FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                            September 28, 2012

 

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

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

 

OCTOBER HAPPENINGS AT THE OKC ZOO

 

OCTOBER:  OKC ZOO’S EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Connecting people with nature is what we do best. The Zoo’s Education Department has a variety of toddler, preschool, family, Girl and Boy Scouts, and homeschool programs scheduled during October and throughout the calendar year. Discover all we have to offer at www.okczooed.com.

 

 

OCTOBER 01-31:   HAUNT THE ZOO TICKETS ON SALE

We have a treat for you–tickets for Haunt the Zoo. Tickets for the Zoo’s 29^th annual Haunt the Zoo for Halloween go on sale October 1. Presented by The Children’s Hospital Volunteers and Kohl’s Cares, Haunt the Zoo is the biggest Halloween event in town offering a safe, unique, family-friendly trick-or-treating experience. Tickets are required for anyone wishing to collect treats. The cost is $6 in advance or $7 at the gate during the event. Children receive an official treat bag with their ticket. Accompanying adults are free.  ZooFriends memberships do not apply to Haunt the Zoo. Tickets may be purchased at the Zoo daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or online at www.okczoo.com. Get your tickets early and be ready to Haunt the Zoo: October 26 through 31.

 

 

OCTOBER 06-14:   OKC ZOO’S ANNUAL PUMPKIN DRIVE

Pumpkins, that’s how we roll! It’s time for the Oklahoma City Zoo’s annual Pumpkin Drive. Presented by Remington Park, during the Pumpkin Drive from October 6 through 14 if you bring a pumpkin bigger than your head to the Zoo you receive free admission that day. One pumpkin per person, please. The donated pumpkins will be used to decorate the Haunt the Zoo trail.

 

OCTOBER 06:   VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT

The Zoo is searching for passionate, dependable individuals 18 or older to apply to become Animal Area, Education and/or Horticulture volunteers. If you are interested in one of these opportunities, attend our Volunteer Recruitment on Saturday, October 6 at 10 a.m. in the Rosser Conservation Education Center (located at the east end of the Zoo’s parking lot). Orientation and paperwork will begin at 10 a.m. with staff interviews immediately following. For more information, contact the Zoo’s Volunteer Coordinator at (405) 425-0275.

 

OCTOBER 07:    PISTOL PETE’S 89^TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

The OKC Metro Chapter of the Oklahoma State University (OSU) Alumni Association invites you to the Oklahoma City Zoo on Sunday, October 7 for Pistol Pete’s 89^th birthday celebration. All guests wearing OSU school colors can enjoy cake with Pistol Pete at 2 p.m. in the Zoo’s Global Plaza while supplies last. Think orange and remember to take advantage of the Zoo’s Annual Pumpkin Drive happening October 6-14. Bring a pumpkin larger than your head and receive Zoo admission for free that day. Pumpkins-Pete-Party. Come on, join the fun! For more information, visit www.orangeconnection.org.

 

OCTOBER 11 and 18:    SCHOOL’S OUT SAFARI DAY CAMP

The Oklahoma City Zoo’s Education department is offering safari day camps during school holidays for children four to 12 years old. Zoo camps provide children with a unique experience that is both educational and entertaining. Camp runs 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and drop off is 8-8:30 a.m. The cost is $30 per child, per day. Snacks are provided but campers must bring their lunch.  To learn more or to register, contact the Education department at (405) 425-0218 or visit www.okczooed.com.

 

OCTOBER 13:    GIRL SCOUTS 100^TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AT THE OKC ZOO

Girl Scouts of Oklahoma this is your year to shine. The Oklahoma City Zoo is excited to celebrate your 100^th anniversary with you and thank you for all you do. Join us on Saturday, October 13, from 9-11 a.m. at the Zoo’s Education center to learn more about our scout programs and enjoy the Zoo for the day. This event is free for Girl Scouts and troop leaders in uniform, other family members pay regular Zoo admission. No early registration required for this event. To learn more, contact the Education department at (405) 425-0218.

 

OCTOBER 13:    OKC ZOO’S HALLOWEEN COSTUME SWAP

The question is brewing…what will the kids be for Halloween? Before you head to the store consider shopping the Oklahoma City Zoo’s Halloween costume swap, and going green. The Zoo is participating in National Costume Swap Day on Saturday, October 13, and hosting its first costume swap in hopes of reducing waste and increasing fun. 6,250 tons of landfill waste could be avoided if half the kids in America traded costumes. Kids will enjoy shopping costumes that are “new” to them while adults enjoy saving some green. New or gently used children’s costumes in sizes infant to youth extra large will be accepted. Here’s the scoop on the swap: 

• The swap will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. rain or shine in the Zoo’s Global Plaza.
• Participation in the swap is free. Admission is required for entry into the Zoo.
• Donate early from October 8-12 and receive a ticket to come back and shop the swap on October 13. Or, donate without swapping.

