Sedgwick County Zoo

Located in Wichita, Kansas, the Sedgwick County Zoo has the third-largest elephant habitat in the U.S. The African elephants at the zoo roam freely across more than five acres of space. There is also an indoor facility, complete with a 550,000-gallon pool! The herd’s 51-year-old matriarch Stephanie is the zoo’s oldest elephant and has lived here since 1972. In 2016, the zoo expanded the Zambezi River Valley habitat and brought six more elephants rescued from droughts in Swaziland to join Stephanie in her new home.

The Sedgwick County Zoo has achieved global recognition for its commitment to the conservation and breeding of rare and endangered species. In addition to the African elephants, over 3,000 animals that represent 400 different species also call the zoo home. With the influx of visitors each year, the zoo has created a multi-phase plan for even more expansion, with the eventual goal of becoming a multi-day destination. This 25-year master plan will include things like expanding animal habitats, adding an electric train, creating a hotel and waterpark, and providing an aquarium with a stingray touch experience. 

Best times to visit the Sedgwick County Zoo: 

Spring and fall are some of the best times to visit. Summers can get quite hot, so make sure to plan accordingly. However, there are plenty of shady areas and concessions areas to help keep you cool as well.
It gets pretty cold at the Sedgwick County Zoo in the winter, so be sure to bundle up! Winter is still a great time to visit though, as many of the animals are more active, and there are heated indoor exhibits you can visit as well.