The Oklahoma Zoological Society and Oklahoma City Zoo will host a friendly, fundraising challenge between cheetah brothers “Boomer” and “Pistol Pete”

On Wednesday, November 24, the Oklahoma Zoological Society (OZS) and Oklahoma City Zoo will kick off a seven-day, Bedlam-themed fundraising campaign to support the Zoo’s animal welfare, conservation, and education initiatives.

The Zoo Bedlam Challenge centers on the OKC Zoo’s newest residents, five-year-old cheetah brothers, “Boomer” and “Pistol Pete” who reside in the Zoo’s newest habitat, Predator Pass. Unveiled this fall, Predator Pass is a two-acre expansion that encompasses the northwest side of the Zoo and features new habitat space for a pack of African painted dogs. The cheetahs and painted dogs enjoy access to all four habitat spaces on a rotational basis for optimal enrichment experiences. Guests can view these impressive predators as they explore their habitat, located near the Joan Kirkpatrick Animal Hospital.

“The OKC Zoo Bedlam Challenge is the perfect opportunity to combine your love for OU or OSU football with a desire to support the Zoo’s many programs and initiatives that connect people to wildlife and wild places. You can’t lose,” OZS Executive Director Mandy Heaps said.

To participate in the Zoo Bedlam Challenge, supporters should visit zoofriends.org/bedlam or text BEDLAM to 71777 to vote for their choice cheetah, Boomer or Pistol Pete. Message and data rates may apply. Individual fundraising goals of $5,000 have been designated for both cheetahs’ names, Boomer and Pistol Pete, and contributors can donate any amount to their preferred cheetah. Boomer and Pistol Pete will each have individual fundraising goals of $5,000, and contributors can donate any amount to their preferred cheetah. The cheetah that receives the most funds in support of the Zoo will win bedlam bragging rights for the year.

The Zoo Bedlam Challenge campaign continues through #GivingZOOday on Tuesday, November 30.

About the Oklahoma Zoological Society OZS was created in 1954 to support and promote the Oklahoma City Zoo and its four purposes of education, conservation, zoological research, and recreation. OZS accomplishes its objective through membership initiatives, fundraising, and special events. A dedicated and passionate group of community volunteers lead OZS as members of the board of directors. For more information, visit www.zoofriends.org.

About the Oklahoma City Zoo As Oklahoma’s premier destination, the Oklahoma City Zoo is committed to connecting people and our world's vanishing wildlife and wild places. Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, the OKC Zoo is a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums, Oklahoma City’s Adventure District and an Adventure Road partner. For more information, visit okczoo.org