The Emporia Gazette

May 27, 2012

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If you’ve been hoping for an inside pass to the David Traylor Zoo, Sunday will be your chance during the annual open house.

The zoo will be open from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday and will be filled not only with animals but a host of activities as well. The zoo will be closed until 3 p.m. Sunday in preparation. The Emporia Friends of the Zoo sponsors an open house each year around the third weekend in June, said Steve Trebilcock, zoo director. The event is held in June because the zoo animals are all active and it’s not too hot yet. The Zoo Education Center will be open as well.

“People can come look at the plant life,” Trebilcock said, as he pointed to lush green plants around the zoo. “Everything out here is busting forward.”

Trebilcock enjoys the area near the bald eagles. The area by the lilies is one of his favorite spots.

“The water lilies bloom all year long,” he said.

One of the special features of the open house is it’s the one day of the year the public gets the opportunity to take a peek into the holding area, which houses animals that are not on display.

“All the new stuff comes in back there,” Trebilcock said. “People can go back and see. ...”

The zoo also will have lots of activities and stations scattered throughout. Hot dogs, popcorn and drinks will be for sale, as will zoo-related merchandise. US Cellular will be on hand with their mascot and will be taking pictures to give to guests. Herpetologists from Emporia State University will be talking about reptiles and amphibians.

“2008 is the Year of the Frog, to bring awareness of the plight of reptiles and amphibians,” Trebilcock said.

The zoo boasts several new features, including a new rock wall in the lion’s cage and a recycling pool that keeps the water fresh. Five species of animals that are on the Species Survival Plan are housed at Emporia’s zoo, including Black Eurasian Vultures, Cotton-topped tamarins, collared lemurs, black and white lemurs and the ring-tailed lemur. These animals are on loan to the zoo and breeding recommendations are made to the zoo based on genetic history of each animal.

Back in the holding area, there are several types of animals — big and small. The area boasts a new building, which will be used for veterinarian services. Trebilcock said the city of Emporia paid for the building and Hastco Construction donated its services to put it up. The Friends of the Zoo paid for all the cage-work for the holding area.