Beautiful Pics !

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/zoo030324c.jpg


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Dang. Bye bye Aquaticus.

Wow, look at those parking lots, I wonder why this isn't a developed area in OKC, somebody must take advantage of that massive traffic.

Nice photos Pete. I assume these pics were taken this past Saturday or Sunday? I took my kids to the Zoo on Sunday afternoon and was blown away by attendance. the parking spilled over to Remington and there were so many cars it looked like it was horse racing season.

The new Africa exhibit will be really neat once they finish the final touches.

Wow, look at those parking lots, I wonder why this isn't a developed area in OKC, somebody must take advantage of that massive traffic.

Its traffic with a specific destination in mind. Zoo is always packed whenever we have great weather.

So, KATTFEST was announced for 7/30/2024 with Shinedown and Theory of a Deadman at the Lucky Star Amphitheater. This confirms that the Zoo isn't booking any shows this summer as it has been traditionally held there.

So, KATTFEST was announced for 7/30/2024 with Shinedown and Theory of a Deadman at the Lucky Star Amphitheater. This confirms that the Zoo isn't booking any shows this summer as it has been traditionally held there.

first zoo amp show with the new operator should be in august time frame ..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sy1EQzdPM9M

Don't know if this is the right place to put this video. . .

Press release:

***********

EXPEDITION AFRICA, OKC ZOO’S LARGEST EVER EXPANSION, NOW COMPLETE
With 12 acres of new habitats for more than 60 species, renovations, and experiences, the OKC Zoo welcomes guests to enjoy an exciting new adventure.


Africa, a dream destination for wildlife lovers, is now a reality for visitors to the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden with the completion of its new Expedition Africa habitat expansion.

Presented by Inasmuch Foundation, Expedition Africa is the OKC Zoo’s largest ever expansion at more than 12 acres in size, encompassing new habitats, building renovations, and enticing features that elevate the guest experience like never before.

Foremost among the expansion is room for more than sixty species native to the African continent. The spaces are intricately crafted to provide giraffes, lemurs, wildebeest, hyenas, and more with welcoming homes that mimic their native habitats.

“One of the most exciting parts of Expedition Africa is that we’re able to provide natural enclosures for the members of our animal family,” said Dr. Dwight Lawson, OKC Zoo’s executive director and CEO. “It’s another vital step in our mission to connect people with wildlife and wild places all around the world.”

Expedition Africa was a truly collaborative effort, bringing together individual and corporate donors, said Oklahoma Zoological Society Executive Director Mandy Heaps.

“Since its inclusion in the Zoo’s strategic plan in 2018, so many groups inside and outside the Zoo worked in concert to make this dream a reality,” she said. “Seeing the fruition of the effort and giving of people across the state and around the world to make this happen is inspiring.”

Among the new expansion’s standout features is the renovated Love’s Pachyderm Building, home to some of the Zoo’s most captivating residents. The building, which joined the National Register of Historic Places in 2021, retains its Midcentury Modern architecture with an enhanced and visitor-friendly interior housing African lungfish, dwarf mongooses, naked mole rats and more. It also includes a gorgeous new events space for meetings, parties, and more. There’s also a new play area behind the building: Pachyderm Heights Adventure Tower, including a rock-climbing wall and a slide, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Oklahoma City. The building was originally constructed in the 1960s to house the Zoo’s elephants, rhinoceroses and hippopotamuses.

Outside the Pachyderm Building is a new savanna overlook where the Zoo’s herd of giraffes mingle with ostriches, Nile lechwe and Common eland. The savanna area connects to the newly constructed state-of-the-art giraffe barn, allowing visitors to see the herd all year round. One of the premiere attractions for guests, the giraffe barn not only shelters the herd when the weather is unpleasant, it makes the perpetually popular giraffe feedings available no matter the season.

The expansion includes new covered areas for guests to sit and relax in the shade while enjoying views of hyenas and African painted dogs as well as the habitat’s original sculpture, The Baobab: Home, Story and Survival on the Savannah. Baobab trees are often called the “Tree of Life” because they can live to be more than 1,000 years old.

