Giraffe Barn Remodel Coming To Tulsa Zoo

By Emory Bryan, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- The Tulsa Zoo plans to remodel the giraffe barn before cold weather returns this winter. The job will cost approximately $500,000, but the bids are not complete and the cost is subject to change.

The money will come out of a 2006 Sales Tax fund that was designated for zoo projects but not specifically for the barn.

Terri Correll, the Director of the Zoo, said "the architect is aware that time is of the essence" and that everything was on track to have the building finished before cold weather could endanger the animals.

In January, a giraffe died of hypothermia during an extended cold snap.

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The zoo veterinarian said the goal was to have the giraffe in the new barn by mid November at the latest. The new barn will have a functional radiant floor heating system.

The privatization of the zoo only impacts the management and the City of Tulsa will remain responsible for ownership and improvement of the zoo.