Sunset Zoo facts for kids

Sunset Zoo, also known as Sunset Zoological Park, is the city zoo of Manhattan, Kansas and houses to over 300 animals representing more than 100 species.

Water tower at Sunset Zoo

The Nature Exploration Center at Sunset Zoo

History

In 1929, the city of Manhattan purchased a land called Sunset Cemetery. A part of the land was not used to bury people because of rocky soil. This area was converted into the Sunset Zoo by the government. Until 1934, the zoo was not chartered as a park, but there were animals at the zoo as since 1930. The zoo was officially founded in 1933.

Dr. E.J. Frick, founder of the zoo and a former Head of Surgery and Medicine at the Kansas State University School of Veterinary Medicine, volunteered to acquire, provide care for, and display animals for 43 years. The city received its original funding from the Works Progress Administration (WPA) for the initial construction of animal exhibits, buildings and walkways. Much of this original native limestone work has been preserved, serving as educational examples of social history, and remains part of the zoo's Master Plan.

In 1980, the citizens of Manhattan encouraged the City Commission to build a modern zoo. This led to the development of a Zoo Master Plan and city approval to charge a small admission fee. The revenue generated from admissions is used for new construction, renovations, improvements, and maintenance. Sunset Zoo applied for and received, accreditation by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) in 1989.

Animals and exhibits