FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                              May 3, 2012

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

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

MAY AND JUNE HAPPENINGS AT THE OKLAHOMA CITY ZOO

NOW OPEN:  NEW SAFARI VOYAGE CRUISING ON ZOO LAKE

The all new Safari Voyage is now cruising Zoo Lake at the Oklahoma City Zoo. Guests will enjoy a smooth and relaxing ride while the boat captain shares interesting facts about the Zoo, the boat and upcoming events. Cost for unlimited rides on the day of purchase is $4.50 for adults, $3.50 for children & seniors; children 2 and under ride free. The dock is located near the Noble Aquatic Center: Aquaticus and the length of each ride lasts about 15-20 minutes. Boats will operate during the Zoo’s spring, summer and fall season, depending on wind and other weather conditions. Approximately 50 people can ride each boat and they are accessible to people with disabilities.

NOW – OCTOBER: KEEPER CONNECTIONS CHATS

Keeper Connections are a great way to learn about your favorite animals from the people who care for them. Connect with wildlife while hearing & seeing how the Zoo strives to conserve and preserve our natural resources, and what you can do to help, too.  Keeper Connections continue through October, weather permitting. The complete schedule is as follows:

SATURDAYS:           

• 11 a.m.          Macaws @ the Children’s Zoo
• 11 a.m.          Elephant Presentation @ the Elephant Pavilion (March – June)
• 11 a.m.          Black Rhino (July – October)
• 1:15 p.m.       Elephant Presentation @ the Elephant Pavilion
• 1:30 p.m.       Birds of Prey (across from picnic pavilions)
• 1:30 p.m.       Great Apes Rotating Conservation Chats
• 2 p.m.             Cheetahs
• 2 p.m.             Upper Aquarium (Noble Aquatic Center)
• 2:30 p.m.       River Otters (Oklahoma Trails)
• 2:30 p.m.       Birds/Parrots @ Great EscApe’s Observation Tower
• 3 p.m.            Tigers
• 4 p.m.            Alligators (Oklahoma Trails)

SUNDAYS:                

• 11 a.m.          Red Pandas
• 11 a.m.          Galapagos Tortoise @ Island Life
• 11 a.m.          Elephant Presentation @ the Elephant Pavilion (March – June)
• 11 a.m.          Black Rhino (July – October)
• 1:15 p.m.       Elephant Presentation @ the Elephant Pavilion
• 1:30 p.m.       Birds of Prey (across from picnic pavilions)
• 1:30 p.m.       Great Apes Rotating Conservation Chats
• 2 p.m.             Cheetahs
• 2 p.m.             Lower Aquarium (Noble Aquatic Center)
• 2:30 p.m.       River Otters (Oklahoma Trails)
• 2:30 p.m.       Birds/Parrots @ Great EscApe’s Observation Tower
• 3 p.m.             Tigers

MAY 05: VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT

Do you hear the call of the wild? Volunteering at the Zoo is the best way to answer! The Zoo is seeking dedicated, enthusiastic volunteers to work with our animal keepers, horticulture department, education outreach and special events! Attend a volunteer orientation on Saturday, May 5 at 10 a.m. in the Zoo’s Rosser Conservation Education Center. Orientation and paperwork will be followed by staff interviews.  Volunteer opportunities are available for individuals age 18 or older and the time requirement is one 8-hour day per week. For questions, contact Melissa Kesler at (405) 425-0275.

MAY 05: STAY LATE AND PLAY ON SATURDAYS

Starting Saturday, May 5, guests can stay late at the Zoo on Saturdays. Every Saturday through September 1, the Zoo will remain open until 8 p.m., giving guests the chance to enjoy the cooler evening hours. Exhibit buildings will close at 7:45 p.m. All guests must leave Zoo grounds at closing time.

