Oklahoma City Zoo Urges Lights Out to Protect Migratory Birds

Annual LIGHTS OUT OKLAHOMA campaign aims to reduce light pollution and save bird lives.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:10pm

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A highly textured, abstract painting in earthy tones of green, blue, and ochre, depicting sweeping geometric arcs and precise avian silhouettes in a conceptual representation of the intricate migratory patterns of birds passing through Oklahoma.An artistic rendering of the complex migratory patterns of birds traversing the night skies over Oklahoma, a critical corridor for millions of avian travelers.Oklahoma City Today

The Oklahoma City Zoo is launching the second annual LIGHTS OUT OKLAHOMA initiative, calling on individuals and businesses across the state to turn off non-essential lights at night during peak migratory bird seasons. The goal is to reduce light pollution that can disorient and endanger migratory birds passing through Oklahoma.

Why it matters

Light pollution is a major threat to migratory birds, causing them to collide with brightly lit buildings and structures or become disoriented and exhausted. Oklahoma is a key migration corridor, with millions of birds passing through the state each spring and fall. Reducing unnecessary nighttime lighting can have a significant impact on protecting these vulnerable bird populations.

The details

LIGHTS OUT OKLAHOMA encourages residents and businesses to turn off exterior lighting, dim interior lighting, and close curtains at night during the spring (April-May) and fall (September-November) migration seasons. The zoo is partnering with the Audubon Society, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other conservation groups to promote the initiative and provide resources on how to reduce light pollution.

  • The second annual LIGHTS OUT OKLAHOMA campaign launched in April 2026.
  • The spring migration season runs from April through May each year.
  • The fall migration season runs from September through November each year.

The players

Oklahoma City Zoo

A major zoo and conservation organization in Oklahoma's capital city, leading the LIGHTS OUT OKLAHOMA initiative.

LIGHTS OUT OKLAHOMA

An annual campaign to encourage Oklahomans to turn off non-essential lights at night during peak migratory bird seasons.

Audubon Society

A national non-profit organization focused on bird conservation, partnering with the Oklahoma City Zoo on the LIGHTS OUT OKLAHOMA program.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The federal agency responsible for managing and protecting migratory birds, also collaborating with the zoo on the LIGHTS OUT OKLAHOMA initiative.

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What they’re saying

“Turning off lights at night is a simple but impactful way for all Oklahomans to help protect migratory birds passing through our state.”

— Dwight Scott, Director, Oklahoma City Zoo

What’s next

The Oklahoma City Zoo will be tracking participation and impact metrics throughout the 2026 LIGHTS OUT OKLAHOMA campaign, with plans to expand the initiative to more communities across the state in future years.

The takeaway

By working together to reduce unnecessary nighttime lighting, Oklahomans can play a vital role in protecting migratory bird populations that are increasingly threatened by the impacts of light pollution.