David Traylor Zoo of Emporia — Zoo in Emporia

David Traylor Zoo of Emporia and its collection

David Traylor Zoo of Emporia, opened in 1978, is a zoo in Emporia, United States.

The collection spans reptiles, arthropods, mammals and birds, numbering in the hundreds. Entry costs nothing. It stands in Soden's Grove Park, alongside a summer train, the Marsh Arch Bridge and a veterans memorial.

History

The zoo traces back to an informal collection of the early 1900s. Complaints about Monkey Island during the 1960s preceded the city accountant David Traylor taking the parks director post in 1973.

Exhibits

Monkey Island dates from 1934, when mayor Frank Lostutter sourced four rhesus monkeys through Kansas State University. Upgrades announced in 2019 brought equipment for more naturalistic enclosures.

Conservation and approach

Energy and water saving measures include recirculating the main pond through a waterfall, which also oxygenates it.

What the venue says

• Party for the Planet
• docent-led tours
• Kidzoocation
• There are typically no major full-service restaurants inside the zoo grounds, but being situated within Soden Park, it offers ample space for picnics, and visitors can find dining options nearby in Emporia.
• Parking is available on-site right near the entrance.
• paved, easily navigable walkways throughout the grounds
• accessible restrooms