It will be nice to see the old pachyderm building gone.

I found this conceptual plan for Africa exhibit. Not sure how much of it will become a reality. I'm excited that their planning on train to actually go somewhere and not just a loop. lol

http://www.3frommedesign.com/master_ok_zoo_africa.html

I am excited about this fact also. The train should go through the entire zoo, having stops at the major "continents" and attractions. This could be a nice asset as many folks dont want or cant walk the entire zoo - especially as we add more continents the zoo will be even larger. Also the train can help to fit everything in by closing time - which I wish they'd extend past 5pm in Spring-Summer-Fall if they don't already.

I also wish they would bring back the aerial tram as it too would make a nice way to get an overview of the zoo and is something for those who don't have enough time. The aerial also would make a nice impression and a ride in itself like the train but also serve to get from one place to another.

Finally, add in more theme attractions with restaurants like the new Asia complex (have one for Africa, Europe, S America, N America, .... ) that might showcase food in those areas far beyond the hot dogs/hamburgers. Wouldn't it be nice to go to the OKC Zoo and get a bowl of Pho and/or sushi in the Asia complex? That's my thought and with the extensive train and aerial tram - likely might not only bring in more $$ so the zoo can become self sustaining (perhaps retiring the dedicated sales tax or just use that for capital only expenditure) but would give that WOW factor to visitors in something other zoo's don't have while also being quite functional/if not necessary.

Yeah, new Asia exhibit is really isolated. There is only one path to get there.

I saw that. Looks like they hope to turn other side of lake into campground and get rid of zoo amphitheater.

it is going to be a massize camp ground for the girl scouts

https://www.news9.com/story/39556995/girl-scouts-working-on-building-a-new-camp-ground

Are there any future plans to update or expand upon the Aquatics area? This is my favorite part of any zoo and wish this area could be better.

Don’t know how reliable the master plan is, but it looks like they are planning on moving the sea lions out and then hopefully rehabilitate the center itself.

http://3frommedesign.com/art/master_ok_zoo/okz_top4.jpg

Don’t know how reliable the master plan is, but it looks like they are planning on moving the sea lions out and then hopefully rehabilitate the center itself.

yes, last i had heard (which was i think last summer) this was still the plan. after the new sea lion exhibit was complete, going floor by floor with a complete overhaul of the center.

http://3frommedesign.com/art/master_ok_zoo/OKC-finalgraphics16.jpg

It looks like that entire side may become an aquatic area, which would be great. I can imagine a good mix of indoor and outdoor exhibits. I wonder if they are going to wait on the proposed aquarium or maybe end up incorporating it somehow before finalizing it.

I wonder if it would make more sense to just demolish and build new? It was built around a large pool that doesn't really match the nature theme the zoo is trying to go for. Reminds me too much of the old bear and cat pens. Plus, the space is just awkward because of the design.

Sounds like it will be awhile before they touch it anyway.

With the new aquarium talk, it might make sense to replace the whole thing. If the sea lions are moved, maybe keep the shell and replace the entire interior?

With the new aquarium talk, it might make sense to replace the whole thing. If the sea lions are moved, maybe keep the shell and replace the entire interior?

the zoo previously had no interest in putting the aquarium at the zoo ..

to make the numbers work it needs to be at a different location with a different ticket ..

The Zoo has funded the feasibility study that showed an aquarium would be successful, so that had me confused. But you’re right that they were thinking about a different location, that was my mixup there.

The plans were discussed in a Journal Record article earlier this year (via USNews):

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/oklahoma/articles/2019-02-03/oklahoma-city-zoo-may-get-70m-in-renovations-new-exhibits

Looks like the Farm area is just a tentative idea in case the amphitheater is closed in the future.

Kind of makes the lack of discussion to include a aquarium in Maps 4 somewhere in the city more disappointing when there is already a lack of headliner projects being discussed.

