Blog

OKC ZOO SADDENED TO ANNOUNCE PASSING OF BELOVED MALE JAGUAR, TAI

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is saddened to announce that one of its jaguar ambassadors, Tai, was humanely euthanized on Monday, May 1, at the OKC Zoo’s Joan Kirkpatrick Animal Hospital. At 19 years old, Tai was one of the Zoo’s oldest big cats and a geriatric animal. The Zoo’s carnivore and veterinary care teams had implemented a geriatric care plan for Tai and were monitoring him for age-related issues including arthritis and allergic dermatitis. Even with me... Read More

Posted by Candice Rennels

OKC ZOO SADDENED TO ANNOUNCE PASSING OF AFRICAN PAINTED DOG, DOJO

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is saddened to announce that one of its African painted dogs, Dojo, was humanely euthanized on Tuesday, April 18, at the Zoo’s Joan Kirkpatrick Animal Hospital. At 11, Dojo was one of the Zoo’s oldest African painted dogs and considered to be geriatric. The Zoo’s expert animal and veterinary care teams had been monitoring Dojo for age-related issues including arthritis and degenerative changes. During a recent exam, veterinary staff... Read More

Posted by Candice Rennels

OKC ZOO SADDENED TO ANNOUNCE PASSING OF CARACAL, AZALEA “ZZ”

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is saddened to announce that its caracal ambassador, Azalea, was humanely euthanized on Wednesday, April 5, at the Zoo’s Joan Kirkpatrick Animal Hospital. At 20, Azalea, or “ZZ” to her caretakers, was the Zoo’s oldest small cat and considered to be a geriatric animal. The Zoo’s expert animal and veterinary care teams had been monitoring Azalea for age-related issues including seizures. As Azalea’s health con... Read More

Posted by Candice Rennels

OKC ZOO ANNOUNCES DEATH OF GERIATRIC AMERICAN BISON, “MARY ANN”

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden’s 22-year-old female bison, Mary Ann, was humanely euthanized on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Mary Ann arrived at the OKC Zoo in 2001 from Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita, Kansas and instantly became a fan favorite. She was one of the first species to relocate to the Zoo’s Oklahoma Trails habitat when it opened in 2007, becoming an important ambassador for educating guests about Oklahoma’s unique biodiversity. At 22,... Read More

Posted by Candice Rennels

GO WILD FOR GLOBAL RECYCLING TODAY AND EVERY DAY!

In celebration of Global Recycling Day which takes place annually on March 18th, we are encouraging our fans to go wild for recycling and taking steps to consume less to waste less. Below are some helpful tips for recycling. Remember, our choices matter today and every day. Recycling is the process of turning used materials into new products. Recycling is important because it reduces the amount of waste that is landfilled, reduces the amount of energy used to make new products, and reduces th... Read More

Posted by Candice Rennels

Oklahoma City Zoo Conservation Recycle

FROM TRUNK TO TAIL: LEARNING TO BE AN ELEPHANT CARETAKER

Here at the Oklahoma City Zoo, the Elephant and Rhino team takes care of eight Asian elephants and three Indian rhinoceros. My name is Sarah, and I’m the newest Animal Caretaker on our ten-person team. This is my first time working with elephants, and there’s a lot to learn to ensure that the Zoo’s charismatic giants have world-class care and optimal wellbeing. Here, I’ll share with you how we clean, bathe, and train our elephants through daily care as well as some of ... Read More

Posted by Candice Rennels

“SHELL”ECT ADVANCES IN VETERINARY CARE, TREATMENT BENEFITS MS. B, ONE OF THE ZOO’S GALAPAGOS TORTOISES

Arthritis happens as we age and giant Galapagos tortoises are no exception! For animals known to live over 100 years old and weigh 215-415 lbs., they can definitely experience the pain of joint disease for many years or even decades. Managing that pain and discomfort in our animal patients is an integral part of clinical veterinary medicine. As a zoo veterinarian, this can be quite difficult, due to a lack of knowledge of how many medications work in different species with varying anatomy and... Read More

