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Riverside Park and Ralph Mitchell Zoo

1736 N 5th Street

Independence, KS 67301

Riverside Park and Ralph Mitchell Zoo

620-332-2512

Zoo History:Ralph Mitchell Zoo, named after one-time mayor and long-time Park Board Chairman Ralph Mitchell, has been the top drawing card of Riverside Park since the zoo's origin in 1925. Like many U.S. zoos, development took a major jump in the 1930's assisted by WPA labor with the addition of a new monkey house, swan pool, and one of the first monkey island (1932) in the U.S. The zoo today covers over half of the park's 106 acres. Although the size is large, the number of animal specimens is limited to roughly 200, taking advantage of the spacious design of the hoofed animal areas.The theme of wide open spaces for both animal and public prevails. At one time the zoo boasted a collection of lions, leopards, pumas, and crocodilians, a time when meat was the cheapest food available and federal restrictions were few. Today the zoo features a greater variety of animals, many are small and most are grazers. All are compatible with the Kansas climate and with the zoo's limited budget.Zoos are important. The modern zoo is a living book. Animals of other parts of the world seen only in pictures can be seen, heard, smelled, and sometimes touched. Even common animals seen in the wild can be observed at close range with graphics, signs, or tour guides pointing out individual identifying characteristics.Largest of all animals ever residing at Ralph Mitchell zoo was Susie the elephant, obtained in 1956 at the age of 4. She moved on to Portland, Oregon in 1974, being replaced by Lois, another 4 year old.

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AARP Events for Independence

AARP Events for Independence

• A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga

  Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 7:30 a.m. CT

  Zoom

  Online Event

• AARP Smart Driver™: First Umc

  Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. CT

  First Umc

  Pryor, OK

• Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All

  Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. CT

  Zoom

  Online Event

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											<div>1736 N 5th Street</div>
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							<span>Independence</span>,
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												<span>67301</span>
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						<p>Zoo History:Ralph Mitchell Zoo, named after one-time mayor and long-time Park Board Chairman Ralph Mitchell, has been the top drawing card of Riverside Park since the zoo's origin in 1925. Like many U.S. zoos, development took a major jump in the 1930's assisted by WPA labor with the addition of a new monkey house, swan pool, and one of the first monkey island (1932) in the U.S. The zoo today covers over half of the park's 106 acres. Although the size is large, the number of animal specimens is limited to roughly 200, taking advantage of the spacious design of the hoofed animal areas.The theme of wide open spaces for both animal and public prevails. At one time the zoo boasted a collection of lions, leopards, pumas, and crocodilians, a time when meat was the cheapest food available and federal restrictions were few. Today the zoo features a greater variety of animals, many are small and most are grazers. All are compatible with the Kansas climate and with the zoo's limited budget.Zoos are important. The modern zoo is a living book. Animals of other parts of the world seen only in pictures can be seen, heard, smelled, and sometimes touched. Even common animals seen in the wild can be observed at close range with graphics, signs, or tour guides pointing out individual identifying characteristics.Largest of all animals ever residing at Ralph Mitchell zoo was Susie the elephant, obtained in 1956 at the age of 4. She moved on to Portland, Oregon in 1974, being replaced by Lois, another 4 year old.</p>		</div>
		

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							<span>Independence</span>,
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												<span>67301</span>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 620-332-2512</div>
				
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						<p>Zoo History:Ralph Mitchell Zoo, named after one-time mayor and long-time Park Board Chairman Ralph Mitchell, has been the top drawing card of Riverside Park since the zoo's origin in 1925. Like many U.S. zoos, development took a major jump in the 1930's assisted by WPA labor with the addition of a new monkey house, swan pool, and one of the first monkey island (1932) in the U.S. The zoo today covers over half of the park's 106 acres. Although the size is large, the number of animal specimens is limited to roughly 200, taking advantage of the spacious design of the hoofed animal areas.The theme of wide open spaces for both animal and public prevails. At one time the zoo boasted a collection of lions, leopards, pumas, and crocodilians, a time when meat was the cheapest food available and federal restrictions were few. Today the zoo features a greater variety of animals, many are small and most are grazers. All are compatible with the Kansas climate and with the zoo's limited budget.Zoos are important. The modern zoo is a living book. Animals of other parts of the world seen only in pictures can be seen, heard, smelled, and sometimes touched. Even common animals seen in the wild can be observed at close range with graphics, signs, or tour guides pointing out individual identifying characteristics.Largest of all animals ever residing at Ralph Mitchell zoo was Susie the elephant, obtained in 1956 at the age of 4. She moved on to Portland, Oregon in 1974, being replaced by Lois, another 4 year old.</p>		</div>
		

