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.

• Pit bull is “People’s Hero” for taking burglar’s shots. (Oklahoma City)
• What’s new at the zoo? (Oklahoma City, page 16a, Saturday)
• Pet policies revisited. (nationwide, page 1b, Saturday)
• Southwest Airlines to add new fees for pets, unaccompanied minors. (nationwide)
• Redemption and Michael Vick. (NewsOK Religion and Values blog)
• Summer break can cut adoption of pets. (Stillwater, Edmond, Oklahoma City, Muskogee)
• Dog owner stabs worker. (Oklahoma City)
• Head to the bat cave. (Freedom)
• National Geographic hosting photo contest. (nationwide)
• Use caution to prevent dog bites. (nationwide)
• Reptile study keeps Tinker on track. (Midwest City)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

• Mysterious ailment may threaten state bats. (Freedom)
• A first in Iran: cloned goat. (page 7a)
• Flying W Ranch ready to go out to pasture, owner says. (Sayre)
• Faced with cost increases, diary will focus on quality. (Tuttle)
• Oklahoma’s funnies dogs selected. (statewide)
• Pet Tales: Fitting in with family; Tux takes to trees. (Oklahoma City)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

Instead of cake, Tanner celebrated with a bowl of papaya, mango and melon at his home at the Cranbrook Institute of Science in Michigan.

Tanner is a golden bat, a rare species found only on a small island in the Indian Ocean. There are only about 1,000 golden bats in captivity in the world.

Happy Birthday, Tanner!

- Staff Writer Bryan Dean