https://twitter.com/okczoo/status/642380123031756801


We are so very grateful & truly excited for the grand opening Saturday, Sept. 12. #wildaboutwellness #vetcarewith

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/COoxQNqUkAEikHG.jpg:large

Has the zoo updated their master plan guidelines recently? I found this link (http://www.okczoo.com/plan-your-visit/zoo-master-plan/) but I didn't know that the Asia exhibit had been postponed, I was under the impression it was the next major change. Instead it was pushed back apparently. I think Aquatics needs to be moved up and I hope at least they plan on renovating right. The aquatics center is getting embarrassing in looks and quality.

The Asia Exhibit II is in the final planning stages and should start construction soon.

The Asia Exhibit II is in the final planning stages and should start construction soon.

Yes, please see post number 61.

Oklahoma City Zoo saddened, shocked at sudden death of beloved elephant (http://www.okczoo.com/news/m.blog/56/oklahoma-city-zoo-saddened-shocked-at-sudden-death-of-beloved-elephant)


It is with profound sadness that the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden reports the death of beloved 4-year-old, female Asian elephant, Malee. She died in the early morning hours on Thursday, October 1, 2015.

Zoo keepers noticed slower than normal movements on Wednesday which continued into the afternoon, however she was eating and otherwise normal. Around 4:30 p.m., concern grew as zoo keepers noticed discoloration in her mouth. At that time, they initiated protocol treatment for EEHV (elephant endotheliotropic herpes virus), although it is not confirmed as the cause of death. Following a prescribed protocol, a second treatment was given around 1 a.m., October 1. Her condition had not changed at that time. Despite the aggressive treatment, she declined rapidly and passed away at approximately 4 a.m.

A necropsy (animal autopsy) will be performed to determine exact cause of death. Results may not be known for some time. All other Zoo elephants are doing well at this time.

Malee was the first elephant born at the Zoo in 2011 and quickly became a Zoo favorite.

As more news becomes available, updates will be delivered via the Zoo’s website at www.okczoo.com (http://www.okczoo.com/) and social media. Please keep the Zoo family, particularly Malee’s care team, in your thoughts at this very difficult time.

- okczoo –



Media Note: Dr. Dwight Lawson, Oklahoma City Zoo executive director/CEO, will be available for interviews Thursday, October 1, between 10 a.m. and noon. Please make arrangements with the Zoo’s Public Relations staff to set up in advance.

That's very sad. Malee was adorable.

Crud.

Terrible, terrible, terrible news. She was an amazing elephant.

This just put a real damper on my day. I am planning to go to the zoo on Sunday for Pistol Pete's B-Day party but also to see the new elephants. I have been looking forward to it for weeks. Now I just feel sad.

Incredibly sad day for OKC. RIP Malee.

Elephants are extremely smart and have emotions just like us. I can't imagine what her mother is going through.

This day has sucked so far.

It was such a big deal when Malee was the first elephant ever born at the Oklahoma City Zoo in 2011.
We went out and saw her and felt a connection. An elephant born in Oklahoma City(!) This is really sad news.

Very sad. Also sad: PETA has been attacking the zoo on Twitter.

Yeah, I was guessing that would happen. Also wondering how long it will be before Seattle people start trolling.

Also wondering how long it will be before Seattle people start trolling.

This is what I've been waiting on as well.

Yeah, I was guessing that would happen. Also wondering how long it will be before Seattle people start trolling.

That's unfortunate.

I think PETA is too far left of the spectrum for me. I am 100% for animals being treated with respect, I am against hunting for sport, against animal neglect and abuse, and am not a fan of industrial animal farms where conditions are deplorable.

I cannot support them that zoos are prison captivity. The zoos in America are very good, and especially the OKC Zoo which to my knowledge, correct me if I am wrong, has won numerous awards for the humane treatment of animals and cleanliness of facilities.

Zoos are necessary for education and awareness. They are great to teach children about animals they would not normally ever be exposed to. The animals in their science books are real, not made up. They can see them up close, and hopefully grow fond of wild animals and learn to respect their place in our world.

I'm sad that we lost Malee, but death is a completely natural phenomena, it happens in the wild and it happens in zoos. PETA needs to understand that. They are treating it as if they allowed poachers to shoot it from the fence line. It's a disease. All of us get diseases, some fatal. Including elephants in the wild and in zoos.

