Tulsa Zoo Open Half Day Before WALTZ

TULSA, OK

The Tulsa Zoo for the first time in more than 20 years will open to general admission guests on WALTZ day.

As zoo staff and volunteers prepare for the annual fundraising gala, WALTZ on the Wild Side presented by Nabholz, the zoo will be open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, June 21.

The Tulsa Zoo closes two days each year, the third Friday in June for WALTZ preparation and on Christmas day. Flooding caused the Tulsa Zoo to close for almost an entire week in May during a popular time for school groups and families.

Opening for a partial day is meant to help make up lost revenue, said Lindsay Hutchison, vice president of philanthropy and community engagement. While WALTZ raises funds for new zoo habitats, general gate revenue helps the zoo pay operating expenses, like daily feeding and care for the animals, and conservation efforts.

“Every visit to the zoo is a conservation step, because your visit supports the animals in our care and the species we support worldwide. Special events like WALTZ help us fund the future, so we can always do more for our animals and our guests,” Hutchison said. “We would love to welcome families on Friday morning then have adult guests return for a date night.”

Standing for We All Love the Tulsa Zoo, WALTZ has been integral for funding some of the zoo’s most important exhibits, while offering guests a zoo transformed for an evening of fine cuisine from more than 40 area restaurants, libations, live music and unique animal encounters.

A limited number of tickets are available for this 21-and-older event. Visit waltzonthewildside.org for pricing and more information.