Some family trips start with a destination. This one might start with four baby elephants.
In 2025, Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita became the first Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited zoo in the United States to welcome four African elephant calves in a single year. The historic births were part of the AZA African Elephant Species Survival Plan, a coordinated effort supporting the long-term sustainability of African elephant populations in human care.
And yes, visitors can come meet the herd.
The milestone is one reason Sedgwick County Zoo stands out among Midwest zoos for families, but hardly the only one. The zoo is the seventh largest in the United States by land area, spanning 247 acres and home to more than 3,000 individual animals representing nearly 400 species. In 2026, USA TODAY 10Best readers ranked Sedgwick County Zoo No. 10 among the Best Zoos in the United States and voted the Reed Family Elephants of the Zambezi River Valley No. 7 for Best Zoo Exhibit in the country.
Why are the baby elephants at Sedgwick County Zoo significant?
Four calves. One extraordinary year. A first for an accredited U.S. zoo.
Sedgwick County Zoo welcomed its first-ever African elephant calf, Bomani, on April 10, 2025. Kijani followed just four days later on April 14. Asali arrived June 3, followed by Dakari on Aug. 22.
With Dakari's arrival, Sedgwick County Zoo became the first AZA-accredited zoo in the United States to welcome four African elephant calves in a single year.
The births are part of the AZA African Elephant Species Survival Plan, which coordinates breeding recommendations among participating institutions to support healthy, sustainable and genetically diverse African elephant populations in North America.
That makes Wichita's newest celebrities more than scene-stealers. Their births represent years of planning, collaboration and specialized animal care.
The herd is also moving through a meaningful period of change. Sedgwick County Zoo recently said goodbye to Stephanie, its 55-year-old African elephant and longest-tenured resident, who had lived at the zoo since 1972. Known for her bold personality and role as a matriarch, Stephanie leaves behind a lasting legacy with both the herd and generations of zoo visitors.
Even as the zoo honors that legacy, the elephant story in Wichita continues. Another African elephant calf is on the way. In July 2026, the zoo announced that Simunye was approaching the halfway point of her 22-month pregnancy, with her calf expected to arrive in summer 2027. The anticipated arrival marks another exciting chapter for the growing herd and the zoo's ongoing conservation work.
Is Sedgwick County Zoo one of the best zoos in the Midwest for families?
For families looking for a Midwest zoo to build a road trip or weekend getaway around, Sedgwick County Zoo offers enough to fill at least several hours — and enough variety to keep different ages interested.
Across its expansive grounds, the zoo takes families on a wildlife adventure through Africa, Asia, North America, the Tropics and beyond.
Beyond the elephant herd, families can:
- Look for big cats. The Slawson Family Asian Big Cat Trek features Amur leopards, snow leopards, Amur tigers and red pandas.
- See animals from around the world. Explore habitats featuring gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, penguins and hundreds of other species.
- Give little legs a break. The Safari Express electric train offers another way to experience the zoo.
- Make time for seasonal experiences. Attractions and special programming change throughout the year, giving repeat visitors something new to see.
How much time should families plan at Sedgwick County Zoo?
Plan on at least three to four hours for a family visit to Sedgwick County Zoo, especially when exploring several habitats, stopping for food and spending time watching the elephant herd.
Families who prefer a slower pace can easily turn the zoo into a half-day or longer experience. Checking the zoo's current hours, admission prices, animal experiences and seasonal programming before arriving can help determine how much time to allow.
Comfortable shoes aren't a bad idea, either. Remember those 247 acres?
Can you build a Wichita family weekend around the zoo?
Absolutely. A little Slightly Off Center adventure goes a long way in Wichita, where Sedgwick County Zoo can anchor a family weekend getaway filled with wildlife encounters, hands-on discoveries and unexpected fun.
After a zoo day, Wichita offers more hands-on family attractions, including Exploration Place, Wichita's science and discovery center along the Arkansas River, where indoor exhibits are joined by the outdoor Adventure Playscape.
Families can also explore Botanica, the Wichita Gardens, ranked No. 6 among the nation's best botanical gardens in USA TODAY's 2026 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, along with museums, parks and other animal experiences depending on the season. Find more ideas for a Wichita weekend in our Visitors Guide.
