Tulsa Zoo

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Tulsa Zoo
Date opened 1927[1]
Location Mohawk Park, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
Coordinates 36°12′31″N 95°55′47″W / 36.20868°N 95.92978°W / 36.20868; -95.92978Coordinates: 36°12′31″N 95°55′47″W / 36.20868°N 95.92978°W / 36.20868; -95.92978
Land area 84 acres (34 ha)[2]
Number of animals 2,500[2]
Number of species 436[1]
Annual visitors 600,000[2]
Memberships AZA,[3] AAM[4]
Website www.tulsazoo.org

The Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum is a 84-acre (34 ha) non-profit zoo and living museum located in Tulsa, Oklahoma USA. The Tulsa Zoo is owned by the City of Tulsa, but since 2010 has been privately managed by Tulsa Zoo Management Inc.[5][6][7] The zoo is located in Mohawk Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the United States. The zoo has nearly 2,500 animals representing 436 species.

The zoo is involved in many conservation efforts, such as a push to reduce the use of palm oil,[8] FrogWatch USA, and efforts to encourage ocean conservation.[9]

The Tulsa Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Alliance of Museums.

Contents

Distinctions [edit]

In 2005, the Tulsa Zoo was named as "America's Favorite Zoo" by Microsoft Game Studios and was granted $25,000 in a contest designed to promote the Zoo Tycoon 2 computer game. The contest counted votes from zoo visitors across the country for many of America's top zoos, including the San Diego Zoo and the Bronx Zoo.

Animals and exhibits [edit]

Robert J. LaFortune Wild Life Trek [edit]

The Robert J. LaFortune Wild Life Trek is a four-building complex, formerly the North American Living Museum, and is the recipient of many awards, including best new exhibit when it was constructed in 1978. As of spring 2013 each building focuses on animals from around the world and their adaptations to life in the water, desert, forest, and cold. Animals in this complex include Siberian Cranes, Bush baby, albino alligator, chinchilla, Peccary, Sand Cats, and Grizzly Bears.

Elephant Encounter [edit]

Encompasses a 2.5-acre (1 ha) area for the zoo's two elephants and includes a museum which highlights of the life and history of the Asian Elephant species through a variety of interactive exhibits. Visitors can view the elephants from both indoor and outdoor viewing areas and the exhibit includes an elephant demonstration yard.

Helmerich Discovery Center [edit]

Exhibits include sunburst diving beetles, a Pueblan milksnake, aquatic caecilians, waxy monkey tree frogs, and a Living Reef Tank.

Nature's Attic, a portion of the exhibit with limited hours, has numerous items to examine such as deer antlers, sea shells, and hissing cockroaches. The Oklahoma Room features native Oklahoma animals, including fishes, snakes, a box turtle, and a tarantula.

Tropical American Rain Forest [edit]

A living, naturalistic re-creation of a Central and South American rain forest environment. The exhibit incorporates translucent panels to illuminate the canopy of the rain forest, and a path guides visitors through the nearly 50-foot (15 m) high building. Exotic species include black howler monkeys, sloths, a green anaconda, piranhas, dwarf caimans, and jaguars and tufted-ear marmosets. The native human cultures of this region are also highlighted throughout the exhibit. Many species are not caged, including rainforest birds, to allow for a more realistic jungle feel.

Chimpanzee Connection [edit]

Visitors can view chimpanzees in a large outdoor enclosure or a large indoor play-area. The exhibit is outfitted with climbing equipment to help keep the chimps mentally and physically active.

In 2007, the Tulsa Zoo received two new additions to the Chimp Connection, Vindi and Bernsen. Vindi, a chimp born in February was named by means of a vote.[10] The chimpanzees can also be viewed online via the zoo website.

Sea Lion Cove [edit]

A brand new exhibit in our Oceans and Islands, exhibits features a spacious underground viewing wall to get up close with the Sea Lions. A behavioral conditioning program to learn more about Dorsey and Briney is demonstrated for the public midday on the weekend.

Penguin Habitat [edit]

The penguin sculpture sponsored by HP, currently at the Tulsa Airport

African Black-footed Penguin exhibit, opened to the public in 2002 after a four year fund-raising campaign. The penguin enclosure is the foundation of “Oceans and Islands,” a new exhibit area for the zoo that will be expanded with a new California Sea Lion exhibit in 2010. The design for this innovative penguin habitat includes geo-thermal heating and cooling to regulate the water temperature for these warm water inhabitants. A “wave pool” or water action simulator, plus a rocky coastline setting, imitates their natural habitat. Special viewing windows were built into the wall of the exhibit for visitors observe the penguins under water. The exhibit currently holds 20 penguins, and can hold up to 30.

The fund-raising campaign for this exhibit was a local art project that created 6-foot (1.8 m) tall penguin sculptures. Businesses gave donations to the fund-raising campaign and then received the penguin sculpture at their desired location. These penguins are now called, “Tulsa penguins.”[11]

African Plains [edit]

The African Plains area of the zoo features Meerkats, Giraffes, Zebras, Lions, Cape Buffalo, Aldabra Tortoise, Ostriches, Rhinos and, in 2013, African Wild Dogs. A new Meerkat pup in 2012 was the first addition to the Meerkat colony in 14 years.[12]

Asian Area [edit]

See various big cats, like the Malayan Tiger and the Snow leopard from central Asia. This exhibit also contains the Siamang Overlook which has good view of Siamangs and spectacled Lemur Monkeys. It also includes the Elephant Encounter including the Elephant Museum which houses Asian Elephants.

