ZOO to YOU
Catch up with the latest news at LRZ with articles, press releases, and other fun updates
written and created by Zoo Staff.
Winter Walks & the Christmas Bird Count
- Alice Nelson, Conservation Awareness Manager
A downy woodpecker explores a tree at the Lee Richardson Zoo.
As the temperatures drop, many of us turn on our heaters, nestling into a blanket, with a nice warm drink. Indeed, many individuals around the world joke about wanting to hibernate for the winter season. This sedentary notion is so common that the United Kingdom created the Festival of Winter Walks. Starting on December 20, 2025, and running through to January 4, 2026, this festival encourages participants to rediscover the beauty of winter by taking walks outside in nature.
There are many reasons to spend some time outside during the winter season. One reason is to reacquaint oneself with the tranquility and serenity of winter landscapes. With or without snow on the ground, the winter scenery is breathtaking in its diversity from the lush landscapes of spring and summer. The leafless deciduous trees reveal another reason to step outside: the birds. The animals of winter are beautiful in their array of winter furs, feathers, and colors! Birdwatching generally increases during this winter period, which coincidentally may be why the Christmas Bird Count Week, starting December 14 and running through to January 5, is so incredibly successful. Please check out the Lee Richardson Zoo’s social media pages for more information regarding the Christmas Bird Count Week. Whether you are participating in the Bird Count or not, spying a bird without the cover of leaves is always a thrill.
With the winter holidays upon us, many of us are hosting family, friends, and guests from all over. What better activity after a heavy holiday meal than walking in nature? The Lee Richardson Zoo provides a wonderful setting for these nature walks. Where else would you be able to discuss the refreshingly cool breeze and potentially spot a snow leopard at the same time? The Lee Richardson Zoo’s many paved paths are family-friendly for all ages and abilities. And, of course, the drive-thru is open from 10 am to 4 pm daily while the Zoo is open to the public, to accommodate those who wish to visit the Zoo, but might have mobility, temperature, or other concerns.
However, just as not all people are fond of cold weather, neither are some of our animals. To make sure your family stays healthy and comfortable during these winter walks, you will naturally dress them in warm, non-constricting layers that can be adjusted to the temperatures and conditions of the day. Please remember that people not native to Kansas may find our Garden City to be quite windy. Don’t forget good walking shoes that are comfortable, warm, and stay dry. It may seem like common sense for humans to dress warmly for winter. Unfortunately, animals cannot dress warmly for the conditions, so for their safety, welfare, and comfort, not all animals will be viewable during these visits. I personally enjoy a nice chat while slowly strolling through the nature trail, looking for our native animals, as well as walking around the habitats to see our winter-hardy zoo residents.
Creating a version of I-Spy while walking around the Zoo will help alleviate the seasonal boredom that many children feel while not in school. So why not create a healthy outing and tap into the Festival of Winter Walks from across the ocean, and enjoy some outside time as a group? The Lee Richardson Zoo is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm, excluding Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. On Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, the Zoo will be closed to the public, but never fear, the animals will still get the care they need from our dedicated staff. Please visit www.leerichardsonzoo.org for hours and more information regarding trips to our Zoo.
Employee Recognition
Two Zoo Staff members, Zachary Dunsworth, Maintenance Technician, and Emily Sexson, Communication Specialist
were recently recognized for each reaching 10 years of service with the City of Garden City.
Congratulations Zach and Emily and thank you both for all you do!
November's Staff Pic of the Month
November's Staff Pic of the Month Winner was Emily S. with their submission of this photo of desert bighorn sheep.
The Pic of the Month winners are selected by the Zoo's Advisory Board during their monthly meetings.
Congratulations Emily!
The Science of Fur
- Houston Glover, Conservation Awareness Coordinator
A North American river otter rests outside of their den entrance with wet fur.
When you ask a third grader, “What makes a mammal a mammal?” the first thing they probably remember is “they have hair.” That’s for good reason. Hair is undoubtedly the most visible and tangible feature of many mammals. Many of us are introduced to furry animals like dogs and cats from a very early age, so we all know what fur looks, feels, and even smells like. But what often goes unappreciated about fur is the brilliance of its biology and the amazing diversity of fur types that can be found throughout the mammalian class. Today, let’s take a closer look at fur and begin to understand what makes it such an amazing adaptation.
