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.

• City zoo to play host for gorilla conference. (Oklahoma City)
• Pet tales: Everybody loves Sammy. (Yukon)
• Bill updates: Pet fund. (state capitol)
• Shark tales always come with teeth. (Jenks)
• Cuts urged on season, bag limit. (southeast Oklahoma)
• Wolf law could change. (Montana)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

• Zoos expect baby elephant in 2011. (Oklahoma City and Tulsa)
• Smiles reign on all faces at celebrity reining event. (Oklahoma City)
• Wilderness still exists where elk can run free. (Lawton)
• Wounded giraffe dies during tests. (Tulsa)
• Airport opens park for dogs. (Georgia)
• Many call wolf recovery a failure. (New Mexico)
• Town now mourns horse barn fire deaths. (Ohio)
• National Zoo panda to leave for China. (Washington, D.C., page 6a, Monday)
• Bird may be put on threatened list. (nationwide, page 14b, Sunday)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

• Event to help more dogs. (Oklahoma City)
• Pet Tales: Sneaky squirrel jars couple with tit for tat. (Oklahoma City)
• Chihuahua serves as fire alarm for two men. (The Village)
• Dungy says Vick’s choices limited. (Indiana)
• Eighty pit bulls seized in raid. (Indiana)
• Wolf release raises questions. (New Mexico)
• Rachel Ray planning pet charity contest. (California)
• Help available for storm-phobic dogs. (nationwide)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

• Gray wolves back on list. (Michigan)
• Children get a kick out of sporty seals. (Massachusetts)
• Rules target puppy mills. (Missouri)

And, check out this story -

• Girl fulfills quest to protect police dogs. (El Reno) The story is about Vicky Galindo, who appeared on our Dec. 31, 2008, show. You can listen to her here! This picture below is of Vicky and Hero, one of the K9 officers in El Reno.

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll