9 hours Ago
Twenty years ago, I retired as executive director of Tulsa Zoo Friends after over 12 years on the job. I truly loved that job. I truly enjoyed working at the zoo and sharing phenomenal experiences with our visitors, donors, friends and animals.
In my time at the zoo, we fortunately saw some major changes and activities at the zoo and created I believe a facility of which all Tulsans were proud. After all, we were chosen in a Microsoft contest to be America’s Favorite Zoo. We had the almost too exciting fundraiser for the penguins (and many of those gentle giants are still around town).
We had Waltz on the Wild Side and truly a plethora of other activities and new exhibits. After retirement, I traveled a bit or a lot but am now back in Tulsa and excited to be here. I am most excited, however, to see the growth and progress of the Tulsa Zoo.
It bogglers my mind to see the excellence of the zoo today. From the Lost Kingdom to the new playground, to the guest facilities, to the elephant barn and, soon, the African Wilds. People are also reading.
.. Update: 7-year-old boy killed when hit by car on 21st Street near Memorial Drive Senator meets with Abrego Garcia in El Salvador amid court fight over his return to US Dan Bitson resigns from Booker T.
Washington football program OU softball falls in Top 25 after series loss at Alabama, looks to regroup vs. Mississippi State Timothy McVeigh's letters to Oklahoma journalist offer window into bomber's mind Bill addressing tribal toll collections falls in House committee; governor reacts State reps match Bible verses in 'Christ is King' resolution debate Ben Arbuckle’s personality a change from recent OU offensive coordinators | Berry Tramel’s ScissorTales Man who survived Nazi occupation tells anti-MAGA activists in Tulsa: 'Resist!' Adair man, 36, dies after head-on crash Tuesday in Mayes County Bill Haisten: Vols’ debacle reminiscent of the OSU-Spencer Sanders divorce State ends contracts for three large mental health services providers in Tulsa County Why Timothy McVeigh picked April 19: The Waco-Oklahoma City bombing connection Grand jury charges Jimcy McGirt with failing to register as a sex offender Houligan's Corner opens in Broken Arrow To the growth, courtesy of the citizens of Tulsa and the many private donors under the new Tulsa Zoo Management organization. Add to that the amazing birth of five Malaysian tiger cubs, the baby giraffe and the future importance of the elephant program, kudos to all involved and the resourcefulness of the cohesive staff.
Tulsans, you can be so very proud of our zoo. Where it was, where it is, and where it is going. Congratulations to Lindsay Hutchison, president and CEO, and the entire staff for the work they have done, the leadership they have shown and the future they are envisioning.
Connecting people to an understanding of wildlife, conservation and the exceptional environment and culture that we, as northeast Oklahoma families and friends, are fortunate to live in is most admirable. Tulsans have done it again! Editor’s note: Collins is the former Tulsa Zoo Friends executive director and a member of the Tulsa Zoo Advisory Council. Letters to the editor are encouraged.
Submit letters at go.tulsaworld.com/submitletter Elephants at San Diego zoo huddle to protect calves during earthquake.
