Noticed they posted a video on Twitter Monday that they have started construction on Expedition Africa and had more images than I had seen previously.

Noticed they posted a video on Twitter Monday that they have started construction on Expedition Africa and had more images than I had seen previously.

https://twitter.com/okczoo/status/1422625196213686277?s=20

I hope everyone appreciates the gem we have here with the OKC Zoo. This new addition will be awesome too.

I hope everyone appreciates the gem we have here with the OKC Zoo. This new addition will be awesome too.

yes it will and they already have the next improvement lined up after africa is done ...

which should a new sea lion habitat and Pengiuns ..

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.

If you get there via the elephants exhibit, you can do the loop through Asia and wind up at the entrance to the elephants exhibit (apes). But yeah, they really need to work on their flow.

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

I love that the plan is to preserve the architecture of the Pachyderms Building. For whatever reason, I think that building is very nostalgic.

I love that the plan is to preserve the architecture of the Pachyderms Building. For whatever reason, I think that building is very nostalgic.

It's one of the very few original structures left.

I'm really partial to it as well.

I could not agree more (post 483).OKC has a Top ranked Zoo in America. It has often been ranked in the Top 20 in all of America

Looks like we need a new separate thread for the golf course.

I was in St. Louis last week and went to their zoo on Friday, and man what a treat. First the zoo is free, so that is pretty cool, it is also situated in Forest Park, which is a massive 1300+ acre park near downtown St. Louis. Our zoo is really nice, and only getting better, but after visiting the St. Louis Zoo, I really hope we keep building and improving, because our area of the country has some serious hitters in the Zoo category.

405 Mag article on the predator pass area:

https://www.405magazine.com/lions-and-tigers-and-cheetahs-to-spy/

Went to the zoo for the first time in years with the family last week. Nice day about 60 degrees. Felt a little robbed of $60. A lot of walking, but didn't see hardly any animals. Flamingos, elephants, the head of one tiger, zebras from a distance, a couple monkeys, rhinos and that's about it. I know its under heavy construction, but for such a beautifully decorated park the kids saw more fake animals than real animals.

Went to the zoo for the first time in years with the family last week. Nice day about 60 degrees. Felt a little robbed of $60. A lot of walking, but didn't see hardly any animals. Flamingos, elephants, the head of one tiger, zebras from a distance, a couple monkeys, rhinos and that's about it. I know its under heavy construction, but for such a beautifully decorated park the kids saw more fake animals than real animals.

Too bad. It can feel like that sometimes. Wide habitats are, of course, great for the animals but sometimes let the visitors out of luck.

I just went this Thursday afternoon with some family members, for the first time in few years and we were very lucky ! We saw everything but the Lions and Bear. All the big cats were active. Really a cool couple of hours.

Love this Zoo and I think it is very very reasonably priced. Always upgrading and doing more !

I really need to make a trip in hopes of seeing the cheetahs.

Went to the zoo for the first time in years with the family last week. Nice day about 60 degrees. Felt a little robbed of $60. A lot of walking, but didn't see hardly any animals. Flamingos, elephants, the head of one tiger, zebras from a distance, a couple monkeys, rhinos and that's about it. I know its under heavy construction, but for such a beautifully decorated park the kids saw more fake animals than real animals.

60 degrees is still a little bit chilly for some animals. I bet you saw zero in predator pass area. These are were all the Africa animals that are naturally use to 80s and above. Bears of course would usually go into hibernation this time of year. Basically Spring and Fall are the best time of year, maybe early morning in the summer.

I really need to make a trip in hopes of seeing the cheetahs.

My cheetah story. Around 30 years ago, they were in a back pen that was long and narrow on the west side if I remember correctly. Another pen to the south were African wild dogs. As soon as we got near the cheetahs, one come running up very fast and jumps and hits the south end of the enclosure. It was like OMG what the hell is going on. I look back and notice a small service vehicle and a zoo worker threw a few chunks of meat into the wild dog pen. And his next stop was feeding the cheetahs.

