FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                      January 26, 2010

FUN HAPPENINGS IN FEBRUARY AT THE OKC ZOO

CONTACTS:  Candice Rennels (405) 425-0298, (405) 412-6172, cell or crennels@okczoo.com

                 Tara Henson (405) 425-0219, (405) 919-9038, cell or thenson@okczoo.com

FEBRUARY:              CHILDREN’S ZOO ADOPTION OPTION

Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift? Adopt one of the Zoo’s flamingos or new squirrel monkeys for your sweetie! The Oklahoma Zoological Society’s Parents of the Wild animal adoption program is offering you this red hot deal for $40 which includes an adorable plush flamingo or squirrel monkey, a certificate of sponsorship and name recognition on Zoo grounds for the entire year. Your tax-deductible donation aids the Zoo in providing important health, enrichment and nutritional needs for our flamingos and squirrel monkeys. Adoption does not include personal possession of the animal. To learn more or to order your gift, call (405) 425-0620 or visit zoofriends.com.

FEBRUARY:              FREE ADMISSION ON MONDAYS

FEBRUARY 15-MARCH 26:                        DR PEPPER VENDING MACHINE ART CONTEST

Hey kids, let your imagination run wild and participate in the “Dr Pepper Vending Machine Art Contest” for a chance to win prizes and have your artwork on display at the Zoo! The Zoo and Dr Pepper are in search of new designs for two Dr Pepper machines located on Zoo grounds. From February 15 through March 26, Oklahoma students in grades K-12 may submit their designs using the contest theme, playful by nature. This year’s contest theme was chosen in celebration of the Zoo’s new Children’s Zoo slated to open on March 12. All contest entries must be postmarked by March 26, 2010. For official entry forms, rules and contest criteria visit okczoo.com or call (405) 425-0298.

FEBRUARY 2:           GROUNDHOG DAY

This year the Zoo’s annual Groundhog Day prediction will be made by grizzly bears, Will and Wiley! Groundhogs are not part of the Zoo’s collection, so our brother bears have been designated as this year’s official Groundhog’s Day delegates. Join us on Tuesday, February 2 at 10 a.m. for this wild tradition. Guests will enjoy free hot chocolate while supplies last. 

FEBRUARY 6:           VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT

If you are at least 18, interested in plants and/or the world of animals, then the Oklahoma City Zoo needs you. We are looking for passionate and dependable individuals to volunteer at the Zoo. The time requirement is one 8-hour day a week. Training consists of an orientation and job shadowing. This is an ideal opportunity for individuals pursuing a zoo-related career. Attend the Volunteer Recruitment on Saturday, February 6, at 10 a.m. in the Rosser Conservation Education Center to learn more. Attendees may enter through the Education Center located at the east end of the Zoo’s parking lot.

FEBRUARY 14:         OKLAHOMA HORTICULTURE SOCIETY LECTURE SERIES WITH TOVAH MARTIN

The Oklahoma Horticulture Society, The Kirkpatrick Foundation and the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden are hosting a free horticulture lecture on Sunday, February 14 at 2 p.m. in the Zoo’s Rosser Conservation Education Center. Renowned garden writer, Tovah Martin will share her expertise with guests during her lecture entitled Trowels & Tomorrow: Garden Stewardship. Reservations are not required. While the lecture is free, regular zoo admission is required to enjoy the Zoo.

There’s more happening in March…

• March 12: Children’s Zoo Grand Opening
• March 14: Senior Citizen’s Day
• March 20: Pet Enrichment Day

Located in the heart of Oklahoma City’s Adventure District at the I-35 and I-44 junction, the Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for children ages 3-11 and seniors age 65 and over. To learn more about these and upcoming Zoo happenings visit okczoo.com or call (405) 424-3344.

-okczoo-