The Great Bend Tribune highlights the zoo’s Raptor Center, which helps protect and conserve birds of prey through rehabilitation, education, research, and habitat preservation, and also functions as a raptor rehabilitation center for injured birds. The zoo is open daily and was described as one of the largest free zoos in Kansas, with a focus on conservation programs.
Behind the scenes, staff also manage animal introductions slowly, including gradual introductions for KuneKune pigs Spud and Kumara. Zoo Director Ashley Burdick explained that many species are solitary and that introductions are started with a fence and then progress to shared space only if conditions go well, noting that some pairings may not work.
Because heat can keep animals inside, the zoo encourages visitors to allow extra time to look through exhibits, including among vegetation that provides cover and hiding opportunities. Zoo officials also caution that trying to force introductions that don’t work can be dangerous.