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Tanganyika Wildlife Park outside of Wichita is a unique place. I’ll include a link below so you can read the full story. We saw many different animals in areas similar to their native habitat. Of course, south-central Kansas can’t have climates similar to where these animals originated! And if you really must go for an overview of the full trip, here’s a link to the overall post about this tour of Kansas. Don’t worry; it’s easy to get back to this post!
History & Overview
The Tanganyika Wildlife Park is out on the plains west of Wichita. The founder started as a night zoo keeper at Sedgewick County Zoo (Wichita is the county seat) in 1972. Over his 5+ years there, he developed a passion for rare birds. He spent time in South America searching for and caring for rare birds being quarantined or prepared to ship to zoos.
After a two-year stint, he decided to go to Africa in his search. After successful trips to Africa and time in California, where he owned a USDA quarantine facility, he returned to Kansas in 1985. He purchased land and built barns, becoming known as a significant breeding facility in the zoo world.
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In 2000, they started offering guided tours through their backyard. By 2004, they had gained enough visitors and decided to build a zoo! By 2008, they officially opened with 15 exhibits and three interactive areas. Over time, they now have 40 exhibits, ten interactive stations, 400 animals, and 37 successful breeding programs. The zoo has been on its expanded property since 1985.
The Park became a family operation when their son joined them. Here’s the link to the park’s website.
The animals!
We had a good time and saw more animals than the ones shown. This is a taste of some of the animals in their program.
Well, it’s time to move along.
I hope you visit this place on your next visit to Kansas. You are going to visit, right?
Want to see a shop for my road trip photos? You can have them printed as wall art or puzzles. They also work on coffee mugs, t-shirts and more! So, take a look. Maybe you'll see something you will like!
Classic Rock Recollection
“At the Zoo” by Simon & Garfunkel
I do believe it
I do believe it’s true
It’s a light and tumble journey
From the East Side to the park
Just a fine and fancy ramble
To the zoo
Written by: Paul Simon
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