To honor longtime Zoo Director Lisa Keith, Emporia Friends of the Zoo created the Lisa Keith Zoo Education Fund.

The purpose of this fund is to provide support for scholarships and for the Zoo’s educational programming at the David Traylor Zoo.

Please consider donating by clicking here

SAGA OF SAMPSON

A Wyoming rancher spotted the abandoned cub sitting alone along the side of the road, and when he saw him there again the next day, he picked the deserted little guy up, assuring his survival.  The rancher took him to the Wyoming Fish & Game Department, where the wife of that agency’s veterinarian began raising Sampson. Although he was severely dehydrated, he responded to fluids and began taking a bottle. When he arrived at the Emporia Zoo, he still had his spots and
was still taking a bottle. Zoo Director Lisa Keith (then a Zookeeper) finished his bottle raising, and he continued to view her as his mom, as he would really perk up when he saw her or heard her voice.

Sampson usually had a vocal greeting, especially for her. Sampson resided in a fine naturalized exhibit where he enjoyed observing the patrons and staff.  Often, visitors could be heard saying, “I guess he’s not out today,” only to discover that he was right in front of them, either lying in one of his caves, peeking out from behind a boulder, or lounging up in his tree. Sampson was a great addition to the Emporia Zoo until his passing in 2014.