It was a bit warm Sunday, but the heat did not stop residents from passing through the David Traylor Zoo to get a behind-the-scenes look at the Emporia staple’s operations.
The zoo hosted its annual open house with more than 170 individuals stopping by during the event, according to Zoo Director Brenda Young. Young says she is always happy to see residents take advantage of this unique experience, saying it helps to remove some of the questions and curiosities that can accompany a trip to a zoo.
The event took place while temperatures were in the low to mid 90s and heat index readings were at or above 100. Rather than being a cause for cancellation or alteration, Young says this was a great opportunity to get other city departments involved, including the Emporia Fire Department, who were on hand with their “cooling cart” to help residents beat the heat.
Young also says this was a great chance for residents to gain a better understanding of just how hard zoo staff work and the conditions they do it in day in and day out, 365 days a year.
Young also says the afternoon provided time to remind residents of the various summer camps the zoo is hosting throughout the remainder of the month into July.
For more information on the David Traylor Zoo, upcoming activities and more, be sure to visit Emporiazoo.org or find the David Traylor Zoo on Facebook.
