Tulsa Zoo Breaks Ground on PGAV Destinations-designed Lost Kingdom
Asian animal exhibit slated for 2017 opening
(St. Louis, MO – September 8, 2015) – The Tulsa Zoo broke ground this summer on its newest exhibit, Lost Kingdom. Featuring numerous attractions and exhibits, Lost Kingdom will open in 2017.
“This important exhibit will allow the Zoo to replace the more than 50-year-old tiger and snow leopard exhibits,” said Terrie Correll, president and CEO of Tulsa Zoo Management, Inc. “It is the type of visionary exhibit that visibly reaffirms our commitment to the animals entrusted to our care and will offer our guests year-round improved educational and viewing opportunities of several species that highlight important conservation issues.”
To date, $14.8 million of the $16 million habitat has been raised via the City of Tulsa 2013 Third Penny Sales Tax and generous grants from numerous organizations, according to Tulsa Zoo board chair John Dale. When opened, Lost Kingdom will be the new home for ambassadors of some of Asia’s rarest and most elusive species, including Malayan tigers, snow leopards, Chinese alligators, siamangs, red pandas, Komodo dragons, and many more.
“Lost Kingdom is an incredible opportunity to create one of the most immersive, exciting zoo environments for both animals and guests that PGAV has ever designed,” says John Kemper, PGAV VP and design team lead on Lost Kingdom. “Our innovative and passionate team has designed an experience for guests and animals alike that the world has never seen before, and we’re using brand new technology on this project to give the public a preview of the wonderful experience to come.”
Click here for the fly-through video of Lost Kingdom.
When completed, Lost Kingdom will allow guests to roam through lush gardens and settings inspired by ancient Asian cultures, such as the city at Ankor-Wat. Covering nearly five acres, the new attraction will provide state-of-the-art animal habitats and unique guest attractions, like the George Kaiser Family Foundation Special Events and Dining Pavilion, where guests can dine with views directly into the tiger habitats.
The Hardesty Snow Leopard Habitat and Helmerich Tiger Exhibit will also feature the Hille Foundation Tiger Bridge, where visitors can safely observe critically endangered species as the tigers cross over the guest pathways. Other habitats include the Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation Red Panda/Binturong Exhibit and Aviary, the Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation Outdoor Siamang Habitat, the Grace and Franklin Bernsen Foundation Siamang Dayroom, and the H.A. and Mary K. Chapman Komodo Dragon Outside Exhibit.
“Tulsa can be proud of the Zoo for maintaining a commitment to high standards of animal care, for increasing our contribution to global wildlife conservation, for supporting the local economy, and for serving as an educational resource in the community,” said Correll. “Lost Kingdom will continue to help us live our mission of ‘inspiring passion for wildlife in every guest, every day.’”
For more on PGAV’s involvement with Lost Kingdom, click here.
About PGAV Destinations
PGAV Destinations is a global leader in the planning and design of unique destinations. Now in its fifth decade, the practice has evolved to become the ideal destination-consulting partner, skilled at developing growth-oriented master plans and translating those plans into successful projects. No other firm offers such an integrated approach to destination planning.
PGAV’s key clients include industry leaders such as Delaware North Companies, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, the Biltmore Companies, Bass Pro Shops, Ameristar Casinos, Universal Studios, The Gettysburg Foundation, the Saint Louis Zoo, and many others. Recent assignments include planning and design at many of the world’s “must see” destinations, including the Grand Canyon, Biltmore Estate, Space Shuttle Atlantis, Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, the Georgia Aquarium, the Hoover Dam, and SeaWorld Adventure Parks. www.PGAVDestinations.com
About The Tulsa Zoo
Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Tulsa Zoo seeks to inspire passion for wildlife in every guest, every day. Open 363 days a year, the Tulsa Zoo hosts more than 620,000 guests each year, making it the largest attraction in the Green Country region. The Tulsa Zoo is owned by the City of Tulsa and managed by Tulsa Zoo Management, Inc. (TZMI). TZMI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, which is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. In 2015, the Tulsa Zoo celebrates 87 years of providing family friendly recreation, natural sciences education and conservation of wildlife.
The Tulsa Zoo entered an exciting phase of development in 2012 with the launch of a 20-year master plan for zoo exhibits and the most aggressive capital campaign in the zoo’s history. The master plan and information about the current capital campaign, Building Beyond Your Wildest Dreams, can be found at www.buildingbeyond.org. For more information about the Tulsa Zoo, visit http://www.tulsazoo.org or call (918) 669-6600.
