Sedgwick County Zoo to Move Zebras in October 2026
Two Grevy's zebras will depart the Wichita facility as part of a national conservation program.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Wildlife
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The Sedgwick County Zoo will transfer its two Grevy's zebras, Honey and Louise, to another facility in October 2026. This move follows a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to support the species.
Why it matters
The relocation aims to facilitate managed breeding efforts for the endangered animals. With only about 3,000 Grevy's zebras remaining in the wild, organized zoo transfers are critical for the species' long-term survival.
Honey and Louise arrived at the Wichita facility in 2020 after being born three days apart. The species has a wild population of approximately 3,000 individuals globally.
The players
Sedgwick County Zoo
Located in Wichita, this institution is a major regional wildlife facility that participates in national breeding and conservation programs.
Association of Zoos and Aquariums
This nonprofit organization accredits wildlife facilities and manages collaborative programs like the Species Survival Plan to ensure the sustainability of endangered species.
Zoo Miami
This Florida-based wildlife park served as the original home for the zebras before their transfer to Kansas in 2020.
The details
While the zebras are moving, the marabou storks and blue cranes currently sharing the habitat are staying put. The Sedgwick County Zoo intends to announce a new animal species to inhabit the space once the zebras have departed.
Timeline
Honey and Louise arrived at the zoo in 2020.
The zebras are scheduled to move in October 2026.
Culture Shift
This transfer follows a directive set by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, which coordinates animal placement across the country to maintain genetic diversity in captive populations. These moves represent a shift toward prioritizing biological health over localized animal collections.
Visitors to the Sedgwick County Zoo can continue to see Honey and Louise in their current habitat for the duration of their residency. Once the animals relocate in 2026, the zoo will replace the exhibit with a new species for public viewing.
The takeaway
Wildlife facilities work together to manage the genetics of endangered populations through strategic, long-term movement plans. Visitors often see rotating exhibits as institutions prioritize conservation goals over permanent displays.
Further reading
Learn more about local conservation efforts in our Wichita Wildlife section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kwch.
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