The Tulsa Zoo is an 84-acre (34 ha) non-profit zoo in Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States. The City of Tulsa, OK owns the Tulsa Zoo, but since 2010, it has been privately managed by Tulsa Zoo Management, Inc. The zoo is located in Mohawk Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the United States.
The zoo is involved in conservation efforts such as a push to reduce the use of palm oil, FrogWatch USA, and efforts to encourage ocean conservation. The Tulsa Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Distinctions
In 2005, the Tulsa Zoo was named “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 nationwide for many of America’s top zoos, including the San Diego and the Bronx Zoo.
Animals and Exhibits
Lost Kingdom Exhibit Complex
Lost Kingdom allows guests to roam through lush gardens and settings inspired by ancient Asian cultures, such as the city at Angkor Wat. In addition, the Lost Kingdom is the new home for ambassadors of some of Asia’s rarest and most elusive species, including Malayan tigers, snow leopards, Chinese alligators, siamangs, binturongs, and Komodo dragons.
Robert J. LaFortune Wild Life Trek
The Robert J. LaFortune Wild Life Trek is a four-building complex, formerly the North American Living Museum, and is the recipient of awards such as best new exhibit when it was constructed in 1978. As of spring 2013, each building focuses on animals worldwide and their adaptations to life in the water, desert, forest, and cold. Animals in this complex include Siberian cranes, tawny frogmouth, emerald doves, chinchilla, peccary, seahorses, and grizzly bears. Bed Bug Exterminator Tulsa
The Rainforest
A naturalistic re-creation of a Central and South American rainforest environment. Spanning 13,000 square feet of indoor exhibit space, exhibits include exotic species such as black howler monkeys, a green anaconda, piranhas, dwarf caimans, jaguars, and golden-headed lion tamarins. Many species, including rainforest birds, two-toed sloths, and Jamaican fruit bats, must be caged for a more realistic jungle feel. Throughout this exhibit is evidence of native cultures, from the colossal Olmec Head, which marks the entrance to the exhibit, to murals and structures incorporated within exhibits. The roof is composed of translucent panels to illuminate the canopy of the rainforest and a path that guides visitors through the building.
Chimpanzee Connection
This large outdoor island habitat provides chimpanzees access to a climbing structure consisting of cargo nets and ropes, caves, a termite mound, and vegetation. The cage-less habitat allows guests a clearer view of the chimpanzees. Completed in 1991, the “Chimpanzee Connection” building provides indoor viewing through glass. Offering a glimpse into the private lives of the chimpanzees. After its completion, Dr. Jane Goodall proclaimed the facility one of the “best she has ever seen.”
Check out other attractions like Woodward Park