The zoo could make it work with a separate admission price if they really wanted to go that route. People would love it in the summer. The science museum Oklahoma charges special admission whenever there is a special exhibit in town. When the gross anatomy exhibit came into town, I paid museum admission and exhibit admission and didn't really tour the museum at that time.

The Zoo has funded the feasibility study that showed an aquarium would be successful, so that had me confused. But you’re right that they were thinking about a different location, that was my mixup there.

yes they want to operate and run a aquarium but with a different ticket .. and they were looking downtown ...

(i gues one would also work in the advanture district .) but the big deal was that they need to be able to sell tickets to it seperatly ..

Looks like the Zoo is planning on building a new Admin space. Concepts look nice!

https://www.okc.gov/home/showdocument?id=15386

The Zoo has funded the feasibility study that showed an aquarium would be successful, so that had me confused. But you’re right that they were thinking about a different location, that was my mixup there.

Sooooo they can keep building these areas with convention size spaces and not so much actual animal habitats, but they can't afford to build an actual animal area in a small footprint huh? Most of the elephant area isnt actual habitat and the new Asia area is anything BUT animal habitat. The zoo's actually been chapping my rear a lot in the lat 15 years about how the go about their building in terms of their purpose. The purpose of a zoo is to expose people to the animals so they can raise awareness of those animals, thus creating a desire to preserve the animals. What we've really been seeing is a lot of fluff that doesn't serve a purpose.

The areas where the elephants are actually kept is great. But what's with the stadium section that never gets used? It's really a "show" that we didn't need to have. Why did we building a pavilion in the Asia area for meetings and events instead of creating space for animals to actually live in?

The hospital is a good example of something done right. It serve a purpose but allows people to see things going. on. Actually having people see what goes in to an examination or a surgery/etc makes people (and especially kids) start thinking of questions and spurs interest and education opportunities.

For an aquarium, the footprint is more dense than anything else on the property because of the water/cooling system. Save on exterior costs by making it multiple levels (like it is today). I just can't buy into the zoo saying they can't afford it given everything else they've done. They could crowd source the construction like they have the other structures/areas and sell of the sponsorship opportunities like they've done all over the park, so we're just looking at operating costs. I call bull.

yes they want to operate and run a aquarium but with a different ticket .. and they were looking downtown ...

(i gues one would also work in the advanture district .) but the big deal was that they need to be able to sell tickets to it seperatly ..

WAIT!! looking at the concept they are removing one of their attractions. The train!

WAIT!! looking at the concept they are removing one of their attractions. The train!

Agreed, this is going right where the train depot is isn't it? My kids are going to be devastated we can't go to the zoo without riding that train.

ya, I don't understand that at all. why get rid of the train, if anything the train should be expanded to cover the whole zoo, and add in other ride attractions like an overhead gondola, rubber tire trolleys, and perhaps a ferris wheel - these all add to the zoo experience giving amusement along with animal education and conservation. They also provide welcome relief from having to walk the entire thing.

Absolutely NO REASON for that additional parking - why can't employees park in the lot like everybody else or they can expand the existing lot by the Science museum. This hneeds to e rethought - fast.

The building, it's nice though and likely necessary. I'd add a restaurant and community space/meeting rooms to it so that it's functional for the public as well as zoo employees.

ya, I don't understand that at all. why get rid of the train, if anything the train should be expanded to cover the whole zoo, and add in other ride attractions like an overhead gondola, rubber tire trolleys, and perhaps a ferris wheel - these all add to the zoo experience giving amusement along with animal education and conservation. They also provide welcome relief from having to walk the entire thing.

Absolutely NO REASON for that additional parking - why can't employees park in the lot like everybody else or they can expand the existing lot by the Science museum. This hneeds to e rethought - fast.

The building, it's nice though and likely necessary. I'd add a restaurant and community space/meeting rooms to it so that it's functional for the public as well as zoo employees.

the entire parking lot is often full and cars have to go across the street and park at the racetrack

ya, I don't understand that at all. why get rid of the train, if anything the train should be expanded to cover the whole zoo, and add in other ride attractions like an overhead gondola, rubber tire trolleys, and perhaps a ferris wheel - these all add to the zoo experience giving amusement along with animal education and conservation. They also provide welcome relief from having to walk the entire thing.

