OKC Zoo

[barrettd]

do you know if there is a way to renew it online (because i need to renew mine).. or do you have to do in in person?

Looks like you can do it online. https://www.okczoo.org/membership

[foodiefan]

Looks like you can do it online. https://www.okczoo.org/membership

. . .super easy to do! Can stash it in your "wallet"

[Bill Robertson]

Looks like you can do it online. https://www.okczoo.org/membership

This. I always do it online.

[G.Walker]

Nice

[bombermwc]

So if you watch for Mathis Brothers, they do a renewal drive every year and it's at a discount. And you usually get some little stuffed animal or something for the kiddos too. You do have to go to the store to do it though.

I'd encourage anyone doing one, to look at the Science Museum as well. Only 1 or 2 trips, just like the zoo, and it's paid for it. And with the family options, you can let Grandma take them on your membership too. There are some rules around that, but it's great. And the SMO pass is good for discounts or free entry at a LOT of other children's museums around the country (zoo pass for zoos too) if the place you are going is a member of those groups. And even if they aren't, sometimes if you ask, they'll discount you anyway.

[scottk]

So if you watch for Mathis Brothers, they do a renewal drive every year and it's at a discount. And you usually get some little stuffed animal or something for the kiddos too. You do have to go to the store to do it though.

I'd encourage anyone doing one, to look at the Science Museum as well. Only 1 or 2 trips, just like the zoo, and it's paid for it. And with the family options, you can let Grandma take them on your membership too. There are some rules around that, but it's great. And the SMO pass is good for discounts or free entry at a LOT of other children's museums around the country (zoo pass for zoos too) if the place you are going is a member of those groups. And even if they aren't, sometimes if you ask, they'll discount you anyway.

Mathis Brother's for the longest time had the 6 person pass for SMO around $99 during the holidays year after year. SMO has not offered this in recent years, but usually has a $15-20 discount around Black Friday. The SMO 6 membership is now $210. One of the biggest perks as you mentioned was the ability to travel to other Science Museums around the country and get in free. Dallas has the Perot Museum which would be an $80 one-time-visit for a family of four. Similarly, Wichita has Exploration Place and Bentonville has the Amazeum, with free admission. If you travel with kids, this is great for a two-three hour stop for FREE!

https://150136929.v2.pressablecdn.co...3-May-2024.pdf

The OKC Zoo membership in our experience is not as generous as the ATSC Science Museum Program when used at other Zoo's, usually offering 50 percent off admission, which is still a good deal, the Wichita/Segwick County Zoo would $90 at the gate for a one-time day visit without the pass and the Tulsa Zoo would be around $60 for a one time visit, so the memberships can certainly add up and pay for themselves.

[Lafferty Daniel]

I'm not sure why people keep saying "SMO". The proper name is the Omniplex and always will be.

[barrettd]

I'm not sure why people keep saying "SMO". The proper name is the Omniplex and always will be.

I can't stop referring to it as the Omniplex, either. My kids are so confused.

[scottk]

I'm not sure why people keep saying "SMO". The proper name is the Omniplex and always will be.

But they just changed the sign on I-44 at the exit, from Omniplex/Omnidome to Science Museum Oklahoma...it only took 17 years.

[FighttheGoodFight]

I got to go last weekend and walk around the new area. It is very well done. The views are great and the design is top notch. The giraffe area is so much better. They get so close to you now it is amazing. Some great new seating areas and some speakers around the area playing african style music. Check it out!

(also they are back to serving DipNDots in containers instead of the pre made packs that were super annoying to eat from).

[barrettd]

I got to go last weekend and walk around the new area. It is very well done. The views are great and the design is top notch. The giraffe area is so much better. They get so close to you now it is amazing. Some great new seating areas and some speakers around the area playing african style music. Check it out!

(also they are back to serving DipNDots in containers instead of the pre made packs that were super annoying to eat from).

Do you still have the opportunity to feed the giraffes? I've not ever done it, but I think my daughter would get a kick out of it.

[jn1780]

Do you still have the opportunity to feed the giraffes? I've not ever done it, but I think my daughter would get a kick out of it.

Yes, my son did that during spring break while visiting. They switch from either inside the barn or outside beside it.

[FighttheGoodFight]

Do you still have the opportunity to feed the giraffes? I've not ever done it, but I think my daughter would get a kick out of it.

You can! 2 to 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays. There is an inside area where a few giraffes are and they get VERY close to you without feeding. My son was very excited to be so close.

[whatitis]

Do you still have the opportunity to feed the giraffes? I've not ever done it, but I think my daughter would get a kick out of it.

https://twpark.com/

Tanganyika Wildlife Park
just west of wichita has hippo and rhino feeding as well as giraffes and other animals you can feed. When my kids were littler we went a few times.

