The David Traylor Zoo opened its doors to the public in a special way with the Friends of the Zoo’s annual open house Sunday.
EFOZ Board Chair Bobby Thompson tells KVOE the zoo is now gaining international attention, thanks to other large-scale events hosted in Emporia.
Thompson credited Zoo Director Lisa Keith for her leadership of the zoo. For her part, says the zoo wouldn’t be as successful as it has been if was not for the support of the city of Emporia and the Friends of the Zoo, including the EFOZ support of the Oasis capital campaign that is now nearing an end. Construction will start soon, and Keith says the zoo will have major renovations installed by next year’s open house.
Education Coordinator Michelle Sagers says the zoo’s goal is to inspire people to respect wildlife and to make a difference for our planet.
The risk of thunderstorms shortened the event an hour, but people attending were still able to see the normal zoo exhibits, with kids also taking part in different special activities. The zoo also opened its off-exhibit area for the only time of the year so people could get a closer look at animals that aren’t out for display or may be in the breeding process. As part of that, people could also see the diet kitchen, veterinary building and quarantine facility.
Photos by Chuck Samples/KVOE News
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