FORD COUNTY — Wright Park Zoo, 71 N 2nd Avenue in Dodge City is closing to the public after Sunday, September 18, until further notice, according to a statement from the city.
Zoo staff is working to find temporary and sanctuary homes that will provide nurturing and safe facilities for the animals.
Shakira, the zoo’s Siberian tiger, is one of the animals that will be permanently moved later in September at the Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary in Missouri. The sanctuary is a nonprofit big cat rescue and educational facility.
The City was ready to kick off the ‘Redo the Zoo’ Masterplan just prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in a lengthy set back, according to the city.
The anticipated cost for the multi-phase project was $4.4 million of which the City Commission originally considered committing $2 million. Currently, staff is evaluating options for the plan and working to secure public/private partnerships to assist with funding or in-kind donations for the project.
The Dodge City City Commission will consider the future direction of the zoo as part of the 2023 budget planning process. The budget will be approved at a special meeting on Monday, Sept. 26.