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							<span>Independence</span>,
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												<span>67301</span>
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						<p>Zoo History:Ralph Mitchell Zoo, named after one-time mayor and long-time Park Board Chairman Ralph Mitchell, has been the top drawing card of Riverside Park since the zoo's origin in 1925. Like many U.S. zoos, development took a major jump in the 1930's assisted by WPA labor with the addition of a new monkey house, swan pool, and one of the first monkey island (1932) in the U.S. The zoo today covers over half of the park's 106 acres. Although the size is large, the number of animal specimens is limited to roughly 200, taking advantage of the spacious design of the hoofed animal areas.The theme of wide open spaces for both animal and public prevails. At one time the zoo boasted a collection of lions, leopards, pumas, and crocodilians, a time when meat was the cheapest food available and federal restrictions were few. Today the zoo features a greater variety of animals, many are small and most are grazers. All are compatible with the Kansas climate and with the zoo's limited budget.Zoos are important. The modern zoo is a living book. Animals of other parts of the world seen only in pictures can be seen, heard, smelled, and sometimes touched. Even common animals seen in the wild can be observed at close range with graphics, signs, or tour guides pointing out individual identifying characteristics.Largest of all animals ever residing at Ralph Mitchell zoo was Susie the elephant, obtained in 1956 at the age of 4. She moved on to Portland, Oregon in 1974, being replaced by Lois, another 4 year old.</p>		</div>
		

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<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:KSAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">KSAARP@aarp.org </a></li>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 620-332-2512</div>
				
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						<p>Zoo History:Ralph Mitchell Zoo, named after one-time mayor and long-time Park Board Chairman Ralph Mitchell, has been the top drawing card of Riverside Park since the zoo's origin in 1925. Like many U.S. zoos, development took a major jump in the 1930's assisted by WPA labor with the addition of a new monkey house, swan pool, and one of the first monkey island (1932) in the U.S. The zoo today covers over half of the park's 106 acres. Although the size is large, the number of animal specimens is limited to roughly 200, taking advantage of the spacious design of the hoofed animal areas.The theme of wide open spaces for both animal and public prevails. At one time the zoo boasted a collection of lions, leopards, pumas, and crocodilians, a time when meat was the cheapest food available and federal restrictions were few. Today the zoo features a greater variety of animals, many are small and most are grazers. All are compatible with the Kansas climate and with the zoo's limited budget.Zoos are important. The modern zoo is a living book. Animals of other parts of the world seen only in pictures can be seen, heard, smelled, and sometimes touched. Even common animals seen in the wild can be observed at close range with graphics, signs, or tour guides pointing out individual identifying characteristics.Largest of all animals ever residing at Ralph Mitchell zoo was Susie the elephant, obtained in 1956 at the age of 4. She moved on to Portland, Oregon in 1974, being replaced by Lois, another 4 year old.</p>		</div>
		

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		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Riverside Park and Ralph Mitchell Zoo</h1></header>

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											<div>1736 N 5th Street</div>
											<div>
							<span>Independence</span>,
							<span>KS</span>
												<span>67301</span>
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					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://independenceks.gov/199/Park-Zoo" target="_blank">Riverside Park and Ralph Mitchell Zoo</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 620-332-2512</div>
				
