MEDIA ADVISORY                                                                                                              May 1, 2012

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

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

NEW SAFARI VOYAGE CRUISING ON OKC ZOO LAKE

            This news is sure to float your boat! 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. The fleet consists of two boats built especially for the Zoo on the Chesapeake in Maryland.  In keeping with the Zoo’s green initiatives, the boats are electric powered and completely pollution-free.  Built of fiberglass to resemble the African Queen of movie fame, each has been tested for safety to 9500 pounds of passengers. Each boat weighs 22,000 pounds, more than twice what Rex the elephant weighs! 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. Future plans include opportunities for catered events utilizing the boats for a unique guest experience. Also, underway is a second dock being constructed behind the Elephant Pavilion. This will allow guests to travel between Aquaticus and the Elephant Habitat via water. Safari Voyage is a partnership between the Zoo and Water Taxi LLC, the same company which has operated boats on the Bricktown Canal since 1999. See the Zoo from a water view today on the all new Safari Voyage adventure!

            I SPY…a new way to explore the Zoo! Take a Safari Voyage today. 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. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Buildings close at 4:45 p.m. daily. Beginning May 5, on Saturdays only and through September 1, the Zoo will remain open until 8 p.m. with buildings closing at 7:45 pm. 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.

-okczoo-