OKC Zoo launches initiative to dim lights for migrating birds
Apr 11, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — An initiative called "Lights Out Oklahoma," proposed by the Oklahoma City Zoo, is working to limit light pollution and help birds migrate through the state safely during spring and fall.
"The effort is to turn off or down unnecessary exterior lights to help birds that are
migrating through the state," said Greg Heanue, the Chief Marketing Officer for the Oklahoma City Zoo.
Mississippi Kite Bird courtesy Jesse Pline, Wildcare Oklahoma
Oklahoma is a hot spot for migrating birds, with spring migration right around the corner, starting April 15 through May 15.
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"When birds have completed their spring migration, those exterior lights are okay to be turned on. But you know, the benefit of turning your lights off not only is helping the birds, but also it saves you energy," said Heanue.
For those at home not wanting to turn off their lights, Inger Giuffrida, the Executive Director of Wildcare Oklahoma, said homeowners can shield lights to only point in a downward direction.
"No one needs to protect anything coming from the sky," Giuffrida said.
Those who may be curious about downtown lights and bright stadium bulbs, the goal isn't to take the lights away, but to turn them off when residents won't be awake to see them.
"The stadium lights, the building lights that celebrate the Thunder's win, just turn them off after 11 p.m., and that's going to make an enormous difference," Giuffrida said.
Downtown is known for bright light attractions like the Paycom Center, the top of the First National building, and the Devon Tower.
News 4 reached out to the city to see if they plan to dim any lights. We are waiting to hear back.
However, the OKC Zoo is all in.
"We're walking the walk. So we will be turning off or down all of our unnecessary exterior lights, including here on our administrative building," said Heanue.
"It's just about, you know, exercising some compassion towards other things that live on this earth with us," said Giuffrida. ...read more read less