Posted by Candice Rennels

Veterinary Science Animal Care

THE (MALE) ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM: ADVANCING ELEPHANT CARE AND CONSERVATION THROUGH RESEARCH

The Oklahoma City Zoo is a leader in elephant care, research and conservation, and with the recent arrival of Bowie (9), the OKC Zoo now houses three male Asian elephants (also called “bulls”). Once thought to be almost completely solitary, we now know that male elephants are social opportunists, often switching between spending time alone, with females, and as part of all-male groups. With all this social complexity, it also means that male elephants in human care require special... Read More

Asian Elephant Research Musth

ADDITIONAL CARE FOR GERIATRIC ASIAN ELEPHANT, BAMBOO

Like people, as animals age, their abilities and needs evolve. Especially with animals that are considered geriatric or at an age that is near or beyond the average life expectancy for their species. The Oklahoma City Zoo’s approximately 56-year-old female Asian elephant, Bamboo, is one of many geriatric animals in the Zoo’s care. Bamboo is part of a multigenerational herd of eight Asian elephants including Rex (54), Asha (27), Chandra (26), Kandula (21) Achara (8), Kairavi... Read More

Asian elephant Geriatric Animal Care Veterinary Care

WILD ABOUT CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY: OKC ZOO NAMES FIRST CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY HEROES

Conservation and sustainability are at the heart and soul of all of our Oklahoma City Zoo team members. Recently, OKC Zoo leadership announced the first-ever Conservation and Sustainability Heroes. The OKC Zoo values team members who are committed to caring for, connecting with and conserving wildlife and wild places, and created this internal program to annually recognize personnel who engage in acts that directly impact conservation and sustainability. While every employee at the Zoo is ded... Read More

Zoo conservation and science Conservation Efforts OKC Zoo Experts Oklahoma City Zoo

HashTAG Saving Monarchs: Conservationists Contribute to Community Scientist Tagging Program

HASH“TAG” SAVING MONARCHS: CONSERVATIONISTS CONTRIBUTE TO COMMUNITY SCIENTIST TAGGING PROGRAM As we head into fall, cooler weather brings not only relief from the heat but also the return of the eastern migratory monarch butterfly. Every spring and fall, monarch butterflies pass through Oklahoma as they undergo a multi-generational migration. During the fall migration, monarchs head towards Mexico to roost in oyamel fir forests until spring. Monarch butterflies have one of t... Read More

Monarch Butterflies Monarch Conservation Monarch Festival

CONSERVATION COLLABORATIONS: LIVING CLASSROOMS

The Oklahoma City Zoo has partnered with the National Wildlife Federation and Oklahoma Monarch and Pollinator Collaborative for many years to increase habitat for monarchs and other pollinators. Oklahoma provides vital resources for native pollinators and is a central flyway for the spring and fall monarch migration. As the population of monarchs has declined significantly, the OKC Zoo has found a way to get Oklahoma’s youngest residents involved in reinvigorating the pollinator populat... Read More

Zoo conservation and science Pollinators

Enriching the Lives of Animals One Token at a Time

During their day, caretakers make many decisions for our animals to ensure optimal welfare. To ensure they stay as healthy as possible, we protect them from severe weather, develop specialized diet plans, and provide lots of interesting elements in their habitats to guarantee species-appropriate opportunities. While this can result in some choices being made for our animals, we are always looking for ways to make certain our animals can make choices in their day as well. In fact, choice is on... Read More

Animal enrichment

SPRINGTIME FUN BLOOMS AT THE OKC ZOO: Ten Tips For Your Spring Break Zoo Visit!

