Get ready for a “really big announcement” at Brit Spaugh Zoo.
That’s what Zoo Director Scott Gregory has planned for this evening, at the annual Great Bend Zoo Society meeting. The zoo has lost some beloved animals this year, but tonight he’ll announce some of the new animals that will be coming soon.
The Zoo Society has opened its meeting to the public, so anyone can attend at no charge, said Joe Cannon, president. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at the zoo’s Raptor Center. There will be refreshments, some door prizes and the latest zoo news. Those who attend will also get to see some of the newer animals, include two baby chinchillas.
Gregory has previously announced plans to acquire a serval cat from New Zealand, which is expected to arrive in a couple of weeks. He also said the zoo is expecting the female agouti to give birth soon. But there are at least four more animals he expects to bring to the zoo before the year is out. “There are two species – brothers and sisters – all born in January,” he said Wednesday. That’s all he’s revealing until tonight.

AZA inspection
Gregory also discussed continuing efforts for Great Bend’s zoo to become accredited by the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Next week, Stacie Johnson from Living Desert Zoo in California will visit Great Bend on behalf of the AZA, and conduct a detailed inspection.
“He’s our (AZA) mentor,” Gregory said. So, while Johnson’s inspection won’t be for accreditation, it will be a realistic drill in anticipation of the next official inspection in 2014. “This will give us an idea where we are for next year.”
Staff and volunteers alike have been hard at work, focusing on maintenance projects such as painting fences and installing a new glass panel in the Snake House. “This weekend, volunteers from the Bank of America will be here to pressure clean, to help up get ready for the inspection,” Gregory said.

Zoo Boo
Gregory said staff and volunteers are also preparing for the Zoo Boo on Oct. 26. Anyone who would like to have a booth or hand out candy should contact the zoo.