Oklahoma City, OK – OKC Zoo’s largest expansion to date, the new Expedition Africa habitat is officially ready for visitors at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden.
12 Acres of New Habitats
With 12 acres of new habitats for more than 60 species, renovations, and experiences, this is sure to be an exciting new adventure for Oklahoma City families and beyond! At more than 12 acres in size, encompassing new habitats, building renovations, and enticing features that elevate the guest experience like never before – this is the largest expansion the OKC has ever seen.
The new habitat spaces are intricately crafted to provide species native to the African continent – giraffes, lemurs, wildebeest, hyenas, and more – with welcoming homes that mimic their native habitats.
“One of the most exciting parts of Expedition Africa is that we’re able to provide natural enclosures for the members of our animal family,” said Dr. Dwight Lawson, OKC Zoo’s executive director and CEO. “It’s another vital step in our mission to connect people with wildlife and wild places all around the world.”
Pachyderm Heights Adventure Tower
Among the new expansion’s standout features is the renovated Love’s Pachyderm Building, home to some of the Zoo’s most captivating residents. There’s also a new play area behind the building: Pachyderm Heights Adventure Tower, including a rock-climbing wall and a slide, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Oklahoma City.
Savanna Overlook | Giraffes & Ostriches
Outside the Pachyderm Building is a new savanna overlook where the Zoo’s herd of giraffes mingle with ostriches, Nile lechwe and Common eland. The savanna area connects to the newly constructed state-of-the-art giraffe barn, allowing visitors to see the herd all year round. One of the premiere attractions for guests, the giraffe barn not only shelters the herd when the weather is unpleasant, it makes the perpetually popular giraffe feedings available no matter the season.
The Tree of Life
The expansion includes new covered areas for guests to sit and relax in the shade while enjoying views of hyenas and African painted dogs as well as the habitat’s original sculpture, The Baobab: Home, Story and Survival on the Savannah. Baobab trees are often called the “Tree of Life” because they can live to be more than 1,000 years old.
Surrounding The Baobab sculpture are a new dining area and restaurant, Savannah Snacks, as well as the Africa-themed Baobab Gifts with cuddly stuffed versions of Expedition Africa’s residents.
The $35 million Expedition Africa expansion was designed by PGAV Destinations, St. Louis, Missouri and constructed by Timberlake Construction, Oklahoma City. It was funded through private donations, Historic Tax Credits, and a dedicated 1/8-of-a-cent sales tax, approved by Oklahoma City voters in 1990.
Explore the Zoo’s new Expedition Africa today, a visit worthWILD! The Oklahoma City Zoo is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the last entry no later than 4 p.m. Purchase advance Zoo admission tickets at okczoo.org/tickets and avoid the entry lines. Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, the OKC Zoo is a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums, and Oklahoma City’s Adventure District. Zoo admission is $16 for adults and $13 for children ages 3-11 and seniors ages 65 and over. Children two and under are admitted free. Membership has its perks! As a ZOOfriends member of the Oklahoma City Zoo, enjoy free admission all year-long, plus many additional benefits and discounts. You will also be supporting the Zoo’s animal family, education programming and conservation initiatives both locally and globally. Join or renew today at www.okczoo.org/membership.