Went to the zoo for the first time in years with the family last week. Nice day about 60 degrees. Felt a little robbed of $60. A lot of walking, but didn't see hardly any animals. Flamingos, elephants, the head of one tiger, zebras from a distance, a couple monkeys, rhinos and that's about it. I know its under heavy construction, but for such a beautifully decorated park the kids saw more fake animals than real animals.

For the money, the zoo family pass is a great buy specifically because of visits like the one you had, in case you're referring to the admission cost with the $60. If you have a pass, you can enjoy what's available each visit and not have to hope to see everything.

For the money, the zoo family pass is a great buy specifically because of visits like the one you had, in case you're referring to the admission cost with the $60. If you have a pass, you can enjoy what's available each visit and not have to hope to see everything.

Family pass is definitely the way to go if you plan to go a few times. We got our moneys worth.

^^^^^^^^^^
It’s legitimately the best value of any admission (and especially family admission) deal in town versus ALL attractions (well besides obvious exceptions such as Oklahoma Contemporary… …its tough to compete with free). As in…it’s almost TOO cheap.

while I understand it can be disappointing to not see all the animals, I will take that rather than unhealthy and sad habitats where animals are always on display like it or not. the zoo has really is so much healthier than its past when i was a kid. we did go to the Zoo lights and loved that holiday exhibit. I hope they do that annually. I saw many people online complaining about the price when other displays are free but we thought it was worth the money for sure. Was also great to just pull up and not wait in line forever like some free displays.

^^^^ +1. With the way things are going I would not be surprised if at some point talks begin about banning zoos entirely. Given certain conditions the animals have to live in, there is merit to that logic. Even in OKC Zoo there’s still some exhibits that seem to small. I’ll notice monkeys or big cats doing nothing but pacing back and forth. I remember the Fort Worth zoo being horrible in this regard. It was actually depressing.

A lot (if not most) animals are rescues because they can't live in the wild. I'm all for giving them better habitats, but I doubt zoo's go away.

Thanks for all of the feedback. Makes sense with it being still a bit chilly. It was perfect walking weather and felt like hardly anyone there which was nice. Both the Fort Worth Zoo and the OKC Zoo are great for different reasons imo. I like both. Look forward to visiting the OKC zoo after construction is complete!

A lot (if not most) animals are rescues because they can't live in the wild. I'm all for giving them better habitats, but I doubt zoo's go away.

Honestly, some zoos should go away, but a lot do good work, like you said. Also, some zoos do research and breeding and education, so they need to stick around too (I believe the OKC Zoo does some of this work, and they have fairly reasonable habitats, so they're one of the good ones).

Honestly, some zoos should go away, but a lot do good work, like you said. Also, some zoos do research and breeding and education, so they need to stick around too (I believe the OKC Zoo does some of this work, and they have fairly reasonable habitats, so they're one of the good ones).

I wouldn't mind if the zoo got rid of some of the exhibits to make more room for some of the animals that need more space (I know nothing about animals). I love the elephant exhibit, and that's apparently one of the best in the country for elephants. It would be cool to see the same size zoo maybe with fewer animals and more space for the remaining animals.

I'd also like to visit an elephant sanctuary of some kind, and see them just roaming around free. I also remember the zoo from when I was a kid, and today's zoo is so much better than back then. The ape and elephant exhibits demonstrate what can be done and still have the animals treated well.

while I understand it can be disappointing to not see all the animals, I will take that rather than unhealthy and sad habitats where animals are always on display like it or not. the zoo has really is so much healthier than its past when i was a kid. we did go to the Zoo lights and loved that holiday exhibit. I hope they do that annually. I saw many people online complaining about the price when other displays are free but we thought it was worth the money for sure. Was also great to just pull up and not wait in line forever like some free displays.

