Oklahoma City Zoo Unveiled New Pumpkin House

A new seasonal display at the zoo features 256 pumpkins housed in a custom-built frame for the Haunt the Zoo event.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Wildlife

Bold vector illustration of a tiered wooden structure holding an array of pumpkins, depicting a seasonal festive display. — The Oklahoma City Zoo introduced a seasonal pumpkin house containing 256 pumpkins, built through a partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Oklahoma City Zoo has introduced a pumpkin house as part of its annual Haunt the Zoo celebration. The structure, which holds 256 pumpkins, was developed through a partnership between the zoo and the Oklahoma Department of Corrections.

Why it matters

This collaboration provided an opportunity for inmates at the Dick Conner Correctional Center to gain hands-on experience and build practical skills. The installation serves as a new, festive attraction for families visiting the zoo this season.

The display can hold 256 pumpkins in its custom frame. Construction of the frame required a two-month effort by inmates at the Dick Conner Correctional Center.

The players

Oklahoma City Zoo

A major regional attraction that manages animal conservation and seasonal public programming for Oklahoma City families.

Oklahoma Department of Corrections

A state agency that oversees correctional facilities and provides vocational training programs for inmates.

Dick Conner Correctional Center

A state correctional facility that provides housing and vocational rehabilitation programs for the prison population.

The details

The project originated from a desire to expand seasonal offerings at the zoo. Inmates spent two months constructing the frame before its installation at the Oklahoma City Zoo. The framework was designed to safely stack and organize the large volume of pumpkins for public display.

August-October 2026: Inmates spent two months constructing the pumpkin house frame.
October 2026: The pumpkin house is displayed at Haunt the Zoo.

The Home Front

This project aligns with a broader trend of zoos utilizing local institutional partnerships to create large-scale seasonal attractions. Such collaborations reflect an increasing focus on community-integrated programming for public leisure spaces.

Families can view the new pumpkin house during the current Haunt the Zoo event at the Oklahoma City Zoo. Plan your visit during daytime hours to see the structure's full capacity of 256 pumpkins.

The takeaway

The pumpkin house is an example of community-focused collaboration that enhances local public spaces. If you are interested in autumn garden displays at home, consider looking into structural framing techniques to support heavy harvests of gourds or pumpkins.