Brit Spaugh Zoo will introduce its newest animals, including two baby chinchillas, during the Great Bend Zoological Society’s annual meeting, set for 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, at the Zoo & Raptor Center, 2123 Main. There will also be refreshments and about 20 door prizes to give away – and you don’t have to be a member to attend, said Joe Cannon, president of the Zoo Society.
“We’re trying to get people there so we can boost our membership,” Cannon said. The Zoo Society meets once a month and the cost is $25 a year for an individual or a family. Membership comes with some benefits, including discounts at the gift shop and at some other zoos that charge admission. Entry to Great Bend’s Brit Spaugh Zoo is free, but members are the first people outside of zoo staff to see new animals.
In addition to membership benefits, money raised by the Zoo Society helps the zoo get new animals, either by purchasing them or paying for shipping costs. “Our money is 100 percent for the zoo,” Cannon said.
Zoo Society members also help out at zoo events, such as the Zoo Boo that will take place Saturday, Oct. 26. Members can also vote at board meetings, and run for positions on the board. Two openings will be filled at Thursday’s annual meeting.
Zoo Director Scott Gregory said the new chinchillas were born about a week ago. He’s looking forward to seeing Zoo Society members and prospective members.
“We’ve got a lot of prizes to give away,” he said, noting gift cards, animal paintings and other items were all donated for this event. “We’ll be making some pretty big announcements on some new animals,” the director added.