To understand what makes fur so cool, we first have to examine the structure of a single strand—so let’s split hairs. If you cut a cross-section of a hair and looked at it under a very powerful microscope, you’d see that—like an onion—it has layers. The outer layer (the skin of our metaphorical onion) is called the cuticle. The cuticle is very thin, but solid, and protects the inner layers from damage. The inner layers, the medulla and cortex, provide structure and contain the pigment molecules that give the hair its color. In some animals, these inner layers also have pockets of air in them. These hollow sections trap heat inside the hair and allow for a warmer, more insulating coat. A polar bear’s hairs are so hollow, that they’re transparent. They only appear white because all those clear hairs, like the clear crystals of snow itself, appear white when layered on top of each other.
On the subject of layers, some animals have two types of hair that make up their fur. Short, fine hairs form a dense layer of underfur that insulates the body, while longer, coarser guard hairs stick out and protect the more delicate layer below. Many dog breeds, like German shepherds and huskies, exhibit this layered adaptation, which is especially useful in cold environments. When paired with a naturally oily skin, like that of an otter or seal, the guard hairs can become waterproof, completely protecting the underfur from moisture. This allows these animals to swim comfortably in water that is only a few degrees above freezing!
One of the most amazing things about fur is the way it changes with the seasons. When the days get shorter, it triggers mammal bodies to produce specific hormones that signal a change in hair growth. For some animals, like camels and bison, this simply means growing a longer, denser coat. For some, like arctic foxes, it causes the growth of new colorless hairs, which replace the grey hairs of summer with a white coat that helps them camouflage against the snow. The winter coats of many animals also feature more and larger air pockets in their guard hairs, helping with better insulation.
Unfortunately, there have been many instances throughout history in which an animal’s fur has placed a target on its back. In the 19th century, beavers were hunted for their waterproof fur, and over-hunting drove them to near-extinction in both Europe and North America. Thankfully, beavers have bounced back thanks to awareness and reintroduction campaigns, but other species have not been so lucky. The giant otters and long-tailed chinchillas of South America both owe their endangered status in large part to the fur trade. The adorable European mink, once prized for its luxurious pelt, is now extinct in most of its historical range. We can only hope that with increased legal protections and public education, these furry mammals will be restored to their once-impressive numbers.
Bugs in Winter
- Emily Sexson, Communication Specialist
Two Monarch butterflies drinking nectar from a flower in the Zoo's butterfly garden.
It feels like fewer things bug me this time of year, quite literally. The whirs and buzzing that greeted me in my garden earlier this season have fallen silent. While I don’t miss the mosquitoes, flies, and chiggers that seemed to prefer my body to any other food source, I do miss the sight of a bumblebee landing on a bloom, or a praying mantis perched in silence, ready to ambush its prey. So where do the bugs go when the temperature drops?
For some insects, migration is the key to surviving. The Monarch butterfly is known for the multi-generational journey it takes to overwintering sites in Mexico, but they’re not the only butterfly to migrate. The painted lady and red admiral are two more examples of migrating butterflies. Several species of dragonfly and moth also migrate. Just like migratory birds, they’re in search of warmer temperatures, food sources, and a safe space to breed.
Insects that aren’t capable of migration use a different strategy to make it to spring. Just like some species of mammals, some insects will hibernate. Some species dig into the ground to hibernate, while others find a safe space in leaf litter, logs, under rocks, or any small crevice they can squeeze into. A few species will stay dormant while remaining semi-active, for example honeybees stay in their hive, form clusters, and vibrate their wings to raise the hive’s temperature.
When adult insects cannot migrate or survive the harsh winter by hibernation, the species overwinter during a different stage of their lifecycle. For example, wooly bear caterpillars, which are the larval stage of the tiger moth, will seek shelter under several layers of leaf litter or other organic material. Once securely hidden away, the water in their bodies will naturally be replaced with a compound known as glycerol which acts as a natural anti-freeze. This process will prevent ice crystals from forming and damaging their bodies during freezing temps. Other larvae, like some species of beetle grubs simply dig down deeper into the ground.
Cockroaches, termites, bed bugs, fleas, and spiders (technically arachnids, not insects) do a great job of getting into our homes and buildings to spend the winter with us. This is why you may notice more unwanted “visitors” during these months. Meanwhile, outside, a few insects do continue living through the cold. Snow fleas are tiny insects that are active on the snow’s surface and can survive well below freezing. Despite their name, snow fleas are not actually fleas, they’re springtails and survive by eating decomposing organic materials.