^I guess I kind of look at it as captivity in almost any setting is unethical. Animals in the wild are free to make their own decisions at all times and in zoos that is just not the case. You're framing you argument such that everything in this world should be used to give humans some sort of lesson or perspective, as if everything here was design for our consumption. I guess it would be a matter of beliefs, but I can't agree with that.

To your last point, I'll have to look up the citations but I believe the PETA argument is that the diseases are actually happening alarmingly more frequently in captivity than in the wild.

Also some animals, such as Bengal tigers I believe, are down to 3-4000 individual animals in the wild vs 30-40,000 in zoos. Right, wrong, or otherwise, some animals may well go extinct in the wild but will be preserved by humanity for humanity's future generations to learn from and about, in zoos. Due to unfortunate aspects of humanity, those extinctions would happen with or without zoos. Better to have them than to not I'd think.

If they are in captivity though, there is absolutely no difference to not having them. What benefit are they giving the world other than entertainment when in captivity?

Again your whole argument here is that we should preserve animals in zoos for our benefit so that we can look at them.

I'm not sure I agree with that. Captivity programs have previously returned species previously extinct in the wild back to the wild. I agree it isn't ideal, but it's better than losing them all together.

I have heard of some programs doing that but I'm not sure I have never heard of a Zoo reintroducing animals to the wild especially if they were bred in captivity.

Most Captive-Born Predators Die If Released (http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/01/080123-carnivores-wild.html)

I get that, and am in no way an expert on the matter. I just feel the educational value of zoos alone merit their existence, when done right obviously, which I feel our zoo does a good job at. So you'd rather shut down zoos and let species go extinct? (just clarifying, you're certainly entitled to your position)

I'm not sure I agree with that. Captivity programs have previously returned species previously extinct in the wild back to the wild. I agree it isn't ideal, but it's better than losing them all together.

I could see that for animals that are not more likely to die by poachers in what wilds are left, though over time that is becoming more and more only what land countries set aside for protected land. Many of which do not have the money to actually defend animals in the natural preserves.

The OKC Zoo continues it's reputation as an elephant brothel. LOL

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/at-the-national-zoo-its-time-for-a-young-male-elephant-to-find-a-mate/2015/08/25/0a5c9900-4b3c-11e5-bfb9-9736d04fc8e4_story.html

I love that story.

Any reason the zoo closes at 5pm? Seems really early, especially on weekends. Very annoying.

Any reason the zoo closes at 5pm? Seems really early, especially on weekends. Very annoying.

Evidently, that is very common. The Dallas Zoo closes at 4:00PM, the Tulsa Zoo closes at 5:00PM, and the San Antonio Zoo closes at 6:00PM. The Audubon Zoo in New Orleans closes at 4:00PM through the week and at 5:00PM on the weekend. I suspect it may have something to do with being able to properly care for the animals.

I bet it does. I'll wager the zoo wants evening cleanup and feeding to be done so the animals can be least-stressed by dark.

Most zoo's close early for evening feeding and maintenance as listed above. I have a love/hate relationship with zoo's as I know some of the work is great work they do but I also hate to see animals stressed and captive. So I like that they do try to give them time away from being on display.

The OKC Zoo continues it's reputation as an elephant brothel. LOL

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/at-the-national-zoo-its-time-for-a-young-male-elephant-to-find-a-mate/2015/08/25/0a5c9900-4b3c-11e5-bfb9-9736d04fc8e4_story.html

Just reminds me; one year we took a group of students from Deer Creek (Middle School) to the OKC Zoo. The Elephants at the time were in full mating bloom--very slow motion and methodical process like a battering ram breaking through a door (LMAO). The children had questions like you wouldn't believe (utter silence & bashfulness among the adult chaperones); however, you felt that they (giggling children) knew more than they let on to.


In Oklahoma, he will come under the guidance of a 47-year-old bull named Rex in a state-of-the-art facility with six other elephants in total.

The departure comes as the National Zoo has been trying to build its elephant herd, with the addition of four new elephants in the past two years.

But Kandula is too closely related to the zoo’s breeding-age female, Maharani, who is technically his aunt. Zoo officials have said that Kandula was being moved to a zoo with females to whom he is not genetically related.


https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/a-male-elephant-all-grown-up-leaves-washington-on-a-search-for-love/2015/10/20/fed0c046-7739-11e5-bc80-9091021aeb69_story.html

Haunt the Zoo starts tonight and runs all week.

