FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                           

CONTACTS:        

Michael Myers,Oklahoma Zoological Society (405) 425-0613 or mmyers@zoofriends.org

    OZS ZOOFRIENDS HITS RECORD MEMBERSHIPS WITH 20,000 HOUSEHOLDS

The Oklahoma Zoological Society (OZS), also known as ZooFriends, has reason to celebrate as ZooFriends has hit a record number of memberships this year, memberships now total 20,051 households, a 6% increase over last year.

 “Tremendous leadership, excellent partnerships and teamwork have been invaluable to the Zoo’s growth and success,” said Dwight Scott, Executive Director, Oklahoma City Zoo.  “Our ZooFriends team has been an incredible partner and I am looking forward to working side-by-side for our continued success. Congratulations and thank you, ZooFriends!”

The Oklahoma Zoological Society is a nonprofit organization created to support and promote the Oklahoma City Zoo and its programs in education, conservation, zoological research, and recreation.  One of the ways OZS achieves this goal is with the ZooFriends membership program.  100% of membership dollars are given to the Oklahoma City Zoo. These dollars are used for the growth and improvement of the Zoo as well as supporting conservation projects across the world.

“In 1954 a small group of private citizens decided to band together to support the mission of the Zoo.  Here we are 56 years later still dedicated to fulfilling that original mission.  We know they would all be proud of the work and progress that has occurred over those years,” said Cindy Batt, Oklahoma Zoological Society President. “Our current ZooFriends members continue to show the same type of dedication and enthusiasm today as the group did in 1954.  Together, the ZooFriends, both past and present, have helped create a Zoo that is a dynamic part of the cultural fabric of Oklahoma City.”

Dana McCrory, Executive Director of OZS has this to say about this notable occasion, “Reaching this  milestone is exhilarating, the growth of the ZooFriends membership program is a testament to the continued love Oklahoma City has for its Zoo.”

Membership has its privileges. In addition to unlimited zoo admission, ZooFriends members receive a 10% discount at zoo gift shops and concessions, a quarterly ZooSounds newsletter, invitations to special events and exhibit previews, and discounted admission to zoos across the country. OZS is also proud to offer one of the most budget conscious membership programs in the state.

“The $60 family membership is one of four zoo memberships available, and families on a budget appreciate the options,” said Michael Myers, Oklahoma Zoological Society Membership Manager. “With many families choosing to stay close to home for vacations, a zoo membership can pay for itself in two visits.”

Come see us grow! Visit the Oklahoma City Zoo today, Oklahoma’s #1 attraction and one of the top three family-friendly zoos in the nation. The wild is calling! Located at NE 52nd and Martin Luther King Blvd., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73111, in the heart of Oklahoma City’s Adventure District, Zoo hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily during Morning Zoo Rise  through August 15. Through September 4, the Zoo will remain open until 8 p.m. on Saturdays with exhibit buildings closing at 7:45 p.m. Standard 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. Memberships start at just $40.  For more information, call (405) 424-3344 or visit www.okczoo.com.