Activities at Lee Richardson Zoo

Animal Encounters:

Closed for the winter season

Weekend feeding encounters take place weather permitting and animals willing and allow zoo guests to purchase "keeper approved" food and experience a close encounter with some of the zoo's animal ambassadors.

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Your purchase supports the care of all the animals at Lee Richardson Zoo and helps maintain our zoo as a world-class accredited facility. 

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GIRAFFE ENCOUNTERS

Saturday & Sundays from 1:30pm to 2:30pm

Price: $2 for 1 encounter or $5 for 3

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RHINO ENCOUNTERS

Saturday & Sundays from 2:30pm to 3:00pm

Price: $5 for 1 encounter or $10 for 3

Zoo Train:

Closed for the winter season

The Richardson Railroad trackless train loading platform is located in

front of the Rhino exhibit in the zoo’s African Plains.  Each guided

train ride through Lee Richardson Zoo is $4 and includes stops in the

Americas, Wild Asia, and the Wetlands. Members receive 50 percent off

the passage.  The Richardson Railroad runs most weekends during

Safari Shoppe business hours, weather permitting. 

Questions: call the Safari Shoppe, 620-276-2661.

Safari Cycles:

Closed for the winter season

More commonly known as a surrey, a Safari Cycle is a light four-wheeled pedal-powered carriage with seats facing forward.  Safari Cycles provide a recreation opportunity, while still enjoying a zoo visit.  Cycles are rented by-the-hour with choices to rent a single bench for $20 (seats up to three adults and two children), double bench for $30 (seats up to six adults and two children), or a triple bench for $40 (seats up to nine adults and two children). Questions: call the Safari Shoppe, 620-276-2661.

Learning Experiences:

The Finnup Center for Conservation Education is open 8 a.m. – noon

and 1 – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.  In addition to live animals

and hands-on interactive tools, visitors may also make reservations

for a free educational program on a variety of topics.   Meet some

unusual animals from around the globe, touch a tiger skin, or learn

how the rainforest affects daily life.   Programs must be scheduled

at least two weeks in advance. 

Questions or reservations: call the zoo education department, 620-276-1250. 

Story Time:

An opportunity for children from birth to preschool and their caregivers to enjoy a story, meet an animal and make a craft.

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Story Time takes place at the Finnup Center for Conservation Education located at 312 E Finnup Dr. Garden City, KS 67846 - and takes place every Monday at 10:30 AM (major holidays excluded)

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For more information please call 620-276-1250 or email zoo.education@gardencityks.us

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Zoo Camp:

An educational environment is easy to find during the summer holidays at

Lee Richardson Zoo.  Zoo Edventures are a week-long adventure into the

exotic world of nature – filled with animal encounters, games, crafts and

more.  Edventures take place in June and July, Monday through Friday

8 a.m. – noon and are open to students entering first through

eighth grades.  Each week has a different theme and involves fun and

exciting activities.  Camp registration is $85 per student.  FOLRZ members receive $10 off per registration. 

Questions: call the zoo education department, 620-276-1250. 

Keeper Chats: Weekends - Weather Permitting

Staff will be available weekends at the following times and locations to chat with guests and answer questions about the animals they care for and the role they play at the zoo.

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10:15 am

COUGAR TRAINING DEMO at CAT CANYON

Watch as animal care staff work with one the cougars in a unique training demo

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10:30 am

​AMBASSADOR ANIMAL at NATURE PLAY SPACE

Owls, snakes, hedgehogs, tortoises, and many more!

Meet the animals that represent the zoo in a variety of educational roles

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12:30 pm

OTTERS at KANSAS WATERS

Learn more about what keeps the otters splishin' and splashin' at Kansas Waters

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1:00 pm

TRUMPETER SWANS at the POND

Find out what it takes to take care of these awesome waterfowl and more

Mining Sluice:

Closed for the winter season

The Richardson Riverbed Mining is an interactive and educational activity where guests can pan for gemstones and other treasures.  Families can experience this activity at a variety of prices starting at $5.00.  Members receive a discount on products purchased.

Birthday Parties:

Celebrate at the wildest place in town!

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Every Birthday Package includes:

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• An Indoor Party Space for 2 hours

• A 30 minute Education Program featuring live animals

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Cost: $125  ($100 for FOLRZ members)

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We can decorate and clean up for you

for an additional $25!

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Call us at 620-276-1250 or email

zoo.education@gardencityks.us

to schedule or to find out more info!