I'm going tonight to volunteer handing out candy... Should be great fun.

Didn't realize this until I read it but it's the biggest fundraiser for the zoo.

Holy heck, what a crowd!

Not having kids -- and also not having lived here for the last 25 years -- I had never been to Haunt the Zoo and had no idea what a big deal it is.

Really fun to see the thousands (literally) of kids and their families. So many great costumes and everyone having a great time on a gorgeous night.

If that's something you enjoyed being around, tomorrow night in Bricktown is the second annual Brick or Treat event, and they're expecting as many as 5K trick or treaters.

Anyone have photos of Bob Jenny, Reptile Director? He used to come to schools and was on TV alot...this was back in 50s/60s. Thanks...

Anyone have photos of Bob Jenny, Reptile Director? He used to come to schools and was on TV alot...this was back in 50s/60s. Thanks...

Actually, his name was Bob Jenni.

He was featured in this video from ten years ago.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrrcvQ7KzWI

A very interesting interview about and with Gayla Peevey and her continuing involvement with the OKC Zoo.

NewsOK Videos | Zoo Tales: Gayla Peevey to highlight weekend's holiday festivities (http://newsok.com/multimedia/video/4652301762001)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=2Dec9Jb_Ac4

Elephant Chai suffered injuries, weight loss months before her death (http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/times-watchdog/chai-suffered-injuries-weight-loss-months-before-her-death-in-oklahoma/) -- A tad bit different from what local zoo staff were saying publicly.

Elephant Chai suffered injuries, weight loss months before her death (http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/times-watchdog/chai-suffered-injuries-weight-loss-months-before-her-death-in-oklahoma/) -- A tad bit different from what local zoo staff were saying publicly.

Good for the Seattle Times. Imagine that--a journalist using the Open Records Act to delve a little deeper into things. The OKC media is lazy. Reporters value access more than truth and it's done us all a disservice. The OKC Zoo has a huge budget. If they are treating their animals poorly, the public should be informed.

Our leaders spend lots of time and energy hiding their use of public money from the public with organizations like OKC Alliance and our lazy news media sit back and allow it to happen.

Have there been any updates on the Zoo's upcoming construction plans or updates to the Zoo master plan? I know they're way behind what they laid out a few years ago. They took down the banners announcing the new Africa area and expanded Asia exhibits. And we pretty much skip Aquatics every time we visit the zoo now. I know it was supposed to be renovated in the next few years.

I know they recently finished the Bison enclosure and Hospital. Btw, if you haven't been yet, the hospital is very cool and there is also an area where you can watch the cooks prep and make all of the food.

http://www.news9.com/story/32283379/okc-zoo-plans-for-15-million-expansion

I have all the detailed plans and will post them later.

I've read that they are also in the very early stages of developing a new Africa exhibit as well in the old elephant area.

Ahh, I assume this must be the Asian exhibit that there's been a big sign for back by the elephants?

Yes, Phase II of the Asia exhibit and it's massive and ambitious.

Yes, Phase II of the Asia exhibit and it's massive and ambitious.

I'm very much looking forward to it.

I've been reading the Zoo Trust minutes for the past year (just because I enjoy everything about the Zoo, and it's very interesting to get this 'behind the scenes' look at the Zoo) and it looks like they have been very diligent about getting this right.

I was at a zoo function not long ago and several employees had some very troubling things to say about the new(ish) executive director, Mr. Lawson.

Definitely a 'big time' development for the OKC Zoo as it continues to get bigger & better.

These are quality developments planned. Most zoos throughout the country aren't as aggressive as our Zoo; nor do they have the funding mechanism in place to expand and construct quality exhibits.

The whole Adventure District is beginning to take shape with the Zoo, Softball Hall of Fame & stadium complex, Firefighters Museum, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and Remington Racing & Casino providing some great tourist attractions in that district.

Come 2020, this area will be Big League . . .

This new exhibit will be in what has always been the very back of the zoo and a place many don't bother to visit.

Because it's at a somewhat remote spot, they are planning a big food court and other amenities. Should be pretty elaborate in addition to all the animal areas.

Are there any renderings or a map? Every time I've been to the zoo (frequently, because I'm slightly obsessed) the elephant exhibit is one of the busiest. Is that the area you're referring to?

I have all the detailed plans and will post them later.

when should we expect this, Pete?

This new exhibit will be in what has always been the very back of the zoo and a place many don't bother to visit.

