Brit Spaugh Zoo Grizzly Bear Exhibit

This project involved the renovation and expansion of the Grizzly Bear Exhibit at Brit Spaugh Zoo. Eby is committed to constructing buildings that satisfy all of our clients unique preferences. During zoo construction, we work to not only please our paying customers but the tenants as well. The bears’ new exhibit provides the grizzlies with ample space to run and a salmon stream to fish.

The scope of the project included site fencing, sidewalks, a grizzly bear holding building, climbing structure, salmon stream, den, and viewing/training structures. To create the bear den, the team set a 45,000 lb. 15’ x 8’ x 6’ concrete culvert on the south side of the exhibit, and covered it in large split-stone boulders.

The 600 sf glass viewing area was constructed to overlook the salmon stream so that zoo patrons can actively watch the grizzlies catch fish and play in the water.

For enrichment purposes, decorative elements that replicate the natural environment animals live in were added. Lodge pole pines were used to build custom 4’ tall rough wood fence panels. Eby self-performed the assembly for 105 of these unique panels in Eby’s shop in Wichita using custom-made forms. The fence panels will surround the entire grizzly exhibit, as well as the adjacent bison exhibit.

Inside the fenced area, a large climbing structure was built. Using 20’ long 8” diameter poles. It features a 10’ x 20’ platform with ladder access, an attached climbing maze, and fire hose hammock.