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.

The Denver Zoo unveiled its newest exhibit, the Toyota Elephant Passage, to the public June 1. The 10-acre Asian elephant exhibit is the largest in the country — taking the title from the Oklahoma City Zoo elephant exhibit.

The Asian elephant area in Oklahoma City is 9½ acres. It cost $13 million to build and opened last March.

While we may not be the biggest any more, our exhibit is still pretty darn fantastic. In fact, here’s some proof from The Oklahoman archives:

In domestic or wild animals…this could happen. It’s a day to day, ongoing process to maximize our chances for success in any social situation. In any accredited zoo, we are concerned about the physical and social well-being of all of the animals in our care. Interpreting their behaviors and looking for any indications of a behavioral issue is a constant. Any species in a social situation presents this challenge. This is on a case by case basis according to the species as well as the individual animals. Individual and species specific behaviors must be taken into consideration. There is a level of unpredictability in anything we do and we try to minimize that.

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)

• Three new breeds to be shown at Westminster. (New York)
• Zoo takes confiscated elephant. (Ohio)
• Pilot whales euthanized. (New Zealand)
• Blog: Pedigree joins Carrie Underwood.

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

• Made in Oklahoma: Barking Dog Bakery. (Oklahoma City)
• Pet Tales: Canine helpers assist in finding Santa Claus. (Oklahoma City)
• Whale of a deal. (California)
• Dogs get new homes. (California, page 4a)
• Woman, daughter killed by elephant. (Kenya)
• Dog-training difficulties unleashed in new list. (nationwide)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

• Zoo’s new elephant habitat to house expectant mother. (Oklahoma City)
• Instructor offers way to help animals. (Oklahoma City)
• City’s six-day horse show keeps eyes on ranking prize. (Oklahoma City)
• Safari park adds new tiger, center. (Tuttle)
• Nature loves flock to state’s salt plaines. (Great Salt Plaines)
• Pony Express to celebrate anniversary in re-enactment. (Missouri)
• Tortoises highlight disputes in energy. (California)
• Slithery pets are rescued. (Utah)
• “Best Job” winner stung by dangerous jellyfish. (Australia)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

• Pet Tales: Rescued kitten dodges disaster. (Perry)
• Giraffe lived to be 24. (Alabama)
• Sea lions enchant tourists but baffle marine experts. (California)
• Circus company wins judge’s favor in elephant case. (Washington, D.C.)
• Snoopy pop culture’s top dog. (nationwide)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll