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1. 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.

2. Are the peacocks supposed to be walking around the zoo?

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

3. Why don’t we have zebra, elephants, or rhinos?

With any animal we want to make sure we are able to provide the highest level of care. When making a decision to exhibit a species, the resources must be available to build an exhibit that reflects the animal’s wild habitat, as well having staff to properly care for the new animals. The zoo currently only uses about half of the land it has available and is always exploring ways to expand.

4. Why is the maned wolf with the anteater and why doesn’t the wolf eat the anteater?

In the wild, the maned wolf and anteater could be found living in the same area and are not natural predators of one another. At Sunset Zoo, our animals are perfectly happy living alongside one another.

5. Do keepers go in with the animals?

It depends on the animal and how safe it would be for the keeper. With some of our more dangerous animals like the big cats, chimpanzees, or hyenas staff never go in with the animals. These exhibits allow staff to shift the animals between several spaces so keepers can go into the space to clean or work on the exhibit. There are some animals like our goats and many of our bird species where keepers regularly go into the space with the animals and there are no issues of safety.

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

In 1929 the City of Manhattan purchased a tract of land called Sunset Cemetery. Portions of this land were deemed unusable because the soil was too rocky for cemetery plots and 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.

2. Will the zoo be expanding or adding soon?

In 2012, the Zoo opened the first phase of the John Woodard Memorial Gibbons Exhibit and the Nature Exploration Center, an entryway and education facility. In 2013, with the help of Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, the Zoo renovated and expanded an on-grounds veterinary clinic. Finally, in 2014, the Zoo opened the second phase of the gibbons exhibit, revitalizing a historic limestone exhibit and guest viewing plaza. The next few years also look bright as plans to renovate major portions of the Asian trail are underway! Learn more about Expedition Asia.

3. 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, which is 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.

4. Why are there no animal exhibits in the Nature Exploration Center? What is that building?

The Nature Exploration Center is our new education facility. Educating our community about animals and getting folks excited about nature is extremely important to us. Before we built this facility, we were very limited in what we could do. The Center dramatically expands and enhances our offerings. We do house our education animal collection behind the scenes in the facility. Thanks to the support of Little Apple Veterinary Hospital, we have three octaviewers where we regularly rotate education animals out on exhibit for the public

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

Yes. The zoo offers a variety of both indoor and outdoor spaces perfect for birthday parties, weddings, corporate events, and community meetings. Visit our event rentals page for more information.

6. Are there ways to volunteer at the zoo?

We offer several volunteer opportunities for teens and adults. Visit the Sunset Zoo's website to complete an online volunteer application and a zoo staff member will be in touch. For more information, visit the volunteer page.

7. 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, and marketing to name a few. 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.

8. What does a membership to the zoo cost?

Membership to Sunset Zoo is a great value! A year-round membership through the Friends of Sunset Zoo includes free zoo admission for a year plus discounted admission to over 150 zoos around the United States. There are many other great benefits and a variety of membership levels depending on your needs. Additionally, membership dollars provide crucial support to the zoo in the areas of animal care, conservation, and professional development for staff. Visit the membership page to learn more.

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

Sunset Zoo is open seven days a week, 360 days each year. During April-October, the Zoo is open 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

November to March, the Zoo is open 12 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. The majority of our animal collection can be seen on exhibit year-round, only a few tropical animals go into winter holding.

2. When is the best time to visit the Zoo?

Any time is a good time but if you want the best chance of seeing the animals active it is typically best to visit right when we open, particularly in the warmer months. At this time, the animals are headed out into their public exhibits and grabbing something to eat. By mid-afternoon the animals are ready for a nap, much like us!

3. Why is Sunset Zoo not open later every day?

We set our hours based on Kansas weather and when guests have the best possible chance to view the animal collection.

4. Why / when is the concession stand open? When is the gift shop open?

During this time due to COVID-19 our concession stand is closed. We have snacks and drinks available in the gift shop for purchase.

Our gift shop is open during Zoo operational hours. 

The concession stand is open weekends in the spring and fall, and daily during the summer. The stand opens late morning and closes half an hour before the Zoo closes. When the stand is not open, vending is available in the pavilion and in the entryway plaza. Snacks are available in the gift shop, open year-round when the Zoo is open.

5. Do you offer military discounts?

We do not offer military discounts on daily admission to the Zoo, however the Friends of Sunset Zoo does offer a $5 off discount on select annual memberships. Additionally, we host Military Appreciation Day each November, offering free admission to all Zoo guests in honor of American soldiers and their families.