Lee Richardson Zoo To Celebrate 85th Birthday

The Lee Richardson Zoo in Garden City is planning a year of festivities to celebrate its 85th birthday.

The party begins Friday with a Kansas Day theme. Visitors will be able to observe some Kansas animals being fed and interacting with zoo staff, as well as other special activities.

Misty Ayers, manager of special events at the zoo, says other family-friendly events are planned for March 18, July 4 and Nov. 10.

The Garden City zoo that was established in 1927 by a Garden City chapter of the Izaack Walton League in conjunction with the city.

The first animals were two skunks brought in by Lee Richardson, who was then chief of police and park and zoo superintendent.