The final element of Tulsa Zoo’s visionary new habitat for Asian elephants officially opened on Monday, April 7. The Mary K. and John T. Oxley Family Elephant Experience reflects an extensive renovation of the existing elephant interpretive center, outdoor spaces and barn, which originally opened in 1995.
This renovation coincides with the newly added 10-acre Elephant Preserve and the 36,650-square-foot Preserve Barn that opened Spring 2024. In all, Tulsa Zoo has dedicated 17 of its 124 acres to Asian elephants.
“Tulsa voters generously approved an investment in our zoo’s Asian elephant habitat through Vision – an investment to make Tulsa home to one of the largest facilities in North America for this important, endangered species,” said Tulsa Zoo President and CEO Lindsay Hutchison. “Within one month of opening the Preserve Barn last year, we welcomed two elephants from Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, increasing our herd to five members. Completely gutting and rethinking our former elephant barn and viewing areas increases our flexibility to manage multiple herds and care for Asian elephants of all life stages.”
The Elephant Experience is the guests’ hub, offering visitors opportunities to engage with staff or docents about the zoo’s Asian elephant program; learn how the various spaces of the facilities work together and where the elephants may be visible at that moment, and even watch live video footage of elephants across the 17 acres.
“Guests will have indoor and outdoor viewing opportunities, and an elephant interpretive center to learn more about the world of elephants,” said Hutchison. “We’ve added restrooms, too, which is important to our families, and eventually plan to bring back overnight experiences.”
Tulsa Zoo has a successful history of caring for Asian elephants, said Vice President of Animal Conservation & Science Joe Barkowski. “Driven by our commitment to the species and to the individual animals in our care, we developed a plan for expansion and improvements to support a larger, multi-generational Asian elephant herd. Our plans are driven in part by an elephant welfare study and evolving husbandry standards, as well as our desire to care for larger and more varied social groupings. The result of our vision is 17 acres devoted to Asian elephants, including indoor and outdoor spaces with maximum flexibility for herd management and care around the clock. The Mary K. and John T. Oxley Family Elephant Experience and Elephant Preserve will allow Tulsa Zoo to accommodate a growing herd for generations to come.”
About Our Herd
Tulsa Zoo has five Asian elephants: Sooky, Sneezy, Booper, Hank and Connie.
Sooky is cautious of change, making her a protective matriarch to the herd. She is often seen guiding other elephants around the habitat. In addition to socializing with the other elephants, Sooky is always eager to spend time with her keepers.
Sneezy, one of our bull elephants, is curious and confident when experiencing new things. He is distinguishable by his lack of tusks. Sneezy enjoys interacting with Booper, Connie, and Sooky.
Booper is easy to find because of her small ears and deep-set eyes. She’s calm and cautious, making her the most subordinate in the matriarchy. Booper and Sooky often prefer to spend time together.
Hank, our largest bull elephant, is easily identifiable by his large, crooked tusks. While he enjoys socializing with the other elephants, he and Connie have a special bond.
Guests can spot Connie by the two humps especially prominent on the top of her head. While she enjoys her time with Booper and Sooky, she has a special fondness for the bulls, Hank and Sneezy.
