SAS CITY ZOO & AQUARIUM
KAN A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE
Meet Kianga!
Inside this issue: • Meet Kianga • Conservation & Learning Center • Umigomi Enrichment Project
2026 – Q3
Hello, again, Zoo fans! I hope that you have been staying cool through this heat wave and that you’ve been able to take advantage of some of our FOTZ early opens, misting stations, and air-conditioned buildings at the Zoo recently. Though we would also appreciate lower temperatures, we are trying to make the place as cool as we can for you and the animals during these dog days of summer. Despite the heat, we have had a great deal going on with much more to come as we enter fall. If you haven’t been here to see the new Giraffe Crossing, I would encourage you to do so. It has been a fan favorite and the giraffes are warming up to their new digs and our guests every day. They are much more up close and personal now! We will eventually offer paid feeding opportunities, but those are still a ways off as the giraffes acclimate. In the meantime, you can see staff training with the animals regularly and you might even get asked to participate! Just one week after we opened Giraffe Crossing, we were on to our next project. Inside this issue, you can read about our much-needed Conservation and Learning Center expansion! Over the years, our education team has done such a fantastic job that we’ve simply run out of room for classes, camps, and staff. The growth of the building will allow us to serve the community better! We will also be renovating the swan pond and adding a few other habitats that will allow you to see animals while walking to the World Gate station. Also inside this edition of Expeditions, you’ll find stories on new additions to the Zoo including chimpanzee, penguin, red panda, and kangaroo youngsters as well as Harvey, our new pelican! Spotlights are also on the animals of Tiger Trail as well as our Development team. Don’t forget about upcoming events that are just around the corner! Wine Walk for Wildlife is August 28 and has become one of our premier fundraising events and a fun adult night. GloWild lights up on September 11 and is celebrating its fifth year here in Kansas City! And, the annual Zoo Run takes place on September 19. This is always a well-attended event, so sign up soon before it sells out. And, of course, Brew at the Zoo on October 10 and Boo at the Zoo on October 24-25 are always fun events as we get into the cooler season. Our staff continues to make the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium the best it can be and my hat’s off in appreciation to them! I hope you get a chance to meet and chat with some of our dedicated employees on your upcoming visits. Have a wonderful end to your summer and a great fall! Sincerely,
Sean Putney Executive Director/CEO
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Sean and Cyndie in Tanzania on a recent Zoo-led trip.
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
Open year-round. www.KansasCityZoo.org 816-595-1234
The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, a private, nonprofit organization, is operated in agreement with the Kansas City, MO Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners, partially funded by the Zoological District in Jackson and Clay Counties in MO, and is accredited by the Assocation of Zoos and Aquariums.
Expeditions – 2026 – Q3
Conservation Lower Zambezi Protecting African ecosystems and species is at the heart of one of the Zoo’s conservation partnerships. We are proud to support Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ), an organization committed to gathering data and combatting poaching in Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park. Kenda Patterson, a senior animal care specialist, recently returned from Zambia, where she worked with CLZ on trail camera research projects and waterhole surveys that help calculate population densities for species in the area. The Zoo’s Conservation Grant has funded two essential CLZ groups, Luangwa Patrols and Rufunsa Community Scout Patrols, which conduct aerial patrols and participate in handson population monitoring. The combined research from the waterhole surveys and camera data gives CLZ a better understanding of the effects of their anti-poaching efforts. “We're seeing more elephants, so we know that our efforts are working,” said Kenda. “We're also seeing more naturally tuskless elephants due to the evolutionary pressures from poaching. Big tusks put them more at risk, while smaller or no tusks keep them alive, so those are the genes getting passed on.” This year brought about exciting new developments for CLZ, which now has its own research team. CLZ's two new ecologists are monitoring African painted dogs, lions, and leopards in the area, and Kenda was able to participate in tracking dog packs that had been fitted with satellite collars as well as lions through photo identification. Kenda said that CLZ is observing more species that had not been spotted in the past, which suggests that the “umbrella nature of the efforts” is helping the ecosystem find a natural balance. Learn more about CLZ’s work at conservationlowerzambezi.org
