Facts about Oklahoma Trails

       Explore eight acres of the state's natural beauty as you experience Oklahoma Trails. This $10.3 million* naturalistic habitat showcases more than 100 different species of animals native to Oklahoma and more than 800 individual animals, while allowing guests to enjoy the 11 distinct life zones unique to Oklahoma! Travel the suspended boardwalk and explore the grassy terrain of Black Mesa, the rolling hills of the Ozark Highlands, and feel the mist from the Zoo's 25-foot. replica of Turner Falls located at Big Rivers!

               Animals:

       Located just south of Lion Overlook, Oklahoma Trails demonstrates the state's diverse collection of animals and plants, allowing guests to get nose-to-nose with black and grizzly bears, cougars, bobcats, river otters, southern flying squirrels, turkey vultures, western diamondback rattlesnakes, roadrunners, American alligator, Mexican grey wolves, bald eagles, bats, owls and many more!

 Plants:

       The design of Oklahoma Trails mirrors the 11 distinct life zones of the state of Oklahoma (second to no other state) in the awe-inspiring diversity of its natural environment. Contributing to the representation of these ecological regions in Oklahoma Trails are 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.

 Design: 

       Inspirational graphics and rich educational experiences provide fascinating conservation messages. Design elements contribute to a unique Oklahoma atmosphere, and all of the buildings and structures enhance the guest experience.

       *Oklahoma Trails was funded by a one-eighth of a cent sales tax approved by Oklahoma City citizens in 1990. The opening of this state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor exhibit fulfilled a promise the Zoo made to taxpayers to focus on the ABCs (Apes, Bears and Cats) of the animal kingdom. Great EscApe opened in 1993, Cat Forest/Lion Overlook debuted in 1997 and bears are the highlight of Oklahoma Trails.