Zoo Opens Endangered Species Carousel

Bugs, birds, carnivores and more. Those are only a few of the critters patrons can now ride at the Zoo on the new Endangered Species Carousel. Thirty-six, hand-carved wooden animals grace the traditionally-styled carousel. Most depict an endangered species, many of them on exhibit at the Kansas City Zoo.

The carousel is adjacent to the Lorikeet Exhibit, just off the new promenade that runs through the center of the Zoo. Rides are $2/person. Carousel animals include a rhino, hippo, chimpanzee, cheetah, koala, dart frog and many more. Plus there are some not-so-endangered - but certainly fun - critters, such as the Mizzou Tiger, Kansas City Royals Lion and UMKC Kangaroo. Kids and adults will want to ride them all.

The carousel was built by the Carousel Works of Mansfield, Ohio, a company that uses historic craftsman techniques, such as hand-carving the carousel animals, to create modern works of art.

For more information, please visit at the Zoo’s website at www.kansascityzoo.org ; or call (816) 513-5700.