Since 1904, Oklahomans have celebrated springtime at the Oklahoma City Zoo. Whether it’s an annual school trip or family visit, the Zoo is an ideal place to make lifelong memories. To make the most of your next visit, remember these top tips and consider the special way you can make a difference in animal conservation. #1. Buy Your Tickets Online. This spring break the Zoo has rolled out the green carpet just for YOU! When you purchase tickets online, you can skip the Zoo... Read More

Conservation Action Round-up Engagement Spring Break

Captivating Cheetahs: OKC Zoo Celebrates Cheetahs

In honor of International Cheetah Day on December 4, we’re celebrating our newest animal family members, cheetah brothers Boomer and Pistol “Pete”! Boomer and Pete arrived at the OKC Zoo’s new Predator Pass habitat from Little Rock Zoo in Little Rock, Arkansas, over a month ago. The five-year-old brothers were born at Cincinnati Zoo in Cincinnati, Ohio. Since joining the Zoo’s animal family, their caretakers have noticed some key differences in their “purr... Read More

Zoo conservation and science Cheetah Cheetah Conservation Cheetah Conservation Fund International Cheetah Day OKC ZOO

Snapshot Safari: A Picture is Worth a Thousand Wild Words

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is a supporter of Snapshot Safari, a camera network created by the University of Minnesota’s Lion Center. Through a donations from the Round Up for Conservation Funds, the Zoo contributed to the establishment of a camera trap grid in Zimbabwe in 2018. These cameras are used to contribute data to a census of mammals in several African countries. The Zoo’s long-time conservation partner, Painted Dog Research Trust (PDRT), has also used the ... Read More

Swing into Action: OKC Zoo Celebrates Orangutan Caring Week

This week we are celebrating Orangutan Caring Week at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, and we want you to get to know the Zoo’s orangutan pair, as well as learn all about what it takes to care for and conserve their species! Our two resident Sumatran orangutans, Elok and Negara, tend to be guest favorites, as they are easy to distinguish from one another and have an abundance of personality. Elok, the Zoo’s 21-year old male, is easily recognizable because of his large ... Read More

Zoo conservation and science Orangutan Caring Week RSPO Sumatran orangutan Sustainable Palm Oil

Grandma the Chicken Turtle: A Collaboration for Conservation

Conservation is commonly thought of in big picture terms- saving the Amazon Rainforest, preserving enough land for roaming families of elephants or gorillas and conserving the great barrier reef for generations into the future. But conservation can also be a school classroom, a teacher planting flowers for monarch butterflies, cleaning up trash from a local river or stream, or helping a turtle on the road get safely to the other side. This is the story of one of these smaller, yet very reward... Read More

Make a SPOOKtacular Difference This Halloween by Shopping Sustainably

Are you sugar RUSHING to get candy? This year, make a positive difference for wild orangutans and other endangered species, including Sumatran tigers and Asian elephants, by purchasing Halloween treats made with sustainably-sourced palm oil. Palm oil is a form of edible vegetable oil obtained from the fruit of the African oil palm tree. Palm oil is inexpensive and efficient, making it the world’s most widely used vegetable oil. Palm oil is found in approximately 50% of products f... Read More

Candy Guide Palm Oil Sustainable Palm Oil

Gorilla Gab: Quirky Traits of the Gorilla Troops

In honor of World Gorilla Day on Friday, September 24, we’re sharing all of the gab about the Oklahoma City Zoo’s beloved gorilla family members – courtesy of their caretakers! The Zoo is home to two troops of Western lowland gorillas – a family troop and a bachelor troop. The bachelor troop consists of three individuals – George, 17, Bouendje (Bo), 15, and Bakari, 15; and the family troop consists of seven gorillas – Finyezi (Fin), 3, Azinza, 3, Ruby, 6, M... Read More

Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International Gorillas Western Lowland Gorilla

One Batty Adventure: Notes from the Field

Bats are found all throughout Oklahoma and have experienced population decline as a result of habitat loss and climate change. Bats are an indicator species, meaning that by measuring their population health, conservationists are able to assess an area’s environmental health. Determining environmental health by indicator species can be achieved by observing and recording factors like population growth, population decrease and population density. Therefore, regular studies of the state&... Read More

