The Oklahoma Zoological Society invites the community to celebrate Arbor Day, April 25th, by supporting the OKC Zoo’s replanting efforts following severe tree damage from the winter ice storm.  Everyone can help to “Replant the Zoo” by contributing funds which will be used to replace trees lost on Zoo Grounds. 

More than 150 of the Zoo’s trees were damaged by the storm, many of which were old and large. Zoo Staff continue extensive clean up efforts after the devastating winter. “Our biggest challenge now is to remove damaged trees and repair and save those that we can,” reported Pearl Pearson, Curator for the Zoo’s Horticulture and Grounds Department.

The park’s beautiful landscape features more than 3,000 specimens of trees and shrubs, with a wide variety native to the Oklahoma region. Of the damaged trees, the Zoo’s Elm’s and Oaks were particularly affected, sacrificing vital shade in some animal areas. 30 or more large Lacebark Elms were badly damaged, except for the cultivar ‘Allee’, which survived with no damage.

“The Zoo faced an unprecedented loss of limbs and trees during December’s ice storm, but we were lucky to have very minimal damage to our facilities and animal enclosures,” said Brian Aucone, Interim Director at the Oklahoma City Zoo. “The entire Zoo staff mobilized after the storm in a great team effort to clean up the damaged and fallen limbs that were present throughout the Zoo. Our first efforts were to ensure the safety of the animals and visitors before we could re-open the Zoo. While we are still in the final stages of that cleanup, we are now turning our focus to the trees that need to be replaced, and the work that needs to be done to bring back the lush landscape we all enjoyed prior to the storm.” 

Help “Replant the Zoo” and sponsor a tree for yourself, or in the name of someone special as a gift for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthdays or any occasion! For a tax-deductible donation of $25 or more, “Replant the Zoo” donors, or gift recipients, will receive a certificate of recognition printed on recycled paper. Donors giving $700 or more will fund the planting of a mature tree, and will be recognized on a bronze plaque displayed on Zoo grounds. For more information on sponsoring a tree, or to order your gift, call (405) 427-2461, ext. 618 or log onto www.zoofriends.com. Gifts can be mailed anywhere in the continental United States.
The Zoo’s Horticulture Department will use the funds raised to select and purchase new trees based on certain species, size and condition requirements, and are unable to accept donations of or for specific types of trees or other plant material.

The Oklahoma City Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Museum Association as both a living museum and botanical garden, and celebrates International Migratory Bird and Plant Conservation Day as part of a continual effort to promote preserving the earth’s natural resources through positive education experiences. “Branch out” and come to the Zoo on Saturday May 10th to celebrate with a guided bird watching tour meeting between 6:30-7:00 a.m. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. visit the exciting information booths where guests can pick up posters, information on plant and migratory bird issues and purchase plants. Learn more at www.okczoo.com.  

The Oklahoma Zoological Society is the non-profit organization created to support and promote the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden and its efforts in education, conservation, zoological research and recreation. For more information about OZS or to purchase a ZooFriends membership, call 427-2461, ext. 618, or go to www.zoofriends.com.