Situated right in Oklahoma City in Oklahoma, the Oklahoma City Zoo is a living museum and botanical garden which was primarily established in order to protect rare and endangered plant and animal species found in the United States and other parts of the world. The zoo has been recognized as one of the premiere zoological and botanical gardens in the world, giving locals and tourists alike the opportunity to mix educational and recreational opportunities in order to learn more about the different plant and animal species that have made the zoo their home and develop a concern for their preservation.
One of the most popular parts of the Oklahoma City Zoo among locals and tourists alike is the zoo's Butterfly Garden. Located west of the Noble Aquatic Center of the zoo, this 20,000 foot exhibit area is home to more than 15,000 different plant and butterfly species that are native not just in the United States but in other parts of the world. Visitors are captivated as they enter the garden as butterflies of different shapes and colors fly about, with some nestling on their shoulders, hands and hair. Much of the plant species found in this butterfly garden are those that these different butterfly species feed on. On the southern corner of the exhibit stands a tall prairie grass section which mimics the natural surroundings where most of these butterfly species commonly thrive.
The Oklahoma City Zoo continues to expand its attractions to bring the beauty of nature to the city of Oklahoma. One of the ongoing expansion projects is the establishment of a Children's Zoo, which is scheduled to open in the year 2010. The $8 million project aims to open a whole new world to children as they and their parents rediscover their natural surroundings.