Surrounding The Baobab sculpture are a new dining area and restaurant, Savannah Snacks, as well as the Africa-themed Baobab Gifts with cuddly stuffed versions of Expedition Africa’s residents.

“Every facet of Expedition Africa has been meticulously researched, planned, and executed to continue making this the world-class zoo Oklahomans have come to expect,” Lawson said. “This expansion redefines the OKC Zoo experience and we cannot wait to share it with all of you.”

The $35 million Expedition Africa expansion was designed by PGAV Destinations, St. Louis, Missouri and constructed by Timberlake Construction, Oklahoma City. It was funded through private donations, Historic Tax Credits, and a dedicated 1/8-of-a-cent sales tax, approved by Oklahoma City voters in 1990.

An official ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for March 26, 2024 at 1p.m. at the OKC Zoo.

Explore the Zoo’s new Expedition Africa today, a visit worthWILD! The Oklahoma City Zoo is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the last entry no later than 4 p.m. Purchase advance Zoo admission tickets at okczoo.org/tickets and avoid the entry lines. Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, the OKC Zoo is a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums, and Oklahoma City’s Adventure District. Zoo admission is $16 for adults and $13 for children ages 3-11 and seniors ages 65 and over. Children two and under are admitted free. Membership has its perks! As a ZOOfriends member of the Oklahoma City Zoo, enjoy free admission all year-long, plus many additional benefits and discounts. You will also be supporting the Zoo’s animal family, education programming and conservation initiatives both locally and globally. Join or renew today at www.okczoo.org/membership.

I'll be there this weekend to check it out. Got my ZooFriends membership renewed.

Nice, we look to be going soon as well, thanks for the updated. OKC Zoo is one of top in the nation.

ZooFriends pass is still the best deal in town. I have the large family plan and named my mother. She just goes on days off to walk for exercise.

This is such a good idea. I'm going to mention this to my mom who is nearing retirement.

Nice, we look to be going soon as well, thanks for the updated. OKC Zoo is one of top in the nation.

It really is. Funny enough, when I was a child, we visited the San Diego Zoo, having heard how great it was. I wasn't all that impressed. OKC Zoo makes good use of its dedicated funding source.

I'll be there this weekend to check it out. Got my ZooFriends membership renewed.

do you know if there is a way to renew it online (because i need to renew mine).. or do you have to do in in person?

do you know if there is a way to renew it online (because i need to renew mine).. or do you have to do in in person?

Looks like you can do it online. https://www.okczoo.org/membership

Looks like you can do it online. https://www.okczoo.org/membership

. . .super easy to do! Can stash it in your "wallet"

Looks like you can do it online. https://www.okczoo.org/membership

This. I always do it online.

Nice

So if you watch for Mathis Brothers, they do a renewal drive every year and it's at a discount. And you usually get some little stuffed animal or something for the kiddos too. You do have to go to the store to do it though.

I'd encourage anyone doing one, to look at the Science Museum as well. Only 1 or 2 trips, just like the zoo, and it's paid for it. And with the family options, you can let Grandma take them on your membership too. There are some rules around that, but it's great. And the SMO pass is good for discounts or free entry at a LOT of other children's museums around the country (zoo pass for zoos too) if the place you are going is a member of those groups. And even if they aren't, sometimes if you ask, they'll discount you anyway.

So if you watch for Mathis Brothers, they do a renewal drive every year and it's at a discount. And you usually get some little stuffed animal or something for the kiddos too. You do have to go to the store to do it though.

I'd encourage anyone doing one, to look at the Science Museum as well. Only 1 or 2 trips, just like the zoo, and it's paid for it. And with the family options, you can let Grandma take them on your membership too. There are some rules around that, but it's great. And the SMO pass is good for discounts or free entry at a LOT of other children's museums around the country (zoo pass for zoos too) if the place you are going is a member of those groups. And even if they aren't, sometimes if you ask, they'll discount you anyway.