Absolutely NO REASON for that additional parking - why can't employees park in the lot like everybody else or they can expand the existing lot by the Science museum. This hneeds to e rethought - fast.

The building, it's nice though and likely necessary. I'd add a restaurant and community space/meeting rooms to it so that it's functional for the public as well as zoo employees.

the entire parking lot is often full and cars have to go across the street and park at the racetrack

Maybe there are plans to add a train back in after they do the Africa construction here in a few years. Something was going to change with the train regardless with that project. The question was whether they put a new one or remove it entirely.

Looks like the Zoo is planning on building a new Admin space. Concepts look nice!

https://www.okc.gov/home/showdocument?id=15386

What makes anyone think they’re doing away with the train? If you click on the link and look at the second diagram it shows removing some track but it also shows a new train depot east of the administrative building...

What makes anyone think they’re doing away with the train? If you click on the link and look at the second diagram it shows removing some track but it also shows a new train depot east of the administrative building...

That actually reads "New Tram Depot" and I think it refers to their rubber-wheel tram they run.

That actually reads "New Tram Depot" and I think it refers to their rubber-wheel tram they run.

You’re correct... My eyes aren’t what they once were :p

New digs
The zoo is building new habitats that will pave the way for a major new exhibit.
BY MIGUEL RIOS
Oklahoma City Zoological Park and Botanical Garden is getting several new expansions and renovations for animal habitats in anticipation of a major new exhibit. - OKC ZOO / PROVIDED

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/zoogaz1.jpg
OKC Zoo / provided
Oklahoma City Zoological Park and Botanical Garden is getting several new expansions and renovations for animal habitats in anticipation of a major new exhibit.


Several projects are in the works for Oklahoma City Zoological Park and Botanical Garden that officials say will give people renewed reasons for visiting. Apart from three new animal habitat construction projects, the zoo is in the early planning phase of a big new exhibit.

“We have what seems like a whole slew of projects that are in the planning phase right now,” said Dwight Lawson, the zoo’s executive director and CEO. “The biggest one is a new Africa exhibit that’s going to basically reinvent the central 12-plus acres of the zoo — so everything past the turnstile, the old pachyderm building, Island Life, up toward the giraffe yards.”

Planning and logistics for the Africa exhibit will take about another year before an additional year of construction starts. Lawson said it could be ready in spring 2022.

“The other project that we have planning right now is new habitats for our cheetah and wild dogs. They will go in Africa as well,” Lawson said. “The area where the wild dogs currently are will be repurposed before that for new and additional space for African painted dogs and cheetah and other medium-sized carnivores. It was the area that used to be called Dog Row. A lot of it has been taken down because it was getting pretty old. That should be up … maybe late summer next year if all goes well.”

Modern habitats

The zoo is also working to renovate habitats for its Galapagos tortoises, its condors and other amphibians.
The new Galapagos tortoises exhibit has been under construction for a few months now and should be complete by the end of the year, according to Candice Rennels, director of public relations. The expansion costs approximately $700,000 and is taking place in the former Secret Garden area of the Children’s Zoo.

“It gives them a much better space, and it puts another animal exhibit kind of right up there at the front entry where there wasn’t much before. It also helps pave the way for the next really huge project that we have with Africa,” Lawson said. “The place where they currently are (Island Life) is going to be going away in the next 18 to 24 months, and we had a nice spot in the Children’s Zoo that was underutilized and nice and sunny, which is perfect for them. So it’s a better spot for them and will activate that space.”

The zoo has had Galapagos tortoises in its animal population since 1966. Currently, the zoo is home to one male and three female tortoises ranging from 70 to 110 years old. Through the Zoo’s Wild Encounter Program, Rennels said guests will have an opportunity to connect with the tortoises and learn about them from their caretakers.

