The director of the Brit Spaugh Zoo in Great Bend plans to resign.
Zoo Director Scott Gregory posted a message to his Facebook page Friday evening that he will resign at the end of the year. Gregory was introduced to the Great Bend community in December, 2009.
“I have accepted a position as director of operations for the Wildlife Center of South Florida, which is a state-of-the-art rehabilitation,” Gregory write. “It is quite possibly the largest volume rehab facility in the United States with over 12,000 animals passing through per year. This is a new challenge for me and one that can test and improve my skills and knowledge In the animal field.”
Gregory wrote that will work until the end of the year.
“Of course it was a tough decision to make, but I feel I have brought the zoo as far as I can with the resources I have at my disposal,” he wrote. “Once those resources improve I am sure the zoo will be back on track for accreditation. As of December 31st, 2014, I will step down as director of the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo. It’s been an amazing five years. My family and I have been embraced by the community and many friends in a way we have never felt before.”
Gregory wrote said he will work to best diligence over the next two months to ensure the zoo is in the best possible hands and he intends to help in any capacity after he leaves.
“In the meantime, I am 200 percent dedicated to the zoo, and look to get some last projects finalized before the new year,” he wrote.  “The community has been incredible, I will definitely be back to visit, as my family and I have made very close friends here. Thank you all for your support and its not a goodbye — it’s a “Catch Ya’ Later.”
Born in England, Gregory came to the United States at age 13.  When he had trouble making friends, he agreed to a suggestion and took up bowling as a avocation. He considered a career as a professional bowler and managed a bowling center when he was 18 years old.
He majored in business and bowling management at Vincennes University, Ind.
But throwing a 15-pound ball for several hours a day took its toll physically. Contemplating surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, Gregory took stock of his priorities and changed his major to zoology.
That decision eventually took him to Florida and the Santa Fe Community College Teaching Zoo.
“It’s basically the only school in the world that has a zoo on campus,” he said.
Along with nurturing his love for animals, the Santa Fee Teaching Zoo introduced him to the love of his life, future wife Carin, who is also a zoologist. They worked together at Wild Adventures Water and Theme Park, a theme park/zoo in Valdosta, Ga.  
“I was in charge of the big cat collection,” Gregory said. “She got the hoof stock animals.”
The next job for Gregory was director of the Calusa Nature Center in Fort Myers, Fla., a 105-acre preserve.
When the national economic downturn began it hit Florida especially hard, and funding for the wildlife preserve took a hit. Along with state funding cuts, there were also fewer donations from the private sector. As cutbacks began, Gregory started looking for another job.
“I sat down with my wife and said let’s get out of Florida — let’s get out of Dodge. “I applied to hundreds of jobs.”
Then he got laid off, so the family went on vacation to Disney World. During that trip, while standing just a few feet from a parade at the theme park, Gregory received a phone call from Great Bend administrators.