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Conservation & Learning Center Exciting updates are in the works for our education programming! If you’ve visited recently, you may have noticed construction at the Zoo Learning Center near the main entrance. Renovations have started on this facility, now called the Conservation & Learning Center, and will be completed in 2027. Designed by International Architects Atelier (IAA) and being brought to life by Monarch Build, the expanded structure will more than double our capacity for educational programming and help us better meet the needs of students, guests, employees, and animals in our care. More classrooms will reduce the competition for space and allow opportunities for growth of current programs, plus the ability to explore new ones to meet the community’s needs. Exciting new additions include a makerspace and lab, which can be utilized for science experiments and a variety of take-home crafts and activities, all ways that bring lessons to life. A large multifunction room will be used for guest speakers, classes, and rental opportunities. Some of the existing education areas will be converted to restrooms for guests who have not yet entered the Zoo, creating more streamlined access for young children or adults whose needs can’t wait until they’ve come through the front gate. Also included will be a quiet room for individuals with sensory needs. It can be used by children participating in programming as well as daily Zoo guests. A mother’s room will also be added, a muchneeded amenity near the front of the Zoo. The current office space will be expanded, allowing for a more productive and focused work environment. Business meetings, collaboration sessions, activity testing, and private coaching with leadership will improve upon current spaces. Though this expansion project is centered on educational programming, the facility will be surrounded by North American animal habitats. The current trumpeter swan area will be renovated with a new, larger pond, while bald eagle and bobcat areas will be added behind the building along the walk to World Gate train and tram station. Students will also have a view of these native animals from their classroom. Stay tuned for more updates on this improvement project in upcoming Expeditions newsletters! If you're interested in learning how you can support this project, email corastorbeck@fotzkc.org
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Expeditions – 2026 – Q3
Humboldt Chicks Waddle over to Helzberg Penguin Plaza to meet the newest Humboldt chicks! Despite only hatching in April, Olive, Piper, Minnow, and Penelope have already grown into their adult swimming feathers and can be seen daily with the adult Humboldt penguins. Their feathers are a bit more dull than the adults, which should help you identify them. • Olive: Female; This curious chick hatched April 11 to Nacho and Esperanza. She wears a green identification band. • Piper: Female; Called smart and loving, Piper hatched April 13 to PJ and Palaua. She wears a red band. • Minnow: Male, Hatched April 13 to Lio and Coco, and his team says he is a gentle little soul. He wears a blue band. • Penelope: Female; Smart and loving, Penelope hatched April 17 also to PJ and Palaua, but she was foster raised by Burkeley and Beatriz. She wears a purple band. The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is proud to participate in the Humboldt Penguin Consortium that aims to protect Humboldts located in Punta San Juan, Peru. This penguin species faces increasing challenges, including the effects of El Niño, overfishing, and coastal development and industry Top left: Minnow; Top right: Olive; Bottom left: Penelope; Bottom right: Piper; Photos by Jenn, advanced animal care specialist
Saint Luke’s is proud to sponsor Wild Beginnings at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, reflecting their dedication to mothers and babies from the animal kingdom and beyond.
Meet Kianga!
We’re celebrating the birth of a chimpanzee baby to 26-year-old Halla! The bundle of joy was born on May 15 and named Kianga through a public vote on social media. Kianga is still in the process of being introduced to members of the troop, but she can be seen frequently in the public habitat. This is the first baby for Halla, and paternity tests will be done in the future to determine the father. The KCZoo participates in the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP), a breeding program to ensure a sustainable, genetically diverse population in human care of a species facing population decline. The chimpanzee species is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to issues like habitat loss, the pet trade, and human conflict. Since 2021, the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium has participated in the Chimpanzee SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) program. This important initiative strives to improve the population status of chimpanzees in their native range through conservation action, stakeholder engagement, and public awareness.
Photo by Jenna, animal care manager Cover photo by Jaden, VolunTEEN
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Thank you to Saint Luke’s for sponsoring Wild Beginnings at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, reflecting their dedication to mothers and babies from the animal kingdom and beyond.
