The Great Bend Zoological Society held its annual meeting in October, recapping some of the zoo’s highlights of the past year. One of the more recent additions was a new catwalk installed in the cougar exhibit. Cougars like to spend time up high and this allows them to use more of the vertical space until there are funds to expand the yard, said Zoo Supervisor/Curator Ashley Burdick. The wooden catwalk spans the entire back length of the exhibit yard.

The zoo has two cougars, Tommie and Tanner, but Tommie is the one who uses the new feature. Tanner is partially blind and it is outside of the area he normally frequents in the yard.

“We are hoping to accomplish a few more projects, (such as) adding new benches and platforms in the cougar yard,” Burdick said. “These will be higher up than their rocks go. Cougars can jump at least 20 feet from a standing position; they are great at jumping. They feel more secure up high as it gives a better vantage point. We are hoping this makes them a bit more comfortable until we can eventually expand their exhibit.”

There’s no time frame for that expansion, however.

“We need the funding prior to being able to do that,” she said. “Our next project is getting the alligator building started.”

Cold weather

When the weather turns cooler, some animals at the zoo may become more active – but if it gets cold enough, they prefer to be indoors, Burdick said. “During last week’s cold spell, we brought the bears inside to bed down for the winter. So far they’ve stayed lazy and sleepy. Depending on the weather they may come back out; it’s up to them what they do.”

In addition to the three younger grizzly bears, the zoo has Max, an older bear that no longer enjoys hanging out with the younger bears.

“Once we know the kids are going to be inside for a longer period, we will let Max have some time in the big yard if he wants to go out.”