New train at the zoo

[jbrown84]

Swake, OKC's high ranking in Child Magazine was only 2 or 3 years ago.

[Swake2]

Again, years ago, and was only a ranking of Zoo's for children and hardly an expert source.

[okcpulse]

Swake, there is no expert source in reference to how states, cities, attractions our quality of life is ranked. When publications release rankings, it's often research or poll based. A number of publications have consistently ranked OKC Zoo as one of the top ten in the nation for a variety of reasons. Three of those reasons include annual funding for the zoo by the City of Oklahoma City, as a portion of our city sales tax goes to fund the zoo. Also, the quality of new exhibits as well as constant expansion keep our zoo one of the most respected institions in the country.

The Aquaticus opened in 1987 which elevated the status of the zoo, as the exhibit was state of the art at the time, and is ready for upgrading since the facility is beginning to age.

I will track down my resources and documentation on the Oklahoma City Zoo in regards of how its ranked in respect to other zoos in the country. The Oklahoma City Zoo draws an average 750,000 annually. The Tulsa Zoo draws 600,000 visitors annually. Here is the article from Children's Magazine, if this helps you in any way.

OKC Zoo | About Us | News

[Doug Loudenback]

Though its not contemporary, Okc Zoo lovers might be interested in Amy Dee Stephens Images of America, Oklahoma City Zoo, 1902-1959. I'm sure its available elsewhere, but I got my copy at Full Circle Bookstore ... here's an Amazon link ... Amazon.com: Oklahoma City Zoo, 1902-1959 (Images of America): Books: Amy Dee Stephens . Unfortunately, as is true with the other Images of America series of books, all images are B&W, not color. But, still, it's nice.