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						<p>Zoo History:Ralph Mitchell Zoo, named after one-time mayor and long-time Park Board Chairman Ralph Mitchell, has been the top drawing card of Riverside Park since the zoo's origin in 1925. Like many U.S. zoos, development took a major jump in the 1930's assisted by WPA labor with the addition of a new monkey house, swan pool, and one of the first monkey island (1932) in the U.S. The zoo today covers over half of the park's 106 acres. Although the size is large, the number of animal specimens is limited to roughly 200, taking advantage of the spacious design of the hoofed animal areas.The theme of wide open spaces for both animal and public prevails. At one time the zoo boasted a collection of lions, leopards, pumas, and crocodilians, a time when meat was the cheapest food available and federal restrictions were few. Today the zoo features a greater variety of animals, many are small and most are grazers. All are compatible with the Kansas climate and with the zoo's limited budget.Zoos are important. The modern zoo is a living book. Animals of other parts of the world seen only in pictures can be seen, heard, smelled, and sometimes touched. Even common animals seen in the wild can be observed at close range with graphics, signs, or tour guides pointing out individual identifying characteristics.Largest of all animals ever residing at Ralph Mitchell zoo was Susie the elephant, obtained in 1956 at the age of 4. She moved on to Portland, Oregon in 1974, being replaced by Lois, another 4 year old.</p>		</div>
		

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							<span>Independence</span>,
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												<span>67301</span>
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										<a href="http://independenceks.gov/199/Park-Zoo" target="_blank">Riverside Park and Ralph Mitchell Zoo</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 620-332-2512</div>
				
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						<p>Zoo History:Ralph Mitchell Zoo, named after one-time mayor and long-time Park Board Chairman Ralph Mitchell, has been the top drawing card of Riverside Park since the zoo's origin in 1925. Like many U.S. zoos, development took a major jump in the 1930's assisted by WPA labor with the addition of a new monkey house, swan pool, and one of the first monkey island (1932) in the U.S. The zoo today covers over half of the park's 106 acres. Although the size is large, the number of animal specimens is limited to roughly 200, taking advantage of the spacious design of the hoofed animal areas.The theme of wide open spaces for both animal and public prevails. At one time the zoo boasted a collection of lions, leopards, pumas, and crocodilians, a time when meat was the cheapest food available and federal restrictions were few. Today the zoo features a greater variety of animals, many are small and most are grazers. All are compatible with the Kansas climate and with the zoo's limited budget.Zoos are important. The modern zoo is a living book. Animals of other parts of the world seen only in pictures can be seen, heard, smelled, and sometimes touched. Even common animals seen in the wild can be observed at close range with graphics, signs, or tour guides pointing out individual identifying characteristics.Largest of all animals ever residing at Ralph Mitchell zoo was Susie the elephant, obtained in 1956 at the age of 4. She moved on to Portland, Oregon in 1974, being replaced by Lois, another 4 year old.</p>		</div>
		

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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118

Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]
Code Context
            <?php if (!$nowrapper):  // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
                    include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp'
$dataForView = array(
	'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Riverside Park and Ralph Mitchell Zoo</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>1736 N 5th Street</div>
											<div>
							<span>Independence</span>,
							<span>KS</span>
												<span>67301</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://independenceks.gov/199/Park-Zoo" target="_blank">Riverside Park and Ralph Mitchell Zoo</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 620-332-2512</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Riverside+Park+and+Ralph+Mitchell+Zoo%2C+1736+N+5th+Street%2C+Independence%2C+KS+67301" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>Zoo History:Ralph Mitchell Zoo, named after one-time mayor and long-time Park Board Chairman Ralph Mitchell, has been the top drawing card of Riverside Park since the zoo's origin in 1925. Like many U.S. zoos, development took a major jump in the 1930's assisted by WPA labor with the addition of a new monkey house, swan pool, and one of the first monkey island (1932) in the U.S. The zoo today covers over half of the park's 106 acres. Although the size is large, the number of animal specimens is limited to roughly 200, taking advantage of the spacious design of the hoofed animal areas.The theme of wide open spaces for both animal and public prevails. At one time the zoo boasted a collection of lions, leopards, pumas, and crocodilians, a time when meat was the cheapest food available and federal restrictions were few. Today the zoo features a greater variety of animals, many are small and most are grazers. All are compatible with the Kansas climate and with the zoo's limited budget.Zoos are important. The modern zoo is a living book. Animals of other parts of the world seen only in pictures can be seen, heard, smelled, and sometimes touched. Even common animals seen in the wild can be observed at close range with graphics, signs, or tour guides pointing out individual identifying characteristics.Largest of all animals ever residing at Ralph Mitchell zoo was Susie the elephant, obtained in 1956 at the age of 4. She moved on to Portland, Oregon in 1974, being replaced by Lois, another 4 year old.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/independence-ks/report/place/riverside-park-and-ralph-mitchell-zoo-independence-ks.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
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    <style>
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        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
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</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/independence-ks/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/independence-ks/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Independence</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Independence</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-yoga-with-sea-change-yoga-november-2024-dwn5382699b.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-CLASS-IN-GENTLE-CHAIR-YOGA">A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 7:30&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-pryor-ok-c25650.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-FIRST-UMC">AARP Smart Driver™: First Umc</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 8:30&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">First Umc</p>
					<p class="loc">Pryor, OK</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-112224-lfnfsg5wz8g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 9:00&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/independence-ks/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
		</div>
	</div>
</div>