Agree 100%

We loved the entire holiday lights experience, and we didn't do the part at the end where you could get out of your car. It was fun to drive through the zoo, too. We'll definitely do that again if they offer it.

I wouldn't mind if the zoo got rid of some of the exhibits to make more room for some of the animals that need more space (I know nothing about animals). I love the elephant exhibit, and that's apparently one of the best in the country for elephants. It would be cool to see the same size zoo maybe with fewer animals and more space for the remaining animals.

I'd also like to visit an elephant sanctuary of some kind, and see them just roaming around free. I also remember the zoo from when I was a kid, and today's zoo is so much better than back then. The ape and elephant exhibits demonstrate what can be done and still have the animals treated well.

I think that is some of what's going on. Some exhibits have been removed so neighboring ones can be expanded. I think as animals pass on exhibits get reevaluated.

https://journalrecord.com/2022/02/03/okc-zoos-25m-expedition-africa-upgrade-underway/

https://journalrecord.com/2022/02/03/okc-zoos-25m-expedition-africa-upgrade-underway/

Awesome. OKC Zoo is one of the best in the nation IMO

You can see the new Africa exhibit under construction here:

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It always seems like the area where the giraffes are is kind of way out by itself and out of the way. This should make it a destination, which is awesome. I'm impressed.

very nice.

I wish they would expand the train and bring back the aerial tram - those are great ways to get an overview of this massive zoo particularly if you can't spend the whole day (or two) to see everything. The former aerial tram made a huge impact on me back in the day; having an expansive rail system could take the zoo to the next level IMO.

very nice.

I wish they would expand the train and bring back the aerial tram - those are great ways to get an overview of this massive zoo particularly if you can't spend the whole day (or two) to see everything. The former aerial tram made a huge impact on me back in the day; having an expansive rail system could take the zoo to the next level IMO.
It’s a pipe dream, but a return of the aerial tram would be awesome.

Thank you, unfundedrick

OKC Zoo Sets New Attendance Records For 2021: https://www.visitokc.com/articles/post/okc-zoo-sets-new-attendance-records-for-2021/

not sure it has been posted but the new admin building is well underway (you can see it in Pete's post above) they have started going vertical with the elevator and stair wells

i believe this is the design http://www.chrispritchardarch.com/okc-zoo

In the first photo, you can see the new administration building under construction at the bottom left, just west of the entrance.

The big area under construction is Expedition Africa.

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Does anyone know what is going into the old train station? The new fencing looks like something big, maybe ostrich being close to Africa exhibit?

Edit, ok the map says camel rides, but I wouldn't' think they need a big fence for camels. Probably a temporary place for the other animals, as they get to later phases of exhibition Africa.

Love the expansion. The yearly zoo pass we buy is always a good investment

Man! That looks like about1/3 of the zoo being renovated!

I haven't been to many zoos. Our kids are very young, so I assume we will go to more and more as they get older. But we went to the San Antonio Zoo last week. It was a nice zoo in that it was small and compact so very easy to get around. Pretty much saw the whole thing in 1.5 hours. But it clearly was not built for the crowds that go there. That was super unpleasant. Some of the walkways are only 3-4 feet wide. And I'm talking major walkways as the only way to get to some attractions. And some things are oddly unprofessional looking-- like some paved in uneven blacktop with plants coming out into the walkway. And I felt sorry for a lot of the small spaces the animals had. But that's the price for having a compact zoo I guess. Overall, it made me appreciate our zoo.

I haven't been to many zoos. Our kids are very young, so I assume we will go to more and more as they get older. But we went to the San Antonio Zoo last week. It was a nice zoo in that it was small and compact so very easy to get around. Pretty much saw the whole thing in 1.5 hours. But it clearly was not built for the crowds that go there. That was super unpleasant. Some of the walkways are only 3-4 feet wide. And I'm talking major walkways as the only way to get to some attractions. And some things are oddly unprofessional looking-- like some paved in uneven blacktop with plants coming out into the walkway. And I felt sorry for a lot of the small spaces the animals had. But that's the price for having a compact zoo I guess. Overall, it made me appreciate our zoo.

