Partake in the nation’s largest virtual run and support the Zoo’s monarch conservation programs
Gather your flock to run, walk or trot for monarch conservation! The Oklahoma City Zoo is encouraging monarch fans and running enthusiasts to support America’s Turkey Trot this Thanksgiving. Presented locally by Bob Moore Subaru and benefitting the OKC Zoo, this family-friendly event is in place of the Zoo’s annual Monarch Madness 5K/Fun Run.
Runners of all skill levels are encouraged to join the Turkey Trot event and can choose to run any distance, indoors or outdoors, in any location at any time. Unable to complete your event on Thanksgiving Day? That’s okay, choose a fall date that works best for you. Participants also receive an official Turkey Trot swag bag including a fleece jacket, finisher medal, beanie, finisher certificate and more with registration. The cost per runner is $40 plus, $8.95 processing fee, tax. For every registration for the America’s Turkey Trot that goes through the OKC Zoo’s event page, okczoo.org/turketytrot2020, the Zoo will receive $10 for its monarch conservation program.
“We’re excited to share this new experience with Oklahoma’s running community and connect fans to wildlife conservation in a unique way,” said Greg Heanue, OKC Zoo’s chief marketing officer. “America’s Turkey Trot allows us to provide a safe alternative to a live running event, while creating a memorable opportunity for participants to share their passion for monarchs and the Zoo with friends and family near and far.”
Looking for a warm-up run before the big Turkey Trot event? The OKC Zoo and Red Coyote Running and Fitness are partnering to host two exclusive evening runs through the Zoo. Runners and walkers will enjoy amazing views of the Zoo’s wildlife including flamingos, mountain lions, giraffe, elephants, rhino and more along the 1.8 mile course. These special Pack Pint Runs are scheduled for Thursday, October 22 and Thursday, October 29, from 5 to 7 p.m. each night. To ensure social distancing each night’s run is limited to 250 participants. Bottled water will be provided. The fee is $10 per person with all proceeds going to the Zoo’s monarch conservation programs. To register online for the Pack Pint Runs, click here or visit Red Coyote’s Facebook event page.
The monarch butterfly population has dropped by over 80 percent in the last 20 years. The main reason for this is habitat loss throughout the monarch's migration and breeding range. Each spring and fall, millions of monarch butterflies funnel through Oklahoma as they make their annual migration from central Mexico to southern Canada. The OKC Zoo recognizes the importance of these pollinators and is committed to restoring their population and seasonal habitat in Oklahoma.
Lace up your shoes and make strides for monarchs, register for America’s Turkey Trot! The Oklahoma City Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Advance tickets are required for all guests and ZOOfriends members and can be purchased at http://www.okczoo.org/tickets. Zoo tickets are limited each day to ensure safe social distancing among guests. 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 up-to-date with the Zoo on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and by visiting Our Stories. Zoo fans can support the OKC Zoo by becoming a member. Memberships can be purchased at ZOOfriends.org or any place admission is sold in the Zoo’s Entry Plaza during regular business hours. To learn more about this event and Zoo other happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visit okczoo.org.