Initial construction has begun on a new Andean condor exhibit and habitat. Lawson said it could be completed by late spring or early summer of next year. He said Works Progress Administration built grottos in the ’20s and ’30s that have been walled off from public view for about two decades.

“It’s another reason to visit. It’s better homes for a lot of these incredible
animals that we have.”
—Dwight Lawson

“I’m excited about this one,” Lawson said. “We’re going to open that area up and basically repurpose a couple for those grottos for a couple large aviaries for Andean condors and a few other bird species. It’d be nice to have that [mix of] history and something new and some new homes for the condors. We used to have those guys down there in the reptile house in some old bird cages that were actually the only original animal habitat structure or enclosure from when the zoo was at Wheeler Park. They actually moved that cage up here, and it was actually a little bit past its useful lifespan, so we got rid of it a year or two ago and have been working toward this new home for condors.”

The 10,000 square-foot habitat will provide room for condors to fly in a native landscape that includes viewing opportunities for guests. The expansion costs a little more than $1 million and will move condors to the area west of the zoo’s Noble Aquatic Center. It will also feature a dedicated azalea garden space that Lawson said was supported by a longtime donor.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/zoogaz2.jpg
The zoo’s Galapagos tortoises are getting a new habitat just inside the zoo’s entrance that should be completed by the end of the year. - OKC ZOO / PROVIDED


The zoo’s Galapagos tortoises are getting a new habitat just inside the zoo’s entrance that should be completed by the end of the year.
Next month, construction begins on a new amphibian plaza. Lawson said that will be a series of wetland features and landscaping to go in front of the current reptile house.

“We’re going to put in some water features that will feature turtles and amphibians and things like that that people can kind of walk through and around,” he said. “That’ll tie in nicely to the landscaping that we upgraded with the picnic area that opened a year and a half ago. … That one should be done in the spring. It’s not as complicated.”

The plaza will also feature water gardens that extend from outside the Herpetarium to the picnic area. The project will cost $693,000.

In addition to habitats for its animal population, the zoo is also in the early stages of building a new administration building and renovating the existing one. Construction is estimated to cost $6 million.

“Most of the administration services of the zoo have been living in the basement of the science museum forever. We’ve outgrown that space, so what we’re looking to do is build some new office space,” Lawson said. “Then the space that we currently occupy in the bottom of the science museum we want to convert to additional space for education programs. They’re kind of busting at the seams as well, so it’s a one-two punch to get them some additional room. … This will be a nice, separate environment to place that.”

Lawson said the new exhibits will be good for animals and attractive for visitors while providing enhanced educational experiences for everyone involved.

“It’s another reason to visit. It’s better homes for a lot of these incredible animals that we have. Our standards of care continue to evolve and improve, so we’re always anxious to keep up with that,” Lawson said. “The situation for animals out in the wild and nature isn’t getting any better, so I think there’s more and more reason to get people in here and tell them that story and give them a compelling experience as part of that.”

While temperatures in Oklahoma City continue dropping, officials still encourage people to visit the zoo. Some animals need to remain inside, but other species are comfortable in the colder temperatures.

November is also Military Appreciation Month, which means free admission all month for active duty or retired veterans of the military, National Guard and Reserves with military ID. Up to four immediate family members also get 50 percent off general admission.

Visit okczoo.org.

Anyone been to the OKC zoo since they announced a limited re-opening? We received an email talking about some sort of reservation required, members only limited opening. Wondering how limited of an experience it is. Not really up for listening to kids whine about not being able to do this or that. Any word on when they open up fully? Also, typically in May is when Mathis Brothers does their Zoo Friends memberships. I called MB and they said they had not received any word on when or if that would happen this year. They said it's up to the zoo. I really hope they do. I doubt we'd buy a membership this year otherwise.

Yes, I went Saturday. It was wonderful. It's a one-way 2.5-mile walk through the park. You see the majority of the animals. The Herpetarium, Great EscApe, and animal hospital were closed. My family really enjoyed it. The zoo did a great job keeping everyone separated.

