travel to Hudson Bay for a oneof-a-kind polar experience, including expeditions on the famed tundra buggies! If you’re interested in hearing more about this trip, join us for an information night on Friday, August 21, in KCZoo’s Beastro Auditorium from 5:30-7pm. Please let us know if you are planning to attend by emailing corastorbeck@fotzkc.org by August 1. We look forward to seeing you there!
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 Polar Bear Passage, 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
Photos by Kelsey, animal care manager
Events Calendar
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
Jazzoo sponsored by PNC & DFA Friday, June 5 | 7:30pm-midnight | 21+
Be a part of the wildest fundraiser in town! Party animals from across the metro will gather to enjoy unlimited food, drinks, and entertainment — all while raising money for the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. Funds provide food for the animals in our care and educational opportunities for the youth of our community.
Host your event at the Zoo!
The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is the purrfect 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.
In Memoriam
Cecilia
We are sad to share that 21-year-old Cecilia, a Chilean rose-haired tarantula, passed on May 14 from age-associated decline. She arrived at the KCZoo in 2017 and was a beloved part of the animal ambassador program. Cecilia was trained for voluntary handling: her care team would present a leaf to her and she would climb onto it if she wanted to participate in an education program. As she visited schools, libraries, and nursing homes, she opened a doorway of understanding and respect for some of the world's smallest and misunderstood species. Cecilia is deeply missed by her care team.
Lefty
The Zoo is mourning the loss of Lefty, a nearly 14-year-old dingo. The difficult decision was made to euthanize Lefty on April 30 due to declining health caused by end stage liver disease. Lefty arrived in 2016 with her companion Otto, who still resides at the Zoo. Known for her sweetness, Lefty brought a smile to everyone on her care team. She was an instant day brightener known for her intelligence, ability to create a perfect den, and love of digging. Lefty will be dearly missed by all.
MJ
We are heartbroken to announce the passing of MJ, an 8-monthold squirrel monkey. The difficult decision was made to euthanize MJ after he began experiencing neurological issues that did not respond to treatment. Mother Marley gave birth to MJ on August 31, 2025, and the youngster was known as playful, energetic, and always ready to engage in new enrichment. Guests and staff alike will miss this vibrant resident of the Discovery Barn.
Photo by Erin, animal care manager
Photo by Kelsey, senior animal care specialist
Photo by Maggie, animal care team lead
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
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
Thomas M. Denardo
Debbie & Jim Eads
Jeanne Hays
Betty & Leonard Hershman
Louise & Gary Hicks
Les & Patricia Holy
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
Pamela Ratliff
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
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.
6800 Zoo Drive | Kansas City, MO 64132 816-595-1234 | KansasCityZoo.org
Download the KCZoo App!
Get ready to plan your day, find your way, and make the most of your visit with our brand-new mobile app! Explore the Zoo with our real-time, interactive map and get the latest updates on which animals are viewable during your visit. Plus, you can keep your Zoo tickets and Friends of the Zoo membership card in the app's wallet so they are easy to access.
The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is committed to modeling sustainable actions and providing green solutions for our Zoo guests. Join us by going paperless on your next visit by downloading the app at kansascityzoo.org/visit/zoo-app or by scanning the QR code.
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