This post is sponsored by Tanganyika Wildlife Park.
Since Tanganyika Wildlife Park opened their doors to the public in 2008, family and big dreams has always been at the core of Tanganyika. Over the years, the park has continued to expand in every way imaginable and takes pride in providing families with opportunities to create unforgettable memories together through interactive animal experiences and family-oriented park features.
Dreams of the Future for Kansas Tourism
When Matt Fouts walks through Tanganyika Wildlife Park, he doesn’t just see the sprawling grounds filled with nearly 1,000 animals; he sees the future of Wichita tourism in Kansas. A future where this midwestern city stands shoulder-to-shoulder with global travel hotspots like Orlando and San Diego. A future where the people of Wichita thrive alongside the animals they’re inspired to protect.
But for Matt, this mission didn’t begin with grand plans or marketing strategies—it began in the barn.
Growing up as the kid with a tiger in his backyard, Matt’s childhood was anything but typical. Days were spent helping care for animals and learning the ropes of what would one day become Tanganyika Wildlife Park. Yet, after graduating from Fort Hays State University, Matt initially pursued a different path, working for his grandparents’ insurance company.
He dreams of family travel in Kansas worthy of international travelers’ attention. LynnLee Schmidt, Tangnayika’s Integrator and COO says, “Wichita Tourism already has a lot to offer. Midwest hospitality makes turning this region into an international travel destination not that far-fetched. Mix in a little Tanganyika magic and you have a recipe for success.”
Unique Animal Experiences & Interactions
From roasting marshmallows in Australia surrounded by kangaroos to swimming with otters in Texas, Matt’s travels have inspired unique experiences at Tanganyika, including upcoming plans for swimming with otters and other groundbreaking animal interactions.
These animal interactions will complement some of the already wildly popular (pun-intended) animal experiences offered like: swimming with the penguins, the giraffe and rhino adventure, and feeding lemurs.
Defying Expectations Through Innovation
Being privately owned means shouldering the burden of feeding and caring for nearly 1000 animals without the safety net of city/county/government funding like most zoos. This independence brings challenges, but it also fuels innovation.
Whether it’s creating interactive animal encounters, designing unique experiences, or building a culture that celebrates personal growth, Tanganyika stands as a testament to Matt’s belief that the park—and Wichita—can defy expectations.
From the barnyard to the boardroom, Matt Fouts is proving that big dreams can take root in the most unexpected places. Tanganyika Wildlife Park isn’t just a local attraction; it’s a launching pad for a brighter future for Wichita tourism, its residents, and the world.
Are you ready to be part of the journey? Visit Tanganyika Wildlife Park and see how one man’s mission is transforming Wichita into an international travel destination.
