LOCAL FAMILY FUN
What’s new at the Zoo Located in the heart of the Zoo just through the main entrance, Expedition Africa modernizes and elevates the entire visitor experience. Connecting directly to the existing Lion Overlook as well as Predator Pass, home of the cheetah habitat and the recently-updated habitat of the critically endangered African Painted Dogs, Expedition Africa’s pathways enhance walkability and expand beautiful views throughout the Zoo. The habitat is home to more than 70 species native to the African continent, including giraffe, zebra, lemurs, wildebeest, hyena, cheetah, naked mole-rats, meerkat, ostrich, flamingos, gazelle, mongoose and honey badger. Some of these species already made their homes at the OKC Zoo, like giraffe and zebra, while others are brand new to the Zoo, like lemurs, naked mole- rats and honey badger. The habitat includes 13 new buildings across three primary zones: the lush rainforest, the open vistas of the savanna
and the transformed Pachyderm Building. Plus, the Zoo’s flamboyance of flamingoes has a new home within Expedition Africa’s water feature. Take the trek As guests enter the Zoo, their eyes will immediately be drawn up to the massive new lemur enclosure, part of the rainforest habitat. Past the lemurs’ multi-storied playscape, the savanna unfolds, punctuated by a brand-new giraffe barn, home of the Zoo’s growing herd. Guests can view giraffes from inside the barn, as well as in their outdoor habitat, and feeding opportunities are available year-round. The Zoo’s historic Pachyderm Building, notable to many parents and grandparents who grew up in the metro, has been entirely reimagined. Constructed in the 1960s to house the Zoo’s elephants, rhinoceroses and hippopotamuses and listed on the National Register of Historic Spaces, the unique mid-century exterior has been preserved while the interior has been transformed into a multi-use space. “There is a sense of nostalgia for the building, so it was important to find a way to keep it and reuse it,” said Lawson. “We’re keeping some of the past while also bringing in the new.”
Additional location in Edmond at Covell and I-35! Now Open!
MANY SPECIES WHO ALREADY CALLED THE ZOO HOME, LIKE THE OSTRICH, ARE ENJOYING NEW HABITATS IN EXPEDITION AFRICA. PHOTO BY JENNIFER D.
METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPT-OCT 2023 23
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