Don’t Miss These African Wildlife Experiences in Southwest Kansas

Southwest Kansas may not be the first place you think of when you want to see Africa’s incredible animals, but if you’re looking for a great way to give the family an up-close and personal wildlife experience without the hefty price tag, Lee Richardson Zoo is the ideal destination.

The zoo features 43 acres of beautiful landscaping with an impressive variety of inhabitants ranging from Kansas natives to species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and invertebrates representing ecosystems around the world. Families can roam the grounds or drive through the park at their leisure, but one of the most unique experiences at the zoo is its interactive wildlife encounters.

© Eugenia Lazaris

As part of the zoo’s education and conservation efforts, these encounters let you learn about wildlife up-close and firsthand with gentle giraffes and sweet rhinos as zoo staff guide you through feeding animals. As you feed lettuce to the giraffe and sweet potatoes to rhinoceros, you get a unique perspective on these magnificent creatures and a greater understanding of why they need to be respected and protected. In the future, the zoo plans to add two sloth bears to their encounters, which will bring awareness to these gentle yet misunderstood creatures native to the Indian subcontinent.

These encounters are offered through spring and summer, making Southwest Kansas the perfect place to plan next summer’s vacation itinerary. Paired with great shopping and family-friendly activities in Garden City like indoor and outdoor waterparks, and Sandsage Bison Range, home to more than 100 native buffalo, you’ll build great memories with the family.

Located in Garden City in the southwest corner of the Sunflower State, Lee Richardson Zoo is an ideal option for families on a budget. Entrance is always free for those looking to walk through the zoo, and driving through is only a $10 fee per vehicle (drive throughs are also free on select Wednesdays throughout the year). Animal encounters are extremely affordable at $2 for one giraffe encounter and $5 for three, as well as $5 for one rhino encounter and $10 for three.