Tulsa Zoo Helps Put Oklahoma on the Map
People who are in the know about wildlife attractions are well aware of the national attention that has been given to the Tulsa Zoo. This Midwestern landmark is considered to be one of the best zoos in the world. The setting for this city owned Zoo is an 84 acre paradise located inside Mohawk Park. Today Oklahoma is recognized for being home to one of the nation's Top State Zoos. The current rankings place Oklahoma at number 12 among states with top animal attractions.
When you consider that Oklahoma has a state population well under 4 million residents this makes their national ranking all the more impressive.
At the Tulsa Zoo there are almost 3,000 animals in residence. There are more than 500 different animal species at this zoo and this includes many that are on the endangered lists. Annual attendance is in excess of 500,000 and almost 40% of all visitors are from states other than Oklahoma.
Take a look at some of the exhibits that you will find here at this great Tulsa OK real estate area attraction:
- Tulsa Zoo Presents the Robert J. LaFortune North American Living Museum
This zoo complex is housed in a total of 4 buildings and it was honored as the best of all new zoo exhibits when the Museum made its debut in 1978.
There is a specific North American region represented in each of these 4 buildings.
- Arctic Tundra
- Southwest Desert
- Eastern Forest,
- Southern Lowlands (also known as the Southern wetlands)
Guests can come to the zoo and wander through the many exhibits that are displayed. These exhibits include live plants and animals. ancient North American artifacts once used by Native American tribes, rocks, minerals and fossils. There is even a realistic cave to explore, a stunning shark aquarium and an exhibit that lets you experience the sounds and motion of a simulated earthquake.
- Explore a Real Tropical American Rain Forest Environment
When you come to this building you are treated to realistic interpretation of the rain forest environments that exist in Central and South America. This one exhibit is reason enough for the Tulsa Zoo to be awarded a top rating.
There are translucent overhead panels that simulate the same type of lighting that is found in a living rain forest. Visitors follow a path that meanders through this mysterious and enchanting setting.
You can see sloths, jaguars, monkeys and enormous anacondas living in habitats that closely mimic their natural environments. The birds of the rainforest are allowed to fly about and are not kept in any type of cages.
- Interactive Exhibits Abound at the Helmerich Discovery Center
This is one of the most popular sites at the Tulsa Zoo complex. There is a Living Reef exhibit that captivates all viewers. Guests are also treated to a number of interactive opportunities in "Nature's Attic" that opens their eyes to the wonderful world of nature. You can visit the Oklahoma Room where the exhibits contain only representatives of the state's native fish and wildlife population.
- Exciting Elephant Demonstrations
The elephants at the Tulsa Zoo have a 2½-acre expanse of land on which they can roam. There are some indoor and outdoor spaces that allow guests to get some unobtrusive, close up views of these majestic animals safely.
- Tulsa Zoo is Famous for their Chimpanzee Connection Exhibit
If you have never had the fun of seeing chimpanzees at play this is the section of the Zoo where you will want to come and hang out. These mammals have an indoor playground as well as an outdoor enclosure and you will have a front row view so you can follow the action of these playful and intelligent creatures.
There are many other exciting exhibits to discover including the Penguin habitat, the California Sea Lion Shows, the Dave Zucconi Conservation Center, and a Children's Zoo. Visitors also have the opportunity to check out the African Safari site and the Asian Animal exhibit when they make Tulsa Zoo one of their vacation destinations.
What Makes Tulsa Zoo Unique
When the Tulsa Zoo was being planned there was a push to integrate specific ideals into the project such as humane treatment of all animals; innovative exhibits and the creation of the finest environment for each of the zoo's residents. It was also important for the staff to learn how to educate the public about natural sciences, environmental concerns, and animal conservation policies.
These goals and ideals continue to be part of the mission statement of Tulsa Zoo. There is little wonder why many people often refer to this Oklahoma attraction as a role model for other zoos to study and emulate.