The Mary K. and John T. Oxley Family Elephant Experience and Elephant Preserve

(under way)

100% Funded

$0 million
$32.8 million

  • Project Timeline: Broke ground June 22, 2022; new barn opened 2024; Elephant Experience under way
  • Architects: Selser Schaefer Architects and WDM Architects
  • Construction Management Services: Nabholz Corporation

Tulsa Zoo has a successful history of exhibiting and caring for Asian elephants. Driven by our commitment to the species and the individual animals in our care, we developed a plan for expansion and improvements to support a larger, multi-generational Asian elephant herd. Our plans are driven in part by an elephant welfare study and evolving husbandry standards, as well as our desire to care for larger and more varied social groupings. Our vision included indoor and outdoor spaces with maximum flexibility for herd management and care around the clock.

The zoo broke ground on The Mary K. and John T. Oxley Family Elephant Experience and Elephant Preserve on June 22, 2022. When complete, this reimagined habitat will be among the largest of its kind in North America and designed for elephants at all stages of life — a true visionary project our community deserves.

We’re adding a 10-acre yard for elephants to roam freely. Our herd already is settling in to its new 36,650-square-foot barn with natural substrate flooring, areas for bathing, as well as dedicated areas for staff and visitors alike.

Extensive renovations are under way at the existing Elephant Interpretive Center to create The Mary K. and John T. Oxley Family Elephant Experience. The reimagined space will add amenities for guests such as restrooms to allow for both daytime and afterhours events.

The Mary K. and John T. Oxley Family Elephant Experience and Elephant Preserve will allow Tulsa Zoo to accommodate a growing herd for decades to come.

Funded through Vision Tulsa and private funds, this project will:

  • Update existing outdoor exhibit areas and barn
  • Add a 36,650 square-foot elephant barn
  • Add 10 acres for elephants to roam freely
  • Give us the ability to house multiple male elephants
  • Add privacy yards for new mothers and calves, as well as geriatric animals
  • Add guest amenities

Thank you to the Citizens of Tulsa for Vision Tulsa funding and to the following project partners:

Oxley Family Foundation | Zink Family | William S. Smith Charitable Trust | ONEOK |
Betty Pirnat | Founders of Doctor’s Hospitals

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