FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                     July 23, 2012

CONTACTS:

Tara Henson:  (405) 425-0219 / O, (405) 919-9038 / C or thenson@okczoo.com

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

OKC ZOO BREAKS RECORD, MAKES HISTORY

989,622 spins of the turnstiles!  This year the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden celebrates another successful year by marking our highest attendance – ever! First-time births, incredible species, natural breath-taking habitats, gorgeous gardens –108 years holds bountiful memories and records. But this particular year is one for the record books without one specific reason.           

The Zoo has enjoyed sensational success over the last twelve months without opening a major new attraction.  During the 2011-12 fiscal year running from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012, the Zoo surpassed the previous record and welcomed 989,622 guests for the year.  This number exceeded the previous record of 982,721 set last year.  Watching a growing baby elephant (our first), Malee, who turned one-year-old this past spring, four rare Sumatran tiger cubs, a giraffe feeding experience plus, Rex the male Asian elephant’s arrival are thought to have contributed to the attendance growth. "This accomplishment is the result of a tremendous amount of hard work from devoted staff, ZooFriends, Trustees and community partners," said Dwight Scott, executive director/CEO of the Zoo.  “We are incredibly thankful to Oklahoma City taxpayers for their ongoing support so we can continue to improve the Zoo, provide quality experiences for our guests and increase our conservation efforts.”

Come make some fun memories at the Zoo! Now through August 26, the Zoo is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Morning Zoo Rise. Guests can take advantage of our late Saturdays through September 1, and stay and play until 8 p.m. All guests must leave grounds at closing. Become a Zoo fan at 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-