3 Reasons Tanganyika Wildlife Park Should Be Your Next Wildlife Vacation

Tanganyika Wildlife Park is an all-inclusive destination nestled in the heart of Kansas. Attracting more than 18,000 wildlife vacation enthusiasts each year, this family-owned park is packed with unforgettable experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Seriously—who knew Kansas could be this wild?

As TBEX Wichita approaches, we’re making sure Tanganyika’s wildlife tours earn a top spot on your itinerary—whether you’re visiting in October or planning your next trip down the road. From swimming with penguins to lemurs in your lap, every ticket includes breakfast, lunch, unlimited snacks, fountain drinks, domestic beer, and wine. Yes, really. Tanganyika is a unique wildlife destination for travel bloggers and adventure seekers.

But more than anything, our mission is all about wow moments. A wildlife vacation with us is full of “did that just happen?” memories you’ll be talking about for years. And of course, it’s all served up with a hearty helping of Midwest hospitality.

Let’s dive into the three reasons Tanganyika Wildlife Park should be your next wildlife vacation.

#1 Experience Wildlife Vacations Like Never Before

Did you know that zoos and aquariums draw more annual visitors than all U.S. professional sporting events combined? America loves its animals—and wildlife vacations are on the rise. While Robert Irwin may be drawing attention to Australia Zoo, here in Kansas, we’re offering something just as wild—without the long-haul flight.

At Tanganyika, we’re home to nearly 100 species and over 500 animals—but what sets us apart is our hands-on zoo experiences and conservation-driven approach. We believe the most effective way to inspire someone to care about wildlife is to connect them with it directly. And we mean really connect.

At Tanganyika, we approach conservation using a funnel model—similar to the marketing funnel. The top of the funnel is awareness: people can’t care about saving a binturong if they don’t even know what one is. That’s where we start—by sparking curiosity with wow moments. Maybe they learn a binturong smells like popcorn or has a prehensile tail.

Then they meet one up close, fall in love, and suddenly it’s their favorite animal. That’s when we earn the right to move them to the bottom of the funnel—a call to action. Now that they care, we can ask them to donate to binturong conservation or scan their pantry for sustainable palm oil, so they aren’t unknowingly contributing to habitat destruction.

Most zoos focus on casting a wide net at the top—attracting huge crowds and hoping a few become conservation advocates. At Tanganyika, our goal is different. We’d rather have fewer people enter the funnel, but make sure a higher percentage of them come out as true wildlife warriors.

Have you ever had a lemur sit on your lap? Touched a rhino’s horn? Felt how soft a kangaroo’s fur is? Unique family travel is redefined at Tanganyika.

At Tanganyika, you’ll do all that—and more. We offer eight animal feeding encounters and a kangaroo walkabout where you actually go inside the exhibit to interact with the animals. Feed a pygmy hippo, giraffe, or a rainbow-colored lorikeet. Then meet our passionate team members who love sharing fun facts and explaining how guests can support conservation efforts around the world.

We’re not just another stop on your travel map. We’re different from traditional zoos in the following ways:

• When you plan your wildlife vacation to Tanganyika, we guarantee unforgettable memories—or your money back.
• Breakfast, lunch, snacks, fountain drinks, domestic beer, and wine are all included in your admission.
• Animal feeding encounters are included. At most zoos you pay extra for giraffe feeding, not here giraffe feeding and seven other animal feeding encounters are included in admission.
• Tanganyika Falls Splash Park, one of the largest splash parks in Kansas where you can cool off and beat the summer heat.

Plan your wildlife vacation to Tanganyika Wildlife Park.

#2 More Wildlife Tours Than Anywhere in the U.S.

We have more exotic animal experiences than anywhere in the world. From wildlife tours, behind the scenes experiences, meet and greets, and training demonstrations. You are sure to see something on your bucket list.

Our most popular wildlife encounters are the penguin swim, sloth behind the scenes, otter meet and greet, capybara meet and greet, and rhino and giraffe feeding adventure.

Penguin Swim

Let’s face it—penguins are irresistible. With their sleek black-and-white coats and endearing waddle, they’ve earned a reputation as the class clowns of the animal world. They’re curious, animated, and full of personality—and at Tanganyika Wildlife Park, you don’t just get to watch them, you get to swim with them.