IncREDible Species: The OKC Zoo Celebrates International Red Panda Day

What is that furry creature in the treetops? Is it a bear, a raccoon or maybe a fox? No wait! It’s the elusive red panda! Red pandas are a one-of a-kind species, belonging to their own unique family named Ailuridea. Even though red panda share the name “panda” with giant pandas, they are not related. In fact, red pandas were scientifically documented 50 years before the giant panda in 1825. Red pandas are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation o... Read More

OKC ZOO red panda Red panda conservation

The Art of Creating Ecosystems

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is home to over 350 unique species, representing thousands of different continents, climates and ecosystems. It takes research, creativity and collaboration among Zoo teams to create enriching and naturalistic environments for the Zoo’s animal family. These immersive habitats not only benefit the Zoo’s animals but also Zoo guests who have the opportunity to experience the world‘s ecosystems and fascinating creatures during their vis... Read More

Anderson’s alligator newts Animal Habitats Eyelash pit vipers green and black poison dart frog Habitat Design Kaiser spotted newts Multi-Species Environments Salamander

One Tall Order: OKC Zoo Provides Update on Giraffe Julu’s Pregnancy

Julu, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden’s beloved six-year-old giraffe, is expecting her first offspring in the near future. In December 2020, the Zoo announced the pregnancies of Julu and her mother, Ellie, with an approximate delivery timespan of June 2021 for both females. While giraffe, Ellie, delivered her sixth calf, Kioni, on June 3, 2021, Julu continues to progress well through her pregnancy. Giraffes have a gestation period of around 15 months, however, like humans, de... Read More

giraffe pregnancy Giraffes OKC ZOO Species Survival Plan

Honoring Asian Elephant, Malee: The OKC Zoo’s Commitment to EEHV Research and Prevention

In honor of August being Asian Elephant Awareness Month, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is sharing about its commitment to elephant conservation through the story of Malee, the first Asian elephant born at the OKC Zoo, who passed away unexpectedly on October 1, 2015, at the age of four years old after succumbing to the deadly elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV). Following the loss of Malee, the Zoo’s Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Jennifer D’Agostino, le... Read More

EEHV animal training Asian Elephant Awareness Month Asian Elephants Elephant Calf Elephant care Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus Kairavi Malee

Complex Carnivores: New Feeding Pole Encourages Natural Hunting Behaviors

At the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, caretakers strive to encourage the natural behaviors of the animals in their care through enrichment. Enrichment is the action of improving or enhancing the quality of something. This can be accomplished in a multitude of ways, from introducing unfamiliar scents that encourage an animal’s sense of smell to installing climbing structures that encourage an animal’s climbing skills. Other forms of enrichment encourage natural feeding beh... Read More

African painted dogs Carcass Feeding Enrichment Enrichment Pole Lion Overlook Lions

Ultra-healthy: OKC Zoo’s Cats Participate in Ultrasound and Radiograph Training

No cat-itude, just gratitude! At the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, medical training is a critical part of our animal family’s health and wellness. These voluntary training sessions not only monitor the health of our animal family, but also strengthen the relationships between caretaker and animal, while providing an enriching opportunity. When training for medical behaviors, the Zoo’s carnivore care team typically begins with medical injections, as well as blood draw tra... Read More

animal training clouded leopard Species Survival Plan Zoological Medicine

Cat-tastic Healthcare: Training the Zoo’s Small Cats for Blood Draws and Injections

Feline healthy! At the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, medical training is a critical part of our animal family’s health and wellness. These training sessions not only monitor the health of our animal family, but also strengthen the relationships between caretaker and animal, while providing an enriching opportunity. Regardless of the size of the animal, caretakers strive to encourage voluntary medical participation by creating a rewarding, positive environment. The Zoo’s ... Read More

Veterinary Science animal training Animal welfare bobcat Bobcat Blood Draw

Conserving the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake: Field Notes from a Herpetologist

