Daily votes can help Sanctuary Asia win national recognition as Best Zoo Exhibit

                VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! The Oklahoma City Zoo is calling on you to vote for Sanctuary Asia to be named America’s Best Zoo Exhibit. Sanctuary Asia, the OKC Zoo’s newest expansion, recently earned the distinction of being nominated in USA TODAY’S 2019 10Best Readers' Choice travel awards for Best Zoo Exhibit, and we need your votes to win! Public voting is open through Monday, April 22, 2019 and fans have the opportunity to vote daily for the run of the contest. Currently, Sanctuary Asia is holding strong at #6 on the leaderboard but it’s time to take the lead, and secure that #1 spot! To cast your vote for Sanctuary Asia, click here.

Sanctuary Asia is the OKC Zoo’s largest and most ambitious habitat expansion in its history. Encompassing 14.5 acres, Sanctuary Asia is a spacious, multi-purpose environment where Zoo guests can engage with wildlife from the Asian continent like never before. Guests will encounter Indian rhinos, Red pandas, Komodo dragons, raccoon dogs and more. Sanctuary Asia is also home to the Zoo’s multigenerational herd of Asian elephants, including youngster Kairavi. Kairavi (Kai) was born on October 9, 2018, and is the third elephant calf to be born at the OKC Zoo. Central to Sanctuary Asia is Lotus Pavilion, a two-level restaurant and event venue, providing the Zoo’s highest vantage point with stunning views into multiple animal habitats through floor-to-ceiling windows as well as a wraparound balcony. At the entrance of Lotus Pavilion is an open courtyard that features a series of water fountains emerging from the ground, providing a much-needed respite for guests and a fun splash area for little ones to experience!

Contest polls close on Monday, April 22, 2019 and the winners will be announced on 10Best on Friday, May 3, 2019, then later on USA TODAY.

We know Sanctuary Asia is the best–it's time for the world to know, too! The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden 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. Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, the Zoo is open from 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. Connect 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, call (405) 424-3344 or visit okczoo.org.