I have been too a ton of zoos across the US. I think OKC has something very special. I don't think it will reach the likes of the San Diego Zoo experience but very nice. And as an aside a great little zoo is in St Louis. Right in Forest Park and free to all.

I really wish OKC could get a big-time outdoor amphitheater for big tours the summer. Even Rogers, AR has one. The Zoo Amp is ok for what it is, but it is limited. No covered seating, no Live Nation sponsor. It sucks seeing all the big summer shows go to Arkansas, Dallas, and Kansas City, and missing OKC. Not sure if one has ever been discussed.

I really wish OKC could get a big-time outdoor amphitheater for big tours the summer. Even Rogers, AR has one. The Zoo Amp is ok for what it is, but it is limited. No covered seating, no Live Nation sponsor. It sucks seeing all the big summer shows go to Arkansas, Dallas, and Kansas City, and missing OKC. Not sure if one has ever been discussed.

This doesn’t disprove your point by any means, but your comment did bring to mind that Glass Animals is coming to the Zoo Amp in early June. I don’t know exactly how big they are in others minds or how much they fit your criteria but I’ve been listening to them for a few years and they seem to be getting a bit more popular with the rise of their song “Heat Waves” so that’s one summer concert at the Zoo Amp that I’m actually looking forward to.

not against it, but just curious if a zoo ampitheatre is a good idea with respect to the animals?

I personally would rather see an ampitheatre near downtown like the new park or along/part of the river. ..

not against it, but just curious if a zoo ampitheatre is a good idea with respect to the animals?

I personally would rather see an ampitheatre near downtown like the new park or along/part of the river. ..





https://www.extremefocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Number-1.jpg

I really wish OKC could get a big-time outdoor amphitheater for big tours the summer. Even Rogers, AR has one. The Zoo Amp is ok for what it is, but it is limited. No covered seating, no Live Nation sponsor. It sucks seeing all the big summer shows go to Arkansas, Dallas, and Kansas City, and missing OKC. Not sure if one has ever been discussed.

Isn’t that what they were trying to create with Lost Lakes? Haven’t heard much about it lately.

https://okcfox.com/resources/media/11bac62e-9510-456e-8cb9-7b873c303e41-medium16x9_21bd4fd854b0434ba82409d47b3e1898.jpg?16 65509073979

OKC Zoo debuts plans for marine mammal habitat expansion https://kfor.com/news/local/okc-zoo-debuts-plans-for-marine-mammal-habitat-expansion/

The new habitat expansion will be located in the eastern section of the park overlooking Zoo Lake and encompass 3.5 acres.

Funding for the expansion was secured through the Zoo’s 1/8-of-a-cent sales tax accrual, approved by Oklahoma City citizens in 1990.

Press release:

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OKC ZOO ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR NEW MARINE MAMMAL HABITAT EXPANSION
October 11, 2022
As a leader in animal care and wellbeing, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, is proud to announce plans for its next expansion project, a new marine mammal habitat. Construction will begin Spring 2023 on this premier animal habitat that will be home to the Zoo’s California sea lions, harbor seals and potentially other species. This additional space will provide an expanded and enriched habitat for these coastal animals while creating an exciting opportunity for guests to enjoy them from a fresh perspective.

While the habitat is being constructed, the Zoo’s sea lion family including males Xander, 19, and Cash, 5, and females Piper, 22, Addie, 22, Pearl, 19, Phoenix, 6, and Isla, 4, as well as harbor seals, Liberty, 20, and Bixby, 10, will all be temporarily relocated to other Association of Zoos and Aquariums member zoos and aquariums. The Zoo’s marine mammal caretakers will be shifting to work in other animal areas throughout this transition.

