OkcPets Magazine March 2022

March/April 2022 • OKC Pets 23 For those who can’t go to the Galápagos Islands to support the conservation efforts, don’t worry. Opportunities closer to home are making a difference also. OKC ZOO AND TULSA ZOO GET INVOLVED In 2019, the Oklahoma City Zoo unveiled a $700,000 expansion to its Galápagos tor- toise habitat in the former Secret Garden area of the Children’s Zoo that includes an indoor area and two outdoor spaces. The indoor habitat includes natural substrate floors, a nesting area, and an indoor pool for four Galápagos tortoises. “Galápagos tortoises have been a favorite at the Oklahoma City Zoo since 1966. We are home to four Galápagos tortoises ranging from approximately 78 to 116 years old, including male Max and females Ellie, Isabela (Isa for short), and Mrs. B,” said Oklahoma City Zoo’s executive director and CEO Dwight Lawson. “Galápagos tortoises are animals with one of the longest life spans on earth, and the OKC Zoo’s group of four are the zoo’s oldest inhabitants.” With the addition of the larger, modern habitat, the zoo continues its commitment to the conservation of these creatures. By relocating and constructing the new Galápagos tortoise habitat inside the Chil- dren’s Zoo, the zoo includes a large view- ing window for guests to see the tortoises on colder days. The OKC Zoo is a conservation partner of the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) and actively supports the organization’s goal of zero turtle extinctions. With projects in turtle hot spots around the world, including Belize, Madagascar, India, China, Bangla- desh, and Myanmar, the TSA is a recog- nized force for turtle conservation globally. “Efforts are specific to the area, the local issues, and the turtle species. TSA has also established the Turtle Survival Center, a large breeding center in South Carolina. The center is home to 600 turtles repre- senting 32 of the world’s most critically endangered species,” said Lawson. OKC Zoo guests can support conserva- tion initiatives such as TSA by “rounding up.” Round Up for Conservation is a program that raises funds from OKC Zoo visitors who donate their spare change when they purchase admission tickets or buy food or beverages at the zoo. By rounding up the amounts of their pur- chases, zoo visitors have contributed more than $500,000 since the program began in 2011, Lawson said. “Turtles and tortoises are just so different from other animals. Their shell makes them completely distinct, and it seems awkward, but it works since they’ve been around for millions of years,” said Lawson. “We hope to add the Galápagos Islands to our conser- vation travel program in the near future.” The Tulsa Zoo also works with giant tortoises, but not the ones found in the Galápagos Islands. The Aldabra giant tortoise hails from the Aldabra group of islands off the coast of Madagascar, and these 400-pound animals are the second-largest giant tortoise behind the Galápagos tortoise. In fact, the Tulsa Zoo leads the way in breeding programs for this threatened species and is home to almost all captive Aldabra tortoises in the world. Through the unique breeding program, more than 160 Aldabra tortoises have been born at the Tulsa Zoo. For more information about the Tulsa Zoo Aldabra tortoise program, visit www.tulsazoo.org. Fo r more information about the Oklahoma City Zoo Galápagos tortoise program, visit www.okczoo.org. 20% o your entire purchase. LIMIT ONE COUPON PER HOUSEHOLD. EXPIRES 4/30/2022. Valid IN-STORE & ONLINE. Good only in the U.S.; void where restricted or prohibited. Not valid on previous purchases, grooming, self-wash, gift cards, donations, taxes, shipping, or handling charges. Cannot be combined with other coupons or o ers. Applicable to current stock only. No rain checks. Returns or exchanges may result in an adjusted refund amount. No cash value. No reproductions allowed, including by electronic means; void if copied, altered, transferred, purchased or sold. Any other use constitutes fraud. O ers are subject to change. Additional exclusions may apply. Redemption subject to review and verification. PROMO CODE: OKCPETS SPRING INTO SAVINGS! Where Every Animal is Free to Live ADOPT VOLUNTEER GIVE 405.282.8617 FreetoLiveOK.org FreetoLiveOK 405-376-4292 | By Appointment Only 107 S. Castle Rock Lane | Mustang, OK thechisolmtails@gmail.com