The Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo will be open for its regular hours on the Fourth of July, Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Zoo Director Ashley Burdick said the animals will all have access to their indoor areas due to the loud noises going on all day.
Admission to the zoo is always free and it is open seven days a week. Even if some animals stay inside and out of view, there is plenty to see in the Raptor Center, which includes aquariums, exhibits, wagon rental and a gift shop.
Bathe a Bear
The Great Bend Zoological Society is hosting a Bathe a Bear fundraiser at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 12th. Here’s your opportunity to give the grizzly bears Pooh and Piglet a bath. “It’s their favorite activity!” Burdick said. Tickets are $10 for non-members and $5 for members of the Zoo Society. Tickets and memberships can be purchased the day of the event at the zoo.
Burdick explained how Bathe a Bear is conducted at a safe distance, with visitors staying outside of the bear enclosure.
“Those who participate get a chance to spray the bears with the hose. Pooh and Piglet love to play in the hose just like kids.” There will also be opportunities to slingshot food to the bears.
The length of time and number of tickets available will be dependent on bear participation.
Honoring Mike Malone
“We would like to take a moment to express our appreciation for Dr. Mike Malone’s over four decades (46 years) of service to the Zoo and the animals that reside here,” Burdick noted on the Zoo’s Facebook page. “He will be greatly missed, but we hope he enjoys his retirement! Dr. Jackie Corbett has worked with Dr. Malone here at the zoo for the last 26 years and will continue to provide the same high level of care the animals deserve. We are also excited to welcome our new partnership with Animal Medical Center, which will add their expertise to our veterinary program. Our goal is always to provide the absolute best care possible to the animals that call the zoo home!”
“Dr. Jackie and Lorrie Ruble (RVT) from Animal Care Hospital will work with Dr. Ty Brunswig at Animal Medical Center to continue providing the animals topnotch health care,” she added.
