Dodge City's history with zoo animals dates back to 1926 when the city acquired two African lions to go with two North American black bears and raccoons that were already on display in Wright Park.  The animal's enclosures were scattered about the park until the mid 1980's when the zoo took its current form, occupying approximately four acres in the southwest portion of the park.  The zoo currently is home to about 126 animals representing 30 or so species from most every continent of the earth and entertains 60,000 visitors a year.  In October of 2010, the zoo gained accreditation with the Zoological Association of America (ZAA).