Mathis Brother's for the longest time had the 6 person pass for SMO around $99 during the holidays year after year. SMO has not offered this in recent years, but usually has a $15-20 discount around Black Friday. The SMO 6 membership is now $210. One of the biggest perks as you mentioned was the ability to travel to other Science Museums around the country and get in free. Dallas has the Perot Museum which would be an $80 one-time-visit for a family of four. Similarly, Wichita has Exploration Place and Bentonville has the Amazeum, with free admission. If you travel with kids, this is great for a two-three hour stop for FREE!

https://150136929.v2.pressablecdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Compact-Passport-Program-List-November-2023-May-2024.pdf

The OKC Zoo membership in our experience is not as generous as the ATSC Science Museum Program when used at other Zoo's, usually offering 50 percent off admission, which is still a good deal, the Wichita/Segwick County Zoo would $90 at the gate for a one-time day visit without the pass and the Tulsa Zoo would be around $60 for a one time visit, so the memberships can certainly add up and pay for themselves.

I'm not sure why people keep saying "SMO". The proper name is the Omniplex and always will be.

I'm not sure why people keep saying "SMO". The proper name is the Omniplex and always will be.

I can't stop referring to it as the Omniplex, either. My kids are so confused.

I'm not sure why people keep saying "SMO". The proper name is the Omniplex and always will be.

But they just changed the sign on I-44 at the exit, from Omniplex/Omnidome to Science Museum Oklahoma...it only took 17 years.

I got to go last weekend and walk around the new area. It is very well done. The views are great and the design is top notch. The giraffe area is so much better. They get so close to you now it is amazing. Some great new seating areas and some speakers around the area playing african style music. Check it out!

(also they are back to serving DipNDots in containers instead of the pre made packs that were super annoying to eat from).

I got to go last weekend and walk around the new area. It is very well done. The views are great and the design is top notch. The giraffe area is so much better. They get so close to you now it is amazing. Some great new seating areas and some speakers around the area playing african style music. Check it out!

(also they are back to serving DipNDots in containers instead of the pre made packs that were super annoying to eat from).

Do you still have the opportunity to feed the giraffes? I've not ever done it, but I think my daughter would get a kick out of it.

Do you still have the opportunity to feed the giraffes? I've not ever done it, but I think my daughter would get a kick out of it.

Yes, my son did that during spring break while visiting. They switch from either inside the barn or outside beside it.

Do you still have the opportunity to feed the giraffes? I've not ever done it, but I think my daughter would get a kick out of it.

You can! 2 to 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays. There is an inside area where a few giraffes are and they get VERY close to you without feeding. My son was very excited to be so close.

Do you still have the opportunity to feed the giraffes? I've not ever done it, but I think my daughter would get a kick out of it.

https://twpark.com/

Tanganyika Wildlife Park
just west of wichita has hippo and rhino feeding as well as giraffes and other animals you can feed. When my kids were littler we went a few times.

https://twpark.com/

Tanganyika Wildlife Park
just west of wichita has hippo and rhino feeding as well as giraffes and other animals you can feed. When my kids were littler we went a few times.

Just in case people care Tanganyika has been accused of being a not so ethical zoo and more like a tigerking like theme park. You can read more about it online and make your choice.

Zoo reveals master plan (https://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=1011-Zoo-reveals-masterplan)

The Oklahoma City Zoo has revealed a long-term master plan.


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From the zoo agenda:

On February 22, 2023, the Oklahoma City Zoological Trust approved a Contract for Architectural Services with SHR Studios, Inc., for Project No. MZ-0072, Master Plan for the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden. The Contract’s scope of work provided for the development of a ten-year master plan with the following components: (1) improved guest circulation; (2) concepts for renovation of four existing habitats (Cats Habitat, Great Apes, Children’s Zoo, and Oklahoma Trails); (3) concepts for new habitats, including a new reptile house, a new bird habitat, and use of the southern portion of the Zoo property; 4) integration of concepts to enhance the botanical garden aspects of Zoo property; and (5) diagrammatic overlays.

