Last Updated on March 27, 2024, 6:35 PM | Published: March 27, 2024
OKLAHOMA CITY — On a brisk Spring day, the Oklahoma City Zoo revealed its latest attraction, “Expedition Africa,” marking its most significant expansion in a century. Covering 12 acres, this exhibit features habitats crafted for over 60 species of African wildlife, with 200 animals already on display and more to come. The new exhibit encompasses the historic Pachyderm building and connects to the Zoo’s existing Predator Pass and Lion Overlook habitats.
This has been a long-awaited journey for zoo guests. The $35 million habitat expansion began construction in November 2020 was initially set to open in October 2023 and was postponed until Spring 2024.
“We can all agree it’s been worth the wait once you get a chance to see it,” said Dr. Dwight Lawson, Executive Director and CEO of the Oklahoma City Zoo.
Dr. Jennifer D’Agostino, Chief Animal Programs Officer, described the new exhibit as the “heart” of the zoo, located in the zoo’s central and historically significant areas.
“We’re really, really thrilled with how it turned out,” D’Agostino said. “It was really exciting to be able to take some of those older habitats, and bring them into the current standards and elevate what we’re doing and bring new life to it.
The Journey to Expedition Africa
The expansion was designed by PGAV Destinations and constructed by Timberlake Construction. 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 and still in place today.
“We are incredibly grateful to the city of Oklahoma City and the community of Oklahoma City who support the zoo through a sales tax that continues to enable us to build out here and continue to make this one of the best zoos in the country,” Lawson said.
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt spoke briefly at the grand opening, emphasizing the significance of the tax. He noted that the 1990 vote paved the way for years of exciting developments at the Zoo, with groundbreaking moments occurring every few years.
“I know that we’re going to have literally millions of people go through these gates in the years to come, and we will prove worthy of their visit because this is a spectacular new edition to what is already a very special place,” Holt said.
Mandy Heaps, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Zoological Society, praised Expedition Africa as a collective effort involving many donors. Since its incorporation into the Zoo’s strategic plan in 2018, various groups have worked to bring it to life, gaining support from across the state. Among these contributors is the Inasmuch Foundation, which played a crucial role not only in this project but also in other zoo developments.
Bob Ross, CEO of the Inasmuch Foundation, made note at the ceremony of the legacy of Edith Kinny Gaylord, the foundation’s founder, who deeply cherished the zoo and steadfastly supported it.
“We’ve been thrilled about this project,” Ross said. “We’re eager to carry on that legacy.”
Expedition Africa Unveiled
Attendees of all ages came together to witness this historic occasion. Amidst the rhythms of African drumming and bird calls, a celebratory atmosphere filled the zoo during the afternoon of the opening ceremony. Families leisurely explored the exhibit, some with ice cream in hand, while city council members captured the moment by the “Expedition Africa” sign.
After the ribbon cutting, guests made their way through the Oklahoma City Zoo’s latest expansion. From eager children on Spring Break to visitors of all backgrounds, anticipation filled the air as they all embarked on this new adventure.
The giraffes have always been a beloved attraction at the Oklahoma City Zoo, with many guests claiming them as a personal favorite. As families strolled through the exhibit, excited exclamations of “Look, giraffes!” resonated throughout. Now, with their complete makeover and the introduction of the expansive Savanna overlook in Expedition Africa, the giraffes have become an even greater source of fascination, captivating countless zoo visitors.
D’Agostino said this exhibit provides the Zoo with a much-anticipated opportunity to explore more multi-species exhibits, living among ostriches and African antelopes, the lechwe and elands, more closely mirroring how these animals live together in a Savanna.
This area seamlessly connects to the newly built, state-of-the-art giraffe barn, serving as a premier attraction for guests, offering shelter for the herd during unpleasant weather, and providing year-round giraffe feedings, which proved especially useful on the cold opening day of the exhibit.
More new additions to the exhibit include African painted dogs, lemurs, wildebeest, cheetahs, and more, with some making their debut at the zoo and others returning, such as the hyena. The zoo team has also recently welcomed a new zebra family. Although they are not yet on display, the zebras will eventually share the exhibit with the wildebeest.
Both Lawson and D’Agostino concurred that one of the most anticipated arrivals is the honey badger. Lawson noted that the OKC Zoo is among only four accredited zoos to exhibit this “very charismatic and often destructive” species.
The recent expansion also includes a renovation of the historic Love’s Pachyderm Building, sponsored by Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores, which includes renovations to accommodate various animals as well as air-conditioning and a new events space for private gatherings.
Behind the building is a new play area named Pachyderm Heights Adventure Tower, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Oklahoma City, featuring a rock-climbing wall and slide.
Originally built in the 1960s to accommodate elephants, rhinoceroses, and hippopotamuses, the Pachyderm building now shelters various animals, including African lungfish, dwarf mongooses, and naked mole rats.
D’Agostino expressed her enthusiasm for the reptiles, fish, and amphibians in the newly redesigned area, noting their significant presence at the Zoo. One standout is the lungfish, affectionately named “Wayne,” and renowned for his showmanship.
Expedition Africa also introduces new covered seating areas, a new snack shop “Savanna Snacks,” an Africa-themed gift shop, and a new original sculpture titled “The Baobab: Home, Story, and Survival on the Savanna.” The sculpture celebrates the iconic baobab tree, known as the “Tree of Life,” valued for its over 300 life-sustaining uses in African culture, including Indigenous remedies, traditions, and folklore.
In addition to new animals and exhibits, Expedition Africa offers daily caretaker chats about African wildlife, including the lungfish and lemurs, and a separate wild encounter with red river hogs, giving guests behind-the-scenes experience guided by caretakers.
As the sun set on opening day, the unveiling of ‘Expedition Africa’ marked a pivotal moment for the Oklahoma City Zoo, heralding the dawn of a fresh chapter in the appreciation and knowledge of African wildlife among its patrons. Expedition Africa at the Oklahoma City Zoo welcomes visitors daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Zoe Travers has spent her career covering local musicians, artists, politicians, and everyday folks. She is also Oklahoma City’s most enthusiastic connoisseur of cheese danishes.
