OKC Zoo Plans For $15 Million Expansion

The Oklahoma City Zoo has announced its first major animal exhibit expansion in nearly 10 years.

The zoo just put the nearly $15 million project out for bid and could begin construction by the end of July.

There will be a new and improved exhibit for the elephants, Asian rhinos, red pandas and Komodo dragons. 

Other animals that part of the expansion will be totally new to the zoo.

“It will all be centered around a new two story Asian themed restaurant," Oklahoma City Zoo Executive Director Dwight Lawson said.

“Sanctuary Asia” is the working title for the new expansion, but the actual name could change, Lawson told News 9.

“We have been saving up that money for several years to be able to do this,” Lawson said.

An incremental sales tax increase funds the Oklahoma City Zoo, which attracts over one million visitors a year.

The zoo said surveys show more than half of its visitors are from outside the Oklahoma City area.

The zoo said the project could be completed by end of 2018.