The master plan’s project development criteria have emphasized conservation inspiration, animal well-being, and climate suitability. Master Plan 2024 is presented herewith for the Trust’s consideration of adoption. Prioritized projects include the Africa Plateau, the Reptile Preserve, and the Heart of the Zoo. Master Plan 2024 also presents proposed enhancements for Oklahoma Trails, a new Children’s Adventure area, an enhanced entry plaza, an elephant expansion, a Congo Forest, a Feline Oasis, a Biodiversity Hotspots building, and an Aquatic Garden. The Master Plan’s total budget estimate is between $115 million and $230 million, allowing for the flexibility to pursue portions of a project or the entire scope based on needs and finances.


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Wow. Those all look like great plans. I have a feeling the Zoo will be completely different looking in 20 years.

That is a crazy amount of additional work, it'll feel like a whole new zoo if they really make all those changes.

Here’s my suggestion: How about the city grants Lincoln Park to the Zoo, and in return, the Zoo offers free admission to local residents? What are your thoughts on this?

Also, the Zoo should consider integrating Northeast Lake into its plans. A boardwalk extending to the middle of the lake would be a fantastic addition.

Here’s my suggestion: How about the city grants Lincoln Park to the Zoo, and in return, the Zoo offers free admission to local residents? What are your thoughts on this?

Also, the Zoo should consider integrating Northeast Lake into its plans. A boardwalk extending to the middle of the lake would be a fantastic addition.

So you're thinking that adding more land to have to build on and pay to maintain should equal less revenue for the Zoo?

Or maybe I'm misreading your post.

But overall, I would love these changes being made. I wonder if a bond proposal will take place in the next year or 2 to fund these?

Here’s my suggestion: How about the city grants Lincoln Park to the Zoo, and in return, the Zoo offers free admission to local residents? What are your thoughts on this?

Also, the Zoo should consider integrating Northeast Lake into its plans. A boardwalk extending to the middle of the lake would be a fantastic addition.

The zoo abuts the Lincoln Park golf course. "Granting" the zoo the golf course is a horrible idea. Lincoln golf course stays wildly busy and is currently getting more usage than it has in decades. It's a fantastic municipal asset.

The City and Zoo needs to propose before the voters to increase its sales tax from 1/8 to 1/4 of a penny sales tax; this would double the amount of sales tax revenue the zoo receives.

The Zoo could build a downtown Zoo Aquarian on the same site (4-square blocks) of the new Oklahoma City DT arena--great site for an arena with a tourist attraction.

The zoo abuts the Lincoln Park golf course. "Granting" the zoo the golf course is a horrible idea. Lincoln golf course stays wildly busy and is currently getting more usage than it has in decades. It's a fantastic municipal asset.

I meant this "park", dude. Please look at the map if you aren't familiar with the area. Thank you!
18903

I meant this "park", dude. Please look at the map if you aren't familiar with the area. Thank you!
18903

So that tiny park for free admission for all OKC citizens?

Here’s my suggestion: How about the city grants Lincoln Park to the Zoo, and in return, the Zoo offers free admission to local residents? What are your thoughts on this?

Also, the Zoo should consider integrating Northeast Lake into its plans. A boardwalk extending to the middle of the lake would be a fantastic addition.

the OKC zoo is already very underpriced ...

So that tiny park for free admission for all OKC citizens?

Local residents, who live exclusively in that neighborhood, need a place to go if their park is taken away. This should be provided at no cost to them, or they will never allow it, even if they rarely use the park.

Local residents, who live exclusively in that neighborhood, need a place to go if their park is taken away. This should be provided at no cost to them, or they will never allow it, even if they rarely use the park.

But I'm saying that your idea isn't feasible, and makes no economic sense. The maintenance cost for a 5 acre park is nowhere near worth free admission for every citizen of OKC.

That's like trading SGA for a box of dead ferrets.

But I'm saying that your idea isn't feasible, and makes no economic sense. The maintenance cost for a 5 acre park is nowhere near worth free admission for every citizen of OKC.

