Wichita might be the largest city in Kansas, but you don't have to travel very far to find some exceptional wildlife. Check out these four animal-based attractions in the area if you want to trade the urban jungle for something a little wilder, even if it's only for the day. Sedgwick County Zoo Be sure to visit Wichita's most popular animal attraction, the Sedgwick County Zoo. This large facility is comprised of several different exhibits, all of which are themed after regions of the world. You can visit the Africa exhibit to see gorillas, lions, and elephants, or you can head over to the zoo's Asia habitat to see tapirs, tigers, and the adorable red panda. more The Sedgwick County Zoo also offers learning programs for different age groups, from early childhood all the way to senior citizens. You can purchase a daily ticket for about $15 or a year-long membership for about $100. Great Plains Nature Center Treat yourself to a day of environmental education by going to the Great Plains Nature Center. The main attraction here is The Koch Habitat Hall, a museum exhibit that showcases the American prairie ecosystem. The hall also has an aquarium, as well as wetland and woodland exhibits. Join one of the facility's trips into the local wilderness, where naturalists will help you discover smaller regional wildlife such as snakes, frogs, and butterflies. Whether you want to attend a specific educational program at the center or just browse its exhibits, you're sure to have a fun and informative trip. Tanganyika Wildlife Park Visit this third-largest animal collection in the state to go on a truly wild adventure. This is a family-owned zoo named after the African country of Tanzania. Naturally, there are plenty of African animals on display here. You'll see pygmy hippos, giraffes, cheetahs, and mandrills. The zoo also offers close encounters and interactive exhibits with animals such as lemurs and Indian rhinoceroses. Tanganyika Wildlife Park acts as a responsible caretaker of its animals by maintaining certification with the American Humane Conservation Program and providing its animals with enriched lives and the highest level of care. The facility is located in Goddard, just west of Wichita. Chaplin Nature Center You'll find this charming nature facility just an hour south of central Wichita. Owned and operated by the Wichita Audubon Society, this is a place for bird lovers to congregate. The center has several different educational exhibits and hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as a butterfly count and stargazing program. The nature center is also surrounded by an extensive network of trails that will take you through 230 acres of dense forests, sweeping prairies, and scenic lakes. With just a little bit of luck, you'll have the opportunity to spot plenty of local bird life. The city of Wichita typically receives about 220 days of sunshine every year. Be sure to take advantage of this beautiful weather by getting outside and experiencing some of these great local animal attractions. Photo by P_Linehan | Licensed under cc BY 2.0