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GloWild: Hidden Treasure
Illuminate your nights this fall and winter at GloWild: Hidden Treasure! This popular lantern festival presented by Saint Luke’s returns to the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium for its fifth year from Friday, September 11, to Sunday, December 27, with a new theme and breathtaking lanterns. This year will feature dazzling displays that guide explorers deeper into the journey, creating the feeling of a true hidden treasure hunt. Prepare to be dazzled by exciting photo opportunities, tasty concessions, interactive performers, and lots more at this popular annual event. Guests can also visit Sobela Ocean Aquarium on Wednesday evenings with admission to GloWild. Ahoy! New this year is a fun fall opportunity for all ye scallywags. 'Tis A Pirate’s Feast that includes transport to the Africa boat house for a fine dinner and shindig, including a boat ride. Also, exclusively available in September and October, a special “Explorer Pass” for the kids. For an additional cost, explorers will receive a treasure map, loot bag, and special experiences along the route, including collecting some actual treasures! Last but not least, we’ve heard your requests and we will be offering golf cart tours of GloWild on four special nights. Stay tuned on social media for more details! Holiday favorites will also return to GloWild this year. You can view an assortment of Halloween-themed lanterns in September and October along with an Autumn Fest fun zone that features activities like pumpkin decorating, pedal tractors, and games. Santa will be returning in November and December to greet guests in his North Pole Village, along with winter-themed lanterns. And the Glimmer pop-up bar will be back in November and December with naughty and nice cocktails and private igloos for rent. Now through August 24, get the lowest price of the year on your GloWild ticket. Early bird tickets are just $18 each and valid any evening. No reservation is required! Unlimited passes for the season are also available. We look forward to creating new memories at GloWild: Hidden Treasure! Purchase tickets at kansascityzoo.org/glowild
Red Panda Cubs!
You’re not seeing double – well, maybe twice the sweetness! We are happy to share that red pandas Kashmir and Dawa became parents on June 29. This is the second litter for 7-year-old Kashmir and the first for 3-year-old Dawa. The two youngsters are doing well and bonding with mom Kashmir in nest boxes behind the scenes. Zoo guests may be able to view the precious family on an animal cam in front of the habitat. Stay tuned because we'll announce the cubs' names in the near future! Native to the mountainous Himalayan regions of Myanmar and China, red pandas are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to poaching, habitat loss, and the illegal pet trade. The KCZoo participates in the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP), a program aimed at ensuring the stability and genetic diversity of species facing population decline. With each Wild Beginnings announcement, our sponsor Saint Luke’s celebrates the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium’s newest residents while supporting the same commitment to compassionate women’s and infant care offered to Kansas City families for over 135 years. Photo by Allie, associate veterinarian
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Expeditions – 2026 – Q3
Meet Frisbee & Olive! Let’s hop over to meet the newest joeys in the Zoo’s Australia section. Although different species, these two little bundles of joy both belong to the marsupial family and have begun to spend time out of their moms’ pouches. Red kangaroo Brisby and dad Hans became parents to a joey named Frisbee November 17, 2025. Frisbee has now left the pouch and can be seen in the kangaroo habitat on some weekdays. Although she never ventures far from Brisby, Frisbee is quickly learning how to be an independent kangaroo. Frisbee can be identified easily as she is currently the smallest kangaroo and has a purple tag. You may recall reading about another joey named JJ, who was hand-raised by the care team following the passing of her mom last year. We’re happy to report that Frisbee has grown into a great companion to JJ, and the two are often playing or resting together behind the scenes. A big thanks to UMKC for sponsoring the kangaroos! Bennett’s wallabies Juniper and Zeek became parents to a joey named Olive on December 21, 2025. Juniper has been a doting mom and is very attentive to Olive, even showing her how to get the best snacks. Olive first stuck her head out of the pouch in early July at six months of age, but is now starting to venture out and explore. She will stay in mom’s pouch for about two more months before leaving it completely.
Top: Frisbee; Bottom: Olive Photos by Jared, advanced animal care specialist
Frisbee and Olive’s birth announcements are part of our Wild Beginnings program, which is sponsored by Saint Luke's Health System and celebrates the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium’s newest residents.
