For Immediate Release                                                                             November 15, 2012

CONTACTS: Dana McCrory (405) 996-8333, cell/(405) 425-0615, office /dmccrory@zoofriends.org

                    Brianne Hinojosa (405) 246-6029, cell / (405) 425-0612, office / bhinojosa@zoofriends.org

ZOOTROOP UNVEILS NINE NEWLY MAPPED WALKING TRAILS AT OKLAHOMA CITY ZOO

Oklahoma City, OK - When you visit the Oklahoma City Zoo, you are most likely coming to see the exotic animals and beautiful landscaping. You probably aren’t thinking of the health benefit you are receiving. And that’s exactly the reason ZooTroop, the Oklahoma Zoological Society’s young professional group, recently unveiled nine newly mapped walking trails.

The walking trails were developed to showcase the healthy benefit of visiting the Oklahoma City Zoo. There are nine trails to choose from and range in distance from .32 miles to 2.87 miles. The varying distances allow even the most novice walker an opportunity to benefit from the trails.

Dana McCrory, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Zoological Society, said “People love being able to walk in the Zoo. These trails give our visitors the added benefit of incorporating exercise into a visit to the Zoo.”

Red Coyote Running sponsored the trail signs and maps as well as installation.  “Red Coyote supported us from the start of this idea and really helped us make this happen,” said Kari Ames, President of ZooTroop.

Benefits of the trails include scenery and safety. Along each trail you have the opportunity to see exotic wildlife and landscaping and the Zoo provides a safe environment for walkers with staff, security and EMT’s on grounds. ZooFriends memberships are also a benefit. For less than you pay for a gym membership, you can purchase a ZooFriends membership and have a place to be active and outdoors 362 days a year. Memberships can be purchased at www.zoofriends.org.

ZooTroop began in January 2012. It is a group of young professionals aged 21-35 interested in helping promote the Oklahoma Zoological Society’s mission of promoting the Oklahoma City Zoo and its four purposes of education, conservation, zoological research and recreation.

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.