Something big is happening in Wichita – and we mean really big. The Sedgwick County Zoo has welcomed not one, but two baby African elephants this month, with two more potentially on the way. If all births are successful, the zoo will set a U.S. record: the most African elephants born at a single zoo in one year. And yes, this is all happening right here in the Heart of the Country!

A baby elephant walks through his outdoor enclosure at the Sedgwick County Zoo

A first for Kansas

Sedgwick County Zoo is the first zoo in Kansas to successfully welcome the live births of two African elephants within one week of each other. On April 10, Bomani was born to mom Talia. Just four days later, on April 14, another calf named Kijani was born to Xolani. These little guys aren’t just adorable; they are a major moment of pride for the entire region.

Now, the zoo is carefully monitoring its two remaining pregnant elephants, keeping hope high for two more successful births in the coming months. The zoo’s dedicated elephant care team is providing round-the-clock monitoring to ensure the health and well-being of the expectant mothers and their calves. In alignment with breeding recommendations from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums African elephant Species Survival Plan, these additions to SCZ’s herd are a reflection of the Zoo’s commitment to support the health and sustainability of African elephant populations in North America.

A baby elephant stands next to his mother outside at the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita.

Why it's worth the trip

With two elephant calves already winning hearts and possibly two more on the way, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness these incredible animals grow up together. It’s the kind of family herd moment you’d normally only see on a National Geographic special. But now, it’s just a road trip away.

This historic moment is turning Sedgwick County Zoo into a bucket-list destination for wildlife lovers, families and anyone looking to see sustainability in action. The calves still require plenty of quiet time behind the scenes but have begun exploring their public habitats. Continue to look for updates on the Zoo’s Facebook page. 

What makes the zoo’s elephant exhibit so special?

This isn’t your average elephant enclosure. Here’s what sets the SCZ experience apart:

  • Home to one of the largest elephant habitats in the world, Sedgwick County Zoo is the fifth largest elephant exhibit in the country.
  • Houses one of the largest water features in the country with a 550,000-gallon water area. Zoo guests even have the opportunity to share the water with the herd on a boat tour through the canal.

On weekends during the summer, visitors can hop aboard the boat tour and float past the elephants as they splash, play and enjoy the Kansas sunshine. It's a seriously Instagrammable moment – and a Kansas experience you won’t find anywhere else.

A baby elephant stands under his mom outside at the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita, Kansas.

Don’t miss it

Whether you're a local or planning a trip from out of state, now is the time to visit Wichita and experience the Sedgwick County Zoo. Get your cameras ready, your hearts melted and your road trip playlist queued. Kansas just got a whole lot cuter.

For even more inspiration on what to see and do when you visit the Heart of the Country, check out our Spring/Summer Visitors Guide.