That’s right. Tanganyika offers one of the rarest animal experiences in the world: the chance to hop into the water and share a splash with African penguins. Outside of their native habitat on the rocky shores of South Africa, there’s no other place where you can do this. It’s a bucket-list-worthy adventure that feels like stepping straight into an animated movie.

As you glide through the water, you’ll be surrounded by playful penguins zipping by, flapping, diving, and honking with excitement. They’re as curious about you as you are about them, and it creates a joyful, interactive experience that few ever get to have.

Of course, Tanganyika’s team of expert animal care professionals are on hand to make sure everything runs smoothly—for both guests and penguins. Before your swim, you’ll receive a quick safety briefing and all the gear you need. The penguins are already familiar with their keepers and love interacting with guests, so they’re calm, confident, and ready to party. You’ll feel like a VIP at the most exclusive penguin pool party on the planet—and everyone’s invited.

Sloth Behind the Scenes

Slow down—literally—and meet one of the most iconic (and relaxed) animals on the planet during Tanganyika Wildlife Park’s Sloth Behind-the-Scenes encounter. If you’ve ever dreamed of getting face-to-face with a sloth, now’s your chance to step into their world and experience life at their pace.

Sloths have captured hearts everywhere with their chill vibes, sleepy smiles, and that signature upside-down hang. But at Tanganyika, this isn’t just a photo op. You’ll go behind the scenes into their cozy habitat, where you’ll learn from expert zookeepers who care for them daily—and even get the chance to feed and touch one of these gentle tree-dwellers.

Unlike the fast-paced attractions you’ll find elsewhere, the sloth experience invites you to slow down, listen closely, and really connect. You’ll hear about each sloth’s personality—yes, they have them!—what they eat, how they move, and the special care that goes into keeping them healthy and happy. You might even get to witness their favorite enrichment activity (spoiler alert: it usually involves snacks).

Because this is a smaller, more intimate encounter, it’s the perfect choice for animal lovers who want a quiet, meaningful moment they’ll never forget. Whether it’s the calm presence of the sloth or the unique chance to see a behind-the-scenes view of animal care in action, this experience leaves a lasting impression.

Tanganyika’s animal care team is there every step of the way to guide the experience and make sure it’s safe, enriching, and respectful—for both you and the sloth. It’s an unforgettable opportunity to meet one of nature’s most unique creatures up close, and trust us—after just a few minutes in their presence, you’ll walk away feeling a little more zen yourself.

Otter Meet and Greet

If you’re looking for an animal encounter that’s packed with energy, charm, and a whole lot of squeaky joy, the Otter Meet & Greet at Tanganyika Wildlife Park is the perfect pick. These playful little swimmers are bursting with personality—and during this up-close experience, you’ll get to see exactly why otters are some of the most entertaining animals on the planet.

From the moment you step into their space, you’ll be greeted by curious noses, excited chirps, and a whole lot of movement. Tanganyika’s otters love meeting new friends, and they’re not shy about it. You’ll get the chance to offer them snacks, watch them show off their favorite toys, and maybe even catch a glimpse of their training in action—all while learning about what makes them so special.

Otters are incredibly social animals, both with each other and with their keepers. During the wildlife tour, Tanganyika’s expert staff will share fun facts, personal stories, and behind-the-scenes details about how they care for these lively creatures every day. It’s a great chance to ask questions, snap some close-up photos, and really connect with the animals in a way that just doesn’t happen from across the glass.

What makes this animal encounter stand out? It’s equal parts adorable chaos and educational gold. The otters are always up to something—chasing each other, diving, or trying to convince you to give them “just one more fish”—and their energy is contagious. Whether you’re eight or eighty-eight, it’s nearly impossible to leave without a smile.

Like all of Tanganyika’s animal experiences, the Otter Meet & Greet is designed to be safe, enriching, and respectful for both guests and animals. The park’s animal care team ensures the otters are comfortable and excited to participate, making it a feel-good, family-friendly experience that’s just as meaningful as it is fun.

So if you’re looking to add a splash of joy to your wildlife vacation—or just want to fall in love with otters in a whole new way—this is the encounter for you.