Meet Harvey! We’re thrilled to introduce Harvey, the newest resident of the Waterfowl habitat! This 10-year-old American white pelican was originally rescued and admitted to Texas Sealife Center, a nonprofit organization in Corpus Christi dedicated to wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. He was deemed nonreleasable due to a wing injury that left him unable to fly, then transferred to the San Antonio Zoo before making his way to the KCZoo this year. Harvey currently resides with fellow rescued pelican, Corley. Although shy with staff at first, Harvey now enjoys tandem training sessions with Corley and is so comfortable with his care team that he’ll take fish straight from their hands. Thanks to the patience and dedication of his care specialists, this smart bird also voluntarily participates in his weighing sessions. You’ll be able to recognize Harvey by the green identification band on his right leg and his drooping right wing. Be sure to say hello to Harvey and Corley on your next visit!
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L I A R T R E G I T Explore the extraordinary species of the Zoo’s Tiger Trail! These animals connect guests with their wild Asian counterparts, many of which are classified as endangered or critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List. Tiger Trail is part of our long-term plan for renovations in 2031. We will be sure to update you on this project and more in our future Expeditions newsletters. In the meantime, be sure to visit these fascinating Zoo residents on your next trip to the Zoo!
FRANCOIS LANGUR Native to Indonesia, the rhinoceros hornbill is known for its brightly colored beak and casque. While both males and females have the beautiful casque, their sex can be identified by the color of their eyes. The Zoo’s male hornbill, Raja, has a shade of mahogany, while female, Boni, has a shade of white. The KCZoo is proud to participate in the SAFE Asian Hornbill program, which aims to support the sustainability and protection of these birds from poaching, trade, and habitat loss or degradation.
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The François' langur species is renowned for its climbing ability and acrobatic-like skills that allow them to easily traverse the rocky caves and forests of Southern China and Northeastern Vietnam. Stop by to visit langurs Fusui & Sean, who alternate habitats with the red pandas seasonally.
RHINOCEROS HORNBILL Expeditions – 2026 – Q3
This beloved species is native to the mountainous Himalayan regions of Myanmar and China. The red panda feeds on a diet mostly of bamboo. The fluffy white tail provides balance during climbing, while also helping maintain warmth. Red pandas are listed as endangered by the IUCN due to poaching, habitat loss, and the illegal pet trade. The Zoo is home to two new red panda cubs along with adult male Dawa and female Kashmir!
RED PANDA
Native to the rainforests in Southwestern India, lion-tailed macaques live in small, social groups and spend most of their time high in the forest canopy. The species is listed as endangered by the IUCN due to issues like habitat loss and hunting. Stop by to visit Liz and Misty!
LION-TAILED MACAQUE The Zoo is home to 5-year-old Sumatran tiger, Phoebe, who is known as a spunky gal that loves to play with enrichment and is exceptional at training sessions with her care team. She is also an important ambassador for her critically endangered species, which has faced a population decline due to issues like poaching, the logging industry, and human-tiger conflict. Thank you to Mano's Wine for their sponsorship of the tiger habitat! kansascityzoo.org
SUMATRAN TIGER
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Meet the Team: Development The Zoo’s development team is comprised of four dedicated individuals charged with raising funds for the Zoo’s daily operations, capital campaigns, and Conservation Fund. Cora Storbeck, director of development and government affairs, leads the team in connecting with prospective donors to match their needs with those of the Zoo. Cora also serves as the Zoo’s liaison to local, state, and federal elected officials and works with the Friends of the Zoo board of directors. Lisa Fickenscher, corporate sponsorships & grant manager, works with companies to create partnerships that will advance the goals of both the business and the Zoo. This includes crafting customized sponsorship and grant proposals and overseeing those deliverables. Securing sponsorships for Jazzoo as well as creating long-lasting relationships with individual donors is overseen by Richard Wells, donor relations manager. He coordinates direct mail campaigns and the 1909 Lion's Pride Society, for those who have included the KCZoo in their estate plans.
Left to right: Richard, Anastasia, Cora, Lisa
If you’ve seen commemorative plaques on Zoo grounds, Anastasia Harwood is working hard to make sure they are well maintained. As development and donor database coordinator, Anastasia manages the donor plaque and Adopt a Wild Child programs, in addition to handling the administration of the team. This development staff may be small but is hugely instrumental in helping the Zoo grow and improve, and we thank them for their tireless efforts!
