here is the zoos master plan for the next 8 years..

•2013: Set out on an excursion to explore Expedition Asia. See and learn about exotic and endangered species and plants from Asia!
•2013: New Veterinarian Hospital: This state-of-the-art facility will help our vet staff enhance the already professional healthcare for our 2,000+ animals. Behind-the-scenes viewing opportunities will be available, too!
•2015: Giraffe Habitat: Watch giraffes graze as you enjoy a worldly dining experience in the brand new African-style restaurant and events center.
•2017: Herpetarium Relocation: The Zoo’s Canopy Restaurant will be transformed into a new Herpetarium featuring a diverse collection of reptiles and amphibians.
•2019: Noble Aquatic Center: Aquaticus Renovation: Aquaticus is in need of an extreme makeover! Remodeling for this favorite attraction will include interactive aquariums, and potential to bring in bigger species, like sharks.

More on the Mold-a-Ramas...

Internet research indicates there are still about 70 of these around, mainly at zoos in the middle of the country. They were introduced in the early 60's but haven't been manufactured in over 40 years.

There were six of the machines at the zoo until recently; not sure if any or all remain. The picture above is from the pachyderm building but there was/is also one near the seals and lions.

Sounds like after all this time, the machines are still popular.

I personally didn see any of the Mold-A-Rama machines. But I wasn't looking for them either. Usually though you smell them before you see them.

ahhh the smell of childhood memories lol, i remember burning my hand on one of them as a kid, my mother always told me to hold it upside down until it cooled off.. MEMORIES

My friends from out of country didn't believe me until I took them to our zoo. It really is amazing! With the new elephant exhibit open I've begun warning people that the zoo is really a two day adventure if you want to do it properly.

I'm headed to the Zoo with my grandaughters pre-K class, I'll post my veiws of the new elephant exhibit, if I make it back alive. LOL

The zoo is top-notch and one of the main reasons I frequent OKC. The Oklahoma Trails exhibit is superb; I love the Nocturnal Barn. The zoo is such a great asset to the city; you all should be proud.

Hi okctalk friends, i contact the zoo through facebook, they have taken all the mold-a-ramas out of the okc zoo :( it costed to much to maintain them. I understand but i hope they put something other then coin presses in their places

Aw, that's really bad news about the Mold-a-Ramas. I'm sure they were a pain to deal with but they were also one of the last ties to my childhood of the zoo.

You can't stop progress!

Thanks to the Bates for sharing the pic's with the baby. The exibit is larger than life. I have seen it
minus the baby. And as I am typing this I realize today was the last day for the discounted zoo pass
from Mathis Brothers. I missed it!! Oh well, full price is still a good deal, and our zoo is awesome!

Chris
www.radiookc.com

I have a Zoo question. As a child there were some white chickens in the walk in front of the gorilla area. You would put a dime in the machine and a light would come on. The chicken would start dancing and a small amount of feed would come out and the chicken would quickly devour it. On the other side there was a fortune telling chicken that used the same principal. I heard from someone or on some TV show that hot plates were used to get the chicken to perform? Does anyone know if the OKC used this procedure back in the mid to late 60's? Also the train was a fun ride as well at the old Springlake Alpine Sky-way that was relocated to the Zoo.

The OKC Zoo: Better Than The San Diego Zoo (Seriously) - OKC.NET (http://okc.net/2013/10/18/okc-zoo-san-diego-zoo/)

Having never been to the San Diego Zoo, I can't possibly say. But it's a good read, anyway.

The OKC zoo really is an awesome zoo in my opinion. If I were to change one thing about it, I would redesign the big cat exhibits to make them easier to see, especially the lion exhibit. Other than that, it is an outstanding attraction and a great place to take visitors.

The OKC zoo really is an awesome zoo in my opinion. If I were to change one thing about it, I would redesign the big cat exhibits to make them easier to see, especially the lion exhibit. Other than that, it is an outstanding attraction and a great place to take visitors.

They used to have them in smaller enclosures but just built the new facility to give the proper room and privacy.

Like most animals, they are most active early in the morning or near and after dusk. During the day they are generally looking for a quiet, private place to sleep.

The OKC Zoo: Better Than The San Diego Zoo (Seriously) - OKC.NET (http://okc.net/2013/10/18/okc-zoo-san-diego-zoo/)

Having never been to the San Diego Zoo, I can't possibly say. But it's a good read, anyway.

I've been and the San Diego Zoo is just on another level. There is no comparison. I'd say our zoo is the best in the region though!

What is the status on the new Asia Exhibit? Is it on hold?

What is the status on the new Asia Exhibit? Is it on hold?

It's finished and open.

It's finished and open.

Really? The 'Expedition Asia' exhibit? So the Rhinos have moved and everything?

Really? The 'Expedition Asia' exhibit? So the Rhinos have moved and everything?