That's like trading SGA for a box of dead ferrets.

"Local residents" does not mean everyone in the state or city, it means in that neighborhood (as stated in the post). Such as "Nichols Hills" isn't the entire metro of OKC or "Fenwick" isn't the entirety of OKC/Edmond. But yeah, I don't think that's a good idea either.

"Local residents" does not mean everyone in the state or city, it means in that neighborhood (as stated in the post). Such as "Nichols Hills" isn't the entire metro of OKC or "Fenwick" isn't the entirety of OKC/Edmond. But yeah, I don't think that's a good idea either.

What defines local? You gave a couple neighborhoods, but what if someone a few hundred feet outside of those neighborhoods used that park?

It would open an unnecessary can of worms. Hence why this isn't feasible.

It does sound nice, but I think, like you, it isn't a good, feasible idea.

Let's get back on track and talk about the master plan. It's awesome to see this kind of vision and desire for continual improvement. The zoo is one of the gems of this city and I hope a good chunk of this gets funded and comes to fruition.

Let's get back on track and talk about the master plan. It's awesome to see this kind of vision and desire for continual improvement. The zoo is one of the gems of this city and I hope a good chunk of this gets funded and comes to fruition.

They are lucky because they have the guaranteed sales tax revenue from OKC, which continues to grow every year.

Makes it pretty easy to budget for big projects. It's also the reason we've seen non-stop construction for the last two decades.

That's like trading SGA for a box of dead ferrets.

Does the box of ferrets come with a couple of first round draft picks? jk :wink:

When we went to NYC to visit my brother back in 2008, he brought up going to the Bronx Zoo while we were in town. At that point, it had been decades since I had gone to the OKC zoo. My wife said, why would we go there when we great zoo in OKC? And even back then it was a great zoo. Now, it will propel it and make it even better.

The biggest issues I have with the zoo are:

1. There needs to be more shade areas in the pathways. I am going to take my daughter to the zoo next week when I am off work but we are going to get there as soon as it opens and leave right after lunch. The zoo makes it pretty miserable, at least for us, when it gets up to 95-100 degrees.

2. I understand why they do it, but it always annoys me that if it's a nice day and I want to take my daughter to the science museum, there is no parking in that parking lot because people park over there to go to the zoo instead of at Remington park and walking across the street. I am not sure what the solution is (there probably isn't one) but it would be great if those parking lots were seperate.

I meant this "park", dude. Please look at the map if you aren't familiar with the area. Thank you!
18903

Super familiar with the area, thanks. Don't know of anyone who refers to that little section as "Lincoln Park" whereas most everyone in the city refers to Lincoln Park Golf Course as "Lincoln Park."

Sorry for the confusion.

When we went to NYC to visit my brother back in 2008, he brought up going to the Bronx Zoo while we were in town. At that point, it had been decades since I had gone to the OKC zoo. My wife said, why would we go there when we great zoo in OKC? And even back then it was a great zoo. Now, it will propel it and make it even better.

The biggest issues I have with the zoo are:

1. There needs to be more shade areas in the pathways. I am going to take my daughter to the zoo next week when I am off work but we are going to get there as soon as it opens and leave right after lunch. The zoo makes it pretty miserable, at least for us, when it gets up to 95-100 degrees.

2. I understand why they do it, but it always annoys me that if it's a nice day and I want to take my daughter to the science museum, there is no parking in that parking lot because people park over there to go to the zoo instead of at Remington park and walking across the street. I am not sure what the solution is (there probably isn't one) but it would be great if those parking lots were seperate.

I think my kids and I are going next week too. See ya there.

As far as 2. I would think a pedestrian bridge would be doable. From Remington to the zoo lot. But it would somehow inexplicably cost like $1.2 million.

I believe they are working to get a new vendor, but on my last visit every single drink machine was out of order -- like 40 of them.

