Celebrate World Orangutan Day at the Topeka Zoo
The Topeka Zoo is excited to announce its participation in World Orangutan Day on Saturday, August 17th, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This global event is dedicated to raising awareness about orangutan conservation and celebrating these incredible creatures worldwide.
Orangutans, one of the most iconic and critically endangered species on our planet, face significant challenges in their natural habitats. Currently, there are three species of orangutans, with populations totaling fewer than 55,000 individuals in the wild. Critically endangered Bornean orangutans, like those at the Topeka Zoo, are particularly at risk, with fewer than 14,000 individuals remaining.
Despite these concerning numbers, global conservation efforts have been making a difference, with significant strides in protecting orangutan habitats and promoting sustainable practices. These efforts offer hope for the future for orangutans around the world.
The Topeka Zoo invites the community to join in the celebration of World Orangutan Day with a series of special activities:
Enrichment activities at the orangutan exhibit at 9:15 AM.
Keeper chats at the orangutan viewing windows at 9:30 AM and 1:15 PM.
Craft booths for kids of all ages.
Educational booth on orangutans from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
A booth offering the opportunity to win an orangutan painting.
Face painting to bring out your wild side!
World Orangutan Day activities are included with regular zoo admission, providing a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
“We encourage everyone to join us at the Topeka Zoo on August 17th to learn about our orangutans, celebrate these remarkable animals, and explore their future,” said Dennis Dinwiddie, Director of Conservation and Education for the Topeka Zoo.
For more information about World Orangutan Day at the Topeka Zoo, please contact Dennis Dinwiddie at ddinwiddie@topekazoo.org or 785-368-9134.