<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-INDEPENDENCE-KS">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-INDEPENDENCE-KS">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper">
                    
                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'});
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                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="module-spacer text-center">
<div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Kansas Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Kansas Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPKS" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true">
	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPKS" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPKS">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>

 
<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Kansas</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:KSAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">KSAARP@aarp.org </a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/kansas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Kansas</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-4/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-INDEPENDENCE-KS" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
</div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPKS" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://twitter.com/AARPKS" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a>



</div>
</div>

</div></div>
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			window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href');
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<meta content="Zoo History:Ralph Mitchell Zoo, named after one-time mayor and long-time Park Board Chairman Ralph Mitchell, has been the top drawing card of Riverside Park" name="description"/>
<meta content="Riverside, Park, Ralph, Mitchell, Zoo, Independence, KS" name="keywords"/>
<link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/riverside-park-and-ralph-mitchell-zoo-independence-ks.html" />
<meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/riverside-park-and-ralph-mitchell-zoo-independence-ks.html"/>
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$content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout">
	<div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box">
	<div class="module-spacer">
		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Riverside Park and Ralph Mitchell Zoo</h1></header>

		<div class="row">
			<div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer">
				<p>
					<div>
											<div>1736 N 5th Street</div>
											<div>
							<span>Independence</span>,
							<span>KS</span>
												<span>67301</span>
											</div>
					</div>
				</p>
								<div>
					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://independenceks.gov/199/Park-Zoo" target="_blank">Riverside Park and Ralph Mitchell Zoo</a>
								</div>
												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 620-332-2512</div>
				
			</div>
			<div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer">
				<iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Riverside+Park+and+Ralph+Mitchell+Zoo%2C+1736+N+5th+Street%2C+Independence%2C+KS+67301" allowfullscreen> </iframe>
			</div>
		</div>


				<div class="module-spacer clearfix">
						<p>Zoo History:Ralph Mitchell Zoo, named after one-time mayor and long-time Park Board Chairman Ralph Mitchell, has been the top drawing card of Riverside Park since the zoo's origin in 1925. Like many U.S. zoos, development took a major jump in the 1930's assisted by WPA labor with the addition of a new monkey house, swan pool, and one of the first monkey island (1932) in the U.S. The zoo today covers over half of the park's 106 acres. Although the size is large, the number of animal specimens is limited to roughly 200, taking advantage of the spacious design of the hoofed animal areas.The theme of wide open spaces for both animal and public prevails. At one time the zoo boasted a collection of lions, leopards, pumas, and crocodilians, a time when meat was the cheapest food available and federal restrictions were few. Today the zoo features a greater variety of animals, many are small and most are grazers. All are compatible with the Kansas climate and with the zoo's limited budget.Zoos are important. The modern zoo is a living book. Animals of other parts of the world seen only in pictures can be seen, heard, smelled, and sometimes touched. Even common animals seen in the wild can be observed at close range with graphics, signs, or tour guides pointing out individual identifying characteristics.Largest of all animals ever residing at Ralph Mitchell zoo was Susie the elephant, obtained in 1956 at the age of 4. She moved on to Portland, Oregon in 1974, being replaced by Lois, another 4 year old.</p>		</div>
		

	<div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;">
                <form method="post" action="/independence-ks/report/place/riverside-park-and-ralph-mitchell-zoo-independence-ks.html">
        <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button>
    </form>
        
            </div>

    <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. 
    </div>
    <style>
    .report_button_message {
        color: #333;
        font-size: 12px;
        clear: both;
    }
    </style>
		
