Zoo experts’ visit puts Oklahoma City on exhibit

March 26th, 2009 • Related • Filed Under

Guests are impressed with welcoming atmosphere

BY CARRIE COPPERNOLL

Jane Ballentine first visited the Oklahoma City Zoo about 15 years ago, soon after the Great EscApe exhibit opened.

“I thought it was cool before,” said Ballentine, public relations director at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. “But now — wow.”

Ballentine is one of about 350 zoo officials from throughout the country in Oklahoma City this week for the midyear meeting of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the nonprofit national alliance of accredited zoos. The group visited the city’s zoo on Wednesday.

She said one her favorite features here is Oklahoma Trails, the newest exhibit.

“Everything is so easy to get around,” she said. “Everything is so well done. You can see the animals from so many different areas.”

Hearing positive feedback about the zoo has been a source of pride, said Dwight Scott, executive director of the Oklahoma City Zoo. In addition to showing off the zoo, the conference has been positive for participants.

Zoo work is a unique field because officials from all zoos must work together for the good of animals nationwide. Managing species’ populations requires constant communication, Scott said.

“You have to work very closely to manage our programs, whether you’re talking about gorillas or snow leopards or whatever the species is,” he said.

Trading ideas with other zoo experts improves animal care and zoo management, Scott said.

“The zoo field is evolving so rapidly,” he said. “It’s really important to know what institutions are doing in terms of exhibit design and animal management practices and (exhibit) interpretation.”

Scott said he and other Oklahoma City Zoo employees have been proud to show off the city.

“They are not only impressed with our zoo but with our great city,” he said. “I’ve heard so many comments from people attending that everybody in Oklahoma City is so friendly and welcoming. That’s something everybody in our city can be proud of.”

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