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Sunset Zoo

Show All Answers

1. When is Sunset Zoo open? What happens to the animals in the winter?

Sunset Zoo is open seven days a week, 360 days a year! During April-October, the Zoo is open 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. November to March, the Zoo is open noon - 5:00 p.m. 98% of our animal collection enjoys the cold Kansas winter and can be seen on exhibit year-round.

2. Can I rent Sunset Zoo facilities for an event?

Yes. The Zoo offers a variety of rental packages for birthday parties, weddings, reunions, corporate events, and community organizations. The new entryway facility, the Nature Exploration Center, is a great indoor space that can accommodate groups up to 298 people. A historic limestone pavilion and the Chautauqua Amphitheater are also great outdoor options inside the main Zoo. For youth birthday parties, the Zoo's education department can even host your event! You just provide the guests and gifts and we take care of the rest! For more information contact Courtney Dehn, Event Sales Coordinator, at 785.587.2737 or dehn@cityofmhk.com.

3. How can I get involved with the adult (age 17 and up) volunteer program at Sunset Zoo?

Sunset Zoo offers several volunteer opportunities that allow an individual to focus their efforts where they'd like to make an impact. Interested individuals must first complete a quarterly Zoo Corps training (two afternoon sessions) that provides an overview of the Zoo and volunteer programs. Zoo Corps members are considered ambassadors to the Zoo, helping at special events and out in the community. After completing Zoo Corps training, volunteers may complete animal-handling training to work with the Zoo's education animal collection or Docent training to become experts in the Zoo's education outreach efforts. Follow the link below to complete the Zoo's Online Volunteer Application and a staff member will be in touch. Questions? Contact the Zoo's Education Department at 785-587-2737. Complete the Sunset Zoo Volunteer Application

4. Can the Zoo help me remove wild, hurt or abandoned animals from my yard?

No. If you live within City limits call Manhattan's Animal Control at RCPD, 785-537-2112. For help with an injured animal, call KSU Veterinary School at 785-532-5690.

5. Why is there a house in the middle of the Zoo?

A member of the Zoo staff lives in the house to provide 24-hour security at the Zoo; a requirement of our Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation. When admission to the Zoo was free, the house was used by the Zoo superintendent. It was not uncommon for guests to peer into the windows in search of "wild" animals.

6. Are the peacocks supposed to be walking around the Zoo?

Yes. The peacocks are free to roam around the Zoo 24-hours a day. They occasionally will take a trip outside the Zoo to neighboring homes, but will always come back to their food source, the Zoo.

7. When was Sunset Zoo founded? Why is it called Sunset Zoo?

In 1929 the City of Manhattan purchased a track of land called Sunset Cemetery. Portions of this land were deemed unusable because the soil was too rocky to bury people in; this area became Sunset Zoo. The Zoo was not chartered as a park until 1934; however we know there were animals here in 1930. Because of the discrepancies, Sunset Zoo maintains a founding year of 1933.

8. Will the Zoo be expanding or adding soon?

In 2012, Sunset Zoo opened the John Woodard Memorial Gibbons Exhibit along the Asian Forest Trail and at its entry, the Nature Exploration Center. The Center welcomes all Zoo guests, providing a new ticket booth and gift shop, as well as expanded education classroom space. For more information visit the main Zoo page at SunsetZoo.com or call 785.587.2737.

9. I want to work at a Zoo. What should I do to prepare for this job?

There are a variety of opportunities in the Zoo community. Positions are available in animal management, animal husbandry, education, conservation, marketing, etc. To learn more about these careers, visit the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' website. Also, you can VOLUNTEER at your local Zoo - the opportunities are endless and the experience will be invaluable in your job search.