Tulsa Zoo upgrading lion habitat as part of African Wilds expansion

The Tulsa Zoo has completed the demolition of its former big cat enclosure, originally built in the 1960s.

The decades-old structure is being replaced with a state-of-the-art lion habitat designed to enhance animal care and improve visitor experience.

Making Way for a Modern Home

Crews have wrapped up tearing down the old exhibit to get ready to begin construction on a new, climate-controlled lion enclosure. The upgraded space will feature expansive outdoor areas and improved indoor viewing windows.

A New Kind of Viewing Experience

In a unique addition, the exhibit will include after-hours rentals where guests can observe the lions after dark. Zoo officials say that’s typically when the big cats are most active, offering visitors a rare and engaging nighttime look at the animals.

Part of a Larger Vision

The improvements are part of the zoo’s $46 million African Wilds expansion, an ambitious project aimed at modernizing animal habitats.

This includes bringing back zebras and creating immersive, educational experiences for guests to enjoy during the summer as well as in the wintertime.