This post is sponsored by Tanganyika Wildlife Park.
This year, Tanganyika Wildlife Park earned the #2 spot on Newsweek’s list of the Best Animal Encounters in the U.S. This recognition comes from an expert panel of travel bloggers and animal experts, alongside public voting, making it a true testament to both industry credibility and guest enthusiasm.
Here’s why Tanganyika is a standout destination for the best animal encounters and what
makes us unique.
What Makes Tanganyika Stand Out?
Tanganyika has a history of being recognized as a premier zoo and interactive animal
experience. Awards like “Most Interactive Zoo in the Midwest” and “Best Family Attraction in Wichita” highlight our dedication to guest engagement. This year’s recognition solidifies us as a top choice for immersive animal experiences.
Here are three reasons Tanganyika delivers the best animal encounters in the U.S.
1. Unparalleled Animal Encounters
Tanganyika offers more interactive animal experiences than almost any other facility. With
eight feeding encounters, like the Lemur Island Experience and Pygmy Hippo Feeding, and
unique walk-throughs like our kangaroo exhibit, there are endless opportunities to connect with wildlife.
Our Wildly Different Experiences take this to the next level. From Swimming with Penguins to a Sloth Behind the Scenes session, where guests feed and interact with a sloth, every encounter creates unforgettable moments.
In 2023, Tanganyika facilitated over 435,000 animal interactions—ten times the industry
average. New experiences, like our upcoming Capybara Encounter and future plans for Swimming with Otters, ensure there’s always something exciting to discover.
>> See Our Mom’s Guide to Tanganyika<<
2. Exceptional Staff
Our team plays a critical role in delivering the best animal encounters. Guests often praise their knowledge, passion, and dedication to creating “wow moments.” Our zookeeper interns, who lead feeding encounters, connect visitors with animals while inspiring conservation through hands-on experiences.
As one guest shared, “The up-close encounters at Tanganyika are like nothing we’ve ever
experienced before! The staff truly cared about the animals and made the experience fun for our entire family.”
3. Ethical and Accredited Experiences
At Tanganyika, animal welfare comes first. Our encounters are designed to prioritize the
animals’ comfort and choice. Using positive reinforcement and respecting species-specific
needs, we create meaningful interactions that are safe for both animals and guests.
We’re proud to be accredited by the Zoological Association of America (ZAA) and certified by the American Humane Association (AHA)—proof of our commitment to high standards of
care.
Conservation through Connection
Tanganyika’s approach to conservation is built on creating moments of connection. Many guests feel inspired to support wildlife conservation programs, like Action for Cheetahs Kenya and the International Rhino Foundation, after participating in our encounters.
Whether it’s through feeding a giraffe or walking among kangaroos, these experiences foster a deeper appreciation for wildlife, encouraging small but impactful actions like using tree-planting apps or donating to conservation initiatives.
Tanganyika Wildlife Park continues to redefine what it means to have the best animal
encounters in the U.S. Come see for yourself why we’re a must-visit destination for
unforgettable, ethical, and conservation-driven animal experiences.
Learn more about our experiences here.
