In some ways, the arrival of a new year has the same effect on me. I am closing the book on the final chapter of the year just passed but a new year is awaiting me with stories that have yet to be written.
When I look back upon Rolling Hills Wildlife Adventure in 2011, there were many interesting chapters. The opening of the Louise C. Averill Veterinary Hospital was certainly a highlight. The hospital and quarantine area have served us well since its opening in March 2011. Dr. Okeson has performed a number of procedures throughout the year, utilizing not only the new treatment and surgical rooms but also the new equipment that was purchased through our fundraising efforts. The quarantine space was quite hectic at times, welcoming a new snow leopard, Clyde the orangutan, wallabies, Gila monsters, and so many more.
As I write this, I can look out my window and see several inches of snow on the ground. It is a far cry from the weather earlier in the year when we dealt with the third hottest summer on record. Thanks to the incredible efforts of our animal staff, the animals all survived the long heat wave.
The new membership pricing that went into effect in January 2011 has proven to be very popular. Park memberships have increased over 30% and member visitation is up nearly 40% over 2010. Members play a vital role in the life of the park and we are thankful for all who have taken advantage of the benefits of our new pricing structure.
The year 2011 has come to a close. 2012 and all of its adventures are still to be explored. Although we don’t know all of what awaits us, we do know a new male Amur leopard will arrive in the near future. Funds have been donated to increase the building size at the coati exhibit so additional animals can be acquired. Plans are underway for many special events and education programs. And there are a number of ideas that are still just that: Ideas. Stay tuned – as those concepts become realities, you’ll be some of the first to know!
As always, the park has a full calendar of special events and education programs scheduled for the year. The popularity of these activities continues to grow. Check the calendar on our website for a full list. If you would like to receive updates about the zoo and upcoming events by email, contact Vickee Spicer at (785) 827-9488 ext. 131, or email: vickee@rollinghillswildlife.com.
Thank you for visiting our website today. We hope you will be able to visit the zoo and museum in 2012. Come for the EXPERIENCE, stay for the FUN!
Kathy Tolbert
RHWA Park Director
The History of Rolling Hills Wildlife Adventure
In the early 1980’s, Salina businessman Charlie Walker purchased a section of ground in western Saline County. A large barn was built to house a number of Belgian horses and Rolling Hills Ranch was born. During the early years, hundreds of schoolchildren visited the “Main Barn” each year to learn about the large draft horses.
In the late 1980’s, Charlie decided to add a few animals to the barn, such as two black bear cubs, a few llamas, and a lioness. The tours were no longer requested only by school groups. Family reunions, class reunions, and other groups were requesting tours of the Main Barn to see these incredible animals. The excitement generated by these animals convinced Charlie that the Salina community and surrounding area would benefit from having a wildlife park.
In 1995, the exotic animal portion of the ranch formally broke its ties with Rolling Hills Ranch and became a private, non-profit foundation dedicated to the conservation and propagation of rare and endangered species. The animal collection, land, and equipment were donated into the newly-formed foundation, Rolling Hills Refuge Wildlife Conservation Center, and construction of the zoo began in earnest. After five years of construction, the zoo opened to the public in the fall of 1999. When guests visit the zoo, they see the animals living in naturalistic exhibits within a beautifully landscaped, yet rural setting. Guests are able to view animals living out their lives with the dignity and respect they deserve.
In 2000, the vision was expanded to include a wildlife museum. A 64,000-square-foot building was constructed. A portion of this building was designated as a conference center that could be rented out for business meetings, receptions, or used for the zoo’s own events. The conference center held its first event in April 2002.
Construction began on the interior portion of the wildlife museum in 2003. Keeping respect of the animals firmly in mind, the museum offers guests a journey around the world while visiting seven different regions such as Africa, North America, the rain forest, and much more. The museum also offers a 2,000-square-foot traveling exhibit area, a children’s exploration room, and a domed ADM Theater. The museum opened to the public in March 2005 and has expanded the educational message of the park by exhibiting animals not found in the zoo and offering a year-round, climate controlled experience for guests.
In 2009, the park underwent an official name change to Rolling Hills Wildlife Adventure. Rolling Hills Wildlife Adventure is a public, non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of wildlife through participation in conservation programs and by providing fun and interactive educational experiences. |
