FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                      October 5, 2009

CONTACTS:          Tara Henson, (405) 919-9038, thenson@okczoo.com         

                          Candice Rennels (405) 412-61722, crennels@okczoo.com

Zoe the Chimpanzee to Celebrate One-Year Birthday Party at OKC Zoo

Zoe, the Oklahoma City Zoo’s chimpanzee is turning one-year-old and the Zoo is hosting a two-day party in her honor! Join us on Thursday, October 15 and Friday, October 16 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM both days for an “ape”solutely awesome celebration. Cake for the chimps, party favors for all of the apes and surprises on both days. Free with regular Zoo admission. Come party with us at Great EscApe and say happy birthday to Zoe! Festivities begin at 1:00 PM at the Great EscApe chimp habitat both days.

Visitors can enjoy birthday cake in Zoe’s honor (while it lasts!) and gather in the chimp habitat courtyard to serenade Zoe with “Happy Birthday.” Party Day one: Guests can watch Zoe and her family celebrate with special birthday “cakes” of their own, and Zoo staff will be on hand to talk about Zoe’s first year and her extended family of chimpanzees. Day 2:  Zoe and family will enjoy presents and piñatas. Beginning at 1:45 PM, the gorillas and orangutans will receive “party favors” on both days!  

“Zoe has definitely captured the hearts of Zoo staff and visitors alike,” said Laura Bottaro, the Zoo’s Curator of Mammals. “She’s rambunctious, curious and loves to explore. We’re all taken by her.”

Got a camera? Like to take photos? Be sure to snap some digital shots of Zoe and enter them on the Zoo’s Facebook Fan Page (click the link from okczoo.com). The top five photos (chosen by the number of “likes”) will be featured on the Zoo’s website homepage during the remainder of October with the photographers listed, as well. A grand prize winner will be selected by the Great EscApe Team and will be awarded an OZS Family Membership or a one-year renewal. The contest runs from October 12 through October 18. Hint: birthday party photos would be really appreciated.

October is “chimply” fabulous at the Oklahoma City Zoo, the state’s #1 attraction and one of the top three family friendly zoos in the nation! Located at the crossroads of I-35 and I-44 in the heart of Oklahoma City’s Adventure District, the Zoo is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Admission is $7 for adults and $4 for children ages three to 11 and seniors ages 65 and older. Children two and under are free. For more information, call (405) 424-3344 or visit http://www.okczoo.com

-okczoo-