Wildlife fans interested in “sea”ing our marine mammals before they move are encouraged to attend the Zoo’s sea lion presentations occurring at 1 p.m. daily and 10 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays now through Sunday, October 30. Sea lion presentations will be a featured attraction at the new habitat that will resume once the project is completed in 2025. Additionally, the Zoo’s Wild Encounter experience with sea lions will conclude on Sunday, October 30.

“This is an exciting time of growth and transformation for the OKC Zoo and we are extremely grateful to our guests, members and the community for their continuous support,” said Dr. Dwight Lawson, Zoo executive director/CEO. “Guests will experience a renewed connection to these animals and their habitat as they discover this breathtaking new oasis. Our goal is to inform guests about the importance of protecting and maintaining healthy water sources for all living things while inspiring conservation action.”

This new habitat expansion will be located in the eastern section of the park overlooking Zoo Lake and encompass 3.5 acres including existing sites for the Zoo’s Noble Aquatic Center/Aquaticus, which has been closed to guests since 2017, and Pollinator Garden. With the Pollinator Garden being repurposed for this project, the Zoo is establishing additional pollinator gardens throughout its grounds to replenish habitat for native pollinators.

Design features of the improved marine mammal habitat include an outdoor amphitheater for educational presentations and caretaker chats, beach areas for the animals, “nose-to-nose” views of the sea lions and seals, an interactive sand area for kids, special event space and much more. Guests will be in awe of an 8-foot tall underwater viewing window offering opportunities to watch sea lions and seals swim and glide through the water. Project plans also include reusing and repurposing select materials from existing sites into the new habitat. Funding for the expansion was secured through the Zoo’s 1/8-of-a-cent sales tax accrual, approved by Oklahoma City citizens in 1990.

“We are thrilled to build a brand new, dynamic habitat space for our marine mammal family,” said Sierra Chappell, OKC Zoo’s assistant curator of marine mammals. “Our sea lions and seals will be welcomed back to an innovative space full of opportunities to enhance their overall wellbeing.”

Help send our pinnipeds off in style and make plans to attend one of the weekend sea lion presentations happening now through Sunday, October, 30. Presentations occur at 1 p.m. daily and 10 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays in the Zoo’s Sea Lion Presentation Stadium. Cost is $5 per person in addition to Zoo admission. Children two and under are free.

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Awesome!!

Sorely needed! Though I hope there’s still an opportunity to view from above. Always found that to be a cool vantage point.

Im guessing they are going to doze out the existing structure? It's been sad for a long time, especially since the dolphins all died out. I can't imagine they would need to move the animals out unless this is where they were going to put it.....

So strange to me that all the money was spent on Acquaticus and it only lasted 30 years and was to the point they just closed it in 2017.

I remember going when it was brand new in 1986.

I know there was bacteria that killed dolphins and they could never figure out the problem but good grief, millions were spent and now it's just going to be bulldozed.

What implication, if any, will this have on a rumored Zoo-backed aquarium at Okana?

What implication, if any, will this have on a rumored Zoo-backed aquarium at Okana?

From what I understand, the OKANA project will not be impacted.

I wonder if the reason they didn't work on the old aquatic habit is the way we treat marine animals now days compared to the 80s? Things like SeaWorld have gone away from keeping animals in certain habitats. Maybe ours was too small or not appropriate to keep animals.

Press release:

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OKC ZOO NOMINATED AS BEST ZOO IN THE NATION IN USA TODAY 10BEST 2023 READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS
Nationwide voting to determine if OKC Zoo earns the distinction of being named America’s BEST ZOO and Oklahoma Trails, BEST ZOO EXHIBIT! Voting is live through Monday, March 6, 2023.

