FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                               NOVEMBER 10, 2009

 

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS AT THE OKLAHOMA CITY 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

 

NOVEMBER 11:    VETERANS DAY

For your service and sacrifice, the Zoo salutes you. The Zoo will be open on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11. On this day we are offering free admission to all active duty, active reserve, Ready Reserve Service Members, National Guardsman, Coalition Forces members and retirees and up to five guests. Veterans will also receive a 10 percent discount in Zoo shops and restaurants. Military ID is required. The Zoo is proud to offer a 50 percent discount to veterans and up to five direct dependants on a daily basis.

 

NOVEMBER 14:  AMERICA RECYCLES DAY

Celebrate with the Zoo as we spotlight recycling! Enjoy an exciting day while participating in a variety of recycling stations in the Zoo's Global Plaza. Join us from 11a.m. to 3 p.m. for this free event.

 

NOVEMBER 25:  FREE DAY

Fall into some free fun at the Zoo! On Wednesday, November 25 admission to the Zoo is free for guests of all ages in celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday. The Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

NOVEMBER 26:  THE ZOO IS CLOSED FOR THANSKGIVING DAY

 

NOVEMBER 27:  FEAST FOR THE BEASTS

On Friday, November 27, some of our animals will feast on traditional “turkey day” dishes that have been specifically prepared for them by their caretakers from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The menu du jour:

• Cornucopia of appetizers for the Indo-Pacific Reef Tank (Lower Aquaticus)

• Turkey for the Andean Condors

• Pie for the Galapagos Tortoises (Island Life)

• Leftovers for the Grizzly Bears (Oklahoma Trails)

 

DECEMBER – FEBRUARY:   FREE ADMISSION ON MONDAYS

The Zoo has a seasonal gift just for you and yours! The Zoo is offering free admission  on Mondays during the months of December, January and February. That’s right – admission is abzoolutely free for everyone on Mondays this winter!

 

DECEMBER:     ZOOFRIENDS HOLIDAY SPECIALS

Just in time for the holiday season, OZS ZooFriends has some wild gift ideas for everyone on your list!

• Receive $5 off any gift, new or renewal membership purchased now through December 31. (Excludes Junior membership level.)

• You should go wild and adopt a lion or giraffe for the animal lover on your list with a Safari Adoption Package. Proceeds benefit the health and enrichment needs of lions and giraffes at the Zoo. You will receive a plush lion or giraffe, adoption certificate, fact sheet and listing on the Animal Adoption Honor Roll.

• ZooFriends T-shirts, youth and adult sizes are on sale for $5 and $7.50.

• ZooFriends can shop ‘til they drop with a 25% discount a the Zoo’s Safari gift Shop. (On non-sale items through December 31.) 

• Want to upgrade your gift? Give the Holiday Package, which includes a Family or Grandparent PLUS membership, Safari Adoption Package, and more all wrapped up for $100. Purchase your gift on grounds and receive a holiday tin of Boy Scout popcorn, sponsored by Chesapeake Energy and MidFirst Bank.

 

DECEMBER:    OKC ZOO WILD WISH TREE

Make a holiday wish come true for your furry, feathered and scaly friends at the Zoo! With the Zoo’s Wild Wish Tree, secret Santas and animal lovers across the city have the opportunity to contribute gifts for our animals! Located in the ZooFriends office at the Global Plaza, the tree is decorated to the hilt with handmade ornaments bearing images and descriptions of enrichment items for Zoo residents. Diverse in size, shape and cost, each wish list item has been selected with the sole intent of generating the interest, curiosity, play and enjoyment of a particular animal or species. “Wild wish” presents may be dropped off during regular office hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Donations will be accepted through December 31, 2009. For more information contact ZooFriends at (405) 425-0262.

 

DECEMBER 01 - 24:    DECK THE ZOO

Bring an edible wildlife ornament to the Zoo and receive admission for only $1. These tasty treats will garnish some of the Zoo’s pine and oak trees for the native animals that frequent the Zoo. One discount per person. Not valid with any other discount or promotion.

 

DECEMBER 5, 12 and 19: CUPCAKE WITH SANTA

Saturdays, December 5, 12 and 19, children will decorate their very own holiday cupcake and enjoy cold milk with their culinary creation. Children will also create some unique holiday crafts. They'll end the day with a visit from Santa, so be sure to bring your camera. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Cost per child ages 3 and up is $20 for members and $22 for non-members. Adults are free with a paid child; but due to limited space we ask that no more than two adults attend per child. Pre-registration is required and must be made one week prior to the event. Registration may be made online at http://okczoo.recware.com or by calling (405) 425-0218.

 

DECEMBER 5:  WREATH MAKING CLASS

Create and customize your own holiday wreath! Participants will be provided with everything needed to make a wreath from plants grown on Zoo grounds. Cost per person is $20 for ZooFriends members and $25 for non-members. Ages 16 and up. Reservations may be made online at http://okczoo.recware.com or by calling (405) 425-0218.

 

DECEMBER 7:  COFFEE CONNECTIONS

Sit down, relax and enjoy a cup of joe with this new FREE program. Join us in the Rosser Conservation Education Center to learn about the Zoo! Receive insight into the Zoo's latest happenings each month. Registration is not required. Does not include Zoo admission. Ages 16 and up. Sessions are from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

DECEMBER 7 and 14   HOLIDAY SHOPPING AT THE ZOO

Wild about shopping? The Zoo’s Safari Gift Shop will be open late for the holiday season on Monday, December 7 and Monday, December 14 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Zoo admission is not required to shop and parking is free. The Safari Gift Shop features a unique range of gifts at affordable prices including home décor, clothing, toys and the state’s largest assortment of animal plush!

DECEMBER 14: SANTA DELIVERS

Santa will make a stop on the wild side to deliver holiday goodies to some of his furry and feathered friends at the Zoo on Monday, December 14 from 10 to 11 a.m. The fun continues in the Canopy Restaurant where guests can enjoy free hot chocolate and doughnuts. This activity is free and reservations are not required. Be sure to bring your camera to get pictures with Santa.

 

DECEMBER 25: THE ZOO IS CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS DAY

 

DECEMBER 29 AND 30: WINTER BREAK DAY CAMPS

Hosted by the Zoo’s Education Department, day camps are available for kids age four -11. Camps are from 9 a.m. to noon daily and cost $20 for ZooFriends members and $25 for non-members. Snacks will be provided, but don’t forget to bring your lunch! Advance registration and payment are required. For more information, call (405) 425-0218 or visit http://okczoo.recware.com to enroll online.

 

• Tuesday, December 29: Under the Sea

Beat cabin fever by taking a day trip to the ocean! Ages 4-5 and 6-7.

• Tuesday, December 29: G-Force

Gorillas, gerenuk, gecko – lots of our animals start with the letter G! Ages 8-11.

• Wednesday, December 30: The Frog Prince

Come learn why amphibians are nature’s best friend! Ages 4-5 and 6-7.

• Wednesday, December 30: Land Ho!

Ahoy mates! Come discover the Zoo’s hidden animal treasures. Ages 8-11.

 

JANUARY 1:  THE ZOO IS CLOSED FOR NEW YEAR’S DAY

 

Go wild at the Zoo during the holiday season! Oklahoma’s #1 attraction and one of the top three family-friendly zoos in the nation, the Zoo is located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35 in Oklahoma City’s Adventure District. Zoo hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with buildings closing at 4:45 p.m. Regular admission is $7 for adults, $4 for children ages three-11 and seniors ages 65 and over. Children two and under are admitted free. To learn more about these and other happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visit okczoo.com.

-okczoo-