Emporia Friends of the Zoo

06/25/2026

🐾 Join Us for the Annual Open House at the David Traylor Zoo! 🐾

📅 Sunday, June 28
⏰ Festivities 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Ever wondered what it takes to keep the David Traylor Zoo running every day? This is your chance to find out!

Enjoy:
🔍 Behind-the-Scenes Tours
🦁 Keeper Chats
🎁 Souvenirs Available for Purchase
🐒 Zoo Docents Throughout the Zoo
🚒 Emporia Fire Department Water Wall
🍿 FREE Popcorn
🧊 FREE Ice Pops

Meet the dedicated people who care for the animals and make the zoo a special place for our community. Bring the whole family for an afternoon of fun, learning, and discovery!

We look forward to seeing you at the zoo!

06/18/2026

06/16/2026

🌾🐾 Pop-up alert! 🐾🌾

Have you visited the Prairie Dog Town at David Traylor Zoo lately?

These busy little burrow-builders are some of the most entertaining animals to watch! Prairie dogs live in large family groups called colonies and spend their days digging tunnels, keeping watch for danger, and chatting with their neighbors using a surprisingly complex system of calls. 🗣️

One minute they're standing tall like tiny sentinels, and the next they're disappearing underground faster than you can say "prairie dog!" 👀

Prairie dogs play an important role in prairie ecosystems. Their burrows provide shelter for many other animals, and their digging helps keep grasslands healthy.

Next time you visit, take a few minutes to watch their town in action. You never know what kind of prairie dog drama, construction project, or neighborhood meeting you might witness! 🏘️🐾

📸 Share your favorite prairie dog photo in the comments!

06/13/2026

Thank you families and friends for taking part in this year's Stroll n Show! We hope you enjoyed the crafts, activities and Zootopia movie at the Zoo Education Center. Special thanks to Officer Slaten for his time in this community event! Participants earned their badges after completing a challenging obstacle course just before they watched "Judy Hopps" earn hers in Zootopia. Thanks to all volunteers for hosting tables and activities as well. We could not offer such memory makers without you!

06/12/2026

DON'T FORGET TO JOIN US AT THE Emporia Zoo FOR FUN ACTIVITIES UNTIL 6:45 THEN AT THE ZOO EDUCATION CENTER TO WATCH DISNEY'S ZOOTOPIA STARTING AT 7.

CRAFTS, ACTIVITIES, AND GAMES!!!!!

INDOOR AND OUTDOOR VIEWING!

06/11/2026

🦸‍♂️🦅 Zoo Camp: Wildlife Superpowers is coming to the David Traylor Zoo!
1st and 2nd grade campers will discover how wildlife adaptations give animals their very own “super powers” to survive in the wild. 🐢🦉🐍

July 27 - 31, 2026, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

💲 $80 Members | $90 Non-Members
📍 Registration & details: emporiaks.gov/zoocamp

📞 Questions? Call 620-341-4365
Zoo Camp is sponsored by the Emporia Friends of the Zoo. 🐾

06/11/2026

🦢✨ Meet the royalty of the pond at David Traylor Zoo—our magnificent Trumpeter Swans! ✨🦢

Did you know Trumpeter Swans are the largest native waterfowl in North America? With wingspans reaching up to 8 feet, these graceful giants definitely know how to make an entrance!

Their name comes from their loud, trumpet-like calls that can be heard from over a mile away. If you hear a musical "honk" while visiting the zoo, chances are our swans are making their presence known.

Next time you're at the zoo, stop by and say hello to these feathered celebrities. Share your favorite swan photo in the comments—we'd love to see them!

📸🦢 Have you spotted our Trumpeter Swans lately?

06/11/2026

🐾🎉 June is officially Zoo Month in Emporia! 🎉🐾

The City of Emporia has proudly declared June as Zoo Month, recognizing the important role the David Traylor Zoo plays in education, conservation, recreation, and community engagement.

We are honored to accept this proclamation and celebrate the many visitors, volunteers, supporters, and staff who help make the zoo a treasured destination for our community and beyond.

Join us throughout June as we highlight our amazing animals, conservation efforts, educational programs, and special events. There's never been a better time to visit, learn, and connect with wildlife right here in Emporia!

Thank you to the City of Emporia for this recognition and to everyone who supports the David Traylor Zoo.

📍 Visit us this month and help us celebrate Zoo Month!