The Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo continues to work with the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums on species preservation and quality care. Although the zoo is not AZA accredited, the association has entrusted it with a 22-year-old Lar gibbon on the Species Survival Plan.
“Zito” moved here on Nov. 10 from Lincoln (Neb.) Children’s Zoo. He is currently in his 30-day quarantine period. After that the Great Bend Zoological Society and zookeepers will offer some behind-the-scenes, members only opportunities for first viewing.
The Great Bend Zoological Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity providing advocacy and fundraising support for the zoo. Memberships are available at the zoo.
Lar gibbons are native to the rainforests Southeast Asia and are considered endangered due to deforestation. According to RainForest.net, their favorite food is fruit, but they also eat leaves, tree bark, flowers and plant shoots.
Gibbons spend almost all of their time in treetops — even when they sleep — high in the canopy of the rainforest. Adults weigh around 15 pounds. Like all apes, they have no tail. Gibbons typically live 25-40 years.

Calendars
Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo has 2017 calendars for sale. Each page features a full-color photo of one of the zoo’s animals. They may be purchased in the gift shop at the Raptor Center or at the City Office for $15. For those who are out of town, calendars can be mailed for an additional $7 ($22 total). Send a check made out to “Great Bend Zoological Society” to Great Bend Zoo, attention: calendar; 2123 Main St.; Great Bend, KS 67530.
The gift shop has other new items in stock, and visitors can also buy presents for the animals. Stop by the “Christmas for Critters” tree and select an item.