56-year-old African elephant dies at Kansas zoo

TOPEKA—A sad and difficult announcement regarding Tembo, the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center's beloved 56-year-old African elephant, was recently made. On Sunday, May 17th, the animal care and veterinary staff made the compassionate decision to humanely euthanize Tembo after a rapid decline in her health. This decision was made with Tembo's well-being and quality of life at the forefront of her care team's minds. The Topeka Zoo expresses heartfelt gratitude towards all who have loved and cared for Tembo over the almost 50 years she spent in Topeka. This is a tough loss for the community. (Hays Post)

Bear seen wandering in Kansas neighborhood

NEOSHO COUNTY—Authorities were advising residents in and around the southeast Kansas community of Chanute to use caution following a reported bear sighting within the city of Chanute, according to a media release from the police. If anyone sees a bear inside the city limits, they are not to approach the animal and immediately report the sighting by calling 620-431-5768 (Hays Post)

Bird builds federally protected nest on new pickup tire at Kansas dealer

OLATHE—It may be the only F-250 in America currently protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, according to a social media post from Olathe Ford Lincoln, 1845 East Santa Fe in Olathe. A mama robin built a nest right on a truck tire and now has four eggs that have hatched. Because robins and their active nests are federally protected, the dealership cannot legally relocate the nest. On top of that, the truck is actually sold. The incredibly kind and understanding customers are now waiting patiently while the little ones grow up and leave safely. The dealership thanks Operation Wildlife for its guidance with the robin family. (Hays Post)

Pilot forced to land in Kansas wheat field

RENO COUNTY—A pilot and passenger avoided injuries after making a forced emergency landing just after 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20th, in Reno County. The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2000 Timmer William Air Cam-Aircraft piloted by Steven Craig Suddarth, 66, Edgewood, New Mexico, ran out of fuel and landed in a wheat field on East 20th and Fountainwood near Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. Reno County EMS evaluated Suddarth and his passenger, Deborah Annette Suddarth, 71, also of Edgewood, New Mexico, at the scene, and they were later released without being transported to a hospital. (Hays Post)