A Claw-some New Species We are thrilled to add three Malaysian black scorpions named Tofu, Wonton, and Mango to our educational programming. Born on September 23, 2025, at the Denver Zoo, these petite scorpions will eventually reach four inches in length. Native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, the Malaysian black scorpion species has pincers that are used for holding prey, defending against threats, and even mating rituals. The tail features a venomous stinger, which is also used in defense. However, this species’ venom has low toxicity to humans. Once acclimated to their new home and care team, Tofu, Wonton, and Mango will eventually participate in our Zoomobile program and visit schools, libraries, senior facilities, and more to help the public learn about their fascinating species! Left: Mango; Middle: Wonton; Right: Tofu; Photos by Erin, animal care manager
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Expeditions – 2026 – Q3
The Umigomi Enrichment Project Discarded items have become treasured enrichment thanks to Tiffany and Bert Palumbo. Their organization, the Umigomi Enrichment Project, has a mission of collecting abandoned fishing buoys and crafting them into items that will be physically and mentally stimulating for Zoo animals across the globe, including those at Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. Tiffany explains that, although she and her husband met as animal care specialists in Orlando, their organization began to take root after Bert enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed in Japan. Spending a great deal of time on the beach, Tiffany and Bert were saddened to see the amount of debris and derelict fishing gear. “We started picking up what we could but wanted to do more,” Tiffany explained. “Eventually we connected with a Japanese conservation group called Blue Peace and started joining their large-scale beach cleanups. During one of those cleanups, Bert and I looked at an abandoned buoy and joked that it looked exactly like the Boomer Balls we used for animal enrichment back in our zookeeper days. Just like that, the idea was born!” The duo partnered with the Girl Scout troop at Misawa Air Base in Japan, creating a perfect opportunity to put their plan into action. With their combined efforts, Tiffany says that 1,000 pounds of enrichment have been crafted with the plastic removed from the beaches around Aomori Prefecture. Bert’s latest assignment is at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, and that meant the couple would also be a close distance from the KCZoo. “We actually packed buoys in our checked luggage before the move! We'd barely been back in the States a few weeks and were so excited to make our very first in-person delivery. We ended up connecting with Sarah Sittenauer (manager for the KCZoo’s Australasia team) for the drop-off, and once we got settled, I knew I wanted to find a way back into the zoo world,” said Tiffany, who is currently an animal volunteer for the KCZoo Australasia team and gets to see her donations enjoyed by many species. “We are still having growing pains, but we are so happy and proud of what we've accomplished so far and have big ideas for the future,” Tiffany said.
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Scan the code or visit kansascityzoo.org/events for more information on each event.
Events Calendar
Interested in being a vendor or sponsor at one of these events? Email askthezoo@fotzkc.org
August Wine Walk for Wildlife
September
Friday, August 28 | 6pm-10pm | 21+ Wine lovers and animal lovers unite! The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium has the only event in town where you can enjoy a summer evening of both! Guests will stroll through the topside of the Zoo (excluding Africa), sip and savor 40 different types of wine, enjoy a variety of musicians, and talk with our animal specialists. Food trucks and Tuxedo Grill will be available to purchase a wide variety of tasty treats. Custom wine bottles featuring our conservation projects will also be available for purchase. kansascityzoo.org/wine-walk-for-wildlife
GloWild: Hidden Treasure Presented by Saint Luke's
Friday, September 11 - Sunday, December 27 | Hours vary The GloWild lantern festival is set to dazzle the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium once again this fall. Guests will step into a glowing nighttime expedition filled with the excitement of discovery and the thrill of uncovering long-lost riches. kansascityzoo.org/glowild
Zoo Run for the Hornbills
Saturday, September 19 | 8:30am-12pm Join us for the 22nd annual Kansas City Zoo Run! Each year, the run features a different threatened animal to help raise awareness and contribute to the Zoo's conservation efforts. This year, we are celebrating Asian hornbills! There are 4-mile and 1-mile races with both in-person and virtual options. It's the only race that goes through the Zoo, passing animals along the way! kansascityzoo.org/event/zoo-run
October Brew at the Zoo
Presented by Country Financial
Saturday, October 10 | 6:30pm-11pm | 21+ Enjoy an evening of live music, delicious bites, and a variety of beer and wine from local breweries and vineyards. This year, we are celebrating the African painted dog, and the event will also include GloWild! kansascityzoo.org/brew-at-the-zoo
Boo at the Zoo
Saturday, October 24 - Sunday, October 25 Celebrate Halloween with us at Boo at the Zoo! Bring the kiddos in their family-friendly costumes and join us for this safe trick-or-treating experience on Saturday and Sunday, October 24-25, from 9:30 am to 5 pm. Bags will be provided at the entrance. Friends of the Zoo (FOTZ) members may join us from 8:30-9:30 am for an exclusive hour! Thanks to Ford Motor Company Fund for sponsoring this event and to Russell Stover for being the candy sponsor.
