ZooMontana recently received a $10,000 grant from The Sample Foundation to aid in the pavement of the zoo trails.
This project had been started several years ago but the zoo was lacking additional funds to complete the project. The trails had been lined with mulch and for many zoo visitors such as elderly, handicapped and those with small children it was extremely difficult to navigate their way to seeing the magnificent tigers, adorable red pandas and beautiful sika deer. Even wearing sandals to the zoo was a rather uncomfortable experience. Now you can easily glide your way to the tigers barefooted if you wanted.
“None of this would have been possible without the generosity of the community” Jackie Worstell, Zoo Director, stated. The project was made possible through the combined efforts and donations of; the zoo staff, Rotary Club volunteers and grant, JTL, ExxonMobil, Tractor and Equipment and The Sample Foundation. “ Together they have made it possible for all our guests to thoroughly enjoy the entire zoo.” Worstell added.
The zoo hopes to add a restroom to the back part of the zoo in the future which would also make it more visitor friendly. “We want to conintue to expand the zoo but we also need to ensure we are financially able to add an exhibit and make logical choices for our visitors.” Worstell said. “As it is right now we have no restroom facility in the back part of the zoo which is accessible for our handicapped guests or parents whom need a changing or hand washing station. Guests currently needing those facilities have to make a fairly long hike back to the main building so this is a priority for our planning committee.”
If you haven’t been to the zoo in a while come on out and see the new trails as well as the progress on the Bear Meadows exhibit which is set to open late spring, early summer.
