Sunset Zoo facts for kids

Sunset Zoo, also known as Sunset Zoological Park, is a fun place to visit in Manhattan, Kansas. It is home to over 300 animals from more than 100 different kinds of species. This zoo is a great spot to learn about animals from all over the world!

Look for the water tower at Sunset Zoo!

The Nature Exploration Center is a cool place to explore at Sunset Zoo.

Discovering Sunset Zoo's History

How Sunset Zoo Began

The story of Sunset Zoo started in 1929. The city of Manhattan bought a piece of land that was once called Sunset Cemetery. A part of this land had very rocky soil. This meant it could not be used for burying people. So, the government decided to turn this rocky area into a zoo!

Animals started living at the zoo as early as 1930. The zoo was officially opened in 1933. However, it was not officially recognized as a park until 1934.

Early Days and Important People

Dr. E.J. Frick was a very important person in the zoo's early days. He was a founder of the zoo. He also used to be a leader in veterinary medicine at Kansas State University. For 43 years, Dr. Frick volunteered his time. He helped get animals for the zoo. He also made sure they were well cared for and put on display.

The zoo got its first money from a program called the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The WPA was a government program that helped people find jobs during a tough time in history. This money helped build the first animal homes, buildings, and walking paths. Many of these original stone structures are still there today. They show us how things were built a long time ago.

Growing and Getting Better

In 1980, the people of Manhattan wanted a more modern zoo. They asked the city leaders to help make this happen. This led to a plan for the zoo's future. The city also decided to charge a small fee to enter the zoo.

The money from these tickets helps the zoo a lot. It is used to build new areas, fix old ones, and keep everything running smoothly. In 1989, Sunset Zoo became accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA). This means the zoo meets very high standards for animal care and education. It's like getting a special stamp of approval!

Amazing Animals and Their Homes

Sunset Zoo has many different areas where animals live. Each area is designed to look like the animals' natural homes. Let's explore some of these cool exhibits!

African Trail Animals

This area lets you see animals from Africa. You can spot some amazing creatures here.

• Eastern black-and-white colobus monkeys swing through the trees.
• Smart Chimpanzees play and interact.
• Look for the colorful Violet turaco birds.
• You might even see a fast Cheetah or a clever Spotted hyena.

Australian Walk-About Creatures

Take a walk through the Australian exhibit. Here you will find animals from the land down under.

• The large Emu birds roam around.
• Graceful Black swans glide on the water.
• You can also see different types of wallabies. These include the Parma wallaby and the Red-necked wallaby.

Kansas Plains Wildlife

This section shows animals that live right here in Kansas!

• Watch out for playful Raccoons.
• See the quick Swift fox.
• Majestic Bald eagles soar high above.
• You can also find Bobcats and busy Black-tailed prairie dogs.

Trails of South America

Journey to South America without leaving Kansas! This area is full of diverse animals.

• The unique Maned wolf has long legs.
• See the huge Giant anteater with its long snout.
• Bright pink American flamingos stand tall in the water.
• You can also find different types of monkeys like the Reed titi monkey and Geoffrey's marmoset.
• Don't miss the colorful Green and black poison dart frogs!

Expedition Asia Animals

Explore the wonders of Asia in this exciting exhibit.

• See the powerful Malayan tiger.
• Watch the interesting Sloth bear.
• Look for the tall Red-crowned crane.
• You can also spot the adorable Red panda and the clever Asian small-clawed otter.

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