On Thursday, April 16, 2026, we officially broke ground on our highly anticipated new exhibit, Kathy Tolbert Tiger Falls, marking a major milestone in our ongoing commitment to wildlife conservation, animal welfare, and guest engagement. 

The exhibit’s official name honors Kathy Tolbert, whose remarkable 31-year career at Rolling Hills Zoo included service in several key leadership roles, including Director and Assistant Director. Kathy’s lasting impact on the Zoo’s growth, vision, and dedication to excellence made her a natural choice for this tribute.

Our groundbreaking ceremony brought together RHZ leadership, board members, project partners, donors, and community supporters to celebrate the beginning of this bold and immersive new habitat for Amur tigers and other Asian species. 

RHZ Executive Director, Ryan VanZant, welcomed our guests and expressed gratitude to the many donors and partners whose generosity and vision have made the project possible. “This project represents a significant step forward for Rolling Hills Zoo,” commented Ryan. “We are deeply grateful to our donors and supporters who share our commitment to providing exceptional care for our animals while creating meaningful experiences for our guests.” 

Eric Brown, of Hutton Design+Build, spoke on behalf of the project’s construction team, sharing enthusiasm for bringing the exhibit to life. “Hutton Construction is proud to partner with Rolling Hills Zoo on a project of this magnitude,” said Eric. “Tiger Falls is not only an exciting addition to the Zoo, but a project that reflects innovation, craftsmanship, and a shared passion for excellence.” 

RHZ Board Member, Clark Renfro, also addressed attendees, highlighting the board’s strong support for the project. Clark spoke about the importance of investing in the future of the Zoo and ensuring that Rolling Hills Zoo continues to grow as a leader in conservation, education, and tourism in the region. “Tiger Falls is a reflection of our long-term vision,” Renfro noted. “It’s about creating a space that enhances animal welfare, inspires our guests, and strengthens our role in wildlife conservation.”

Following the ceremonial groundbreaking - led by RHZ board members, Hutton Design+Build, and key supporters - guests were invited to participate in a guided tour of the future exhibit site. VanZant provided an overview of the exciting features planned for Kathy Tolbert Tiger Falls, including expanded habitats, naturalistic landscapes, and enhanced viewing opportunities designed to immerse visitors in the world of Amur tigers.

Once completed, Kathy Tolbert Tiger Falls will offer a dynamic and enriching environment for its animal residents while providing an unforgettable experience for zoo guests. The exhibit underscores Rolling Hills Zoo’s dedication to conservation efforts and its mission to connect people with wildlife in meaningful ways, while also honoring a legacy of leadership that helped shape the zoo into what it is today.

For more information about Kathy Tolbert Tiger Falls, please contact us directly at 785-827-9488, or email info@rollinghillszoo with "Tiger Falls" in the subject line.

To help build Tiger Falls and bring it to life, click the button below to make a gift! ‍