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Sunset Zoo

Show All Answers

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

Sunset Zoo is open seven days a week, 360 days a year! During April-October, the Zoo is open 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. November to March, the Zoo is open noon - 5:00 p.m. 98% of our animal collection enjoys the cold Kansas winter and can be seen on exhibit year-round.

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

Yes. The Zoo offers a variety of rental packages for birthday parties, weddings, corporate events, and community organizations. For more information about birthday parties click here; learn more about additional rental options here.

3. How can I get involved with the adult (age 17 and up) volunteer program at Sunset Zoo?

A Docent is a trained volunteer. Docents complete a 12-week training course where they learn about Sunset Zoo history and its animal collection. Active Docents who complete the training must donate at least 40 hours of service to the Zoo each year. Docent orientation sessions are usually held in January and September. Contact (785) 587-APES or e-mail SunsetZoo@ci.manhattan.ks.us.

4. 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.

5. How will Brownie our beloved grizzly bear be remembered?

Brownie has been Sunset Zoo's most beloved figure for generations of Zoo friends. Sunset Zoo has set up a fund in Brownie's name to memoralize his kind spirit at the Zoo. Visit this address to learn more about Brownie's passing and to leave personal comments and memories about Sunset Zoo's loveable old bear.

http://www.ci.manhattan.ks.us/index.aspx?nid=1264

6. I hear the Zoo does work in Paraguay. Do Paraguayans eat foods like tacos, burritos, quesadillas and nachos?

No. Those are all foods identified with traditional Mexican cuisine. Paraguayans eat a few corn based dishes such as Sopa Paraguaya (corn casserole), a variety of vegetable and meat based dishes such as Milanesa (similar to chicken fried steak), and many kinds of pastries. Everyone carries a thermos with matè, a Paraguayan tea. A Paraguayan without matè is like a man without a country!

7. 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; 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.

8. Are the peacocks supposed to be walking around the Zoo?

Yes. The peacocks are free to roam around the Zoo 24-hours a day. They occasionally will take a trip outside the Zoo to neighboring homes, but will always come back to their food source, the Zoo.

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

In 1929 the City of Manhattan purchased a track of land called Sunset Cemetery. Portions of this land were deemed unusable because the soil was too rocky to bury people in; 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.

10. Will the Zoo be expanding or adding soon?

Sunset Zoo is currently proposing the construction of a new education and entry complex. This complex is a much needed addition to the Zoo and would allow for expansion of the Zoo's educational offerings, an indoor rental space, new educational animal holding, and a year-round gift shop. For more information, call Sunset Zoo at 587-2737.

11. 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, marketing, etc. 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.