11:03 AM The Tulsa Zoo announced Monday that a local foundation made a donation to help fund a new tiger exhibit alongside its new Lost Kingdom Complex. The Helmerich Foundation's lead gift will go towards building the new exhibit, which the zoo named in their honor. The exhibit will allow the zoo to house Malayan tigers, a species with fewer than 500 left in the wild. Channel 8 previously covered the Tulsa Zoo's celebration of Berani, a Malayan tiger cub born at the zoo. But due to limited space, he was sent to Washington state to be paired with another cub. Officials at the zoo said that with the new Helmerich Tiger exhibit, more holding space will be available and hope they will be able to make greater strides to conserve future cubs like Berani. According to the zoo's press release, the Hardesty Family Foundation also pledged a donation to the Lost Kingdom complex, which will go towards a new snow leopard facility. The Hardesty Snow Leopard habitat will allow visitors to see the endangered specials up close. Set to open in 2015, The Lost Kingdom complex will feature an immersive setting, complete with ancient Asian ruins and up-close encounters with tigers, Komodo dragos and other species. "Since entering into a public-private partnership with the city nearly two years ago, Tulsa Zoo Management Inc. has made great strides towards securing the zoo's future," said Terrie Correll, CEO of Tulsa Zoo Management. "Our new master plan outlines a comprehensive plan over a 20 year period to build the world class exhibits that both our community and animals deserve." For more information on the zoo, visit their website at Home Page - Tulsa Zoo. _storysmartredirect
new rhino exhibit also coming Here is a link to the Zoo's actual news release. It also has some information on a new White Rhinoceros habitat that will be built in 2013. Tulsa Zoo Receives Lead Gift for New Tiger Exhibit - Tulsa Zoo
