Enjoy cake, family-friendly activities, animal enrichment, giveaways and meet Smokey Bear
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is partnering with Oklahoma Forestry Services to celebrate the 75th birthday of America’s favorite fire prevention personality, Smokey Bear. Join the celebration on Friday, July 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Oklahoma City Zoo’s Oklahoma Trails, Big Rivers Building.
“Together with Oklahoma Forestry Services, we are honored to commemorate this historical occasion celebrating one of the world’s most recognizable animal ambassadors,” said Barry Downer, OKC Zoo’s Deputy Director. “Like Smokey Bear, the OKC Zoo is dedicated to the conservation and preservation of our natural world and this event is a memorable way to connect Oklahomans to this vital campaign and its message.”
Smokey Bear’s birthday party will feature Oklahoma Forestry Services firefighters, fire prevention information, fun Smokey giveaways, birthday cake—and of course, the bear himself! Meet Smokey Bear and get a photo with the birthday bear. Plus, the OKC Zoo’s grizzly and black bears will receive their own birthday cakes created by their caretakers as part of the festivities. Grizzly bear brothers, Will and Wiley, will receive their enrichment treats at 10:30 a.m. and the black bears, Maynard and Woody, will enjoy their goodies at 11 a.m. Both the grizzly and black bear enrichment sessions will be viewable from inside the Big Rivers Building. All event activities are free with regular Zoo admission.
For 75 years, Smokey Bear has been educating the public about fire prevention and the importance of protecting America’s wild places from unwanted, human-caused fire. Smokey, one of the most beloved ambassadors of our time, and his signature catchphrase, “Only you can prevent wildfires,” are truly iconic. His message of wildfire prevention is the center of the longest-running PSA campaign in our nation’s history.
“We are excited to partner with the OKC Zoo to celebrate Smokey Bear’s 75th birthday,” said Mark Goeller, Director, Oklahoma Forestry Services and State Forester. “Smokey’s fire prevention message is as relevant today as it was in 1944, and we hope it continues to resonate with generations to come.”
To learn more about Smokey Bear and his milestone birthday, click here.
The OKC Zoo invites you to the bear-y best party of the year! Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, the Oklahoma City 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. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Regular admission is $11 for adults and $8 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 Oklahoma Zoological Society members at ZOOfriends.org or in-person at the Zoo! To learn more about these and other happenings, visit okczoo.org.