The Nex-Tech Wine in the Wild event on Sept. 26 raised $7,248 for the Great Bend Zoological Society, according to sponsors.
The money came from the sale of tickets and from a silent auction with items donated by local businesses and community members. Even the animals contributed some original art.
Adults enjoyed an evening stroll through the Great Bend-Brit Spaugh Zoo, sampling six different wines from Rosewood Winery and food from around the world by Bernard’s Catering. There was live music from the Little Big Band and a S’more bar.
Zookeepers were on hand to talk about the animals. It was also one of the last times for people to see the arctic fox kits born in the spring, as they will soon be sent to other zoos. (Until they go to their new homes, the remaining foxes are on display in the Raptor Center at the zoo.)
Everyone received a souvenir wine glass to remember the event.
 
New faces
In other zoo news, Director of Public Lands Scott Keeler said two people have been hired to fill vacant positions. George Stevenson Jr. in a zookeeper with experience at the Topeka Zoo and the St. Louis Zoo. Rebecca Harmison is in customer service at the Raptor Center. Originally from Dighton, she is a freshman at Barton Community College.
Keeler said the zoo staff are busy this week getting ready for a state labor inspection.

Coming up
• Zoo Boo: 6-8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24
• Poppy turns 1 on Oct. 10