David Traylor Zoo: The Zoo Down the Street

Emporia, Kansas

I visited the David Traylor Zoo for the first time this summer. After moving to Olpe , KS in May, it feels like this zoo is right down the street. It is the perfect zoo for a morning or afternoon trip with kids. The David Traylor Zoo is on the smaller side, but in many ways that is the beauty of it. Some zoos are so large that it can be overwhelming, especially for kids. Another challenge of visiting larger zoos is that they can be really expensive. It is free to visit David Traylor Zoo! I was kind of shocked.

When entering the zoo, if visitors take a right then they will be able to follow the trail around and see a variety of different animals including an awesome Madagascar exhibit. There are a few picnic tables along the trail and a little playground for kids to get out some energy. There is also a back area of the zoo past the small lake that has medium sized animals.

The signs around the zoo are great. There are informative and interesting signs outside exhibits, on the ground, and on the walls. I also appreciated that on some of the exhibits that had older animals the zoo keepers put signs on the exhibit explaining that the animal is older. The sign went on to explain that the animal is still in good health even though it might not look as healthy as the younger animals and that they are living good, healthy lives.

Activities

There were two spots at the zoo that had obstacle courses where kids can follow directions on the ground. I thought this was genius. At the zoo, the information was spray painted on the ground, but I am thinking I might do something like this with sidewalk chalk at an outside gathering.

A tip from someone who has been there.

In my last blog, I provided information about the Veteran’s Memorial across the street from the David Traylor Zoo. I would highly suggest checking out the Veteran’s Memorial when visiting the David Traylor Zoo. Check out my May blog for more information about the Veteran’s Memorial.