Riverside Park and Ralph Mitchell Zoo
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ZOO IS FREE! Zoo Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Park Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 11:59 p.m. Zoo is FREE, but donations are appreciated. September 26th 8:30 p.m.
For Building Rentals: see http://independenceks.gov/Facilities or call 620-332-2500 Option 3
For General Park and Zoo Questions: call 620-332-2512
Zoo is open EVERY DAY including all holidays, except Christmas Day & New Years Day. A donation box is located next to the Macaw exhibit or may be mailed to Riverside Park and Ralph Mitchel Zoo; 811 W Laurel; Independence, KS 67301. Park is open EVERY D
31/05/2026
Today is World Parrot Day!
World Parrot Day was established by the World Parrot Trust in 2004 to shine the spotlight on the plight of these birds, many of which are risking extinction due to habitat loss and the illegal wildlife trade. Learn more at https://parrots.org/
Train and Carousel will not open 11-1 today May 28th do to weather conditions.
Concession will open at 11
28/05/2026
Today is the 67th anniversary of Miss Able's flight into space!
Due to the forecasted inclement weather, the bears and cougar will not be on exhibit today. We apologize for any inconvenience!
VFW Post 1186 is proving rides and golf to the community May 25th for Memorial day. Thank you VFW post 1186!!!
Concession will be open 11:00-5:00
Rides and Golf 1:00-5:00
23/05/2026
Today is World Turtle Day!
This annual event aims to increase awareness about protecting turtles, tortoises, and their habitats.
Ralph Mitchell Zoo is home to three sulcata tortoises, one yellow-footed tortoise, and many red-eared sliders. Did you know that all tortoises are turtles but not all turtles are tortoises? Turtles are usually aquatic with flat shells and webbed feet. Tortoises live on land with dome-shaped shells and short, sturdy legs.
Find out more and ways to help at worldturtleday.org.
22/05/2026
Don't forget to join us tomorrow from 1:00-2:00!
18/05/2026
Happy 22nd birthday, Shadow!
12/05/2026
Primate Spotlight!
Ralph Mitchell Zoo is home to ten white-faced capuchins and three spider monkeys.
Next time you visit, see if you can spot the similarities and differences yourself!
Contact the organization
Telephone
Opening Hours
| Monday | 09:00 - 19:00 |
| Tuesday | 09:00 - 19:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:00 - 19:00 |
| Thursday | 09:00 - 19:00 |
| Friday | 09:00 - 19:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00 - 19:00 |
| Sunday | 09:00 - 19:00 |