The David Traylor Zoo is seeking community input as it looks to develop new programming for a specific age group.
A community survey went live last week and is currently available on all zoo social media channels, looking for ideas on programming aimed at middle school-aged children, specifically ages 9-14. Zoo Director Brenda Young says when she came on board more than a year ago, it was readily apparent that this was a demographic that had little to no age-specific programming.
While there is no clear picture just yet as to what said programming may look like, Young says she envisions a possible combination of hands-on and classroom-type activities.
The survey will be available now through the end of January, with Young hoping they will have programming developed and ready for rollout by the coming spring. Speaking of which, Young also stated during an interview with KVOE News Tuesday, that the zoo is nearing completion of its King Vulture exhibit expansion, which she anticipates being ready by March, so long as progress continues on schedule.
Young says the expansion, connected to the Oasis Capital Campaign, will increase space by more than 170 percent for the vultures and potentially see them on display year-round.
While updating the project, Young shinted at a pending announcement in the new year regarding a “second phase” or sequel of sorts to the Oasis Capital Campaign. Young didn’t offer many specifics except to say that “the Oasis has been built,” and now they can build off of it.
Young’s appearance on KVOE’s Talk of Emporia Tuesday, came just before the final Zoo Holiday Light Stroll of the season. The stroll will take place from 5 pm to 8 pm Saturday.
For more information on upcoming events or exhibits through the David Traylor Zoo, visit EmporiaZoo.org or find the zoo on social media.
