by BECKY GOFF
Little Apple Post
MANHATTAN - The Sunset Zoo dedicated three bronze statues over the weekend in the Expedition Asia exhibit.
The sculptures were created by wildlife sculptor, John Parsons, and are representations of the Sunset Zoo's Malayan tiger, Amur leopard and sloth bears, which can be found with the Expedition Asia Exhibit.
Longtime Sunset Zoological Park and Wildlife Conservation Trust board members, John and Karen Pence, wanted to leave a memorable attraction for guests of the Sunset Zoo, and started the discussion of enhancing the Expedition Asia exhibit with bronze sculptures.
"John and Karen have loved the Manhattan community for nearly 50 years, and we were honored to be considered as a place where they wanted to share art for the community. The Trust Board began looking at how we could highlight the animals of Expedition Asia some of our most endangered species who call Sunset Zoo home," said Scott Shoemaker, Sunset Zoo Director.
Fellow board members, Joe and Nancy Knopp joined the discussion and started researching reputable sculptors, and found John Parsons from Derby, Kansas.
Parsons is known for bronze sculptures on display at Cabela's, Gander Mountain, the WaterWalk in Wichita, Kansas, the 9/11 Memorial in Clovis, California, and many other locations across the country.
While working with the Pence family, Parsons developed renderings of the animals, to be used to create the final sculptures. During the development phase of the sculptures, Parsons unfortunately passed away.
The Zoo and the Trust worked with the Parsons family and the foundry to allow this donation to be completed using Parsons' renderings.
John Pence also passed before the sculptures were cured and could be installed at the Zoo.
"John loved the local community of Manhattan, and especially being involved with Sunset Zoo. We hope that this art will be a legacy to him and his family," said Shoemaker.
The sculptures are located on the left side of the walkway as you are entering Expedition Asia and can be utilized for photograph opportunities by visitors to the Zoo.