Lee Richardson Zoo - Garden City, Kansas

Lee Richardson Zoo - Garden City, Kansas

One of the largest zoos in Kansas with over 300 animals of 100 species you will have the opportunity to see some outstanding animals up close.  Although the layout of the zoo leaves something to be desired it’s worth the effort to go.

Are you interested in the animals of the USA?  At the zoo you can study the river otters as they swim and play, check out the Swift fox exhibit for something really neat.  The animals that once had free roam of the Kansas plains are here such as the majestic elk, the bison and the fleet-footed pronghorn.

Maybe you have more of an interest in South American animals, if you so you will enjoy the South American Pampas Exhibit which have llamas, alpacas and rhea while further on you will see the Baird’s tapir, this unusual animals inhabits rain forests from Southern Mexico just into South America.  Despite its pig-like appearance, the tapir is not related to pigs, but to rhinos and horses.  All tapirs are endangered due to the widespread destruction of their national habitat. 

The Wild Asia Exhibit shows you the Red panda exhibit.  These adorable animals seem to be a cross between a raccoon and a Teddy bear., they live in the frigid temperature of the Himalayan mounts to the thick coat and coloring help keep them warm and protected.

The siamangs, a tropical primate that advertises its claim to territory by hooting duets between pairs.  Their long, narrow exhibit gives them plenty of room to get up speed while brachiating from one end of the yard to the other.

Who can resist the beauty of the Snow Leopard?  The low profile of their forehead allows them to peer over rocks without giving away their position.  The smoky gray color of their spotted fur blends in perfectly with the rocky Himalayan mountainsides of their native home, whether bare or blanketed with snow and ice.

Some of the other animals are the nocturnal tokay gecko, the gigantic gaur and the Asiatic Black Bears, Malayan sun bears, Pere David’s deer, Bactrain camels and several reptiles and the Goral antelope.

In the exhibit on Africa you will see the zebra, African pygmy goats, and the Addax antelope.

Down Under you will see a breeding herd of the unusual red kangaroo.  You will also see the large, flightless emu which stands 5 feet tall which makes them too large and heavy to get off the ground, so they rely on speed and a kicking defense to foil predators.

Hours: The zoo is open 7 days a week from 8 to 6:30 April 1st through Labor Day and 8 - 4:30 after Labor Day to March 31.  The zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Admission: Free if you walk through.  There is a $3 per vehicle charge if you drive through.  The drive through fee is not charged before 10 or during the months of Dec., Jan or Feb.

Directions:

From Northeast/Great Bend take State hwy 156 southwest to Garden City and junction of US 50/400/83; turn left onto US Hwy 83 (just past overpass).  Travel 1.2 miles south to Garden City/Dodge City/US Hwy 50 Business exit.  At the bottom of the ramp turn right/west onto hwy 50 Business/Fulton St.  Travel 1.5 miles to 4th St., turn left/south onto 4th St.  Zoo/Finnup Park is 3 blocks south.

From East/Dodge City travel west on US Hwy 50/400 to Garden City.  Pick up US Hwy 50 Business/Fulton St. at US Hwy 83 junction.  Travel 1.5 miles on Fulton St./US Hwy 50 Business to 4th St..  Turn left/south onto 4th St. and go 3 blocks to the zoo.

From South/Liberal take US Hwy 83 north to Garden City.  Turn left onto Hwy 83 business and travel 2 miles north to Finnup Drive.  Turn right/east onto Finnup Drive at Zoo entrance sign.

From West/Pueblo/LaJunta

Take US Hwy 50/400 to junction of US Hwy 83, turn right/south onto US Hwy 83 business then travel 1.9 miles to second stoplight (McDonalds is on the left).  At light follow US 50/83 Business by making a hard left onto Kansas Ave.  Travel .5 miles to second stoplight (Main St.) and turn right/south onto Main.  Travel 1 mile (through business district, across railroad tracks, then 3 blocks) to Finnup Drive.  Turn left/east of Finnup Dr. at Zoo entrance.

From North/Oakley/Scott City take US Hwy 83 south to Garden City and US 50/400 junction, proceed straight onto Hwy 83 Business (Taylor Ave.) travel 1.9 miles to second Stoplight (McDonalds on left).  Follow 83/50 by making hard left onto Kansas Ave. Travel .5 miles to Main St and turn right, travel 1 mile to Finnup Dr. turn left to the zoo.

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