As pollinators, decomposers, and food sources for other animals, insects fill these vital roles across the planet. Many insects are indicator species, the health of their population indicates the health of the entire ecosystem. A common example is the mayfly, they are highly sensitive to pollution and their presence indicates clean and well-oxygenated water. While they may not be everyone’s favorite part of nature, a world without insects would lead to catastrophic results and the end of most plant and animal life.
A great way to help your local pollinators this winter is to “leave the leaves and plant debris”. This doesn’t mean you can’t tidy up your yard or garden, but instead, consider designating a space to pile leaves and other organic matter for insects to overwinter in. Many species of bees, moths, and butterflies will take advantage of it. Next spring, when plants and habitat resources began to emerge, the area can be cleared or turned into compost, and you will have beneficial pollinators in your outdoor area. Make sure to choose native plant species to continue the cycle!
The Zoo is currently open daily from 8 am to 5 pm, the drive-through is open from 10 am to 4 pm and vehicle entry is free for everyone, every Wednesday through the end of March. Visit us online at www.leerichardsonzoo.org for more Zoo info and updates.
Zoo Mourns Passing of Bactrian Camel
Critically Endangered Addax Calf Born
at the Lee Richardson Zoo
Addax mother "Sahara" nuzzles her newborn calf.
Lee Richardson Zoo staff are elated to announce the arrival of a male addax calf born on November 25th. The birth is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Addax Species Survival Plan (SSP).
First-time mom “Sahara” gave birth inside the habitat’s private indoor barn and is doing a great job of keeping her calf safe and warm. Zoo staff continue to provide the appropriate care while giving mom and baby privacy.
“We’re all so excited for this successful birth, especially for such a unique species. The Animal Care team is so thankful that Sahara has been taking such great care of her calf and is extremely nurturing” commented Lead Keeper, Victoria Ortiz.
Addax are also known as “screwhorn” antelope because of their spiral horns that can grow up to 33 inches long. This species is native to the Sahara Desert. Due to habitat loss, over-hunting, severe droughts, and the hazards of living in a perpetual war zone, addax are listed as Critically Endangered and Critically Depleted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). The most recent population survey shows as few as 30 individuals remain in the wild.
Calf viewing opportunities in the outdoor portion of the habitat will depend on the weather and what mom Sahara chooses for herself and baby. Meanwhile, we encourage guests to visit the calf’s father “Dobby,” and half-brother, “Wu,” to learn more about this species and Saharan conservation efforts.
The Zoo is currently open from 8 am to 5 pm, with the drive-through available from 10 am to 4 pm.
Zoo Mourns Passing of Bactrian Camel
Bobcat Kittens Make Outdoor Debut at
Lee Richardson Zoo
"Dallas" explores the outdoor habitat.
Bobcat kittens "Rose" and "Dallas" climb a tree branch
in their behind the scenes habitat.
Earlier this fall, two orphaned bobcat kittens found a home at the Lee Richardson Zoo. “Rose” and “Dallas” arrived from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. After successfully completing a routine quarantine process, they have recently joined the other residents in Cat Canyon and have been given access to their outdoor habitat.
The curious kittens are sharing their habitat with 12-year-old female bobcat, “Yazi,” and are still undergoing a “howdy” process where the animals can see, smell, and hear one another through a protective barrier. Because of this ever-evolving process and weather variables, the now 4-month-old kittens will have intermittent access to public viewing for the time being.
Bobcats are a medium-sized wild cat that inhabit a large range of North America in a variety of habitats. Their name comes from their black-tipped “bobbed” tail. As adults, they weigh an average of 21 pounds, with females weighing slightly less.
Stop by Cat Canyon during your next Zoo Visit to learn more about this species and other fabulous felines native to the Americas. Please note the Zoo will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday, but will reopen Friday, November 28th.
Dealing with Winter at the Zoo
- Kristi Newland, Zoo Director
Sienna, a female bison at the Zoo, fur coat thickens as temperatures drop.
Thanks to our location, we experience all four seasons of the year. As winter approaches, we’re entering into the time of year when we often hear one of our most popular questions, “How do the animals deal with the weather?”
