Oklahoma Zoological Society Announces Capital Campaign for new Veterinary Hospital at the OKC Zoo

Oklahoma City, OK –The Oklahoma Zoological Society announced the Commitment to Care capital campaign, a $4.5 million dollar fundraising campaign coupled with $4.5 million from the Oklahoma City Zoo to build a new veterinary hospital at the Oklahoma City Zoo. A new veterinary hospital is critical to protect and care for animals in the Oklahoma City Zoo and will be named the Joan Kirkpatrick Animal Hospital in honor of the late Joan Kirkpatrick, an avid animal lover and strong zoo supporter.

“We have adopted a bold vision that will showcase the very best treatment of the unique and fascinating wild animals entrusted to our care.  The new Joan Kirkpatrick Animal Hospital is the first priority in our 10 year master plan and it is a pleasure to work together with the Oklahoma Zoological Society and our community to make this happen,” Dwight Scott, CEO/Director of the Oklahoma City Zoo said.

The current Joan Kirkpatrick Animal Health and Welfare Complex, located behind-the-scenes, has served admirably for the last 32 years. Yet at the last accrediting visit by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums the Zoo was cautioned that the current facility compromises the world class standards the Zoo strives to uphold.

“Technology has improved quite a bit in medicine since the last hospital was built. We have really outgrown our current facility and there are actually a few things we are limited in doing which hinders us a little bit in providing the enhanced quality of care that we know we can provide,”  said Dr. Jennifer D’Agostino, Director of Veterinary Services. “Right now we can’t take certain animals to the hospital because they’re too big or we don’t have the space or the equipment.”

The new Joan Kirkpatrick Animal Hospital will provide veterinary staff the tools and space needed to provide the very best treatment to the wild animals entrusted to the Oklahoma City Zoo’s care. The new animal hospital will be located on Zoo grounds, will allow access to visitors and give them an unprecedented look into a suite where exams, surgeries, medications and treatment procedures are taking place. This new state-of-the-art animal hospital will ensure the Oklahoma City Zoo remains one of the nation’s leading authorities in zoological animal care and demonstrates the Zoo’s Commitment to Care.

Dana McCrory, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Zoological Society stated, “Since the day it was founded, the Oklahoma Zoological Society has worked hard to fulfill its mission to support and promote the Oklahoma City Zoo.  This partnership between the Oklahoma City Zoo and the Oklahoma Zoological Society truly showcases how the public and private sectors can work together for the greatest common good. We invite everyone to be a part of this campaign, whether through a traditional or non-traditional gift, there are many ways to show your Commitment to Care!”

To make a donation to the Commitment to Care campaign visit zoofriends.com/commitment-to-care or call 405-425-0611.

OZS was created in 1954 to support and promote the Oklahoma City Zoo and its four purposes of education, conservation, zoological research and recreation. OZS does this through membership drives, fund-raising, capital campaigns, marketing, special events and public relations.

 ###