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Park board approves $8,148 purchase to add holding area in wolf exhibit after June 3 incident
Summary
The board approved a special purchase of $8,148 from the zoo endowment fund to add a 12-by-16 outdoor holding area in the wolf exhibit; staff said the feature will reduce stress on wolves and make keeper entries safer.
The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board unanimously approved a special purchase on June 17 to add an outdoor holding area inside the wolf exhibit after a June 3 incident prompted staff to recommend an immediate safety improvement.
Park staff said the proposed 12-by-16 structure, about 9 feet tall, would provide a third holding area so keepers can move wolves into a space that allows visibility and reduces stress when staff need to enter the exhibit. The contractor that previously installed the exhibit fencing, Fence Masters, was cited as available to install the structure quickly.
Staff asked to pay the $8,148 cost from the zoo endowment fund so work could begin without delaying a formal bidding process; the board approved the special purchase by voice vote. The staff presenter said the purchase was made in the interest of safety for both animals and keepers.
The board did not record a roll-call vote in the transcript; the motion was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. Staff will proceed with contracting and installation of the holding area and monitor the exhibit when work is complete.