You can often tell the season by looking at some of the animals. Some, like the snow leopard, bison, and Bactrian camel, grow thick winter coats to keep them warm during the colder part of the year. Other residents of the Zoo do not deal well with the colder temperatures, so Zoo staff take care of them in other ways. The birds that are native to warmer climes spend the warmer months in the outdoor aviary flight while spending the colder months in an off-view indoor temperature-controlled area of the Zoo.
Setting up the winter holding space and getting the birds moved is a process that takes days. Other animals, like the rhinos and giraffes, who don’t grow heavy winter coats, voluntarily shift to aid in their care. While they spend much of the warmer part of the year outside, on cold days, they’re safe and warm inside. They’ll shift around indoors, facilitating the cleaning of their quarters during this time. For full transparency, there can be times when getting a resident to walk through a door takes a bit of time. The old joke, “Where does a 500-pound gorilla sit? – Anywhere it wants,” also applies to shifting animals through doorways. Whether the Zoo resident grows a heavy coat or they’re staying inside toasty warm, Zoo staff are providing what they need for their well-being.
We recently had a little taste of the season to come, which sent folks diving for coats that had been put away for the summer and switching on their household heaters. That’s part of what happens at the Zoo, too. As the seasons change, Zoo staff are completing the same tasks at work as you are completing at home. Each of us is bringing out the proper attire to keep us warm and dry when we’re outside. Supplies of bedding and heat lamps are inventoried, and more are acquired if needed. Heaters have been tested, and we’re making sure the buildings are well insulated and sealed from drafts and leaks. Garden hoses are disconnected from faucets and put away or at least drained, outdoor faucets are covered, and thick piles of leaves are raked off the grass. We’re getting ready to winterize lawn mowers and other related equipment that will be put away for the season. Making sure vehicles that will still be in use are ready for the weather with good tires, a window scraper, proper fluid levels, etc., is also part of the job. And, of course, there’s making sure the equipment that might make an appearance for snow removal or to maintain power during an outage is ready for the challenge. As the season changes, staff make a focused effort to be sure the Zoo is ready for whatever is coming.
Zoo life is full of daily adjustments to make sure everyone at the Zoo – residents, guests, and staff – has what they need to be safe and have an enjoyable experience. Zoo staff are always watching the weather and planning ahead so there’s as much time as possible to prepare. At the Zoo or at home, planning ahead and taking a few simple precautions will help you and the animals you care for stay healthy during the upcoming winter and throughout the year.
To stay up to date on happenings at the Zoo, visit our website (leerichardsonzoo.org) and our Facebook page. There’s always something going on at the Zoo!
Zoo Mourns Passing of Bactrian Camel
Zoo Mourns Passing of Giraffe
Male reticulated giraffe "Juani" stands with trees in the background of his outdoor habitat.
Lee Richardson Zoo is mourning the passing of “Juani”, a sixteen-year-old male reticulated giraffe. Juani had been undergoing veterinary care for a hoof issue, which continued despite treatment and Animal Care staff working with him during voluntary sessions. The next step in his care plan required him to be anesthetized. On Sunday, November 2nd, a farrier who specializes in exotic hoofstock, as well as veterinary staff from the Sedgwick County Zoo and Rolling Hills Zoo, joined the Lee Richardson Zoo team for the procedure. Radiographs and a physical examination showed the extent of the issues with Juani’s hoof. At that time, the difficult and compassionate decision was made to humanely euthanize him.
“Due to the severity of the hoof issue and the impact it had on his health, it was the only choice we could make.” said Zoo Director Kristi Newland. “The preparations for the procedure were on point. The collaboration was wonderful. The induction (Juani going under anesthesia) went smoothly. It goes to show you that you can have everything right but still not get the desired results. We know he will be missed by zoo staff and guests alike.”
Juani arrived at Lee Richardson Zoo in 2011 from the Indianapolis Zoo. While at Lee Richardson Zoo, he sired three calves. The youngest of the calves, Miguu, along with Miguu’s mother, Cleo, reside at the Zoo.
In the wild, giraffes are facing a crisis due to habitat loss, poaching, and other threats. Thanks to conservation work by groups like the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, there are some signs of a positive turn in trends. Visit their site, giraffeconservation.org, or Lee Richardson Zoo to learn more about the tallest mammal in the world.
For More Information Contact: Kristi Newland, Director, or Joe Knobbe, Deputy Director, at 620-276-1250 or kristi.newland@gardencityks.us or joe.knobbe@gardencityks.us