FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                    October 9, 2009

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

                   Candice Rennels, (405) 412-6172, crennels@okczoo.com                                                         

OKC ZOO’S ANNUAL PUMPKIN DRIVE EXTENDED THROUGH OCTOBER 18

A “gourd”geous deal! Bring a pumpkin bigger than your head to the Oklahoma City Zoo and receive free admission that day. The pumpkin drive has been extended through Sunday, October 18 and is presented by The 21st Running of the Oklahoma Derby at Remington Park. The donated pumpkins will be used to help decorate for Haunt the Zoo for Halloween. One pumpkin per person, please.

Approximately 500 to 700 pumpkins are utilized each year to adorn the trick-or-treat trail for Haunt the Zoo for Halloween. “Usually the Zoo sees record numbers of pumpkins during the annual pumpkin drive, said Tara Henson, Zoo Director of Marketing and Public Relations. “This year, rain has really hit us hard and we are currently in need of 500 more pumpkins, thus we are extending the drive for our visitors to have a chance to enjoy the admission offer and to hopefully, increase our pumpkin numbers.”

Help the Zoo with pumpkins! October is grand at the OKC 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 a.m. to 5 p.m. 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-