45 Million Views from Goddard, Kansas: How a Stubborn Baby Hippo Taught Us Everything About Viral Tourism Marketing

A family-owned wildlife park outside Wichita didn't hire a PR agency, run a paid campaign, or set out with a viral strategy. What they did have was a six-week-old pygmy hippo who refused to get out of a pool—and the instinct to hit record attendance.

What followed was extraordinary: 45 million views, national television coverage, 800,000 new social media followers, and a surge of visitors traveling from across the country to Goddard, Kansas.

In this entertaining and insightful presentation, LynnLee Schmidt breaks down exactly what they did, what they didn't do, and what this unexpected moment revealed about the one asset every Kansas destination already possesses—but no marketing budget can manufacture: an authentic story worth telling.

About LynnLee Schmidt:
LynnLee Schmidt serves as Chief Operating Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, and Chief of Guest Engagement at Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Goddard, Kansas. In her role, she helps lead strategy, marketing, team culture, and the guest experience for one of the nation's most immersive wildlife parks.

Under her leadership, Tanganyika has evolved into a destination recognized for innovative animal encounters, conservation breeding programs, and an all-inclusive experience designed to create meaningful connections between people and wildlife.

Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Place: Larkspur Bistro & Bar, 904 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita

Please note: Free parking is available in City of Wichita surface lots west and north of Larkspur.

Save $5! Make your reservation by noon Tuesday, August 4 for these early-bird prices:

WPC members $20
Non-Members $25
Students are always $10

No reservation? Walk-in prices:

WPC members $25
Non-Members $30
Students are always $10

WPC monthly meetings support a scholarship fund for Wichita-area students pursuing a career in communications. Every year, WPC provides scholarships of up to $2,000 for Wichita-area college and university students majoring in a communications field. If you feel inspired, make a donation during check-out to help a future communicator!

45 Million Views from Goddard, Kansas

2026 WPC August Luncheon