Hutchinson Zoo
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — You might have noticed that in the past few weeks there have been some small changes in the zoo. Earlier this summer, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Inspection Team came out for a site visit (we get re-accredited every 5 years). During this visit, they made some recommendations for us to further improve the zoo.
Two of those recommendations were adding shade for the animals in the mini farm and aviary as well as creating more habitat opportunities for some of our species. The Visiting Committee are peers from other AZA institutions. It is always great to have some different eyes on the zoo from professionals that haven't been to our zoo before. Having fresh eyes also helps us see new solutions that we might not have thought of to improve the well being of the animals in our collection.
For example, we switched our swift fox/ringtail habitats. Previously, the swift fox exhibit had underutilized vertical space. On the other hand, our ringtail cats are excellent climbers. Although their habitat had some vertical space it has more horizontal space which is better for the swift foxes. Making the switch was a perfect fit for both pairs and they have been settling in quite nicely. Next time you visit the zoo, be sure to keep an eye out for our swift foxes and ringtail cats in their new homes.