September 13, 2026
The Sedgwick County Zoo opened in 1971 and in 1981 it earned its accreditation from The Association of Zoos and Aquariums. And it has continually held its accreditation for the last 45-years, which is pretty cool.
The way it works is every five-years they have to file a new application (or re-application) to keep the accreditation, and it’s not dumb shit the Zoo has to do. Experts including vets, animal care specialists and other zoo experts go on-site and look and review animal care and welfare (including enclosure size and dietary stuff), their veterinary programs, their conservation and research, education to the public, and on-and-on. And being AZA accredited is THE gold standard. There is nothing better than that for a Zoo to have. Period, hard stop. Interestingly, out of the approximate 450-public brick-and-mortar zoos and aquariums in the United States, there are approximately 170 with this accreditation.
What a great zoo we have in the Sedgwick County Zoo. One that I want to support more. So, I was glad to attend its big annual fundraiser, Zoobilee, last night. It really is such a good time. More food (including the Chicken Picado from Carlos O’Kelly’s) and drinks (including shots from Una Vida Tequila) than you can imagine. All included with your ticket. Along with entertainment, free unlimited cigars from River City Cigar and of course, free views of the animals (including the elephants and hyenas).
I’m really glad I was able to attend this event in support of a zoo with the 13th largest animal collection in North America. Totally worth it.
— TKG