The Expedition Asia is different than the Asia Exhibit (elephants).

The latter is finished, the former doesn't have a definite time frame and I don't think it ever has.

There are several other projects ahead of it in the zoo masterplan:

- Oklahoma City Zoo (http://www.okczoo.com/plan-your-visit/zoo-master-plan/)

It was originally going to be built back to back with the elephant exhibit, but the economic downturn delayed things for awhile. At one point the zoo, was promoting the Exhibition Asia and even had a estimated date of completion, but I guess they took a good hard look at their masterplan and postponed it indefinitely.

Really, the projects they have on their current masterplan are more important and will give the zoo more bang for its buck.


I guess the new African style restaurant that will be part of the new giraffe exhibit will take the place of the zoo canopy restaurant which will be converted into a Herpetarium.

I personally think Aquatics should be the next to be revamped, we go probably twice a year and essentially skip aquatics the majority of the time over the last few years. It's become quite stagnant down there.

The Expedition Asia is different than the Asia Exhibit (elephants).

The latter is finished, the former doesn't have a definite time frame and I don't think it ever has.

There are several other projects ahead of it in the zoo masterplan:

- Oklahoma City Zoo (http://www.okczoo.com/plan-your-visit/zoo-master-plan/)

Sorry for the confusion.

Well this sucks! I was hoping it would be done next year or the year after... Oh well.

The OKC zoo really is an awesome zoo in my opinion. If I were to change one thing about it, I would redesign the big cat exhibits to make them easier to see, especially the lion exhibit. Other than that, it is an outstanding attraction and a great place to take visitors.
That design is intentional. They want the cats to have the ability to retreat to private areas if they want to, or feel stressed, OR lets them be out and visible if they choose that instead. It is healthier for the animals mentally and physically. The exhibit better reflects a modern understanding of animals, animal management, and the effects habitats have on both.

I agree. Some of the exhibits at the Fort Worth Zoo were inhuman, imo.

Yes, famously, the OKC Zoo had an old, small bear exhibit and there was a polar bear that paced back and forth in his restricted enclosure for almost his entire life.

And of course, Oklahoma City had no business trying to keep an animal from that climate, and they ultimately transferred him to another zoo.

Thank goodness we know much more about how to treat animals and the the OKC Zoo has the funds to build proper habitats. It can make it harder to see the inhabitants at some times, but it's far, far more humane.

More on Carmichael the Polar Bear:
http://amydeestephens.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/img122.jpg

Even back when it was a primitive animal jail, The OKC Zoo put The Denver Zoo to shame.
From the time I was an impressionable child I always loved the OKC Zoo.
Maybe this "ingrained prejudice" makes me wonder seriously about any Political Jackass who would propose removing funding from The OKC Zoo. Perhaps he would rather be on exhibit there than do whatever it is he is actually doing now.

But it doesn't matter, because I don't live in OKC and can't vote for Mayor.
Yet I probably live closer to the OKC Zoo than most of the voters who have an official vote.

Isn't "Zoo" a great word? I think it is. There is no other word like "Zoo" . . . except maybe Kazoo . . . =)

I agree. Some of the exhibits at the Fort Worth Zoo were inhuman, imo.

I would hope that ALL of the exhibits at The Fort Worth Zoo were inhuman.
Otherwise The Fort Worth Zoo would be nothing but a year round, old time, State Fair Geek Tent exhibit.
(wouldn't it?)

The London zoo actually had a humans exhibit a few years ago.

I would hope that ALL of the exhibits at The Fort Worth Zoo were inhuman.
Otherwise The Fort Worth Zoo would be nothing but a year round, old time, State Fair Geek Tent exhibit.
(wouldn't it?)

Hey now, pointing out that someone forgot to type in the final 'e' in a word is not german to the discussion!
:Smiley112

I would hope that ALL of the exhibits at The Fort Worth Zoo were inhuman.
Otherwise The Fort Worth Zoo would be nothing but a year round, old time, State Fair Geek Tent exhibit.
(wouldn't it?)Ooops, meant to say inhumane, left out an important letter

A new 120 pound bundle of joy.

Oklahoma City Zoo welcomes baby rhino | News OK (http://newsok.com/oklahoma-city-zoo-welcomes-baby-rhino/article/4952414)

The Expedition Asia is different than the Asia Exhibit (elephants).

The latter is finished, the former doesn't have a definite time frame and I don't think it ever has.

There are several other projects ahead of it in the zoo masterplan:

- Oklahoma City Zoo (http://www.okczoo.com/plan-your-visit/zoo-master-plan/)

It has a time frame now and this postponed project will move forward.

Oklahoma City Zoo moves forward with second phase of Asia project | NewsOK.com (http://m.newsok.com/oklahoma-city-zoo-moves-forward-with-second-phase-of-asia-project/article/5361594)

Wish they would add Panda's. They are my favorite animals. If I was rich, I'd have one as pet for a companion.

