Much of the current Children’s Zoo infrastructure is unsalvageable — in fact many areas have been closed over time and must be rebuilt. Priorities include animal care facilities and creating ADA compliant spaces and experiences.
The future Children Zoo will mirror our nearby Helmerich Playground: Behaving Like Animals by encouraging social-emotional learning through animal behaviors and interactions. New offerings such as giant otters will join recently updated habitats for red kangaroos and the planned addition of giant anteaters.
Giant otters are inquisitive, social and noisy animals that can grow to more than 6 feet long and weigh up to 70 pounds. Found in several South American countries, they are endangered due to hunting, habitat loss, water pollution and competition for the food (fish) they need to survive.
Children have less and less contact with the outside world and animals in general. Our Contact Yard will be fully accessible for all — allowing everyone to pet the goats or brush the sheep.
Animal-assisted activities are proven ways to teach concepts such as self-awareness, self-regulation, social engagement, emotional understanding and empathy to children in primary school. In addition, the area will foster empathy-driven connections between children and animals by providing opportunities for children to relate to the behaviors they observe — such as sliding like an otter or jumping like a kangaroo.
Updates to guest amenities like restrooms and rental spaces for educational programs, gatherings and birthday parties will help increase length of stay in the area. Additional play structures and areas for smaller children will also be added.
Tulsa Zoo is grateful to the citizens of Tulsa for approving $9.4 million toward this meaningful project.