Capybara Meet and Greet

Ready to meet the world’s largest (and possibly chillest) rodent? The Capybara Meet & Greet at Tanganyika Wildlife Park is your chance to get hands-on with one of the most unexpectedly lovable animals you’ll ever encounter. These gentle giants are basically oversized guinea pigs with the soul of a golden retriever—and they’ve got a fan following for a reason.

During this interactive encounter, you’ll come face-to-snout with Tanganyika’s most laid-back residents. You’ll have the chance to offer them snacks, give them gentle touches, and even try your hand at a bit of training. And trust us—there’s nothing quite like the feeling of a capybara leaning into a scratch with total contentment.

Capybaras are known for their calm nature and surprising social skills. Whether they’re soaking up the sun, lounging in a mud puddle, or waddling over to say hello, their go-with-the-flow attitude is infectious. They’re surprisingly curious and often eager to engage, especially when snacks are involved.

Throughout the experience, Tanganyika’s trainers are right there to share fun facts and behind-the-scenes stories. You’ll learn why capybaras are sometimes called “nature’s therapists,” how they communicate with each other, and what it takes to care for them properly in human care. It’s a blend of education and pure joy, wrapped up in one adorably fuzzy package.

And like all animal encounters at Tanganyika, this meet and greet is built around the well-being of the animals. It’s intimate, respectful, and designed to ensure that both guests and animals have a positive, enriching experience. Whether you’re an animal lover, a curious kid, or just someone who wants to hug a 100-pound rodent (yes, really), the capybara encounter delivers unforgettable moments and plenty of smiles.

So come say hi to Pinto—and find out for yourself why capybaras are the internet’s favorite animal, now in real life.

#3 Ethical Animal Encounters You Can Feel Good Recommending

Not all animal encounters are created equal. If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience with exotic wildlife, it’s important to make sure it’s done the right way—both for your safety and the well-being of the animals. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing an ethical animal experience:

1. Animal Choice Matters
The most responsible facilities prioritize consent-based interactions. This means animals are never forced to participate—they choose to be part of the encounter. Trainers use positive reinforcement (like treats or toys) to invite participation, and animals are always allowed to walk away if they’re not feeling it. If an experience sounds too good to be true (like guaranteed cuddles or selfies), it might be putting pressure on the animal.

2. Species-Appropriate Design
Every animal is different. A responsible experience will take into account not just the species’ natural behaviors, but also the individual animal’s age, personality, and preferences. Young animals aren’t always suited for public interaction, and not every animal enjoys being touched or held. The best encounters respect each species as a wild animal first, not a prop for entertainment.

3. Safety for Everyone
Safe experiences are quiet, controlled, and small-scale. Animals that are repeatedly hugged, handled, or exposed to large crowds can experience stress, even if they seem calm. Look for facilities that set limits on group size, provide structure to the experience, and ensure a peaceful environment for the animals to thrive. Ethical animal experiences focus on quality, not quantity.

When you’re interacting with animals at Tanganyika, you can be sure their welfare and well-being come first. Tanganyika Wildlife Park is accredited by the Zoological Association of America, certified by Global Humane Society, and licensed bythe  USDA.

In addition, Tanganyika Wildlife Park is known for their contribution to breeding and preservation of species. Humble brag, we’ve won a few awards. Conservation tourism is a trend that most think means a trip to Costa Rica or Madagascar but you can support conservation happening right here in Kansas.

Connect With Tanganyika and Book Your Wildlife Vacation Today

You might not expect it, but Kansas is home to some of the most memorable and ethical exotic animal encounters in the country. From swimming with penguins to feeding a rhino, Tanganyika Wildlife Park offers wildlife tours that inspire wonder—while putting animal welfare first.

Whether you’re a local content creator or planning your next wildlife vacation, we invite you to discover the wild side of the Sunflower State—done the right way.

📸 Want to partner with us?
 We’re offering hosted visits and partnership opportunities exclusively for TBEX attendees.
 📩 DM us on Instagram @TanganyikaWildlifePark or email our team at lschmidt@twpark.com to get started.

🔗 Ready to book your wildlife vacation? Click here to plan your visit.