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden recently welcomed three Eastern massasauga rattlesnake snakelets, a federally protected species, to its Herpetarium habitat for the first time in its history as a result of a successful breeding effort this past May. The Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s (AZA) Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Species Survival PlanTM (EMR SSP) is comprised of 19 AZA-accredited zoos, including the OKC Zoo. As part of the Zoo’s commitment to the EMR SSP, Zoo ... Read More

Zoo conservation and science Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake OKC ZOO Rattlesnakes snakes Species Survival Plan

Commitment to Care: OKC Zoo’s 31-year-old Gila Monster Undergoes Surgery

On Thursday, May 27, one of the Zoo’s Gila monsters underwent surgery at 10 a.m. at the Joan Kirkpatrick Animal Hospital to remove a tumor from her kidney tissue. Native to southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, Gila monsters are reptiles and named for the Gila River in Arizona. They are covered in beadlike dorsal scales that are black and yellow or pink, and they have a forked tongue that is used to “taste” the air for the presence of food and predators. They ... Read More

lizard Animal Care Gila Monster Joan Kirkpatrick Animal Hospital OKC ZOO Surgery

Conservation Success Stories: OKC Zoo Initiates Black Rat Snake Spatial Ecology Research

Here at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, we believe in the importance of conserving the world’s wildlife and wild places. In 2020, the Zoo contributed over $220,000 to benefit local and global conservation efforts. Much of this money was raised through the Zoo’s Round Up for Conservation initiative. Through individual guest contributions, Round Up for Conservation funds helped cultivate several conservation success stories in 2020. One of those ten focused on black... Read More

Black rat snake Conservation OKC ZOO snakes

(Monitor)ing the Breeding of Black Tree Monitors

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden recently welcomed four black tree monitor hatchlings; the first for the Zoo in several years. The Zoo participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP) for the Black Tree Monitor, a lizard species listed as near threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Black tree monitors are found exclusively on Aru island off the west coast of New G... Read More

Black tree Monitor Breeding Monitor OKC ZOO

OKC Zoo Saddened to Announce Passing of Geriatric White-Tailed Deer

On Wednesday, June 16, one of the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden’s female, 17-year-old white-tailed deer, Ruby, was examined by the Zoo’s veterinary team after caretakers noticed changes in her behavior including lethargy, as well as a change in body condition. Ruby had been closely monitored by her care team for the past couple of years due to her advanced age and diagnosis of arthritis. This examination led caretakers to the difficult decision to humanely euthanize... Read More

Beating the Oklahoma Heat: How the OKC Zoo Keeps its Animal Family Cool and Comfortable

When visiting the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden in the heat of summer, many Zoo guests wonder how the Zoo’s animals keep cool. From elephants to bears and tigers to turtles, the Zoo is committed to the health, enrichment and comfortability of every wild member of its animal family. The Zoo’s first strategy for keeping animals cool begins with the design of their habitats. Each of the Zoo’s animal habitats provide the animals consistent access to shaded structures ... Read More

OKC ZOO

Conservation Success Stories: Educating Oklahomans for the Future of Monarchs

Here at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Gardens we believe in the importance of conserving the world’s wildlife and wild places. In 2020, the Zoo raised over $220,000 toward to benefit local and global conservation efforts as part of its Round Up for Conservation initiative. Through individual guest contributions, Round Up for Conservation funds helped cultivate 10 conservation success stories in 2020. Of those ten, the Zoo was able to strengthen its long-time commitment t... Read More

Monarch Conservation OKC ZOO Okies for Monarchs Pollinator Week

Conservation Success Stories: OKC Zoo Reaches New Heights to Conserve Giraffes

Here at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, we believe in the importance of conserving the world’s wildlife and wild places. In 2020, the Zoo contributed over $220,000 to benefit local and global conservation efforts as part of its Round Up for Conservation initiative. Through individual guest contributions, Round Up for Conservation funds helped cultivate 10 conservation success stories in 2020. Of those, the Zoo has contributed funds to support giraffe conservation. The Zoo i... Read More

