PRESS RELEASE Zoo announces “OKC Zoo @ Two” weekly schedule, new online education connection component

Despite an indefinite closure related to the unprecedented COVID-19 public health emergency, the Oklahoma City Zoo remains hard at work fulfilling its mission to connect people with the world’s vanishing wildlife! “OKC Zoo @ Two” episodes are posted on the OKC Zoo’s social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) and at okczoo.org/okc-zoo-at-two. Daily installments include pre-produced stories as well as live broadcasts allowing viewers to submit their questions to be answered by Zoo caretakers. Here are the topics for Monday, April 6, through Sunday, April 12:

Monday, April 6 – Meet OKC Zoo’s Animal Ambassadors (LIVE)
Tuesday, April 7 – Bison Caretaker Chat (LIVE)
Wednesday, April 8 – Barnyard Goats Caretaker Chat (LIVE)
Thursday, April 9 – Zoo Gardens and Tulip Tour
Friday, April 10 – Discover OKC Zoo Poo Compost
Saturday, April 11 – Stingray Wellness Exam
Sunday, April 12 – Easter “Eggs-Travaganza” Animal Enrichment

The Zoo is expanding “OKC Zoo @ Two” to include daily educational activities that complement the subject of each episode. For example, the education connection activity related to the ZooZeum installment teaches how to create your own time capsule to preserve personal histories. These family-friendly activities are nature and conservation-based and can be completed at home in 30 to 60 minutes. “OKC Zoo @ Two” education connection activities are available online at okczoo.org/okc-zoo-at-two.

Help the Zoo get ready to roll for Easter animal enrichment! The Zoo is encouraging fans to get creative and share their egg decoration idea on social media with #MyOKCZooEgg. Entries may also be submitted via E-mail at [email protected]. A template is being provided by the Zoo but is not required. Animal caretakers will pick 10 entries and re-create the designs on Easter enrichment activities for the animals, including real eggs. All designs will become the property of the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden for publication, promotion and reproduction. Winners will be announced on the Zoo’s new digital series, “OKC Zoo @ Two” on Easter, Sunday, April 12, at 2 p.m. Entries must be submitted to the Zoo or posted online by Tuesday, April 7, at 5 p.m.

Those wishing to support the OKC Zoo and mitigate the significant cost of the temporary closure can pre-purchase general admission tickets and Zoo-It-All tickets online at okczoo.org/tickets at a 20% discount. These tickets will be valid to use any day before March 31, 2021. The public can also support the OKC Zoo by making a donation at okczoo.org/donate towards the Zoo’s general operating fund or by becoming a ZOOfriends members at zoofriends.org/membership. All active ZOOfriends memberships will be extended for the length of time the Oklahoma City Zoo is closed to the public, including those purchased or renewed during the closure.

Indefinitely closed to the public for the well-being of Zoo guests, team members, ZOOfriends members, volunteers and, of course, the animals in our care, safety is our top priority every day at the OKC Zoo, particularly with the emergence of COVID-19. Zoo officials will continue to closely monitor this developing situation and follow guidance from federal, state and local health officials to determine the Zoo’s reopening date.

Connect with your Zoo daily at 2 p.m.! Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, the Zoo is a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums, Oklahoma City’s Adventure District and an Adventure Road partner. Stay up-to-date with the Zoo on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and by visiting Our Stories. Zoo fans can support the OKC Zoo by becoming Oklahoma Zoological Society members at ZOOfriends.org or in-person at the Zoo! To learn more about these and other happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visit okczoo.org.