Clay Center Utility Park and Zoo

Specific Need

To continue to raise funds for the reconstruction of the Clay Center Public Utility Commission Zoo.

Current Projects:

Cheeta Exhibit

Wallaby Exhibit

Entry Building with Education Center and Restrooms    

Mission

Our goal is to build spacious exhibits that include natural habitat and enrichment that is enjoyable for our animals, but also provides a pleasant experience to the observer at no cost.     

Profile

The Public Utility Zoo began with a pair of wild ducks in the early 1950’s.  In the late 1950’s the PUC started construction of the zoo in Utility Park.  Over the decades, the zoo became a rescue facility for many native animals.  The zoo went underwent renovation in the 1980’s and then again in 2000.  In 2016, The Clay Center Public Utility Commission made the decision to move forward with constructing a new zoo.  The Commission can afford the day to day operations of running and maintaining the zoo; however, it cannot withstand the costs of constructing new facilities.  Due to the generosity of the public, the Commission has received enough funds to complete a retaining wall, sewer lift station, animal maintenance building, bear exhibit, small primate exhibit.  At this time, two new exhibits are being constructed.  The first exhibit will house Bennet's Wallabies and will be located just east of the new bear exhibit.  The second exhibit will feature cheetahs.  The cheetah exhibit will be located on the west side of the bear exhibit.  Plans also include constructing an entry building with restrooms in the near future.   The Clay Center Zoo has always been and will always be a “no admission fee” zoo.