Prairie Dogs Released at Oklahoma City Park

Around 40 prairie dogs transferred to help re-establish the species in the area.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:29pm

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On Friday morning, around 40 prairie dogs were released at Martin Nature Park in Oklahoma City to help re-establish the animal's population in the area. The prairie dogs were released near pre-dug holes for them to burrow into while still in a cage. City officials said the park was home to prairie dog colonies in the past, but they haven't been seen there since the early 2000s.

Why it matters

The reintroduction of prairie dogs to Martin Nature Park is an effort to restore the local ecosystem and biodiversity. Prairie dogs play a crucial role in the prairie environment, serving as a food source for predators and creating burrows that provide shelter for other species. Their return to the park signals a positive step in conservation efforts.

The details

The prairie dogs were transferred to Oklahoma City and released at Martin Nature Park near Memorial Road and Meridian Avenue. The park was previously home to prairie dog colonies, but the animals have not been seen there since the early 2000s. City officials and naturalists are excited to bring the prairie dogs back to the park, where visitors will now be able to observe them.

  • The prairie dogs were released on Friday morning, March 29, 2026.

The players

Martin Nature Park

A nature park in Oklahoma City that was previously home to prairie dog colonies.

Mark Cunningham

The assistant naturalist at Martin Park Nature Center.

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What they’re saying

“We haven't seen them here since the early 2000s, and we're excited to bring them back.”

— Mark Cunningham, Assistant Naturalist, Martin Park Nature Center

The takeaway

The reintroduction of prairie dogs to Martin Nature Park is a positive step in restoring the local ecosystem and biodiversity, as these keystone species play a crucial role in the prairie environment. The return of the prairie dogs to the park will allow visitors to observe and appreciate these adorable and important creatures.