Yes, I went Saturday. It was wonderful. It's a one-way 2.5-mile walk through the park. You see the majority of the animals. The Herpetarium, Great EscApe, and animal hospital were closed. My family really enjoyed it. The zoo did a great job keeping everyone separated.

Is it guided or self guided? Meaning can you loiter at one spot or do they make you keep moving along to flow people in and out of exhibits? Thanks.

Later this year, they're supposed to be ready to move the zoo to a new location near Thackerville and the casino, apparently to make it more convenient for Texas visitors.

Later this year, they're supposed to be ready to move the zoo to a new location near Thackerville and the casino, apparently to make it more convenient for Texas visitors.

Wrong "Zoo" thread. LOL

Is it guided or self guided? Meaning can you loiter at one spot or do they make you keep moving along to flow people in and out of exhibits? Thanks.

It’s self guided. Plenty of room to pass people. No one is moving you along.

Sorry, I can kind of get one-way for things like aisles at busy stores, but this whole one-way thing for the zoo is ridiculous to me. We went recently and people bunched up and could turn and walk technically against the flow to go see something in that immediate area. The whole one-way thing seemed counterproductive to me. It seemed to me if they opened the whole thing up and let people naturally disperse it would have actually been a safer environment.

Went today, it was ok, but you can't experience the full zoo, a lot of exhibits and pathways inaccesible. Also you can't access the none of the cool attractions like Stingray bay and sea lion. However, they still charge you $12. I feel they shouldn't charge you full price if you can't experience the whole zoo.

With that being said, it was still crowded. i think people were just glad to get out of the house.

Went today, it was ok, but you can't experience the full zoo, a lot of exhibits and pathways inaccesible. Also you can't access the none of the cool attractions like Stingray bay and sea lion. However, they still charge you $12. I feel they shouldn't charge you full price if you can't experience the whole zoo.

$12 is a bargain! Denver adult is $20 for a good, but lesser quality zoo.

To be fair, they do tell you the Safari walk is not the whole zoo and show a map of what you can see. I think they had to do something to minimize risk as well as get open so they could stay afloat. I took the ZooFriends survey they sent out during the crisis and agree this was the best course of action for the time being.

It looks like they are still selling out so that is good.

$12 is a bargain! Denver adult is $20 for a good, but lesser quality zoo.


and Seattle - double that for again a much lesser quality zoo. ..

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/zoo52320a.jpg

They are bidding out a complete renovation for the cheetah and wild dog exhibit in the northwest corner of the zoo:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/okczoo070220a.jpg

Oooo, nice, that area needs a refresh for sure. Would be wonderful to have a good cheetah exhibit.

Exciting! That area is currently very drab and in desperate need of some TLC.

On a related note, a writing professor at OCU wrote a short novel about the OKC Zoo which came out earlier this year:

http://outpost19.com/TheWorldandTheZoo/

The neural cruelty of captivity: Keeping large mammals in zoos and aquariums damages their brains (https://theconversation.com/the-neural-cruelty-of-captivity-keeping-large-mammals-in-zoos-and-aquariums-damages-their-brains-142240)

The neural cruelty of captivity: Keeping large mammals in zoos and aquariums damages their brains (https://theconversation.com/the-neural-cruelty-of-captivity-keeping-large-mammals-in-zoos-and-aquariums-damages-their-brains-142240)

While the article is, l am sure, quite accurate for animals that are in stark, confined areas without adequate stimulation, there is a huge difference in the quality of zoos around the world and a huge difference between the kind of animal. For example, an orca might be OK if it's tank was the size of the zoo lake. I don't think any Sea World tank approaches that.

You may remember the polar bear they had at the OKC zoo (when l was young) that had nothing but concrete and a small pool. Yeah, it went nuts. Responsible zoos will have animals they can properly care for and stimulate. When you have facilities like OKC that are adequatly funded, the animals are - or as is being discussed - will be cared for properly.