FYI, tonight is the last night (Doh) for this year's Haunt the Zoo.
- Oklahoma City Zoo (http://www.okczoo.com/haunt-the-zoo/)

Image below, from a recent HTZ night, is Mary Poppins and Bert, aka Claire, a very delightful lass who works PT with the zoo (and whom we truly adore) and our youngest lad Alan.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10325151_10203437612517361_6791578736989547366_n.j pg?oh=5ba25f0b3dd95b5e8d2035d69c792bb2&oe=54DC66B6&__gda__=1424011424_220da43b725de599c014a8968df3ee3 1

Holy crap! Have you been to the zoo lately?!?!? It's amazing! We truly have a world class zoo! The new elephant habitat is HHHUUGGGGEEE!! I think its currently the largest elephant exhibit in North America and I wouldn't doubt that for a second! The elephants seemed happier too. One of them kept banging their head against a big rock... I don't know what that was about. Maybe it was the pregnant one... That would explain it lol.

Did anyone happen to go today by chance? It was the busiest I have ever seen it! People were parking in the grass across the street by Remington Park. There were DROVES of people.. We were literally elbow to elbow the entire time and surprisingly it was still really fun!

When I saw the Thead Topic I misread it as OKC "ZOOL" . . .
And immediately cross-referenced to ZOOL in Ghostbusters.
Except the ZOOL in the movie was actually ZUUL.
And The OKC ZOO is probably the most outstanding public example of Shared Civic Pride, ever.
It had the Denver Zoo beat way back in the 50's.
Kudos to all involved.

Just don't open the fridge for a bit Rad.

Holy crap! Have you been to the zoo lately?!?!? It's amazing! We truly have a world class zoo! The new elephant habitat is HHHUUGGGGEEE!! I think its currently the largest elephant exhibit in North America and I wouldn't doubt that for a second! The elephants seemed happier too. One of them kept banging their head against a big rock... I don't know what that was about. Maybe it was the pregnant one... That would explain it lol.

Did anyone happen to go today by chance? It was the busiest I have ever seen it! People were parking in the grass across the street by Remington Park. There were DROVES of people.. We were literally elbow to elbow the entire time and surprisingly it was still really fun!

Were you being sarcastic? I think we have Ana amazing zoo.

OKC does indeed have a very amazing zoo. It's well known outside of Oklahoma, and for good reason.

Still has the Denver Zoo beat by a long shot though its pretty good.

Were you being sarcastic? I think we have Ana amazing zoo.

I must've been high when I typed that.

No sarcasm.

:D

I must've been high when I typed that.

No sarcasm.

:D

How can you possibly remember if you were being sarcastic or not at the very least a couple of years ago? =)

(zoo good . . . boulevard not so much. queen anne cafeteria? never been there . . .=)

(seriously: The OKC Zoo is World Class. and the staff are dedicated to making and keeping it that way. imho.)

I must've been high when I typed that.

No sarcasm.

:D

high on enthusiasm ;) I couldn't have said it any better. I just didn't know whether you being serious, but glad to see you are.

I guess you just got back from the Zoo when you posted that? It's like when I get off of 635 in Dallas, I try not to post about wide highways. I think I've done that a couple times here ;)

The Zoo is skipping around in it's master plan a bit and going ahead with the Exhibition Asia exhibit.

Oklahoma City Zoo moves forward with second phase of Asia project | News OK (http://newsok.com/oklahoma-city-zoo-moves-forward-with-second-phase-of-asia-project/article/5361594)


Members of the Zoo Trust voted Wednesday to move forward with the design of the second phase of its Asia exhibit. The first part of the project included the zoo’s current elephant facility. The $12.8 million second phase will feature new exhibits and added amenities for guests.


The second phase could be completed by the spring of 2017, Lawson said.
It will include new exhibits for rhinos, red pandas, komodo dragons and other Asian animals currently housed at the zoo in several different facilities.

The project also will include a themed full-service restaurant that will overlook the elephant facility and the zoo lake.

The Zoo is skipping around in it's master plan a bit and going ahead with the Exhibition Asia exhibit.

Oklahoma City Zoo moves forward with second phase of Asia project | News OK (http://newsok.com/oklahoma-city-zoo-moves-forward-with-second-phase-of-asia-project/article/5361594)

See post number 92.

Oklahoma City Zoo receives 1/8 cent in sales tax revenue (about $12 million annually). They have done an outstanding job with maintenance of the grounds & facilities.


https://sp.yimg.com/ib/th?id=HN.608034693642193613&pid=15.1&P=0 https://sp.yimg.com/ib/th?id=HN.607996554331619903&pid=15.1&P=0 https://sp.yimg.com/ib/th?id=HN.608031244777161415&pid=15.1&P=0


OKC Zoo Free Day: Who doesn't like free? The Zoo will have free admission all day on Wednesday, November 26, 2014! So, come on out and enjoy a great day at the Zoo!

