Popular program continues to engage Oklahoma families through reading fun, conservation education and recreation with complimentary Zoo admission!
A partnership between the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden and OG&E, aimed at inspiring young Oklahomans’ love of literacy and nature, is set to launch again this year through the statewide Read for Adventure library program. Sponsored by Oklahoma Gas and Electric (OG&E), Read for Adventure has a dual goal: inspiring students and their families to read and taking conservation action for monarch butterflies and other pollinators.
At the center of the program is the children’s book, Juniper’s Butterfly Garden–A Small Start for a Better World. Beginning Monday, June 2, library cardholders are encouraged to check out Juniper’s Butterfly Garden—A Small Start for a Better World, from more than 200 participating Oklahoma public or tribal library locations. When they return the book, they will receive a voucher redeemable for free general admission to the OKC Zoo for up to four people (child, adult or senior).
Read for Adventure has allowed more than 60,000 Oklahomans to visit and enjoy the OKC Zoo at no cost.
“We couldn’t make Read for Adventure possible without the generous support of OG&E and our library partners across the state,” said Dwight Lawson, OKC Zoo’s executive director and CEO. “Not only are we connecting young readers with a wonderful book and, we hope, a lifetime love of reading, but Read for Adventure is also inspiring a new generation to appreciate nature and take positive conservation action.”
“We are excited to spark a passion for reading in young Oklahomans and energize their curiosity in the outdoors and ways to preserve and protect the iconic Monarch butterfly and other pollinators,” said OG&E’s manager of community outreach and engagement Kelli Hayward Walsh. “We love working with the OKC Zoo to help get kids outside enjoying the outdoors and learning more about wildlife and habitat conservation.”
The program’s feature book conveys the story of a child’s passion and determination to help butterflies by creating a pollinator habitat. Readers will find resources in the back of the book about planting a garden for monarchs and other pollinators at home, providing vital habitat for monarchs along their migratory path through Oklahoma. The OKC Zoo and OG&E recognize the importance of these pollinators and the urgency of restoring their population and protecting their seasonal habitat, and Read for Adventure shares with Oklahomans how they can help monarchs thrive by planting habitat for them in their own yards, community or school gardens.
Read for Adventure Zoo admission vouchers are redeemable through June 30, 2026. Vouchers can be redeemed at the Zoo’s ticket windows. For additional details about Read for Adventure, including a downloadable coloring page and list of participating libraries, visit www.okczoo.org/readforadventure.
