Activities | Zoo | Friends of Lee Richardson Zoo

Activities at Lee Richardson Zoo

Animal Encounters:

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.

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

SLOTH BEAR ENCOUNTERS

Saturday & Sundays from 11:15 am to 12:15 pm

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

GIRAFFE ENCOUNTERS

Saturday & Sundays from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm

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

RHINO ENCOUNTERS

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

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

Zoo Train and Conservation Carousel:

The Richardson Railroad trackless train loading platform is located in

front of the carousel. Each train and carousel ride is $2 plus tax for FOLRZ members and $3 plus tax for non-members.

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.

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)

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

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. FOLRZ members receive $10 off per registration.

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

Keeper Chats: Weekends - Weather Permitting

Keeper Chats are opportunities for guests to interact with the animal care professionals to gain information about the animal species as well as the individuals in our care.

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Mining Sluice:

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. Members receive a discount on products purchased.