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Expeditions – 2026 – Q3
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.
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
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In Memoriam Codi The Zoo is mourning the loss of Codi who, at age 53, was one of the oldest Chilean flamingos residing at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. Following a decline due to age-related issues, the difficult decision was made to euthanize Codi in late May. Born in 1973, Codi lived at the Topeka Zoo’s rainforest habitat until losing her long-time mate in 2015. Codi then transferred to the KCZoo, to join our flamboyance. Although she did not pair with any of the male flamingos, Codi became the love interest of an elderly Orinoco goose, who lived with the flamingos for many years. Codi was an amazing ambassador for her species and will be greatly missed.
Ian With great sadness, we announce that Asian small-clawed otter Ian passed away at age 15 from congestive heart failure on July 27. In 2016, the KCZoo was seeking a laid-back male otter who could be a companion for female Cai in the Tropics habitat. The Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan recommended Ian as a match, and the two were quite the pair in the Tropics habitat until Cai’s passing in 2023. Ian is remembered by his care team as a sweet otter who was a fantastic father to six pups. For the past few years, Ian was a wonderful companion to Selene, the Zoo’s current female small-clawed otter. Ian and his antics will be missed by guests and staff alike.
Mia We are sad to share that the oldest red kangaroo in the Zoo’s mob, 17-year-old Mia, passed away on July 2. Mia was diagnosed with an aggressive oral squamous cell carcinoma, and the difficult decision was made to euthanize her. Earlier this year, she made history by being the first kangaroo in our care to receive stem cell therapy, which resulted in increased mobility and improved her quality of life. Mia is remembered as a “calm-natured lady” who was chosen as one of the first kangaroos to be introduced to hand-raised residents Gus and JJ. She could be easily distinguished by her more rounded rear end, which earned her the nickname of "big booty Judy" by the care specialists. She will be dearly missed by all.
Piyama The Zoo is grieving Piyama (“Pia”) llama, who passed away on June 2 at the age of 15. The difficult decision was made to euthanize Piyama following a leg injury that did not respond to medical treatment. Born in 2011, Piyama was a spunky llama who made sure the herd knew she was in charge. Called a “momma’s girl” by staff, Piyama loved training with her care team as well as the sweet potato treats she would receive after these sessions. When she was excited, Piyama would run, jump and kick the air. She will be dearly remembered for the many walks on grounds she enjoyed with docents and care specialists.
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Codi photo by Heidi, animal care manager Ian photo by Amy, social media coordinator Mia photo by Kelsey, senior animal care specialist Piyama photo by Amy, social media coordinator
Expeditions – 2026 – Q3
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 • Invitation to the annual Lion's Pride lunch • Invitation to the annual Zoo trip
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.
"As a member of the Lion’s Pride Society, lifelong friendships are formed very easily starting with our love of Zoos and the different Zoos we have visited." – Marlee Carroll
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 Christine & Dan Blegen Dee & Joe Carlisle Marlee Carroll Erin Channell Pat Coffman 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.
KCZoo Railroad
Outback & Africa Campgrounds
Llama
Stingray Bay
Box Trucks
North American River Otter
Sumatran Tiger
Hotel
Red Kangaroo
Wild Beginnings
African Tram
Gunter Construction Company Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal Co. CJ Industries LLC Mark One Electric Co., Inc.
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.
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OPEN DAILY!
6800 Zoo Drive | Kansas City, MO 64132 816-595-1234 | KansasCityZoo.org
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KANSAS CITY, MO #4831
Now - October 9:30am – 4pm Mon-Fri 9:30am – 5pm Sat-Sun
Let’s Get Social!
LOOK INSIDE! Meet Harvey! See page 7
MISSION: The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium connects all people to each other and the natural world to promote understanding, appreciation, and conservation.
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.
Scan to download!