The City of Great Bend is to announced that Danielle Ricklefs has joined the Brit Spaugh Zoo as the new zoo educator. Ricklefs’ responsibilities will include planning, organizing and implementing educational content for the zoo programs for all ages, updating curricula to meet Kansas Standards and teach various educational programs and presentations.
 “Danielle’s background in education and anthropology makes her the perfect candidate for this job, plus she has relationships with other fellow Kansas zoo educators,” said Zoo Director Scott Gregory. “We are excited to bring such an energetic and motivated individual on board to help drive the message of conservation through education.”
 After graduating from Wichita Heights High School in1996, Ricklefs received a Bachelor’s of Science in Anthropology from Washburn University. She also earned her Master’s Degree in Biological Anthropology.
Ricklefs comes to Great Bend from The Museum of World Treasures in Wichita, where she was education director. In her position with the Museum, she developed and delivered educational programming, coordinated and managed the volunteer department, and coordinated and marketed special events all that will be utilized in her new position at the zoo. Prior to joining the museum, Ricklefs worked as a zookeeper at Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita, and as an education specialist at the Topeka Zoo.
Ricklefs is very excited about the opportunity and move to Great Bend. She mentioned having three phases of goals for the zoo. First, to create relationships with the school and help enhance curriculum with a hands on programs, second, is to create a regular schedule of public programming, and third, is to enhance public events with the zoo and become bigger and better. 
“Great Bend is an amazing community,” she said.  “I’m excited to show how my role with the zoo can grow education and awareness.”
For more information about the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo or the zoo educator,visit www.greatbendzoo.com. Ricklefs can be contacted at 620-793-4226.