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden recently earned the honor of being nominated for USA Today 10Best 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards in two categories, Best Zoo and Best Zoo Exhibit, Oklahoma Trails, and we are calling on you to help us win! OKC Zoo fans near and far are encouraged to show their support and vote daily for both of the Zoo’s award nominations, Best Zoo and Best Zoo Exhibit, Oklahoma Trails, through Monday, March 6. Vote by vote, we can move the OKC Zoo to the top of both leaderboards to become America’s best! Cast your votes for the OKC Zoo and Oklahoma Trails here:

VOTE FOR OKC ZOO AS BEST ZOO (https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-zoo/)
VOTE FOR OKC ZOO’S OKLAHOMA TRAILS AS BEST ZOO EXHIBIT (https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-zoo-exhibit/)

“It’s an incredible honor to be nominated for this year’s 10Best awards,” said Dwight Lawson, OKC Zoo’s executive director/CEO. “Achieving accolades of this caliber would not be possible without the continuous support of all those who visit and care about the OKC Zoo and, of course, vote for us to achieve this top ranking.”

OKC Zoo is Oklahoma’s largest attended cultural attraction, providing opportunities for millions of visitors to connect with wildlife and wild places through world-class habitats and engaging experiences in hopes to inspire conservation action. The Zoo continues to propel exiting growth in all areas including its animal family, commitment to conservation and habitat developments. In 2022, the Zoo celebrated several significant births including three critically endangered species – an Asian elephant calf, Sumatran tiger twins and an okapi calf. Plus, the arrival of four African lion cubs, the first litter born at the Zoo in 15 years, and a chimpanzee infant. Round Up for Conservation, the Zoo’s grassroot program that encourages guests to round up their purchases to the next dollar amount in support of the Zoo’s conservation initiatives, has successfully raised over a million dollars since the program launched in 2011. Construction is nearing completion for Expedition Africa, the Zoo’s latest and largest habitat expansion in its history, slated to open this summer. This enhanced habitat will provide a new home for animals native to the African continent such as giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, honey badger, hyena, meerkat, and more, while offering new and memorable wildlife experiences for guests to enjoy.

Nominated for Best Zoo Exhibit, Oklahoma Trails opened in 2007 and is a favorite destination among OKC Zoo guests to experience. Spanning eight acres, Oklahoma Trails is an immersive, naturalistic habitat where guests can discover the diverse species of animals native to Oklahoma. The habitat is designed to highlight the 11 distinct life zones unique to the Sooner State and the incredible wildlife that call these regions home including alligator, bison, black bear, coyote, elk, mountain lions, rattlesnake, sandhill crane, turkey vulture and more. Grizzly bear brothers, Will and Wiley (20), are two of Oklahoma Trails most well-known ambassadors. The brother bears were orphaned in the Alaska wilderness as cubs and arrived at the Zoo in 2003. This year, we are celebrating two decades of caring for these beloved bears and marking the occasion with a special event this summer.

Participants can vote once a day in each category for the run of the contest. Readers’ Choice Award voting ends Monday, March 6, 2023 and the winners will be announced on 10Best on Friday, March 17.

The Oklahoma City Zoo is in its winter hours and open Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the last entry no later than 4 p.m., and closed to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through Wednesday, February 8. Purchase advance tickets for general admission at www.okczoo.org/tickets. 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, Oklahoma City’s Adventure District and an Adventure Road partner. Support your love and passion for wildlife and wild places with a ZOOfriends Membership Passport to the OKC Zoo. There’s a membership level for every kind of explorer with amazing benefits plus, you are supporting the OKC Zoo, its animals, programs and conservation efforts. Memberships can be purchased at okczoo.org/membership.

Stay connected with the Zoo on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linktree and TikTok, and by visiting our blog stories. To learn more about Zoo happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visit okczoo.org.

This is the plan for the Marine Mammals exhibit:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/zoo021623a.jpg

A pneumatic wave machine is pretty fancy for the critters.

Also hearing talks of a new Zoo Amphitheater:

KOCO-TV reports: https://www.koco.com/article/oklahoma-city-zoo-new-marine-mammal-habitat-plans/41597787