Children's Zoo [edit]

The Children's zoo has a contact yard where kids can get up close and personal with Nigerian dwarf goats, Southdown sheep Katadin sheep, earless Lamancha goats, and Nubian goats, and rabbits, even give their wooly coats a good brushing. Open March 1 to Oct. 31st. There are also llamas, alpacas, Sicilian donkeys, and Guinea Forest hogs. This exhibit also contains the Australian Outback Area, which has red kangaroos, and emus. Plus American river otters and prairie dogs.

Dave Zucconi Conservation Center [edit]

The flamingos outside the Conservation Center.

This building has a large variety of animals including primates, reptiles, birds, and fish Some endangered animals on display are the spiny turtle, Pan's box turtle (Cuora pani), Black-breasted Hill Turtle, radiated tortoise, Flat-backed Spider Tortoise, Fiji iguana, Grand Cayman Island Blue Iguana, Bali Myna birds, Black and White Ruffed Lemurs, and Thick-billed parrots.

Future developments [edit]

The zoo has begun work on the Mary K. Chapman Rhinocerous Exhibit, which will replace an older facility and host the zoo's two white Rhinocerouses. It will consist of a 3 acre outside yard and a 8,925 square foot barn.[13] The zoo is also planning a new Helmerich Tiger Exhibit, named for the zoo's largest private donor.[14]

Conservation program [edit]

The Tulsa Zoo Conservation Program is one of the leading conservation organizations in Oklahoma.[15] It has supported over 200 projects globally and locally, including a conservation education program to reduce the use of palm oil,[8] FrogWatch USA, and ocean conservation education.[9]

Controversy [edit]

The Tulsa Zoo attracted national media attention in 2005 when a group complained about the mention of evolutionary theory and the inclusion of religious icons, theories, and beliefs in zoo displays, including a statue of the Hindu elephant-headed god Ganesha as part of the elephant exhibition.[16] The Tulsa Park Board responded by voting to add a display on Creationism.[17][18] The board subsequently reconsidered and reversed its decision, citing widespread public criticism.[19][20]

References [edit]

  1. ^ a b "Zoo History". tulsazoo.org. Tulsa Zoo. 7 March 2008. Retrieved 27 October 2010. 
  2. ^ a b c "Current statistics". tulsazoo.org. Tulsa Zoo. Retrieved 27 October 2010. 
  3. ^ "List of Accredited Zoos and Aquariums". aza.org. AZA. Retrieved 3 May 2011. 
  4. ^ "List of Accredited Museums". aam-us.org. American Alliance of Museums. Retrieved 4 April 2013. 
  5. ^ Emory Bryan, "New Management To Take Over At Tulsa Zoo", KOTV-DT, June 21, 2010.
  6. ^ "Tulsa Zoo takes next steps toward privatization", KJRH-TV, June 22, 2010.
  7. ^ Jennie Lloyd, "The Zoo's New Plan: Outdated Tulsa Zoo presents its new $100 million, 20-year master plan for new exhibits, better pathways." Urban Tulsa Weekly, March 7, 2012.
  8. ^ a b http://www.tulsazoo.org/learn/conservation/palm-oil-crisis/ Palm Oil Crisis, Tulsazoo.org (accessed April 14, 2013)
  9. ^ a b http://www.tulsazoo.org/learn/conservation/saveouroceans/ Save Our Oceans, Tulsazoo.org (accessed April 14, 2013)
  10. ^ Peterson, Althea. http://www.tulsaworld.com/article.aspx/Tulsa_Zoo_Election_results_Baby_chimp_to_be_named_Vindi/070406_238_A9_spanc88808 Tulsa Zoo Election results: Baby chimp to be named Vindi, Tulsa World, April 6, 2007. (accessed April 14, 2013)
  11. ^ Tulsa Penguins locations/images and facebook group
  12. ^ Plummer, Sara. http://www.tulsaworld.com/article.aspx/Bouncing_baby_meerkat_Tulsa_Zoo_welcomes_first_one/20120526_11_A19_CUTLIN523817 "Bouncing baby meerkat: Tulsa Zoo welcomes first one born in 14 years", Tulsa World, May 26, 2012. (accessed April 14, 2013)
  13. ^ http://www.tulsazoo.org/contact-the-tulsa-zoo/media/press-releases/tulsa-zoo-to-unveil-rhinoceros-exhibit-plans-at-groundbreaking-ceremony/ Tulsa Zoo (accessed April 14, 2013)
  14. ^ http://www.tulsazoo.org/contact-the-tulsa-zoo/media/press-releases/leadgifttigers/ Tulsa Zoo Press Release, October 29, 2012
  15. ^ http://www.tulsazoo.org/learn/conservation
  16. ^ Tom Droege,"One man's persistence, zeal gives life to zoo controversy", Tulsa World, June 10, 2005.
  17. ^ "Biblical account of creation to go on display at Tulsa Zoo", Associated Press report in USA Today, June 9, 2005.
  18. ^ "Proposed Biblical Exhibit Sparks Debate at Tulsa Zoo", Morning Edition on NPR, July 6, 2005.
  19. ^ "It's All Happening at the Tulsa Zoo", New York Times, July 10, 2005.
  20. ^ Tom Droege,"Biblical display at zoo nixed", Tulsa World, July 8, 2005.

External links [edit]

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