OKC Zoo Gala Journey to Africa - 405 Magazine

OKC Zoo Gala Journey to Africa

The sold-out second annual OKC Zoo Gala was held at the zoo terrace.

Photos by Photoville

The sold-out second annual OKC Zoo Gala was held at the zoo terrace. Presented by Dr. Margaret Freede and Judge Dan Owens. Nearly 300 guests were immersed in African drums, wildlife and African-inspired cuisine and enjoyed an exclusive preview of the awe-inspiring Expedition Africa, the zoo’s largest habitat expansion in its history, before it officially opens to the public this summer. The gala also honored those individuals who have amplified the zoo’s mission through their wild generosity. This year’s honorees included the Inasmuch Foundation, Lee Allan Smith and the late Josephine Freede. Fundraising efforts from this event benefited the OKC Zoo and the Expedition Africa project.

Dr. Dwight Lawson, executive director/CEO of the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden; Lee Allan Smith, OKC Zoo Gala honoree; Mandy Heaps, executive director of Oklahoma Zoological Society.
Live performance provided by Bandan Koro African Drum and Dance Ensemble from Dallas, Texas.
OKC Zoo Gala co-chairs Cindy Batt and Donita Thomas.
Chickasaw Nation representatives (left to right): Tom John, Joe Thomas, Hursh Juneja, Lisa John, Oklahoma artist, Zonly Looman, Ashley Fish and Bruce Fish.
Ondray Canady, Oklahoma City Councilwoman Nikki Nice, Dr. Dwight Lawson, executive director/CEO of the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, and Dr. Rebecca Snyder, OKC Zoo’s senior director of conservation, education and science.