	</div>
</div>
</div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750">
<a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" 
	href="/independence-ks/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" 
	alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" 
	src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a>
</div></div></div>
	<div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default-->
<!-- module_RHS - AARP Events -->

<div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer">
	<header>
		<div class="pull-right">
			<a href="/independence-ks/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">
				<img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" />
			</a>
		</div>
		<h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Independence</h2>
		<h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Independence</h2>
	</header>
	<div class="wrap">
		<div class="ar-listing snippet">
			<ul class="list">
				<li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-yoga-with-sea-change-yoga-november-2024-dwn5382699b.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-CLASS-IN-GENTLE-CHAIR-YOGA">A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 7:30&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-pryor-ok-c25650.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-FIRST-UMC">AARP Smart Driver™: First Umc</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 8:30&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">First Umc</p>
					<p class="loc">Pryor, OK</p>
					
				</li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1">

					
					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-112224-lfnfsg5wz8g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 9:00&nbsp;a.m. CT</p>
					<p class="venue">Zoom</p>
					<p class="loc">Online Event</p>
					
				</li>			</ul>

			<p><a class="link-red" href="/independence-ks/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
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                    <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250">
                        
                         
                            <script type="text/javascript">
                                if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){
                                  AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'});
                                }
                            </script>
                         
                    </div>
                </div>
<div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;">
	<img class="img-responsive image" 
		title="image of two AARP membership cards"
		alt="image of two AARP membership cards" 
		src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png">
	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
	<ul class="list">
		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
		<li>FREE second membership</li>
	</ul>
	<div class="action">
		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-INDEPENDENCE-KS">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-INDEPENDENCE-KS">Renew</a> or 
			<a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div>
	</div>
</div>
<style>
.membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;}
.membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; }
</style>
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                                }
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                    </div>
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	<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPKS" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPKS">Facebook</a></blockquote>
</div>
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<header>
<h2>Contact AARP<br />Kansas</h2>
</header>
<div class="wrap">

<div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer">
<ul class="list-unstyled">
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:KSAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">KSAARP@aarp.org </a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/kansas/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Kansas</a></li>
<li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-4/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-INDEPENDENCE-KS" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li>


</ul>
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							<span>Independence</span>,
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												<span>67301</span>
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						<p>Zoo History:Ralph Mitchell Zoo, named after one-time mayor and long-time Park Board Chairman Ralph Mitchell, has been the top drawing card of Riverside Park since the zoo's origin in 1925. Like many U.S. zoos, development took a major jump in the 1930's assisted by WPA labor with the addition of a new monkey house, swan pool, and one of the first monkey island (1932) in the U.S. The zoo today covers over half of the park's 106 acres. Although the size is large, the number of animal specimens is limited to roughly 200, taking advantage of the spacious design of the hoofed animal areas.The theme of wide open spaces for both animal and public prevails. At one time the zoo boasted a collection of lions, leopards, pumas, and crocodilians, a time when meat was the cheapest food available and federal restrictions were few. Today the zoo features a greater variety of animals, many are small and most are grazers. All are compatible with the Kansas climate and with the zoo's limited budget.Zoos are important. The modern zoo is a living book. Animals of other parts of the world seen only in pictures can be seen, heard, smelled, and sometimes touched. Even common animals seen in the wild can be observed at close range with graphics, signs, or tour guides pointing out individual identifying characteristics.Largest of all animals ever residing at Ralph Mitchell zoo was Susie the elephant, obtained in 1956 at the age of 4. She moved on to Portland, Oregon in 1974, being replaced by Lois, another 4 year old.</p>		</div>
		

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										<a href="http://independenceks.gov/199/Park-Zoo" target="_blank">Riverside Park and Ralph Mitchell Zoo</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 620-332-2512</div>
				
