April 25, 2026 Issue, Page 10 of 12

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10• SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026 The Elk City News Oklahomans Encouraged To Take Action To Protect Migratory Birds With Lights Out Oklahoma Initiative For the 2nd year, LIGHTS OUT homes and work spaces. The most The Oklahoma Animal Co- Ridge Nature Preserve, Sutton Avi- Aquariums’ (AZA) SAFE: Saving homa City’s Adventure District. OKLAHOMA campaign calls on effective time for turning lights alition, which spearheads the an Research Center, Tulsa Audu- Animals From Extinction program Zoo hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. individuals, businesses to turn off out is between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. LIGHTS OUT OKLAHOMA pub- bon, Tulsa Bird Collaborative, Tul- for North American Songbirds as daily with last entry at 4 p.m. Pur- non-essential lights at night to help during the peak spring migration lic service campaign, is an informal sa Zoo, WildCare Oklahoma, and well as AZA’s Not a Pet campaign, chase Zoo admission in advance birds safely migrate through Okla- season, April 15 through May 31, collective of non-profit organiza- Young Naturalists Club of Oklaho- which educates people about which at okczoo.org/tickets to avoid the homa during the spring and fall 2026. tions committed to helping animals ma–a division of Oklahoma Sierra animals do not make good pets, are entry lines. Stay in the know on all seasons. “Taking action to help birds and wildlife. Now it its second year, Club. also initiatives the OKC Zoo sup- things OKC Zoo on Facebook, In- With the simple flip of a switch, through this project has dual ben- the LIGHTS OUT OKLAHOMA To learn more about LIGHTS ports to help protect bird species. stagram, Linktree, TikTok, and by Oklahomans can take conservation efits for us and birds,” added Dr. initiative is the group’s first public OUT OKLAHOMA visit www.ok- Fly out for a morning of fun on visiting our blog stories. action to help protect wild birds. Snyder. “By turning off lights, par- awareness initiative. czoo.org/lightsout. Saturday, May 2 as the OKC Zoo As a partner of the Oklahoma ticipants will reduce energy use and “This campaign helps edu- The Oklahoma City Zoo is com- celebrates Bird Awareness Day. Experience the OKC Zoo as only Animal Coalition, the Oklahoma save money, while helping protect cate Oklahomans on the dangers mitted to bird and habitat conser- Guests will enjoy engaging activi- a ZOOfriends member can! With City Zoo and Botanical Garden, birds—it’s a win, win.” to migrating birds as well as how vation locally and globally. In Okla- ties, conservation stations, caretak- a ZOOfriends membership, enjoy is proud to continue its support In February 2026, the jour- nighttime light pollution interferes homa, the Zoo has provided funds er chats, and more. Activities will free general admission to the Zoo of LIGHTS OUT OKLAHOMA, a nal Science published a new study with insects’ ability to reproduce and staff support to the George take place from 9:30 a.m. to noon for 12 months, plus additional ben- communications campaign aimed showing that bird populations in and pollinate at night, creating rip- Miksch Sutton Avian Research in and around the Zoo’s Children’s efits and discounts. You will also be at raising awareness for migratory North America are declining at an ple effects that reduce critical food Center in Bartlesville to complete Zoo presented by Primrose Schools supporting the Zoo’s animal family, birds and the impact light pollution alarming rate. Research conducted sources for birds and bats which a new five-year Oklahoma Breed- and are free with regular admission. education programming, and con- has on their populations. Oklaho- between 1987 and 2021 monitoring affect crops that support humans, ing Bird Atlas. Data from Breeding Located at the crossroads of I-44 servation initiatives both locally ma is part of the central flyway with the populations of 261 avian species too,” said Inger Giuffrida, founder Bird Surveys is vital and was used and I-35, the OKC Zoo is a proud and globally. Join or renew today hundreds of species of birds mak- in North America revealed about of the Oklahoma Animal Coalition in the Science article referenced member of the Association of Zoos at okczoo.org/membership. ing their way from, through, or to half showed significant population and Executive Director of Wild- above to determine population de- and Aquariums, the American the state depending on the species declines. This significant drop in Care Oklahoma. “Lights at night clines. The Association of Zoos and Alliance of Museums, and Okla- and their migration starting point. the number of birds in American have the dual effect of causing birds “Seeing birds migrate across skies is referred to as a decline in to lose their way and reducing the MERRITT Oklahoma each spring and fall is abundance. This is alarming be- critical food supplies they need to a familiar sight, but many people cause it is an indicator of ecosystem make their arduous journeys every don’t realize the challenges birds collapse, which threatens environ- spring and fall.” face at night,” said Dr. Rebecca mental health for wildlife and hu- Organizations committed to Snyder, OKC Zoo’s Chief Mission mans. Declining bird populations supporting LIGHTS OUT OKLA- Programs Officer. “As light pollu- were more prominent in the south- HOMA in 2026 include Animal tion increases throughout our cit- ern and midwestern states, includ- Alliance of Oklahoma, Animal ies, towns, and neighborhoods, it’s ing Oklahoma, where it’s suspected Wellness Action, A Humane World significantly impacting birds. Their that rising temperatures and loss of for Animals (formerly HSUS), flight patterns are being disrupted, natural habitat to agriculture are Jenks High School Birding Club, causing birds to fly off course and strong contributors. Kirkpatrick Foundation, Kirkpat- have more collisions with buildings “Although light pollution is not rick Policy Group, Martin Nature and power lines.” the primary cause for declining Park, Oklahoma City Zoo and Individuals and businesses are bird populations in America, birds Botanical Gardens, Oklahoma encouraged to support LIGHTS can use all the help they can get,” Humane, Oklahoma Monarch So- OUT OKLAHOMA by turning off said Dr. Snyder. “Turning unnec- ciety, Oklahoma Primate Sanctu- or dimming non-essential lights essary lights off during peak bird ary, Oliver & Friends Farm Animal at night within and around their migration is truly beneficial.” Sanctuary, Prairie Creek Farm, Red Looking for a great fit for your company? Put your help wanted in the FODVVL¿HGVWRUHDFKPRUH Congratulations to the Merritt Shooting Sports team! This marks the 7th consecutive year for the Merritt pro- local candidates. gram to finish as either State Champion or State Runner-Up. SendContact Maressa your Help at to Wanted FODVVL¿HGV#HFGDLO\QHZVFRP ECNClassifi [email protected] Individual State, Junior Male , Third place- Parker Lohberger We proudly support Yes Finance 1414 W. 3rd St., Elk City, OK the students, staff and administration at Merritt Schools ~ Great Plains Bank 580.225.1525 ~ First National LocalLoanGroup.com Bank