MAY 10:  TEEN VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT OPEN HOUSE

Join our team and become a teen volunteer. The Oklahoma City Zoo is looking for dedicated enthusiastic teens between 14 and 18 years to join its Junior Curator program. Selected teens volunteer with keepers and staff to see what it takes to run the zoo and inspire the next generation. Junior Curators are selected once a year. Prospective volunteers and their parents may attend an open house and meeting on May 10 at 6 p.m. in the Rosser Conservation Education Center. Applications will be available May 1-31 on www.okczooed.com/volunteers  or at Guest Relations. For questions, please contact the zoo’s Volunteer Coordinator at (405) 425-0275.

MAY 12: OSTRICH EGG BREAKFAST

Twenty-six years of deliciousness! Hosted by ZooFriends, Ostrich Egg Breakfast will be held Saturday, May 12 from 8 to 11 a.m. and features a delicious all-you-can-eat spread of pancakes, sausage, scrambled hens’ eggs, waffles and omelets, prepared especially for you by volunteers and professional chefs. Ticket prices include Sea Lion Show admission and are $10 for adults and $6 for kids for ZooFriends members and $12 for adults and $8 for kids for non-members. Event T-shirts are also available for $12 for adult sizes and $9 for youth sizes. For more information or to buy tickets, visit ZooFriends at www.zoofriends.org or call (405) 425-0618.

MAY 12: ZOOLYMPICS

Kids age 11 and under are invited to join in the fun during Zoolympics on Saturday, May 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Global Plaza. These fun, interactive activities teach kids about animal behaviors, conservation and health and fitness! This event is free with Zoo admission.

MAY 13: MOTHER’S DAY AT THE ZOO

Celebrate the moms in your life by bringing them to the Oklahoma City Zoo on Sunday, May 13. Moms get in free with any paid admission!

MAY 18: ENDANGERED SPECIES DAY

Endangered means there is still time. Join us for our Endangered Species Day on Friday, May 18 and visit our interactive stations to learn what the Oklahoma City Zoo is doing to help and discover ways you can help, too! Scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this event is free with regular Zoo admission. 

MAY 19: BLAZE THROUGH THE ZOO

Blaze Through the Zoo is the ninth annual 5k run and one-mile fun walk benefitting Limbs for Life. Race day registration begins at 6:30 a.m. at the Zoo’s Education Center and the race begins at 8 a.m. The race is part of the OKC and Edmond Running Club race services and is scored with the electronic timing system by DG Productions. If you are interested in volunteering for the Blaze or Limbs for Life, please contact Pam Timmons at (405) 602-6279, ptimmons@limbsforlife.org or http://www.limbsforlife.org/events/blaze.

MAY 22 – JUNE 24: MATHIS BROTHERS AND ZOOFRIENDS PARTNERSHIP

From May 22 through June 24, purchase or renew a ZooFriends membership at Mathis Brothers Furniture (3434 West Reno in Oklahoma City) and save $15 or more! This is the lowest membership price of the year.

MAY 25:  DON’T FRY DAY
Animals are naturally safe in the sun & visitors should be too!  Through interactive activity stations visitors will learn how Zoo animals are “sunwise” and find out how they can also stay safe in the sun.  This event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Zoo’s Global Plaza and is free for all to attend. Zoo entry not included. Regular admission prices apply.

JUNE–AUGUST:  SUMMER DAY CAMPS AT THE ZOO

The Oklahoma City Zoo’s Summer Day Camps bring the world of animals and education together. Enroll your children today in our enriching and entertaining four-day camps taking place June through August. Campers will have the opportunity to experience an animal up-close, crafts, games and walks around the Zoo. Camp details:

• All camps meet Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Zoo’s Education Department.
• Each camp week features a different theme.
• Camps are designed for children three to 15 years old.
• Cost is $100 per child with a ZooFriends membership and $110 per child for non-members.
• Advance registration and payment is required.
• A snack will be provided but children need to bring their own lunch.

For the compete schedule of camps, visit www.okczooed.com. Birth certificates are required to verify age. Registrations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis and may be made online at http://okczoo.recware.com or by calling the Zoo’s Education Department at (405) 425-0218.

