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Wild Encounters

A never-forget experience.

Explore behind the scenes and up close with your favorite animals.

Sedgwick County Zoo’s Wild Encounters let you explore behind the scenes and up close with Zoo animals. It’s a behind-the-scenes experience you and the kids won’t soon forget.

Rhino Encounter

Get up close and personal with the rhinos at SCZ. You’ll have the rhinos – literally – eating out of your hands while you chat with a rhino keeper and learn how we care for them at the Zoo and how you can help protect them in the wild. 

Ectotherm Encounter

Meet everyone slimy, scaly, creepy, and crawly inside the ectotherm room in the Education department, and even have the opportunity to touch a few!

Penguin Encounter

Experience the Cessna Penguin Cove from the inside! Go behind the scenes with a penguin keeper to learn what it takes to care for our Humboldt Penguins and what SCZ is doing to help them in the wild. Venture out into the penguin habitat for a wild encounter you’ll never forget!

Equine Encounter

Venture into the equine yards of the American Farm and learn all about the horses, donkeys, and other equine at SCZ. If you’ve ever wondered what the Poitou’s long corded hair feels like, this encounter is for you! 

Elephant Encounter

SEASONAL: April-October

Get to know the African Elephant herd at Sedgwick County Zoo! Meet an elephant and a Zookeeper at the Reed Family Elephants of the Zambezi River Valley Elephant Boma (the indoor habitat) to learn about how we care for the African elephants who call the Zoo home – and have a chance to feed one yourself!

Aldabra Tortoise Encounter

SEASONAL: May-September

Get to know the giant Aldabra tortoises at the Sedgwick County Zoo. Go into the tortoise habitat with a keeper to learn about Aldabras in the wild, meet the 8 who call SCZ their home and feed them a snack.

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Zoo News

Our monthly e-newsletter holds a fun assortment of announcements, discounts, and news so you can stay up to date with Sedgwick County Zoo.

What to Know

We’re excited to see you at the Zoo today! Here are some things to remember during your visit.

Animals Sightings

As always, some animals may not be visible due to weather or other factors. After 4:00 PM, you may see fewer animals during your visit.

Zoo Rules

Please read and follow all Zoo Rules and Policies to respect our guests and animals.