The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is proud to partner with Bob Moore Subaru to inspire Oklahoma’s youth to care about the natural world around them through the new initiative, Making Tracks. Presented by Bob Moore Subaru, Making Tracks has a bold mission to provide unique learning experiences for all Oklahoma third grade classes by experiencing the Zoo’s latest habitat expansion, Expedition Africa. With a focus on third grade science standards, this program aims to introduce students to the diverse wildlife and habitats of the African continent through program curriculum and educator-led fieldtrips through Expedition Africa.
Making Tracks is currently in the pilot stage with a few select public schools in Oklahoma County participating. Feedback collected during this initial phase will help the OKC Zoo refine educational and logistical components for an expanded schedule. Plans are to grow the program statewide by 2026 and provide a virtual experience by 2025 for classes unable to visit the Zoo in-person.
“We’re grateful to Bob Moore Subaru for their continuous support of the Zoo and commitment to make this program possible,” said Oklahoma Zoological Society’s Executive Director, Mandy Heaps. “Through Making Tracks, we are excited to provide these enriching experiences that bring education and nature together for Oklahoma’s students and positively impact our communities, a shared mission with Bob Moore Subaru.”
“Bob Moore Subaru is delighted to partner in the "Making Tracks" initiative alongside the Oklahoma City Zoo,” said Luke Moore, Director of Marketing and Digital Experience, Bob Moore Auto Group. “With a shared history in Oklahoma, a commitment to youth education, and a dedication to community service, we are proud to help foster wildlife discovery and learning for Oklahoma's children. Through our collaboration with the Oklahoma City Zoo, we aim to provide every third grader with the opportunity to experience the wonders of the Zoo, and build the foundational education to help protect our shrinking natural environments and animal populations for future generations.”
Making Tracks participants will embark on a learning safari as they discover Expedition Africa using customized workbooks to complete lessons focused on wildlife and natural sciences. At more than 12 acres in size, Expedition Africa presented by Inasmuch Foundation is the OKC Zoo’s largest ever expansion and includes new habitats, building renovations, and an elevated guest experience for all ages. Located in the heart of the Zoo, the expansion is home to more than sixty species native to the African continent, including hyenas, wildebeests, the fan-favorite giraffe herd, and more, and habitats such as the savanna that replicate the diverse bioregions of Africa.
The OKC Zoo and Bob Moore Subaru are excited to invite Oklahomans on education adventure with Making Tracks! For program updates and to learn more about Making Tracks, visit www.okczoo.org/makingtracks.
The Oklahoma City Zoo is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the last entry no later than 4 p.m. Purchase advance Zoo admission tickets at okczoo.org/tickets and avoid the entry lines. 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, and Oklahoma City’s Adventure District. Zoo admission is $16 for adults and $13 for children ages 3-11 and seniors ages 65 and over. Children two and under are admitted free. Membership has its perks! As a ZOOfriends member of the Oklahoma City Zoo, enjoy free admission all year-long, plus many additional benefits and discounts. You will also be supporting the Zoo’s animal family, education programming and conservation initiatives both locally and globally. Join or renew today at www.okczoo.org/membership.
Stay connected with the Zoo on Facebook, X, Instagram, Linktree and TikTok, and by visiting our blog stories. To learn more about Zoo happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visit okczoo.org.