UMKC Partners With the Kansas City Zoo

Explore the new partnership between two institutions with shared history and a long-standing commitment to the community.

UMKC mascot, KC Roo poses with a cutout of UMKC's original Roo mascot illustrated by Walt Disney.

Roos and the Zoo

The connection between UMKC and the Kansas City Zoo dates to 1936 when UMKC students, inspired by the excitement surrounding the arrival of a baby kangaroo at the Zoo, settled on the Roo as the university’s new mascot. In 2023, we made that connection official with a partnership celebrating our shared missions of education and community.

Improving the Zoo Experience

Learn how our partnership makes a beloved Kansas City attraction an even more appealing destination for visitors.

Two visitors walk down one of the accessible pathways at the zoo.

Accessible pathway renovations

UMKC’s sponsorship of the Zoo has funded new, accessible pathways throughout the Australia exhibit, making all the continent’s animals easier for everyone to view.

Two zoo visitors look at an infographic installed near the kangaroo exhibit at the Kansas City Zoo.

Interactive educational displays

In year two, UMKC will host interactive displays where children can learn about kangaroos and their habitat.

UMKC mascot, KC Roo, poses with zoo visitors in front of the kangaroo exhibit at the Kansas City Zoo.

UMKC-sponsored events

Over the course of the partnership, UMKC will sponsor zoo-related events for the public and university students, faculty and staff. Follow us on Facebook for updates!

KC roo mascot poses with two zoo visitors during Roo Day at the Zoo.

Perks for the UMKC Community

Visitors aren't the only beneficiaries of this exciting partnership. These perks allow us to spread the love to UMKC students, faculty, staff and their families and friends. Just show your UMKC ID to take advantage of these extras!

Exclusive membership discount

Receive an exclusive discount when you purchase a Friends of the Zoo annual premiere membership.

Group ticket rate

Planning to visit the zoo with your family and friends? Benefit from a special group ticket rate on group sales.

Roo Day at the Zoo

Join us for "Roo Day at the Zoo" — an event we host each year to show our appreciation for all the Roos out there.

Educational Opportunities for Students

The benefits for UMKC students don't stop there. Our School of Dentistry students regularly use their dental hygiene skills to clean animals' teeth, while our biology students observe the animals to learn about anatomy. These experiences leave everyone smiling, including the animals.

Kansas City is Our Classroom

Our students, faculty and graduates can be found across the city, learning at and leading organizations in diverse areas of business, industry, research and study. Learn more about our other community partnerships, alumni network and academic programs, and see how we’re making an impact.

Community partnerships

Explore our partnerships with other area organizations.

UMKC Alumni

Our alumni can be found throughout the region and world. Discover our network of talented graduates.

Academics

UMKC offers diverse and highly regarded academic programs in more than 125 areas of study. Learn more about our offerings.

A retro illustration of Mickey Mouse shaking hands with KC Roo — two characters illustrated by Walt Disney.

Evolution of the Roo

Want to learn more about how UMKC ended up with a mascot that hails from the other side of the world? We hinted at it earlier, but the full story is even more intriguing — and spoiler — it involves the creator of a certain mouse named Mickey.

Read the story