Osage Casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma, owned by the Osage Nation, recently donated million to the Tulsa Zoo to more than double the size of its giraffe barn. The zoo plans to house more giraffes in addition to its current three. Tulsa Zoo President and Chief Executive Officer Terrie Correll said, “The sponsorship will allow the zoo to more than double the indoor space, add year-round viewing and make improvements necessary for a multi-generational herd.”
Construction of the Osage Casino Giraffe Barn will start in early 2017 and be ready for its inhabitants in late 2017. Correll said the barn will increase from 800 to 2,000 square feet and include three new individual stalls and a large community stall plus wider doors and adjustable feeders to accommodate giraffes of various heights and sizes. “Our reimagined barn will include indoor viewing, to ensure our guests can see our giraffe herd no matter the weather,” Correll said.
She added, “The Tulsa Zoo is committed to rebuilding and improving every exhibit space to ensure the best in habitat and care for our animals. This is possible because donors like Osage Casino are willing to support our efforts to build a bigger, better zoo.”
Besides Tulsa, the Osage Nation operates casinos in six locations in Oklahoma.
