Apr 07, 2023

Great Bend zoo to add bobcats to their collection

Posted Apr 07, 2023 12:01 PM

By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post

One of the most frequent questions that Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo Curator Ashley Burdick receives is, “When are we getting new animals?” Burdick said most of the exhibits are full, but with the recent passing of the zoo’s bald eagle, there are two bobcats the zoo will be adding. The two bobcats came from the Milford Nature Center near Junction City.

"One of the bobcats had some injuries and wasn't going to be releasable," said Burdick. "The younger one was an orphan and was a little too accustom to people. They're like a giant housecat but do have claws and teeth. They do really well in our winters and seem to manage the summers fine."

Burdick said the bobcats are currently off exhibit, but the animals will be on display once zoo staff can install benches and other structures for them to climb on. Burdick expects the exhibit renovations to be complete in a couple of weeks.