Also, there were zero food places open other than the one by the entrance. That's a very long walk from most of the zoo grounds. Again, this was early in the season but there were tons of people there and I ended up leaving to get something to eat and drink when I would have liked to have stayed longer. By the time I walked all the way back to the entrance, I decided just to call it a day.

keep in mind that this master plan doesn't include the in progress new aquatic exhibit that will bring penguins to the zoo .. (as well as bringing back the sea lions)

I believe they are working to get a new vendor, but on my last visit every single drink machine was out of order -- like 40 of them.

Also, there were zero food places open other than the one by the entrance. That's a very long walk from most of the zoo grounds. Again, this was early in the season but there were tons of people there and I ended up leaving to get something to eat and drink when I would have liked to have stayed longer. By the time I walked all the way back to the entrance, I decided just to call it a day.

We experienced the same on our Memorial day visit with the vending machines all over, but the burger place in the back by the elephant exhibit was open at least.

I believe they are working to get a new vendor, but on my last visit every single drink machine was out of order -- like 40 of them.

Also, there were zero food places open other than the one by the entrance. That's a very long walk from most of the zoo grounds. Again, this was early in the season but there were tons of people there and I ended up leaving to get something to eat and drink when I would have liked to have stayed longer. By the time I walked all the way back to the entrance, I decided just to call it a day.

Ooof! I hate seeing reports of such incompetence on something that should be getting the zoo a lot of revenue. Has anyone contacted the zoo management?

Nm

I believe they are working to get a new vendor, but on my last visit every single drink machine was out of order -- like 40 of them.

Also, there were zero food places open other than the one by the entrance. That's a very long walk from most of the zoo grounds. Again, this was early in the season but there were tons of people there and I ended up leaving to get something to eat and drink when I would have liked to have stayed longer. By the time I walked all the way back to the entrance, I decided just to call it a day.

I was there Saturday at opening time. The soft drink machines I saw were working, and by 10:00 most/all of the food & refreshment stands were open. It was the zoo’s 100th anniversary in this location, so I suspect there was a lot of focus on having the facility looking its best.

In general we eat at the Elephant area food court or the new Africa stand when we go. Both times this year they have been open and the food was honestly pretty great. I expected Six Flags quality but it was a very tasty meal.

In general we eat at the Elephant area food court or the new Africa stand when we go. Both times this year they have been open and the food was honestly pretty great. I expected Six Flags quality but it was a very tasty meal.

the new food vender (started this year) has been a great change I think they have produced food at a much higher quality ..

Let's get back on track and talk about the master plan. It's awesome to see this kind of vision and desire for continual improvement. The zoo is one of the gems of this city and I hope a good chunk of this gets funded and comes to fruition.

I agree. This plan addresses what I think are the two biggest issues at an otherwise great zoo.
1. The zoo has a fabulous collection of reptiles and amphibians, but the herpetarium is cramped and severely outdated. I think it’s pretty clever to move the playground, build a new herpetarium, AND make use of the current herpetarium as a climate-controlled lounge for patrons to take refuge from the heat.
2. Visitors often complain about all of the backtracking you have to do once you get to the rhinos in Asia. Connecting the Oklahoma Trails to Asia by creating a path around the far side of the bison habitat is a great idea. I love the thought of a lot of new species, but this solution to guest traffic may be the best part of the whole thing.

I agree. This plan addresses what I think are the two biggest issues at an otherwise great zoo.
1. The zoo has a fabulous collection of reptiles and amphibians, but the herpetarium is cramped and severely outdated. I think it’s pretty clever to move the playground, build a new herpetarium, AND make use of the current herpetarium as a climate-controlled lounge for patrons to take refuge from the heat.
2. Visitors often complain about all of the backtracking you have to do once you get to the rhinos in Asia. Connecting the Oklahoma Trails to Asia by creating a path around the far side of the bison habitat is a great idea. I love the thought of a lot of new species, but this solution to guest traffic may be the best part of the whole thing.

I think they should do like the KC and San Diego zoo have, a gondola style system to get to the farthest parts of the park and back. Plus a killer view.