Guest Code of Conduct

We will do everything possible to create and preserve and environment where everyone can feel physically and emotionally safe and comfortable. Please follow all posted rules and show courtesy to your fellow park guests as well as Zoo staff, volunteers, and animals. Disrespectful actions which disrupt or threaten others, including but not limited to: vulgarity, theft, discrimination, harassment, acts or threats of physical violence, will not be tolerated. This behavior will result in ejection from the Zoo without a refund on admission and violators will be subject to prosecution under the fullest extent of the law.

Animal health and welfare is a priority for SCZ:

• Please respect the animals that call SCZ home. Their health and well-being is of the utmost importance and priority.
• Do not feed the animals anything but Zoo-provided food.
• Do not feed the ducks, geese, squirrels or other wild animals.

 

Guest safety is a priority for SCZ:

• Barriers are put in place for your safety – never cross or climb any fence or barrier within the Zoo. Visitors must stay on the pathways and in public common areas. Reaching or holding children over barriers is not permitted. Anyone crossing a barrier will be subject to ejection from the Zoo or prosecution.
• For the safety and welfare of our guests and animals, please obey all posted signs and guidelines throughout the Zoo.
• Prohibited items include but are not limited to:
  • drugs/alcohol
  • glass containers
  • pets
  • balloons
  • drones
  • scooters/skates/Heelys/bikes/hover boards, or other recreational wheeled devices
  • laser pointers
  • inflatable adult costumes and/or furry costumes
  • costumes that conceal identity
  • clothing with obscene gestures or statements

General Zoo Rules:

• In the interest of our animals and guests, the Zoo is a smoke-free environment. Smoking or vaping is strictly prohibited anywhere on Zoo grounds.
• Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult and supervised at all times.
• Help us keep the Zoo clean: please deposit all trash and recyclables in designated receptacles.
• Please help preserve our valuable plant and tree collection, and keep yourself safe by not touching, picking, or otherwise interfering with any plants.
• During your visit, you may be photographed or recorded by SCZ staff or another authorized person. Your admission serves as permission for use of your image by these parties.
• The solicitation of visitors or the selling of any items is prohibited on Zoo grounds without express permission of the Sedgwick County Zoo.
• Proper attire, including shirt and shoes, must be worn at all times.
• The Zoo reserves the right to refuse admittance or request removal of guests who appear to be intoxicated.

Does this bring up other questions? See our Zoo FAQ for answers.

In Case of Severe Weather

In the event of emergency—severe weather or the threat of severe weather—our responsiblities are to provide for the safety of our visitors, our employees, our animals, and our equipment.

The weather is monitored through the Zoo Administrative Office and Entry. It is the responsibility of the Office and Entry to notify Zoo personnel and to keep them advised of any changes. Please note the Administrative Office will not answer the phone during a tornado warning.

Actions visitors should take for each type of severe weather:

• Severe Thunderstorm Watch – This means conditions are favorable for a severe thunderstorm. The senior Zoo staff member in charge will assess conditions and direct that you either take action or be prepared to take action.
• Severe Thunderstorm Warning – This means high winds and hail can be expected. Zoo staff will advise the public of the approaching weather conditions and if necessary tell them where they can take shelter.
• Tornado Watch – This means weather conditions are favorable for a tornado. Zoo staff will advise the public of the approaching weather conditions and if necessary tell them where they can take shelter.
• Tornado Warning – This means a reliable weather observer has reported a tornado or weather radar indicates that a tornado is likely. You are being warned to take cover. Zoo staff will advise the public of the approaching weather conditions and if necessary tell you where you can take shelter.
• After Storms: Visitors should remain in shelter until the Zoo is confident that there is not a potential hazard.

In Case of an Animal Escape

In the case of an animal emergency or escape, seek protective shelter immediately. Each Zoo department and its employees have prescribed functions. Visitors should not attempt to assist with the emergency in any way.

Photos & Video

Feel free to take pictures for personal use.

However, the commercial use of photographs and video you take during your visit is prohibited without consent of Sedgwick County Zoo. If you are interested in filming or taking photos for commercial use, please review and fill out a Commercial/Broadcast Application. This includes individuals or groups that generate revenue by posting footage on websites such as YouTube, TikTok, or other social media. Send your completed application to: Sedgwick County Zoo, 5555 Zoo Boulevard, Wichita, Kansas 67212 for consideration.

Rehabilitation Policy

Sedgwick County Zoo follows the advice of the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks. They recommend that we do our native wildlife a favor and leave them alone. It’s common to encounter young wild animals, especially in spring and summer. Some people have an irresistible attraction to these wild youngsters. Every year, the lives of young wild animals are needlessly jeopardized by well-intentioned people who take them from the wild in the mistaken belief that the animals are abandoned or orphaned and will die if not given care. In fact, rescuing wildlife from the wild often results in the death of the animal.

If you find yourself in an unfortunate situation involving an injured, abandoned or displaced animal you should contact the nearest office of the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks regarding information on rehabilitators that have the correct permits for the animal in question. Rehabilitators ease the suffering of these animals by either caring for them until they can be released or humanely euthanizing them.

Costume Policy

The Sedgwick County Zoo is a family destination. Creative costumes are allowed and should be in good taste. While we encourage creativity, we also value safety and good judgement. the following guidelines are to ensure the safety of staff, visitors, and animals. 

• Adults are prohibited from wearing costumes unless accompanying guests under 14 years of age; with the exception of Halloween
• Inflatable adult costumes and Furry costumes are prohibited, as they can disturb animals and obstruct pathways
• Adults are prohibited from wearing facial covers and masks that conceal identity
• Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable, or violent; which includes obscene language or graphics
• Costumes may not contain any weapons that resemble or could be mistaken for an actual weapon, including toy swords, knives, guns, etc.
• Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects, or material that could strike another guest
• Guests who dress like characters may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other guests

The Sedgwick County Zoo reserves the right to deny admission to or remove any person wearing attire deemed inappropriate, or that could detract from the experience of other guests. 

Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into the Zoo unless their costume can be modified to meet the above standards.