It's all about care and entertainment. I'm stuck in a house of limited size because of covid but I'm ok because l work, garden, build things, read, play with my dogs, have my wife and have internet. I realize others are going nuts.

The article talks about stress, mood, etc. I think wild animals have plenty of stress just surviving. The article talks about illnesses, skin conditions, etc. I think wild animals have plenty of that in the wild plus parasites, venomous things, etc.

The article also seems to justify letting species go extinct rather than subject them to inadequate lifestyles. I disagree for the sake of the world. Living in an adequate captivity beats the alternative of extinction. I just wish our zoo could be more like the San Diego zoo that's large enough for free roaming.

Very well stated, Mugofbeer, good points...

Selected Texas & Oklahoma zoos:

Houston Zoo - 55-acre zoological park, 6,000 animals from 900 species. General Admission: Adult: $22.95. Child (Ages 2-11): $17.95. Senior: $17.95.

Dallas Zoo & Aquarian - 106-acre zoo, 2,000 animals representing 406 species. General Admission Adults (age 12-64) $17.00. Youth (age 3-11) $14.00. Seniors (age 65 up) $14.00. Children (age 2 and under) FREE.

Fort Worth Zoo - 64 acres, 7,000 animals, 500 species. Regular Admission: Adults (13+) $16, Children (3 to 12) $12, Seniors (65+) $12. The Fort Worth Zoo has been a top 5 zoo in North America every year in USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

OKC Zoo - 110 acres, 1,900 animals, 512 species. Sanctuary Asia (9.5 acres), Great EscAPE (6 acres), Cat Forest/Lion Overlook (4.2 acres). Regular admission is $11 for adults and $8 for children ages 3-11 and seniors ages 65 and over. Children two and under are admitted free.

The OKC Zoo continues to improve with many quality exhibits constructed since voters approved its 1/8 penny sales tax funding in 1990.

Tulsa Zoo - 85 acres, 1,500 animals, 436 species. Admission Prices: $12 for adults, $8 for ages 3-11, $10 for seniors 65+, Ages 2 and under are free.

Comparing Houston's zoo to this one is absolutely abysmal. You have that many animals crammed in 55 acres, you give the animals no room to move. It's like throwing them in those old cubic bar cages and setting them like twenty feet apart. I know that zoning may have a lot to do with that, not to mention land availability, but that's just cruel in my eyes. And then there's the price of admittance.

Compare that to here (where land is readily available in a city that just sprawls across the plains) and you'd get a more comfortable environment that allows a lot more roaming room for the animals. And then considering the future expansions, I believe it would benefit the animals to a greater degree. Now if only they could work in that aquarium, we'd be in business.

Comparing Houston's zoo to this one is absolutely abysmal. You have that many animals crammed in 55 acres, you give the animals no room to move. It's like throwing them in those old cubic bar cages and setting them like twenty feet apart. I know that zoning may have a lot to do with that, not to mention land availability, but that's just cruel in my eyes. And then there's the price of admittance.

Compare that to here (where land is readily available in a city that just sprawls across the plains) and you'd get a more comfortable environment that allows a lot more roaming room for the animals. And then considering the future expansions, I believe it would benefit the animals to a greater degree. Now if only they could work in that aquarium, we'd be in business.

Just selected a few Oklahoma & Texas zoos and information about them; thank you for making the comparison...

Our Zoo could easily have twice the number of animals and species that they do now. But they have been doing a good job putting habitat quality over species quantity.

I am super excited to see how Africa will end up.

Obviously nothing is better than a native habitat, but this is getting more and more difficult to come by these days as the human race spreads across the planet. What the OKC zoo offers endangered animals is still significantly better than a lot of other zoos.

are our numbers misleading? we have 110 acres for the zoo but isn't most of that the zoo lake, ampitheatre, parking?

