Happy 90th Anniversary Tulsa Zoo!
Ninety years ago, I’m sure that Tulsa citizens couldn’t imagine a class called “Yoga at the Zoo.” But guess what? You can do yoga at the zoo, and your kids can too! (I’m a poet and I don’t know it). Visit the zoo website https://tulsazoo.org for dates and times. There are classes for those 12 and older on Sept. 11 and Oct. 18, and one for little kids on Sat., Sept. 22.
The Tulsa Zoo opened in September of 1928, and according to Tulsa Zoo information, it was “thanks to Will O. Doolittle, then Tulsa Parks Superintendent, who proposed the creation of a zoo infused with conservation ideals.” No relation to THE Dr. Doolittle, I assume, but I love the name. The zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums for more than 40 years, ensuring that the zoo maintains high standards in “animal care and welfare, veterinary programs, conservation, education and safety.”
Monkey Island dedication, summer 1931
One of my favorite zoo events is the annual St. John ZooRun, which is on Sat., Oct. 6 this year. I used to do the one-mile fun run with my kids. If your kids (or you) are not used to running a mile, the St. John Siegfried Health Club has a downloadable “14 Day to a Mile” schedule on the zoo website.
And those great Nature Buddies classes start this month for kids as young as 2 (you can’t tell me that you’re not looking for fun things to do with a 2-year-old?). Playing in nature is the best way to build your child’s brain.
And, if you’re a grandparent, you can register to take your grandchild (5-12 years old) to Nature’s Grand Adventures: In the Wild.
Zoo Train
Those are just some of the things you can do at the Tulsa Zoo – and if you haven’t been for a while, you’ll probably find some new or updated exhibits to explore. Have you seen the Lost Kingdom, the Osage Casino & Hotel Giraffe Barn or the Mary K. Chapman Rhino Reserve? Aren’t rhinos just fat, grey unicorns?
What is your favorite thing about the Tulsa Zoo? Send us a selfie to editor@tulsakids.com or by tagging @tulsakids on Instagram, and we’ll publish a few to celebrate the Tulsa Zoo’s anniversary!