Zoo conservation and science Africa Bob Moore Subaru Giraffe Conservation Foundation OKC ZOO World Giraffe Day

Conservation Success Stories: OKC Zoo Provides Training to Mountain Gorilla Researchers

Here at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, we believe in the importance of conserving the world’s wildlife and wild places. In 2020, the Zoo raised over $220,000 to benefit local and global conservation efforts as part of its Round Up for Conservation initiative. Through individual guest contributions, Round Up for Conservation funds helped cultivate 10 conservation success stories in 2020. Of those ten, one success story focuses on supporting researchers who protect the world&... Read More

Zoo conservation and science Dian Fossey Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International Mountain gorillas OKC ZOO Rwanda

Leaning on Each Otter this World Otter Day

In honor of World Otter Day, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden invited Ben Yoxon of the International Otter Survival Fund (IOSF) to write a guest blog about IOSF’s crucial conservation efforts to protect the world’s 13 species of otters. The Zoo is home to two North American river otters, Rocky and Pip, who reside at the Big Rivers habitat located inside Oklahoma Trails. Other otter species include sea otters, giant otters, Eurasian otters, Asian small-clawed otters, smoo... Read More

Ben Yoxen International Otter Survival Fund otter Wildlife Conservation world otter day

Conservation Success Stories: Increasing the Genetic Diversity of Guatemalan Beaded Lizards

Here at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, we believe in the importance of conserving the world’s wildlife and wild places. In 2020, the Zoo raised over $220,000 to benefit local and global conservation efforts as part of its Round Up for Conservation initiative. Through individual guest contributions, Round Up for Conservation funds helped cultivate 10 conservation success stories in 2020. One of those ten focused toward a goal of increasing the genetic diversity of ... Read More

beaded lizard Field Conservation fundesgua Guatemala Wildlife Conservation

Pups in Training: OKC Zoo’s African Painted Dogs Receive Voluntary Hand Injections

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is home to a pack of five African Painted dogs, consisting of our matriarch, Xena, 9, her mate, Dojo, 9, and their three offspring Tex, Back Slash and Spot, who are four years old. All of the Zoo’s painted dogs are involved in a behavioral training program here at the Zoo that allows caretakers to train new behaviors through positive reinforcement. Training works to mentally stimulate the pack, as well as present them with the opportunity ... Read More

African painted dogs Animal Care animal training OKC ZOO

Conservation Success Stories: OKC Zoo is Batty for Conservation

Here at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, we’re batty about the importance of conserving the world’s wildlife and wild places. In 2020, the Zoo raised over $220,000 to benefit local and global conservation efforts as part of its Round Up for Conservation initiative. Through individual guest contributions, Round Up for Conservation funds helped cultivate 10 conservation success stories in 2020. Of those 10 stories, one effort focused on the study of bat biodiversity and c... Read More

bat conservation bats Oklahoma Oklahoma Wildlife

Conservation Success Stories: OKC Zoo Contributes to Bird Conservation

Here at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, we believe in the importance of conserving the world’s wildlife and wild places. In 2020, the Zoo raised over $220,000 toward to benefit local and global conservation efforts as part of its Round Up for Conservation initiative. Through individual guest contributions, Round Up for Conservation funds helped cultivate 10 conservation success stories in 2020. Of those ten, the Zoo was able to contribute to North American bird research and ... Read More

AZA SAFE Bird Bird conservation

Wild About the Earth: Six Ways to Help Wildlife this Earth Day

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden’s mission is to connect you to wildlife, as we strive to conserve wild places. This Earth Day, we want to share six actions OKC Zoo fans can take to protect endangered species. We challenge you to complete at least one before the day is through, but remember – every day is Earth Day! Donate a cellphone to the Zoo’s Gorillas on the Line Cellphone Challenge Join the OKC Zoo in its efforts to protect wild gorillas and their h... Read More

