KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The free day policy at the Kansas City Zoo has changed. Tuesday was the first free day for some people living in Jackson and Clay Counties, and all they had to do was present a coupon.
Tuesday was a beautiful day to spend at the zoo. By noon, nearly 2500 people walked through the gate. That’s a lot less than the average free day, but it’s a good thing.
“It wasn’t overcrowded at all. No lines. We rode the train, the tram, the sky safari,” said Colleen Sundblad, a guest of the zoo.
It was the first day of the Kansas City Zoo’s new free day program. Each family in Clay and Jackson Counties received a postcard in the mail offering tickets. Families are assigned a day that is redeemable in July, September, and November.
“So that there won’t be too many people here at one time and there will be more control that way,” said Donna Lober, another guest.
“Actually, my day is Tuesday. Today is the first day of July that says I can use this,” said zoo guest Erica Smith.
This program is called postcard to adventure. It’s a solution to the overcrowding issue the zoo has had on past free days. Violence and gunfire also prompted a swift change.
“A couple of these free days were over 35,000 people. It’s just too many people to be in the zoo at one time,” said Randy Wisthoff, the zoo’s director.
The zoo is best enjoyed with about 10,000 spread across the 200 acres. Although this is the first free day, many couldn’t tell the difference.
“The zoo was great today. The weather was perfect. We got to go on all the rides,” said Sundblad.
“It’s for the kids’ entertainment, not for the teenagers to come and do their dirty work,” said Smith.
Security measures have also increased to prevent rowdiness. More cameras have been installed in the zoo and will soon be up in the parking lot.
One ticket is good for the entire family. Nearly 200 tickets were used on Tuesday. That means 650 people visited the zoo for free.
