By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
At least another year. The City of Great Bend will get at least another year from Dr. Mike Malone as the primary veterinarian for the animals at the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo. The city council approved a one-year contract with Malone, knowing he is contemplating retirement in the near future.
Zoo Curator Ashley Burdick said with help from Dr. Jackie Corbett, Malone has handled the zoo’s vet needs for 44 years.
"Dr. Mike has been there over 40 years," said Burdick. "We have a good working relationship with the veterinarians. They have a very good skillset. They know the individuals. That's not something that can be easily replaced by another clinic."
The contract includes a monthly rate of $1,800 and an hourly rate of $180. Total services are not to exceed $116,000.
"Other clinics have expressed they would charge us significantly more too," added Burdick.
The zoo also received approval to purchase a wireless digital x-ray system from IWV Digital for $25,845. This equipment will provide the zoo a way to read x-rays quicker when time is a factor for animals that are sedated or potentially suffering.