Earth Day

Conservation Success Stories: OKC Zoo Contributes to Bee Research and Conservation

Do you bee-lieve in conservation? Here at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, we believe in the importance of conserving the world’s wildlife and wild places. In 2020, the Zoo contributed over $220,000 to benefit local and global conservation efforts. Much of this funding was raised through the Zoo’s Round Up for Conservation initiative, a grant from the Kirkpatrick Foundation, as well as donations through the Oklahoma Zoological Society (OKC ZOOfriends) and the Zoo&r... Read More

bee bee conservation bee research native bees Okies for Monarchs Pollinators

Zoo’s Historic Grottos Transformed into New Raptor Ridge Habitat

Recently, a historical part of the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden was renovated to create a new home for the Zoo’s raptor species. Raptors are large birds of prey and includes species like, eagles, owls, condors and vultures. Originally built in 1938, the grottos, located near the Zoo’s sea lion habitat, was a must-see stop for anyone visiting the Zoo. The grottos were originally built to house the Zoo’s big cats and were considered top-of-the-line animal h... Read More

Andean Condor OKC ZOO Raptor Raptor Ridge

Mush(room) to Grow: Mycology 101

It is spring here at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden. The ground is warming, birds are singing, and it’s mushroom season! These fragile organisms are often overlooked or viewed as a pest, but we at the Zoo have a pension for these slimy, little marvels. The vast collection of flora upkept by the Zoo’s horticultural team is host to a few hundred of the over ten thousand known mushroom species, and they can be split into four basic categories – saprophytic, mycorrhi... Read More

Botanical Garden mushrooms mycology

Conservation Success Stories: Providing Texas Horned Lizards a Head Start

Here at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, we believe in the importance of conserving the world’s wildlife and wild places. In 2020, the Zoo raised over $220,000 to benefit local and global conservation efforts as part of its Round Up for Conservation initiative. Through individual guest contributions, Round Up for Conservation funds helped cultivate 10 conservation success stories in 2020. Of those ten, one success story focuses on Oklahoma's beloved lizard, the ... Read More

horny toads lizard lab okc zoo conservation Oklahoma Wildlife Texas horned lizards Tinker Air Force Base University of Oklahoma

Neck and Neck: Update on OKC Zoo Giraffes Ellie and Julu’s Pregnancies

Two of the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden’s giraffes, 20-year-old, Ellie, and five-year-old, Julu, are pregnant and each due to give birth between late April and early May 2021. Caretakers have enjoyed watching the mother-daughter duo experience their pregnancies together. This will be Ellie’s sixth calf to be born at the Zoo and Julu’s first offspring. Three-year-old, Demetri, is the father of both calves, which are also his first offspring. The average gestation f... Read More

animal pregnancy baby animals giraffe giraffe pregnancy mother daughter Species Survival Plan

Blooms and Butterflies: Signs of Spring at the OKC Zoo

Out with the old and in with the new! As we say goodbye to winter at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, we begin to welcome spring with open arms. Though the Zoo is filled with over 500 different animal species, guests can also experience over 5,500 plant species within the Zoo! As an accredited botanical garden, the Zoo is home to a large collection of flora that is native to the United States and various other countries to enhance the Zoo’s landscape. The Zoo’s... Read More

Monarch Butterflies OKC ZOO Okies for Monarchs Oklahoma Pollinators Spring

The Ultimate Spring Break Guide to a Wild, Wonderful OKC Zoo Visit

What better way to spend spring break than a trip to the Zoo? Spring into action, stretch your legs, and experience the unique attractions and experiences the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden has to offer. This wild guide provides information on must-do attractions, shares how you can directly contribute to the Zoo’s conservation efforts and includes helpful tips to know before your visit. The 10 Wildest Things to Do at the OKC Zoo: 1) &n... Read More

OKC ZOO Spring Break Spring Break Guide Wild Encounters

Blog

Learn. Explore. Engage.

Let's take an adventure.