Sunset Zoo

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article or section needs sources or references that appear in reliable, third-party publications.
Primary sources and sources affiliated with the subject of the article are generally not sufficient for a Wikipedia article. Please include more appropriate citations from reliable sources, or discuss the issue on the talk page.
This article has been tagged since April 2007.

Sunset Zoo, also known as Sunset Zoological Park, is the city zoo of Manhattan, Kansas, and is home to 105 species of animals.

1 Mission
2 History
3 Hours and Price
4 See also
5 External links

[edit] Mission

The zoo exists to “inspire conservation of the natural world” by engaging and inspiring over 65,000 annual visitors to actively embrace conservation. The zoo's vision is to create an educational atmosphere where people can learn about the natural wonders of the surrounding world and their personal role in its preservation.

[edit] History

The zoological park has served the community for over 70 years, providing a cultural and educational examination of the natural world. Dr. E.J. Frick, zoo founder and former head of surgery and medicine at the Kansas State University School of Veterinary Medicine, volunteered to acquire, provide care for, and display animals for 43 years. The city obtained its original funding from the Works Progress Administration (WPA) for the initial construction of animal exhibits, buildings and walkways. Much of this original native limestone work has been preserved, serving as educational examples of zoo and social history, and remains part of the zoo’s Master Plan.

In 1980, citizens of Manhattan encouraged the City Commission to build a modern zoo. This led to the development of a Zoo Master Plan and city approval to charge a small admission fee. All revenue generated from admissions is used for new construction, renovations, improvements and maintenance. This additional source of income allowed Sunset Zoo to increase its level of commitment to animal care, education, and conservation. Sunset Zoo applied for, and received, accreditation by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) in 1989. The zoo continues its commitment to upholding those high standards, and has maintained accreditation ever since.