An added bonus, this event takes place during the Zoo’s Annual Pumpkin Drive and if you bring a pumpkin larger than your head enjoy admission to the Zoo for free that day. Come swap, shop and drop! For more information, contact the Zoo at (405) 425-0262.  

 

OCTOBER 19:    FAMILY PROGRAM: WHOOO’S OUT THERE

Have a hoot spending time together by partaking in the Oklahoma City Zoo’s “Whooo’s Out There” family program. Our Education department is ready to share all about owls with you. The evening includes meeting a live owl and a night hike on grounds. The cost per child is $15 for ZooFriends and $18 for non-members. Parents are free with a paid child registration. To learn more or to register, contact the Education department at (405) 425-0218 or visit www.okczooed.com.

 

 OCTOBER 25:    FAMILY PROGRAM: HAUNT THE ZOO PREVIEW HIKE

No tricks just the treat of getting a sneak peek at Haunt the Zoo. Enjoy walking the Haunt the Zoo trail from 6 to 8 p.m. and taking photos of your little trick-or-treater in their costume at each of the booths. Bring your own cameras to capture the fun. Candy not provided on the event trail. Adult must accompany child. The cost per child is $15 for ZooFriends and $18 for non-members. Parents are free with a paid child registration. To learn more or to register, contact the Education department at (405) 425-0218 or visit www.okczooed.com.

 

OCTOBER 26-31:    29^TH ANNUAL HAUNT THE ZOO FOR HALLOWEEN

Presented by the Children’s Hospital Volunteers and Kohl’s Cares, the 29^th annual Haunt the Zoo for Halloween runs Friday, October 26 through Wednesday, October 31, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. nightly (rain or shine). Children will follow our pumpkin-lined pathway stopping at fun fantasy-themed booths to collect tasty treats from volunteers. Admission per child is $6 for pre-purchased tickets or $7 for tickets purchased at the gate during the event. Accompanying adults ages 18 and older are admitted for free. Admission includes an official treat bag and is required for anyone wishing to collect treats. ZooFriends memberships do not apply. Haunt the Zoo tickets on sale October 1 through 31, at the Zoo and online at www.okczoo.com. Event sponsors as of September 28 include: Allegiance Credit Union, AT&T Pioneers, OK 1st Chapter, Bank of Oklahoma, Chesapeake Energy, Cox Communications, First Security Bank, Fred Jones Family Foundation, Frito Lay, Great Plains Coca-Cola, Great Plains Dr Pepper, La Petite Academy & Childtime Learning Centers, Love’s Travel Stops, Magic 104.1 KMGL/92.5 KOMA/Frito Lay, OKDHS Child Support Services, Tinker Federal Credit Union and ZooFriends. Haunt the Zoo, just boo it!

 

OCTOBER 28:    OKC ZOO’S WEEKEND KEEPER CONNECTIONS END FOR THE SEASON.

 

NEXT MONTH’S HAPPENINGS: 

• NOVEMBER 11:    VETERAN’S DAY
• NOVEMBER 11:    I WANT A HIPPOPOTAMUS FOR CHRISTMAS SING-A-LONG
• NOVEMBER 21:    FREE DAY AT THE ZOO
• NOVEMBER 22:    THANKSGIVING DAY, THE ZOO IS CLOSED.

 

I spy something fun for everyone happening in October at the OKC Zoo. Visit Oklahoma’s number one attraction and one of the nation’s top three zoos, as named in the 2012 10Besties Readers' Choice Travel Awards! The Zoo is a proud member of Oklahoma City’s Adventure District located near the crossroads of I-44 and I-35. The Zoo is open every day, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s days. Regular hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $8 for adults, and $5 for children ages 3-11 and seniors ages 65 and over. Children 2 and under are admitted free. Military members, spouses and up to 5 children receive a 50 percent discount. Parking is free. Additional fees for rides and attractions within the Zoo apply. The Zoo’s Web site posts discount and free days and some extended hours throughout the year. All exhibit buildings close 15 minutes prior to closing and all guests must exit the Zoo grounds at closing. Become a ZooFan at www.facebook.com/okczoobg, follow us on Twitter @okczoo and become a ZooFriends member at www.zoofriends.org.  For more information, call (405) 424-3344 or visit www.okczoo.com.

 

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