Public Lands Director Scott Keeler & Zoo Supervisor Ashley Burdick announced Thursday afternoon, June 11, that the zoo was closed for the day. The last-minute decision was made because of “a few maintenance issues and transportation of animals.” 

Shortly after 5 p.m., zoo officials announced that the bison for the new exhibit have arrived. A video was posted on the zoo’s Facebook page (facebook.com/greatbendzoo).

“We closed abruptly just to provide a more calm situation for the bison to settle in to their new enclosure and to make sure everything was safe for them and our visitors,” zoo officials posted. “The sidewalk around the bison will be closed and we ask that you respect the barricades while they settle in to their new home. We’ll let everyone know when they’re ready for visitors. Until then you can see them from the road. We just ask that you refrain from any loud noises or yelling to them so as not to scare them.”

Keeler apologized for any inconvenience caused by the zoo’s unannounced closure. “We know people are excited about exploring the zoo again. However, the safety of our staff, our animals and the public is our utmost concern. We look forward to resuming regular hours (Friday).” 

For more information call the Public Lands Department, 620-793-4111, or watch the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo Facebook page for updates.