Just over a century ago, planning started for the Kansas City Zoo. Initial planning sessions were held in 1907, with the zoo opening for business in 1909. In 2009 it will celebrate 100 years of continuous operation. In 2008 it was voted as one of America's finest zoos.
The zoo has evolved over its many years of operation. It consistently refreshes and expands its offerings to maintain audience allure. From the interactive Kidzone where children can feed the animals three times a day to the IMAX theater which attracts more than 400,000 visitors annually, the zoo works hard to be successful.
The zoo started with one building and a mere 60 acres of space. Today, the zoo is more than 202 acres and has over 1,300 animals. It is particularly noted for its 95 acres African exhibit. This exhibit showcases elephants, giraffes, hippos and monkeys of all kinds. Jane Goodall has been quoted as saying that the museum has the finest chimpanzee exhibit in the country. In 2006 the museum was selected as a new breeding facility for baboons and elephants.
Visitors to the zoo will find that parking structures were updated in 2008. Stroller rental is available. Golf cart tours run throughout the day. FOTZ, the Friends of the Zoo, receive special admission rates and help support upcoming projects.
Highly anticipated exhibits will be opening in 2009. These include the Tropics House, slated to open in the Spring of 2009, and expansions on the KidZone offerings. Also late in 2009 will see the beginning of construction of a Polar Bear House.
The Kansas City Zoo runs a number of special events throughout the year for visitors. These include special feedings and visitor exhibits as well as weekend events at the zoo for adults and children. Exact dates of upcoming events can be found on the zoo's webpage.
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