Learn more about Great Bend by following the links below:

Brit Spaugh

Address: 3007 10th Street
Great Bend, KS 67530
Telephone Number: 620.792.2750

Website: www.visitgreatbend.com/Brit_Spaugh_Zoo.asp
Email Address: information@visitgreatbend.com

About this Exploration:

Brit Spaugh didn't have much money and neither did Great Bend.  But as World War II drew to a close, the Navy veteran returned home with the idea to create a zoo and park that would delight area children. Within two decades, Spaugh would receive national attention for his zoo. Spaugh was appointed park supervisor in 1935.  In 1953, the zoo began with two deer.  By 1960, there were more than 500 animals.  The zoo is still one of the big attractions in Great Bend.  It has evolved into a 46-acre park that features more than 100 types of mammals, bird, reptiles and insects. Spaugh was born August 13, 1901 in Forsyth County, N.C.  His family moved to Great Bend when he was still an infant and ran Spaugh Grocery.  Spaugh died Nov. 2, 1966.