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						<p>Zoo History:Ralph Mitchell Zoo, named after one-time mayor and long-time Park Board Chairman Ralph Mitchell, has been the top drawing card of Riverside Park since the zoo's origin in 1925. Like many U.S. zoos, development took a major jump in the 1930's assisted by WPA labor with the addition of a new monkey house, swan pool, and one of the first monkey island (1932) in the U.S. The zoo today covers over half of the park's 106 acres. Although the size is large, the number of animal specimens is limited to roughly 200, taking advantage of the spacious design of the hoofed animal areas.The theme of wide open spaces for both animal and public prevails. At one time the zoo boasted a collection of lions, leopards, pumas, and crocodilians, a time when meat was the cheapest food available and federal restrictions were few. Today the zoo features a greater variety of animals, many are small and most are grazers. All are compatible with the Kansas climate and with the zoo's limited budget.Zoos are important. The modern zoo is a living book. Animals of other parts of the world seen only in pictures can be seen, heard, smelled, and sometimes touched. Even common animals seen in the wild can be observed at close range with graphics, signs, or tour guides pointing out individual identifying characteristics.Largest of all animals ever residing at Ralph Mitchell zoo was Susie the elephant, obtained in 1956 at the age of 4. She moved on to Portland, Oregon in 1974, being replaced by Lois, another 4 year old.</p>		</div>
		

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		<header><h1 class="article-headline">Riverside Park and Ralph Mitchell Zoo</h1></header>

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											<div>1736 N 5th Street</div>
											<div>
							<span>Independence</span>,
							<span>KS</span>
												<span>67301</span>
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					<i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> 
										<a href="http://independenceks.gov/199/Park-Zoo" target="_blank">Riverside Park and Ralph Mitchell Zoo</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 620-332-2512</div>
				
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						<p>Zoo History:Ralph Mitchell Zoo, named after one-time mayor and long-time Park Board Chairman Ralph Mitchell, has been the top drawing card of Riverside Park since the zoo's origin in 1925. Like many U.S. zoos, development took a major jump in the 1930's assisted by WPA labor with the addition of a new monkey house, swan pool, and one of the first monkey island (1932) in the U.S. The zoo today covers over half of the park's 106 acres. Although the size is large, the number of animal specimens is limited to roughly 200, taking advantage of the spacious design of the hoofed animal areas.The theme of wide open spaces for both animal and public prevails. At one time the zoo boasted a collection of lions, leopards, pumas, and crocodilians, a time when meat was the cheapest food available and federal restrictions were few. Today the zoo features a greater variety of animals, many are small and most are grazers. All are compatible with the Kansas climate and with the zoo's limited budget.Zoos are important. The modern zoo is a living book. Animals of other parts of the world seen only in pictures can be seen, heard, smelled, and sometimes touched. Even common animals seen in the wild can be observed at close range with graphics, signs, or tour guides pointing out individual identifying characteristics.Largest of all animals ever residing at Ralph Mitchell zoo was Susie the elephant, obtained in 1956 at the age of 4. She moved on to Portland, Oregon in 1974, being replaced by Lois, another 4 year old.</p>		</div>
		

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							<span>Independence</span>,
							<span>KS</span>
												<span>67301</span>
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										<a href="http://independenceks.gov/199/Park-Zoo" target="_blank">Riverside Park and Ralph Mitchell Zoo</a>
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												<div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 620-332-2512</div>
				
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						<p>Zoo History:Ralph Mitchell Zoo, named after one-time mayor and long-time Park Board Chairman Ralph Mitchell, has been the top drawing card of Riverside Park since the zoo's origin in 1925. Like many U.S. zoos, development took a major jump in the 1930's assisted by WPA labor with the addition of a new monkey house, swan pool, and one of the first monkey island (1932) in the U.S. The zoo today covers over half of the park's 106 acres. Although the size is large, the number of animal specimens is limited to roughly 200, taking advantage of the spacious design of the hoofed animal areas.The theme of wide open spaces for both animal and public prevails. At one time the zoo boasted a collection of lions, leopards, pumas, and crocodilians, a time when meat was the cheapest food available and federal restrictions were few. Today the zoo features a greater variety of animals, many are small and most are grazers. All are compatible with the Kansas climate and with the zoo's limited budget.Zoos are important. The modern zoo is a living book. Animals of other parts of the world seen only in pictures can be seen, heard, smelled, and sometimes touched. Even common animals seen in the wild can be observed at close range with graphics, signs, or tour guides pointing out individual identifying characteristics.Largest of all animals ever residing at Ralph Mitchell zoo was Susie the elephant, obtained in 1956 at the age of 4. She moved on to Portland, Oregon in 1974, being replaced by Lois, another 4 year old.</p>		</div>
		

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