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.

• Crowds bid cubs farewell. (Oklahoma City)
• Books get different kinds of dog ears in library program. (Nicoma Park)
• Project Wild session trains teachers. (Edmond)
• Zooming in to spot Thunderbird’s birds. (Lake Thunderbird, photos)
• Stray little orphan finds role in “Annie.” (Ada)
• Alpacas at ranch provide couple with fleece, fun. (Fletcher)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

• Four lions born at city zoo are moving to Texas exhibit. (Oklahoma City)
• Weekend dog/cat adoption event planned at Quail Springs Mall. (Oklahoma City)
• Wild pigs close autobahn. (Germany)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

Leo the lion, Shere Kahn the tiger and Baloo the bear share a home a the park thanks to their unlikely upbringing. The three animals, kept as pets by drug barons, were seized during a raid in Atlanta eight years ago when they were still cubs.

Shere Kahn, Leo and Baloo enjoy their new home at Noah's Ark

When they were turned over to the Noah’s Ark Rescue Center in Locust Grove, Ga., the decision was made to keep them together. Raised by the zoo’s founders, the three get along like siblings. Now that they have a new public enclosure, visitors can see the three eating, sleeping and playing together.

Enjoy the photos, courtesy of the Noah’s Ark Facebook fan page for the trio, which you can find here.

Leo and Shere Kahn play as cubs Baloo and Shere Kahn with one of the owners of Noah's Ark

The three animl buddies play as cubs

Baloo and Shere Kahn with one of the owners of Noah's Ark

- Staff Writer Bryan Dean

If you say yes to all three, this event is for you: the Oklahoma City Zoo Zoo Brew.

OK, you might still get arrested for public intox if you’re out of control, but if you act like a grownup, you should be fine. Just don’t down too many and hop in with the lions. That won’t end well.

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

• 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

• Senate votes take teeth out of law on horse dentists. (state capitol)
• “Lion King” deserves roar of applause. (Oklahoma City)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

• Bill updates: Livestock. (state capitol)
• Little River Zoo planning campout. (Norman)
• Technician behind “The Lion King” masks runs a class menagerie. (Oklahoma City)
• Show’s popularity benefits zoo. (Oklahoma City)
• Dogs with arthritis may benefit from acupuncture treatments. (nationwide)
• Pet products draw warning. (nationwide)
• Pet Tales: Second chance, sweet success. (Oklahoma City)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

- Staff Writer Bryan Dean

• St. Louis pet group cries foul over prize. (Missouri, Sunday, page 3a)
• Though pay varies, many here earn less. (statewide)
• Churches release sign of new life. (Yukon)
• Questions raised in puppy auctions. (Missouri)
• Zoo’s zebra breaks neck. (Arkansas, Sunday, page 20a)
• Texas war hero helps nab suspects in dog shooting. (Sunday, page 21a)
• Touring production of “The Lion King” goes beyond animated film. (Oklahoma City)
• Film to address dog dealer issues. (Stillwater)
• Zoo animals find ways to celebrate Easter, too. (Oklahoma City, Monday, page 7a)
• Dog Bo to join Obamas. (Washington, D.C.)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll