ABOUT THE EVENT

The Oklahoma City Zoo is proud to partner with Bob Moore Subaru and stand tall for giraffes in honor of World Giraffe Day, a worldwide occurrence that sheds light on the challenges these beloved animals face in the wild. Join us for a two special Facebook live events on World Giraffe Day, Wednesday, June 21, the longest day of the year for the tallest animal on the planet, at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. These chats will be hosted by members of our giraffe care team who will share fun facts about the animals in their care and the vital role the Zoo is playing in conserving this iconic species and their habitat. Facebook fans will also get an exclusive look at the Zoo’s state-of-the-art giraffe barn featured at Expedition Africa. This is just one of many ways to show your love for these gentle giants. Check out these community events happening this June in support of giraffe conservation…

• Join wildlife fans at Pinot’s Palette (Norman location) on Wednesday, June 14, from 7 to 8 p.m. and create an original painting inspired by the Zoo’s giraffes. The cost is $40 per person and supplies are included. Advance registration is required and can be made at https://www.pinotspalette.com/norman/event/696915.

• Spot this sweet deal! The OKC Zoo is partnering with Eileen’s Cookies for giraffe conservation. From Monday, June 19 through Friday, June 30, when you purchase a pack of 6 frosted giraffe decorated cookies for $12, Eileen’s will donate $3 of that back to the Zoo. Purchase cookies at each of the two participating Eileen’s locations, Edmond (1333 N Santa Fe, Edmond) and Nichols Hills (7700 N. May Ave, OKC).
• Make your way to Rendezvous Pizza (Quail Springs location, 14020 N May Ave, OKC) on Tuesday, June 20 for a special give back event. Just put your itemized receipt in the OKC Zoo box after you eat and 20% of those sales will be donated to the Zoo in support of giraffe conservation.

Since the 1980s, the population of wild giraffes has fallen by 30% and it’s estimated less than 100,000 individuals inhabit Africa. Giraffes have lost 90% of their habitat. Additionally, giraffes are often poached for their meat and hide and are also caught in snares set for other animals. In 2022, the OKC Zoo used the Round Up for Conservation Fund to support GCF’s capacity building efforts in Africa, providing support for two African veterinarians to receive wildlife management training and grants to African students conducting conservation-related research. OKC Zoo has also contributed to giraffe conservation by supporting Northern Rangelands Trust in Kenya and by being a partner organization for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Giraffe SAFE: Saving Animals from Extinction program. OKC Zoo is also a proud participant in the AZA’s Species Survival Plan® for giraffe. The Zoo is home to six giraffes who recently moved into a new state-of-the-art barn at Expedition Africa, the Zoo’s latest and largest expansion in its history, slated to open this summer. As the giraffe get settled into their new space, they will be off public view.