Only On 9: An Exclusive Look At Oklahoma City Zoo’s Expansion

Patrons who paid a go to the Oklahoma Metropolis Zoo throughout the final yr have seemingly acknowledged the development zone proper on the middle.

The world will quickly be house to the Expedition Africa exhibit. Information 9 obtained an unique arduous hat tour to see the progress and what guests can count on to see.

Zoo officers stated the enlargement has been an enormous enterprise.

“Each by way of area and by way of price, that is our largest capital venture thus far,” OKC Zoo president and CEO Dwight Lawson stated. “It’s about 13 acres – near 13 acres – proper within the coronary heart of the zoo.”

The zoo’s “coronary heart” is in want of a transplant.

It had the oldest buildings on the property, officers stated. Extra not too long ago, it was thought of a lifeless zone with animals shifting to newer habitats.

“This can actually activate this area and convey all people again in right here,” Lawson stated.

The brand new area features a new barn for hoof inventory, which incorporates zebras, elands and wildebeests. These animals will now share the huge savanna habitat.

They will even be joined by giraffes, that are additionally getting a brand-new barn.

“With an even bigger barn, we’ll be capable of maintain much more, so we’ll be capable of increase our giraffe herd,” Lawson stated.

The savanna is surrounded by public area. There will likely be a number of vistas to see the animals and a number of locations to feed them.

The unique pachyderm constructing is now thought of historic. Zoo leaders wished to protect its historical past however is give the constructing a facelift.

It is going to be a mix of public area and smaller reveals.

“This has a number of parts,” Lawson stated. “There’s a number of new stuff going into this.”

There will even be many new animals together with honey badgers, wildebeests and hyenas.

The exhibit is anticipated to open in mid-June 2023.