Topeka Zoo's Eggstravaganza Celebrates 14 Years of Easter Tradition

The annual event features egg hunts for the zoo's animals and a behind-the-scenes look at new residents.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 3:53am

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The Topeka Zoo hosted its 14th annual 'Eggstravaganza' event on April 4, 2026, drawing families to the zoo for Easter egg hunts designed specifically for the animals. The event has become a beloved holiday tradition in the capital city, with the zoo staff spending months preparing over 80 animal-safe eggs for the celebration. Visitors also got a chance to see the zoo's newest residents, two black bear cubs named Taz and Kiona, who are being introduced to the larger bear enclosure.

Why it matters

The Eggstravaganza event is an important part of the Topeka community's Easter celebrations, providing a unique and interactive way for families to experience the zoo and connect with the animals. As a long-standing tradition, the event highlights the zoo's commitment to engaging the public and showcasing its animal residents.

The details

The Eggstravaganza event featured Easter egg hunts designed specifically for the zoo's animals, with staff spending months preparing more than 80 animal-safe eggs for the celebration. Animal Curator Shanna Simpson said the event continues to draw families back year after year, with visitors planning to visit their favorite animals to see the animal Easter egg hunts. The event also provided a behind-the-scenes look at some of the zoo's newest residents, including two black bear cubs named Taz and Kiona, who are being introduced to the larger bear enclosure.

  • The Topeka Zoo hosted its 14th annual 'Eggstravaganza' event on April 4, 2026.
  • The zoo staff spent months preparing more than 80 animal-safe eggs for the celebration.

The players

Shanna Simpson

The Animal Curator at the Topeka Zoo, who said the Eggstravaganza event has become a community tradition that draws families back year after year.

Taz and Kiona

Two black bear cubs recently rescued by the Topeka Zoo, who are being introduced to the larger bear enclosure by the end of the month.

Val

The bear already living in the larger bear enclosure at the Topeka Zoo, who will be introduced to the new cubs Taz and Kiona.

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What they’re saying

“People come, and they plan to go to their favorite animals to see the animal Easter egg hunt.”

— Shanna Simpson, Animal Curator

“It's really fun to see the community know this event and what it is now, and they're just used to it, and it's become part of their family tradition.”

— Shanna Simpson, Animal Curator

What’s next

The zoo staff plans to introduce the new black bear cubs Taz and Kiona into the larger bear enclosure by the end of the month, alongside the bear already living there, Val.

The takeaway

The Topeka Zoo's annual Eggstravaganza event has become a beloved community tradition, providing families with a unique and interactive way to celebrate Easter and connect with the zoo's animal residents. The event's longevity and continued popularity highlight the zoo's commitment to engaging the public and showcasing its diverse animal population.