Over the past decade and a half, the Kansas City Zoo has made tremendous strides toward becoming one of the nation's premier zoological gardens. Its vision is "to be the most family friendly zoo in the country, anchoring Kansas City as the 'edu-tainment' capital of the Midwest."
The zoo's mission is both entertainment and education. Visitors are shown not only a wide variety of animals (more than 1,000) from all over the world but also the animals' place in the biological systems they inhabit and how to help them survive and thrive.
MISSIONS TRIPS AFRICA
The zoo is located in Swope Park, a 1,800-acre green space that is among the largest parks in the nation. The zoo itself occupies 202 acres, including hills and valleys that emphasize the open feel and seem almost to put you in the middle of the animals' habitat.
Divided into a number of zones, including areas devoted to the wildlife of Asia, Australia, and Africa, the zoo also features a Tropics building with an indoor rainforest, and Kid zone with activities and displays specifically for the younger set. The Tropics rainforest is in the original zoo building, which opened in 1909. A sea lion show is extremely popular, as are the artistic elephants, known for their paintings.
Over the years, the Kansas City Zoo has garnered its share of awards. It was honored as one of America's Best Zoos 2008 and was ranked number one in the nation for African Animals and Exhibits. It also received a top-10 ranking for Australian Animals and Exhibits as well as Pachyderms: Elephants, Rhinos, and Hippos.
For chimpanzees and kangaroos, the zoo has been called number one in the nation by Americas Best Zoos 2008. Jane Goodall, who has spent her life studying and trying to preserve some of our closest relatives, has said that the Kansas City Zoo offers "one of the finest chimpanzee exhibits in North America."
A visit to the zoo should also include a stop (and ride) at the Endangered Species Carousel and, at the African Plains area, a boat trip on the lagoon for a different perspective on the many animals on land.
Among Kansas City attractions, the zoo is a must-see for anyone with a little time to spare. You need not see all of it to appreciate its beauty and its purpose. A couple of hours should suffice to see at least one of the zones.
Of course, Kansas City has much more to offer, there's the Sprint Center, with its shows and events; the Power & Light District for dining and entertainment; and, in the fall, the American Royal for its livestock show, equestrian events, rodeo and more.
Vacation Ideas the Kansas City Zoo MISSIONS TRIPS AFRICA
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