JUNE 01–SEPTEMBER 01:  OBI AND ZOO SUMMER PARTNERSHIP

Feel strong. Give blood. Visit the Zoo–for free! The Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) and the Oklahoma City Zoo are teaming up for a good cause. When you donate blood at any OBI drive between June 1 and September 1, you will receive two free adult admission tickets to the Zoo, an OBI T-shirt, health screenings and Members for Life Points. For more information, visit www.obi.org.

JUNE 05:  WILD TUESDAYS STORY TIME SAFARIS

Every Tuesday in June and July, the Zoo and volunteers from the Junior League of Oklahoma City will host Wild Tuesday Story Time Safaris in the Children’s Zoo (Grandma’s Porch) at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Sessions will feature “wild” stories, a craft activity, juice box and end with a visit from a Zoo keeper. Each session lasts approximately 20 minutes. Geared towards children 11 and under, this activity is free to attend with paid admission. 

JUNE 08:  WORLD OCEANS DAY

Splish, splash, we’re having a blast during June! Throughout June, learn about the world’s oceans and aquatic inhabitants during our sea lion shows, Keeper Connections and family-friendly events such as Wild Tuesdays Story Time Safaris. Festivities kick off on World Oceans Day on Friday, June 8 with a complimentary party favor for the first 500 children ages 11 and under to visit the Zoo.

JUNE 09:  WALK FOR WELLNESS

The Oklahoma City Indian Clinic will host their Walk for Wellness event at the Oklahoma City Zoo on Saturday, June 9. Registration will open at 8 a.m. and all walk participants who register by 8:30 a.m. will receive free zoo admission.  The one mile fun walk begins at 8:30 a.m.  Visit information and vendor booths, and enjoy light snacks while supplies last until 11:30 a.m. Call (405) 948-4900, ext. 160 for more information.

JUNE 15: ZOOBILATION

You are invited to Zoobilation 2012– A great cause. A wild time! The Oklahoma Zoological Society (OZS) and the Oklahoma City Zoo invite you to Zoobilation 2012 on Friday, June 15 from 7 to 11 p.m. Zoobilation is a 21 and over, “non black-tie” fund raising event that supports the Zoo. The evening includes a private night on Zoo grounds where guests will enjoy gourmet food, adult beverages such as our signature zootini, a silent auction and entertainment by the band Shock! For an invitation to Zoobilation, call (405) 425-0613 or go online to www.zoofriends.com. Individual tickets are $100. The night doesn’t end when Zoobilation does. The official after party will be held at 51st Street Speakeasy. Zoobilation attendees will be able to present their tickets at Speakeasy to receive free cover. Zoobilation is the largest fundraiser for OZS and proceeds from the event support the Zoo. Zoobilation will be held rain or shine and guests must be 21 years or older to attend. In preparation for Zoobilation, the Canopy and Children’s Zoo will be closed all day on Friday, June 15 and the Zoo will be closing at 2 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to visit early this day.

JUNE 17: FATHER’S DAY AT THE ZOO

Take Dad on a Safari to the Zoo on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 17. All dads get in free with any paid admission!

July is wild with fun events for all. Look what’s coming…

·         Tuesdays in July:  Wild Tuesdays Story Time Safaris

·         Wednesdays in July:  Way Back Wednesdays–$1 admission plus concession and ride specials!

·         July 1: Morning Zoo Rise, the Zoo opens at 8 a.m. daily

·         July 17: Sales Tax Appreciation Day–Free Day

·         July 21: Bowling for Rhinos

I spy something fun for everyone at the Oklahoma City Zoo. Visit Oklahoma’s #1 attraction and one of the top three zoos in the country as named in the 2012 10Besties Readers' Choice Travel Awards! The Oklahoma City Zoo is a proud member of Oklahoma City’s Adventure District located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35 in. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Buildings close at 4:45 p.m. daily. Regular admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children ages three-11 and seniors ages 65 and over. Children two and under are admitted free. Become a Zoo fan at http://www.facebook.com/okczoobg or follow us on Twitter @okczoo. To learn more about these and other happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visit okczoo.com.

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