Sunset Zoo

09/06/2026

Stop by the Sunset Zoo booth at the Yuma Street Cultural Festival today to learn how you can help pollinators!

Yuma Street Cultural Center & Entrepreneur Hub

09/06/2026

Grandparents are the greatest, and we’re sure Hazina would agree!

One member of our chimp troop, Hazina, is a grandmother to Maisie, who now calls The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore home.

Next Sunday, September 13, 2026, is Grandparents Day, and Sunset Zoo is thanking grandparents for all they do. Whether you’re a grandma, nana, meemaw, grandpa, papa, pop, or grandparent figure, you’ll receive free admission to the Zoo along with a paid admission from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

As an extra special treat, all grandparents will receive a coupon from Eileen's Cookies MHK while supplies last.

Video from Keeper Francis



Alt-Text Description: A chimpanzee sits eating leaves off a branch, stripping them off using his lips and teeth.

09/06/2026

Sunset Zoo is honored to be selected as Dara's Community Impact Fund beneficiary for September. Thank you for supporting our community and wildlife!

This month, we’re proud to support Sunset Zoo through the Dara’s Community Impact Fund. 🦒💚 Round up your purchase and help support animal care, education, and conservation efforts!

09/05/2026

Thank you to everyone who served our country, past and present.

As a token of our gratitude, we’re proud to offer free admission to any active military service member, veteran, or military and Gold Star families on Friday, September 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Thank you to McCownGordon Construction for your support in honoring our community's military service.

09/04/2026

Get Ready for a Wild Night!

Join Friends of Sunset Zoo on Friday, September 25, 2026, from 5:30 to 8:30 for the 17th annual Brew at the Zoo.

Explore Sunset Zoo after hours while sampling beers, ciders, seltzers, non-alcoholic beverages, and more. Enjoy our bespoke brew, Red Pandamonium, crafted by Manhattan Brewing Company, available only for the event.

Coordinate a group outfit by wearing red to support reducing the number of species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. All proceeds from Brew at the Zoo go towards this conservation goal!

Purchase your tickets now using the link below.

Addair Law is the presenting sponsor of Brew at the Zoo.

https://friendsofsunsetzoo.ticketspice.com/brew-at-the-zoo-2026

09/03/2026

Roar into a world of pint-sized wonder at Little Cub Club, where toddlers transform into wild explorers!

This session features an interactive storybook adventure, a paws-on craft to unleash their inner artist, and a "fur-real" encounter with a friendly lizard animal ambassador. It's a wildly cozy space designed for curious cubs to learn, play, and make new friends.

Join us to sniff out fun, spark imagination, and let your little ones grow their wild side! Each participating child needs to register and be accompanied by an adult (free of charge). Please note that admission to Sunset Zoo is not included as part of the Little Cub Club ticket.

Upcoming Club Meetings: Thursday, September 10, & Saturday, August 12, at 11:30 a.m.

Price (per session): FOSZ Members: $5, Non-Members: $7

09/02/2026

Only 5 days left to complete your KAZOO Wild Adventure!

Summer may be winding down, but there’s still time to explore seven of Kansas’ The Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited zoos, collect stamps, and earn prizes along the way.

Anyone age three and older can pick up a free KAZOO Passport at a participating zoo or print one at home. Bring your passport as you visit participating zoos throughout Kansas, collect a stamp at each location, and earn small prizes during your adventure.

If you’re a Friend of Sunset Zoo, you receive free or discounted admission at the other six facilities.

Once you have collected stamps from all participating zoos, mail in your complete passport. You will be entered to win a behind-the-scenes experience at the zoo of your choice from the seven participating zoos.

09/02/2026

He's 4?!

Nzadi, the okapi, and everyone here at Sunset Zoo are dropping into your feed to invite you to his 4th birthday party on Monday, September 7, from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.

We will celebrate his four-bulous day with some extra special birthday enrichment and party decorations around Nzadi's habitat on the Lower Asia Trail!

Interested in giving Nzadi a present for his big day? Go to the Zoo's gift shop and visit the enrichment tree, or, if you can't make it to Sunset Zoo, send Nzadi or the keepers who care for him a gift from our Amazon Wishlist link below.

https://ow.ly/2cz050ZFRj5

Video by Keeper Jess



Alt-Text Description: An okapi chews lettuce.

09/02/2026

Sunset Zoo is heartbroken to share the passing of Miracle Max, our beloved Asian small-clawed otter.

Max was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma on his tongue earlier this year. Throughout his illness, he was closely monitored by his keepers and veterinary care team. He remained bright, active, and full of personality—often seen swimming, playing, cuddling with his habitat-mate Abigail, and chirping at guests. As his condition progressed, Max began experiencing discomfort and difficulty swallowing. Further testing showed that the cancer had spread to his lungs. In consultation with his veterinary team, Sunset Zoo made the compassionate decision to humanely euthanize Max to prevent further suffering and protect his quality of life.

Max was born at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle on June 11, 2013, and arrived at Sunset Zoo in April 2024. He was introduced to Abigail that October, and the two quickly formed a special bond. They could often be found curled up together for naps, sharing quiet moments between their playful adventures.

A guest favorite, Max was known by his keepers as playful, intelligent, gentle, and a bit of a trickster. His sweet personality and joyful interactions with guests brought happiness to so many.

“Max was a very sweet otter who had the softest, kindest vocalization. He was very intelligent; sometimes I wondered if he understood what I was saying to him. … Even through all of Max’s health concerns, his attitude and disposition remained wonderful.” — Keeper Denise

“Max was very gentle and quiet. Despite his health conditions, he was still able to enjoy the rest of his life alongside Abigail.” — Keeper Anthony

“Miracle Max was so easy to love. His sweet personality charmed staff and guests alike. His bond with Abigail, his playfulness, and perseverance left a lasting impact. He will be deeply missed, and we were blessed to have him here at Sunset Zoo.” — Keeper Krista

We are grateful to everyone who visited and cared for Max during his time at Sunset Zoo. He will be deeply missed by his keepers, our staff, Abigail, and the many guests who came to know and love him.

09/01/2026

Coming in hot, it's Kiatu!

At almost nine months old, Kiatu, the baby black-and-white colobus monkey, is getting more adventurous and independent each day! He is no longer that tiny white baby clinging to his mom, Kivuli all the time.

Now Kiatu is leaping, climbing, and running all over his habitat as he learns and develops the skills to become a colobus monkey.

Watch how far he has come in almost a year on your visit to the African Trail!

Video by Keeper Jacob



Alt-Text Description: A young black and white colobus monkey leaps across wooden platforms, climbs up climbing structures and branches, and races around his habitat.