Enhanced indoor facilities and significantly expanded outdoor spaces will allow the Tulsa Zoo to accommodate a growing multi-generational herd of elephants for decades to come.

Oxley Family Elephant Experience + Preserve

The Tulsa Zoo

The Tulsa Zoo has a successful history of exhibiting and caring for Asian elephants and is currently home to 3 elephants. The Zoo’s commitment to the species and the animals in its care includes a planned expansion and improvements to the existing habitat, allowing for a larger, more multi-generational herd of up to 10 elephants.

Working alongside the City of Tulsa, the Tulsa Zoo, and zoological design specialists WDM Architects, Narrate Design has designed a new multi-acre facility that will enable the zoo to meet the evolving high standards of care for elephants required by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. This new state-of-the-art facility will be one of the largest of its kind.

When completed, the Oxley Family Elephant Experience + Preserve will allow visitors to see the elephants both indoors and out, providing an opportunity to learn about the importance of elephants in their rich and diverse zoo environment.

The new barn is planned to open in 2023 and the rest of the Experience in 2024.


Learn more about the Tulsa Zoo here.