OKC Zoo | Events


Oklahoma Trails Fact Sheet
March 10, 2007
GROUNDBREAKING: June 2004

GRAND OPENING: March 10, 2007

COST: 10.3 million (Design - $700,000; Construction - $9.3 million)

FUNDING: 1/8 of a cent sales tax approved by Oklahoma City citizens in 1990

SIZE: 7.7 acres

ARCHITECT: Wilson, Darnell & Mann (WDM) - Wichita, KS

CONTRACTOR: WL McNatt & Company - Oklahoma City, OK

LOCATION: From the southwest corner of the Zoo to the west side of Great EscApe and Lion Overlook

INSPIRED BY: The Great State of Oklahoma!

EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION: Oklahoma Trails, set to open March 10, 2007, will showcase more than 100 different species of animals native to Oklahoma. Featuring naturalistic habitats utilizing landscape immersion and state-of-the-art technology, this exhibit will provide a unique encounter.

Featured species include grizzly and black bear, cougar, paddlefish, turkey vulture, river otter, western diamondback rattlesnake, American alligator, roadrunner, bison, collared lizard (mountain boomer) and alligator snapping turtle.

The state of Oklahoma has 11 distinct life zones (second to no others) in the awe-inspiring diversity of our natural environment. Contributing to the representation of these ecological regions in Oklahoma Trails will be big and little blue stem grass, redbud (Oklahoma's state tree), post oak, bald cypress, dwarf palmetto, Indian blanket (Oklahoma's state wildflower), yucca, rocky mountain juniper, pinyon pine and assorted ferns and woodland plants. The lush terrain accentuates the natural beauty of Oklahoma Trails, with over 700 trees adorning the landscape and 500+ plants garnishing the free-flight aviary.

Inspirational graphics and rich educational experiences will provide enjoyable and fascinating conservation messages. Design elements contribute to a unique Oklahoma atmosphere to all of the buildings and structures enhancing the guest experience.
Oklahoma Trails is the latest exhibit funded by a one-eighth of a cent sales tax approved by voters in 1990.

OKLAHOMA TRAILS RESIDENTS:
Mammals: 28 species; 490 animals
Reptiles/Amphibians: 55 species; 151 animals
Fish: 18 species; 83 animals
Birds: 39 species; 112 animals

TOTAL: 140 species; 836 animals