Celebrate a “paws”itively fun day with the OKC Zoo on International Cat Day with family-friendly activities, caretaker chats, animal enrichment, photo opportunities and more.
In celebration of International Cat Day 2022, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Bob Moore Subaru are coming together for a “purr”fect day highlighting the OKC Zoo’s big and small cats on Monday, August 8. This year, a large portion of our celebration is dedicated to raising awareness for tiger conservation with the arrival of our critically endangered Sumatran tiger twins on July 2 to tiger mom, Lola, at the Zoo’s Cat Forest habitat. Guests will have an opportunity to learn about responsible palm oil purchases which impact several species including the Sumatran tiger.
International Cat Day activities will be held at the Zoo’s Cat Forest habitat on Monday, August 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in interactive activities for prizes, observe animal enrichment activities, enjoy photo opportunities and more all sponsored locally by Bob Moore Subaru. This year, guests can take home a special souvenir from our International Cat Day festivities. The OKC Zoo’s carnivore team will have one-of-a-kind, exclusive keychains made from repurposed cat enrichment items available for purchase for $5 each. All proceeds from the sale of these keychains will go to support Sumatran tiger conservation and it’s the perfect reminder of the help you provided to these magnificent cats and their habitat.
The Zoo also encourages animal enthusiasts to be conscious when shopping with Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s and World Association of Zoos and Aquariums PalmOil Scan app. Downloading this app allows users to scan a products barcode to see if the products they buy are sustainably sourced and if the companies that make them are committed to sustainable palm oil practices. The new PalmOil app is available for download from the App Store, Google Play Store and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s website.
The OKC Zoo proudly cares for six species of big cats including Sumatran tigers, African lions, mountain lions, cheetahs, jaguars and clouded leopards as well as five small cat species – caracal, serval, fishing cat, bobcat and ocelot.
OKC ZOO INTERNATIONAL CAT DAY FACTS
- Fishing cat fur has two layers: a short undercoat to keep the animal dry in water and a long, patterned overcoat which provides camouflage.
- Bobcats can capture prey 8 times their size.
- Jaguars are known for their unique spotted coats that help them camouflage in their surroundings.
- Ocelot kittens are born with their spotted pattern. Every ocelot has a distinct coat pattern.
- Servals have been given the nickname “giraffe cat”, because of their long legs and neck.
- The caracal is the largest ‘small cat’ that lives in Africa
- Fishing cat populations are decreasing, because humans kill the cats for food and in retaliation for damaging fishing nets.
- Sumatran tigers are critically endangered due to poaching and habitat loss with only an estimated 500 individuals living in the forests of Indonesia.
- Ocelot populations are decreasing mainly because of habitat loss.
- The main threat to caracals is habitat destruction caused by road and agriculture expansion.
Think you can jump as high as the Zoo’s bobcat, Dodger, or balance as perfectly as JD, our clouded leopard? Head to the OKC Zoo to test your skills and knowledge with activities like the bobcat jump meter, the clouded leopard balance beam and so many more. International Cat Day activities will take place at the Zoo’s Cat Forest and Lion Overlook habitats and near the cheetah habitat at Predator Pass and all are free with paid Zoo admission.
The Oklahoma City Zoo is in its summer hours and open daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the last entry no later than 2 p.m. through Wednesday, August 31. Connect to wildlife and tons of fun as you experience the all new BRICKLIVE Animal Paradise at the OKC Zoo. Sponsored by Devon, BRICKLIVE features 45+ life-sized animal statues made with almost two million toy bricks! BRICKLIVE Animal Paradise is open daily during regular Zoo hours. Purchase advance tickets for general Zoo admission and BRICKLIVE at www.okczoo.org/tickets. 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. Regular admission is $12 for adults and $9 for children ages 3-11 and seniors ages 65 and over. Children two and under are admitted free.
Stay connected with the Zoo on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and by visiting our blog stories. Zoo fans can support the OKC Zoo by becoming a ZOOfriends member. Starting at $45, memberships can be purchased at ZOOfriends.org and provide access to the OKC Zoo for an entire year plus, additional benefits and discounts. To learn more about Zoo happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visit okczoo.org.