Monarch butterfly populations have dropped by nearly 90% since the 1990s because of habitat loss, climate change, and pesticide use. The OKC Zoo leads monarch conservation work by conducting research, supporting national and local programs, and creating wildflower gardens at the Zoo with milkweed and nectar plants that monarchs need to survive. The Zoo also helps teachers and schools plant monarch gardens through its Living Classroom Grants Program.

Zoo staff participate in community science programs including Monarch Watch tagging and Cellular Tracking Technologies radio transmitter tracking to better understand monarch migration. These efforts help scientists learn more about monarchs and how to protect them. You can help monarchs and other pollinators by planting native plants and not using pesticides in your yard.