Sunset Zoo

Infobox zoo
zoo_name=Sunset Zoo
location=Manhattan, Kansas, USA
date_opened=1933
num_species=300
members=AZA
website=http://www.ci.manhattan.ks.us/index.asp?NID=22

Sunset Zoo, also known as Sunset Zoological Park, is the city zoo of Manhattan, Kansas, and is home to 300 species of animals.

Mission

The zoo exists to “inspire conservation of the natural world” by engaging and inspiring over 65,000 annual visitors to actively embrace conservation. The zoo's vision is to create an educational atmosphere where people can learn about the natural wonders of the surrounding world and their personal role in its preservation.

History

In 1929 the city of Manhattan purchased land called Sunset Cemetery. Part of the land was unusable to bury people in because of too rocky soil. This area then became Sunset Zoo. Until 1934, the Zoo was not chartered as a park; but there were animals at the Zoo in 1930. The Zoo, however, holds 1933 as the founding year. [http://www.ci.manhattan.ks.us/faq.asp?searchTerms=&TID=18]

The zoological park has served the community for over 70 years, providing a cultural and educational examination of the natural world. Dr. E.J. Frick, zoo founder and former head of surgery and medicine at the Kansas State University School of Veterinary Medicine, volunteered to acquire, provide care for, and display animals for 43 years. The city obtained its original funding from the Works Progress Administration (WPA) for the initial construction of animal exhibits, buildings and walkways. Much of this original native limestone work has been preserved, serving as educational examples of zoo and social history, and remains part of the zoo’s Master Plan.

In 1980, citizens of Manhattan encouraged the City Commission to build a modern zoo. This led to the development of a Zoo Master Plan and city approval to charge a small admission fee. All revenue generated from admissions is used for new construction, renovations, improvements and maintenance. This additional source of income allowed Sunset Zoo to increase its level of commitment to animal care, education, and conservation. Sunset Zoo applied for, and received, accreditation by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) in 1989. The zoo continues its commitment to upholding those high standards, and has maintained accreditation ever since.

Hours and Price

Open 360 days a year
April - October
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
November - March
Noon - 5:00 PM

Adults $4
Children (3-12) $2
Children under 2 Free
FOSZ Free

ee also

*Topeka Zoological Park, Topeka, Kansas

External links

* [http://www.ci.manhattan.ks.us/index.asp?NID=22 Sunset Zoo website]
* [http://www.ci.manhattan.ks.us/faq.asp?searchTerms=&TID=18 Sunset Zoo FAQ]
* [http://www.ci.manhattan.ks.us/index.asp?nid=367 Friends of Sunset Zoo]
* [http://www.maahc.com/members/index.html MAAHC Home page]
* [http://www.themercury.com/community/article.aspx?articleId=02c85a6ff2b94a8eaf9e9018c80634ea Manhattan Mercury Article]