[FighttheGoodFight]

https://twpark.com/

Tanganyika Wildlife Park
just west of wichita has hippo and rhino feeding as well as giraffes and other animals you can feed. When my kids were littler we went a few times.

Just in case people care Tanganyika has been accused of being a not so ethical zoo and more like a tigerking like theme park. You can read more about it online and make your choice.

[Pete]

Zoo reveals master plan

The Oklahoma City Zoo has revealed a long-term master plan.

From the zoo agenda:

On February 22, 2023, the Oklahoma City Zoological Trust approved a Contract for Architectural Services with SHR Studios, Inc., for Project No. MZ-0072, Master Plan for the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden. The Contract’s scope of work provided for the development of a ten-year master plan with the following components: (1) improved guest circulation; (2) concepts for renovation of four existing habitats (Cats Habitat, Great Apes, Children’s Zoo, and Oklahoma Trails); (3) concepts for new habitats, including a new reptile house, a new bird habitat, and use of the southern portion of the Zoo property; 4) integration of concepts to enhance the botanical garden aspects of Zoo property; and (5) diagrammatic overlays.

The master plan’s project development criteria have emphasized conservation inspiration, animal well-being, and climate suitability. Master Plan 2024 is presented herewith for the Trust’s consideration of adoption. Prioritized projects include the Africa Plateau, the Reptile Preserve, and the Heart of the Zoo. Master Plan 2024 also presents proposed enhancements for Oklahoma Trails, a new Children’s Adventure area, an enhanced entry plaza, an elephant expansion, a Congo Forest, a Feline Oasis, a Biodiversity Hotspots building, and an Aquatic Garden. The Master Plan’s total budget estimate is between $115 million and $230 million, allowing for the flexibility to pursue portions of a project or the entire scope based on needs and finances.

[FighttheGoodFight]

Wow. Those all look like great plans. I have a feeling the Zoo will be completely different looking in 20 years.

[David]

That is a crazy amount of additional work, it'll feel like a whole new zoo if they really make all those changes.

[Oski]

Here’s my suggestion: How about the city grants Lincoln Park to the Zoo, and in return, the Zoo offers free admission to local residents? What are your thoughts on this?

Also, the Zoo should consider integrating Northeast Lake into its plans. A boardwalk extending to the middle of the lake would be a fantastic addition.

[bison34]

Here’s my suggestion: How about the city grants Lincoln Park to the Zoo, and in return, the Zoo offers free admission to local residents? What are your thoughts on this?

Also, the Zoo should consider integrating Northeast Lake into its plans. A boardwalk extending to the middle of the lake would be a fantastic addition.

So you're thinking that adding more land to have to build on and pay to maintain should equal less revenue for the Zoo?

Or maybe I'm misreading your post.

But overall, I would love these changes being made. I wonder if a bond proposal will take place in the next year or 2 to fund these?

[aDark]

Here’s my suggestion: How about the city grants Lincoln Park to the Zoo, and in return, the Zoo offers free admission to local residents? What are your thoughts on this?

Also, the Zoo should consider integrating Northeast Lake into its plans. A boardwalk extending to the middle of the lake would be a fantastic addition.

The zoo abuts the Lincoln Park golf course. "Granting" the zoo the golf course is a horrible idea. Lincoln golf course stays wildly busy and is currently getting more usage than it has in decades. It's a fantastic municipal asset.

[Laramie]

The City and Zoo needs to propose before the voters to increase its sales tax from 1/8 to 1/4 of a penny sales tax; this would double the amount of sales tax revenue the zoo receives.

The Zoo could build a downtown Zoo Aquarian on the same site (4-square blocks) of the new Oklahoma City DT arena--great site for an arena with a tourist attraction.

[Oski]

The zoo abuts the Lincoln Park golf course. "Granting" the zoo the golf course is a horrible idea. Lincoln golf course stays wildly busy and is currently getting more usage than it has in decades. It's a fantastic municipal asset.

I meant this "park", dude. Please look at the map if you aren't familiar with the area. Thank you!

[bison34]

I meant this "park", dude. Please look at the map if you aren't familiar with the area. Thank you!

So that tiny park for free admission for all OKC citizens?

[BoulderSooner]

Here’s my suggestion: How about the city grants Lincoln Park to the Zoo, and in return, the Zoo offers free admission to local residents? What are your thoughts on this?

Also, the Zoo should consider integrating Northeast Lake into its plans. A boardwalk extending to the middle of the lake would be a fantastic addition.

the OKC zoo is already very underpriced ...