If I total up the provided areas subtotals, I get roughly 20 acres for our zoo where animals actually live. Perhaps that's missing Acuaticus and the Africa area under development but still not 110 acres used either. ..

Still better than Houston's 55 acres for 3000 animals (ridiculousness) but perhaps we far underutilize (or perhaps overcount) our zoo area.

I hope/pray the plan is still to build the acqarium downtown as a greater (smithsonian style) OKC Zoo attraction. The return on investment of such a development (that we saw) when combined with residential and hotel development of the area has to be salivating. Let's get that on the hard books at least.

Didn’t they say they are still looking into a downtown area aquarium even though it didn’t make the MAPS 4 list?

Didn’t they say they are still looking into a downtown area aquarium even though it didn’t make the MAPS 4 list?

from what i heard they were looking for a brief time after to see if they could get the money another way, but again, from what i had heard, is that also fell apart. maybe and hopefully Pete as heard something different? but i'm assuming with funds being down from the zoo being closed for quite a while during the pandemic, that they probably don't have the funds

I would love to see a Bricktown Aquarium that is integrated into the canal. Obviously a canal extension would be easier, to build from the ground up, but maybe some creativity to do so in the established desolate parts of the canal.

Divide the new aquarium in half, build two separate 3+ story buildings on opposite (or catty corner from each other, if trying to scheme in the established canal) sides of the canal. The Dallas World Aquarium is ~4 stories so that's not unheard of. Then connect the buildings with a pedestrian walkway, that can only be accessible to those who bought a ticket, that includes a clear reinforced glass arch the goes above the canal and possibly another clear passage above the passageway. This will be similar to aquariums that let you walk above and under the tanks and see a hammerhead shark swim over you. The main draw would be that this part of the exhibit would be available to everyone on the canal, who could walk under the clear arch and see various fish swimming over the canal and under the pedestrian walkway, and maybe even the second clear glass tunnel above the path between the two buildings. The canal and street level portions of the aquariums facing the canal can also have clear tanks with various exhibits for passersby. Then the second stories a balcony coffee shop and a balcony bar.

It would be a major attraction, unique, drawing street traffic to the canal, as people would take selfies under the clear arch of themselves with a shark or otter flying above them, as well as by the open tanks facing the canal.

I went to the zoo recently and checked out the new Asian wildlife exhibit. Very nice other than the fact unless I missed something that the path dead ends and you have to turn around and walk the same way you entered. It just feels closed off and I wish they would have found a way to tie into the path so you could walk through the exhibit and on to another one.

I went to the zoo recently and checked out the new Asian wildlife exhibit. Very nice other than the fact unless I missed something that the path dead ends and you have to turn around and walk the same way you entered. It just feels closed off and I wish they would have found a way to tie into the path so you could walk through the exhibit and on to another one.

i think i recall from a few years back when the sent all the zoo friends a plan for the future, that once they finally redo the hooved animal pens, that it will go the whole way around. but i don't think that will be for some time

i think i recall from a few years back when the sent all the zoo friends a plan for the future, that once they finally redo the hooved animal pens, that it will go the whole way around. but i don't think that will be for some time
Okay that’s good news. At least there are plans for it. It just felt kind of weird being closed off like that.

I went to the zoo recently and checked out the new Asian wildlife exhibit. Very nice other than the fact unless I missed something that the path dead ends and you have to turn around and walk the same way you entered. It just feels closed off and I wish they would have found a way to tie into the path so you could walk through the exhibit and on to another one.

You're right, and I didn't realize that's one of the things that irritated me about that new area until just now. WIth all the hype surrounding it, the exhibits also felt a little out of place, like they weren't really even part of the zoo, if that makes sense? I was underwhelmed.

To "fix" it, they would need to cut a path right through the Oklahoma Trails exhibit which isn't that old really.

The best bet would be where the alligator exhibit is.
https://www.okczoo.org/map-directions-tips


Edit:
This area where the path ends at the red panda exhibit seems feasible. This is an old google earth photo when the new area was still under construction.

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