Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, Oklahoma Aquarium host Symphony by the Sea
Here’s some information about a fun upcoming event from the good folks at the Oklahoma Aquarium over in Jenks:
Who can hear the familiar notes of the Beatles’ classic, “Yellow Submarine,” without feeling like the ocean is nearby? Patrons of the upcoming Symphony by the Sea, 6:00 p.m., August 25, 2012 will have the closest substitute in the Oklahoma Aquarium. Symphony by the Sea is a cooperative fundraiser to benefit the educational programs of both the Aquarium and Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, and specifically Symphony by the Sea for Students. The collaborative program immerses school children in arts and science education by introducing them to both classical music and aquatic life. Since joining forces in 2010, the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra and Oklahoma Aquarium have educated and entertained more than 3,000 students through stations such as Brass by the Boat and Sharks and Strings.
Adult patrons of the upcoming fundraiser are treated to similar ambience, with the opportunity to dine alongside the shark tank, coral reef or other exhibits. A premier silent auction will be offered throughout the Aquarium Galleries while Tulsa Symphony Orchestra musicians provide the soundtrack for the evening. The musical entertainment will continue with a concert in the Aquarium Great Hall. “Selections from an Octopus’s Garden” will highlight classical, theatrical, and popular music.
The Aquarium and Symphony are pleased to recognize Becky Frank, Chairman of the Tulsa Metro Chamber, as this year’s Honorary Chair of Symphony by the Sea. Frank’s tireless dedication to promoting the Greater Tulsa region by fostering a spirit of regional cooperation through cultural tourism and economic development make her the ideal honoree.
Sponsor tables and tickets are now offered at the following levels: Conductors and Captains, $15,000; Sharks and Strings, $10,000; Reeds and Reef, $5,000; Brass and Bass, $2,500; Paddlefish and Percussion, $1,500; Mermaids and Musicians, $250 per couple. Reservations can be made by contacting Janis Davis, 528-1555, jdavis@okaquarium.org. The Oklahoma Aquarium and Tulsa Symphony Orchestra are both 501 (c) 3 non-profit organizations.
Get in to the Oklahoma City Zoo for FREE next week!
Admission is free to the Oklahoma City Zoo on July 17. Here’s some more information from the good folks at the zoo:
We thank you, Oklahoma City Zoo supporters, for all you do! Tuesday, July 17, 2012, marks the twenty-second anniversary of the 1/8 of a cent dedicated sales tax being passed by Oklahoma City citizens for the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, and to celebrate, the Zoo is offering free admission to all on Tuesday, July 17.
Passed by Oklahoma City citizens in 1990, the sales tax has made numerous capitol improvements possible at the Zoo including Great EscApe, Cat Forest/Lion Overlook, the main entrance facility, the Canopy Food Court, Oklahoma Trails, the Children’s Zoo and the Elephant Habitat. Moving forward the sales tax will help fund a new animal hospital slated to open in 2014.
“We are extremely grateful to the citizens of Oklahoma City for their ongoing dedication to the Zoo. The significant support we receive from the community enables the Zoo to continue to grow and strive for excellence in our mission of conservation, education, research and recreation; while becoming a world class attraction that Oklahomans are proud to call their zoo.” said Dwight Scott, Executive Director/CEO.
Take advantage of the free admission and make plans to visit the Zoo on Sales Tax Appreciation Day, Tuesday, July 17. Group reservations are not required. Regular prices apply for all rides and attractions.
Visit Oklahoma’s #1 attraction and one of the top three zoos in the country as named in the 2012 10Besties Readers’ Choice Travel Awards. The Oklahoma City Zoo is a proud member of Oklahoma City’s Adventure District located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children ages three-11 and seniors ages 65 and over. Children two and under are admitted free.
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 http://www.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.
Oklahoma City Zoo announces campaign for new veterinary hospital
The Oklahoma City Zoo sent out this press release about plans to raise $4.5 million capital campaign to build a new veterinary hospital. (You’ll be able to watch some animal surgeries. Gross.)
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.
Pumpkin eating at the Oklahoma City Zoo
For the next two weekends, animals at the Oklahoma City Zoo will enjoy some Halloween-themed treats. It’s free to check out these animal feedings with admission. The pumpkin chompin’ will be Saturdays and Sundays. Here’s the schedule:
SATURDAYS:
10:30 a.m. African Wild Dogs (Wild Dog Drive)
11:00 a.m. Children’s Zoo (Barnyard)
1:15 p.m. Elephant Behavioral Presentation (Elephant Pavilion)
1:30 p.m. Andean Condor & Harpy Eagle (across from picnic pavilions)
1:30 p.m. Great Apes (Great EscApe Building)
2:00 p.m. Upper Aquarium (Noble Aquatic Center)
2:30 p.m. River Otters (Oklahoma Trails)
3:00 p.m. Grizzly Bears (Oklahoma Trails)
3:00 p.m. Sea Lion Habitat (Noble Aquatic Center)
3:30 p.m. Indian Rhino
4:00 p.m. Alligators (Oklahoma Trails)
SUNDAYS:
10:30 a.m. Giraffes
11:00 a.m. Children’s Zoo (Underground)
11:30 a.m. Galapagos Tortoise (Island Life)
1:15 p.m. Elephant Behavioral Presentation (Elephant Pavilion)
1:30 p.m. Andean Condor & Harpy Eagle (across from picnic pavilions)
1:30 p.m. Great Apes (Great EscApe Building)
2:00 p.m. Lower Aquarium (Noble Aquatic Center)
2:30 p.m. River Otters (Oklahoma Trails)
3:00 p.m. Grizzly Bears (Oklahoma Trails)
3:00 p.m. Sea Lion Habitat (Noble Aquatic Center)
3:30 p.m. Indian Rhino
4:00 p.m. Turkey Vulture (Oklahoma Trails Aviary)
Snakes and spiders and lizards, oh my!