An update on the Asia exhibit.

Oklahoma City Zoo's new exhibit aims to transport guests to Asia | News OK (http://newsok.com/oklahoma-city-zoos-new-exhibit-aims-to-transport-guests-to-asia/article/5371639)


The design of the second phase of the Asia exhibit is well underway as architects from New Orleans-based Torre Design Consortium have been visiting to kick around ideas with zoo staff for the upcoming $13 million exhibit that is scheduled to open in spring 2017.
The newest phase will provide a new habitat for the rhino collection, along with red pandas and several other species.
Lawson said the design of the new exhibit will be finalized over the winter. The zoo then would seek construction bids during the spring and summer months.

A 332 pound early Christmas present today at the zoo. :)

It's a girl! Elephant born at Oklahoma City Zoo | NewsOK.com (http://m.newsok.com/its-a-girl-elephant-born-at-oklahoma-city-zoo/article/5378338)


After a nearly two-year-long pregnancy Asha, a 19-year-old Asian elephant, finally can take a load off after delivering a healthy, 332-pound female calf Monday afternoon at the Oklahoma City Zoo.

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



Hours: 9a-5p (last entry is a 4p)
Admission: Adults (ages 12-64): $8 Kids (ages 3-11): $5 Seniors (ages 65 and older): $5 Children two and under: FREE
Address: 2101 NE 50th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73111



Website: http://www.okczoo.com/

I am surprised there wasn't an wiki or development article on this.

Seattle Mayor 'Disappointed' By Plan To Move Elephants To OKC Z - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/28259395/seattle-mayor-disappointed-by-plan-to-move-elephants-to-okc-zoo)

Let's rename them - one can be OKC and the other THUNDER.:tongue:

There is already a thread solely about the zoo.

http://www.okctalk.com/arts-entertainment/25186-okc-zoo.html

I am surprised there wasn't an wiki or development article on this.

Seattle Mayor 'Disappointed' By Plan To Move Elephants To OKC Z - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/28259395/seattle-mayor-disappointed-by-plan-to-move-elephants-to-okc-zoo)

That's really not a development. It's just about moving animals from one zoo to another. That happens all of the time.

I am surprised there wasn't an wiki or development article on this.

Seattle Mayor 'Disappointed' By Plan To Move Elephants To OKC Z - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/28259395/seattle-mayor-disappointed-by-plan-to-move-elephants-to-okc-zoo)

http://www.okctalk.com/current-events-open-topic/40242-first-you-steal-our-sonics-now-our-elephants.html

http://m.newsok.com/a-mammoth-dispute-plan-to-move-seattle-elephants-to-oklahoma-city-draws-protests/article/5398371

A local response about the current elephant controversy.

OKC Zoo addresses elephant situation (http://m.newsok.com/video/4094042472001)

Bob Barker came out against the elephants coming to Oklahoma.

Dear Bob - go play wrestle Happy Gillmore again.
Dear Elephants - Come on Down! The OKC Zoo awaits you.

Oh great...another Seattle gate! So Bob Barker wants the elephants to stay in a sub par zoo, instead of living in a better environment like OKC zoo? I think he just does not like zoos in general.

http://www.okctalk.com/current-events-open-topic/40242-first-you-steal-our-sonics-now-our-elephants.html

And we are going to put the needle next to the ferris wheel when it goes up

He - as do most of the people protesting the move - wants the elephants moved to an elephant sanctuary in California, where they won't be displayed. It sounds nice until you understand that the sanctuary has a horrible tuberculosis problem, so the elephants would have to live alone (in an area that hasn't even been constructed yet). Elephants by nature are social/pack animals, so that would probably be at least as stressful as being in a display environment.

In the OKC zoo they would be integrated into a very healthy herd, and live out their lives in a social pack. Also, the facility is probably the top Asian Elephant facility in the country, and would give the younger female an opportunity to breed. Lack of breeding has been a big knock on zoo elephant exhibits, and OKC does elephant breeding quite well.

Other items the protestors are citing is that OKC is in tornado alley (ridiculous objection that shows how much ignorance people have regarding our weather) and that it is very cold this week (ignoring the fact that we have a state-of-the-art barn. Oh, and that unlike African Elephants, Asian Elephants are sometimes subjected to cold in their native environment, and thus evolutionarily adapted.

Much of it is typical coastal bigotry. How in the world could OKC even have a nice zoo? Everyone knows we're just a bunch of hicks eternally stuck in the Dust Bowl.

There needs to be a "Mystery Seattle Institution OKC Is Taking Next" thread. My votes are CuatrodeMayo and Sound Transit.

You'll have to drag me back kicking & screaming...