Because it's at a somewhat remote spot, they are planning a big food court and other amenities. Should be pretty elaborate in addition to all the animal areas.

It should really help the flow throughout the whole zoo.

One thing they have done recently was to connect the Oklahoma Trails to the loop around the Giraffes by the new hospital. I am always amazed what a difference that little bit of concrete makes. I always felt that the Giraffe loop was somewhat out of the way and disconnected from the flow of the rest of the zoo.

If the map out the new Asia exhibit well we could end up with a giant loop, which would be great. Enter the zoo and head left, go past the aviaries, cut through the children's zoo, then the aquarium, head back along the lake, Island Life, big cats, Oklahoma Trails, Great EscApe, Elephants, Asia, Giraffes, and then you are back at the entrance area.

Although moving the Giraffes is part of the plan for the Africa exhibit they got planned for the future.

They have done a lot of small chances that really made a difference as well. They got rid of the tall wood fences around Island Life and a few other areas, and the zoo feels a lot more open with that simple chance.

The best part of our zoo has the be the admission price, $8 for an adult is crazy cheap. My wife and I go to zoo's all over the country when we travel and the average price of admission is around $15-$20 per person, I've even paid like $50 to get into a zoo (San Diego). For the size and how nice our zoo is, I'm surprised admission is not $20 a person.

Construction plans have been put out to bid to greatly expand and enhance the Asia Exhibit at the Oklahoma City Zoo.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/zoo100.jpg


Plans show over 300,000 square feet of building space spread over 15 acres next to the existing Elephant Habitat and bridging into the elevated walkway system.

The main structure will be a massive Thai temple styled 2-story food court.

There will be night buildings for rhinos and various other animals, and a elephant crossing to allow them to move from the existing exhibit.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/zoo101.jpg

Animals shown on the plans include Komodo dragon, rhino, elephant, ibis, crane, langur, tanuki, and cassowary.

Also to be included would be shade structures for the animals, night houses and an elephant and rhino lagoon.


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

The new exhibit should start construction soon and open in 2019. Other longer-term plans show the existing Rhino area turned into a sprawling Africa exhibit.

The Oklahoma City Zoo sees more than 1 million visitors a year.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/zoo105.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/zoo104.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/zoo103.jpg

Awesome!

This blends in with the design theme of the exiting new structures built since the 1/8 cent permanent penny sales tax that supports the zoo.

http://local.thecityofoklahomacity.com/images/oklahoma-city-zoo.jpg

This is very cool. OKC Zoo has been one of the best in North America for some time, but it continues to get even better. Another jewel in OKC

I love the zoo and can't wait to visit the city again and the zoo!!

and I fully support the sales tax for it; but I hope/think the city should build a similar sales tax for Transit. Maybe after the zoo gets built up the next few years, split the 1/8 current tax so that the zoo gets 1/16 and transit gets 1/16. ...

As I imagine the new infrastructure at the zoo will allow it to collect much more from admissions (and they could increase their rate a little bit; OKC zoo is Sooooo inexpensive, esp for its size and status); they likely won't need the tax as much as they do now with the tax geared toward the capital payments.

We're going to need a permanent transit funding mechanism; maybe we can revise some of these that are earmarked as their much needed capital improvements come online.

Why cut the Zoo's permanent tax. The only way we are going to put a dent into any kind of support for transit initiatives is to devote a full penny or 1/2 penny sales tax toward the transit cause.

We should consider a permanent MAPS' sales tax with 50 percent of collections devoted to transit. You would have a permanent solution for funding transit & its infrastructure; yet continue to pay for future funding for capital improvements.

A MAPS' permanent tax would allow the city to pay for transit & capital improvements debt free.

Why cut the Zoo's permanent tax. The only way we are going to put a dent into any kind of support for transit initiatives is to devote a full penny or 1/2 penny sales tax toward the transit cause.

We should consider a permanent MAPS' sales tax with 50 percent of collections devoted to transit. You would have a permanent solution for funding transit & its infrastructure; yet continue to pay for future funding for capital improvements.

A MAPS' permanent tax would allow the city to pay for transit & capital improvements debt free.

With OKC already having such a high sales tax already, I think the better route would be to increase the fuel tax by .01 and have that go to funding transit. I would like to see it at .05 but the .01 is a start.

Why do we need higher taxes? I'm not sure about the rest of you, but I pay 40% of my earnings in taxes....How about a decrease from time to time..