As most of my friends know, I have quite the collection of pets. Unlike my co-author on this blog, Carrie, dogs are not my only exprience with pet ownership.
This is thanks mostly to my lovely wife, Sarah, who brought to our relationship a blue and gold macaw named Melvin and various other small birds. I also bought Sarah a cat as a birthday gift a little over a year ago. In addition to our three dogs, one cat, Melvin the macaw and various small birds, we also own a collection of reptiles.
Elizabeth the bearded dragon
I’ve always been interested in reptiles, but Sarah was a true enthusiast, and we soon began keeping snakes. We have some little milk snakes, but my favorite reptiles are our lizards. I have always wanted a bearded dragon, and we got one a few months ago, along with some leopard geckos.
Our most recent additions came last weekend at the Oklahoma Herpetological Society’s reptile show. We bought a male mate for my female bearded dragon. Their names are Elizabeth and Andy. We also got a second breeding group of leopard geckos.
These shows are a must for anyone who has in interest in exotic animals. In addition to lizards and snakes, you can find various turtles, frogs, tarantulas, scorpions, centipedes, and most of the other little critters that often make people squirm.
Reptiles certainly aren’t the most common or popular type of pet, but I would encourage everyone to give them a chance, particularly the lizards. Bearded dragons and leopard geckos have a lot of personality and are a lot of fun. The main thing to consider when buying a reptile is to do your homework and know what you are getting into.
Happy (top) and Poseidon the leopard geckos
Large snakes aren’t for everyone and can be dangerous to those who don’t know how to handle them. Stay away from large pythons, paricularly the reticulated, Burmese and African rock pythons, unless you are an experienced snake keeper. Ball pythons, corn snakes and milk snakes can be good pets and require a fraction of the work of dogs, cats and small mammals like hamsters.
Iguanas are also a handful and should not be taken on by those who don’t have the means to care for them property. They need huge enclosures, expensive ultraviolet lighting and can be a bit cranky if not socialized. Leopard geckos and bearded dragons are a better choice for someone looking to take on their first reptile. They need a heating lamp or pad, and a few feeder bugs at least twice a week, but they are harmless, do well being handled if done with care and will keep you entertained as they cruise around their enclosure.
So don’t be a hater like Carrie. Give the creepy crawlies a chance.
- Staff Writer Bryan Dean
Pets in the paper – puppy mill bill fails
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -
- Anglers find dead alligator. (Broken Bow)
- Senate rejects puppy mill measure. (state capitol)
- PBS special touts Canine Assistants. (nationwide)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Pets in the paper – bad day for centaurs
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -
- Humans, animals don’t mix. (state capitol)
- Customers are going wild over cats bred in Oklahoma. (Ponca City, video below)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Snake with a bad habit
Apparently some guy in Taiwan taught his snake how to smoke.
I’m not sure how much of this story I trust, and not just because of how ridiculous it sounds. The story identifies the nicotine-addicted snake as Po the pit viper, but the snake in the picture is obviously not a pit viper, which is a venomous subset of snake you would want nowhere near you. 
The commenters on the story say it is a Taiwanese beauty snake, and a quick search on Google seems to indicate that is correct.
Either way, this is just wrong.
- Staff Writer Bryan Dean
Two-for-one admission and sharks in February!
Looking for somethign to do that doesn’t involve trying to coax your dog into the yard for a potty break? I thought so. Check out this info from the Oklahoma Aquarium:
Shaking off a case of cabin fever? The Oklahoma Aquarium is making it easier on families to get out of the house with Two-For-Tuesdays, Science Under The Stars and Super Shark Sundays. Through February, visitors can enjoy two-for-one admission on Tuesdays, which is most convenient for scheduling around work and school because the Aquarium is open till 9:00. (Free admission applies to the lowest price per pair of tickets purchased.)
There’s an added draw on Tuesday evenings: Science Under The Stars at 6:30. This interactive program hosted by the Aquarium Education Department features hands-on activities, crafts and close inspection of some of the aquatic world’s most mysterious and fascinating animals. The theme Tuesday, February 2nd is 8-Armed Bandits, examining cephalopods including octopus and squid. Please check our website for program themes through February. www.okaquarium.org
Also in February, Super Shark Sundays! This is a contest open to kids to test their shark smarts to win prizes including a family membership. Just visit the Aquarium on any Sunday in February, pick up an entry form at the information desk for your age group, sleuth out the answer to a scientific shark question, then turn it in on your way out. The drawing for final prizes will be March 1st, but J.P. vanEttinger, “Shark Man” will pass out a limited number of smaller prizes to kids showing off their shark knowledge.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Pets in the paper – some feel-good stories
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -
- Fire crew rescues stranded kitten. (Midwest City)
- Zoo seeks volunteers. (Oklahoma City)
- Davey’s a snake charmer. (Washington, Okla.)
- Dogs drifts 75 miles on ice. (Poland)
Those two rescue stories are a great pick-me-up for a dreary day like this.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
