Predators thinning bird flocks at Oklahoma City zoo

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Oklahoma City Zoo officials say minks and other wild animals are taking a toll on the flocks of birds in the zoo. <br><br>Minks, stray dogs and skunks, among other animals, have

Friday, July 7th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Oklahoma City Zoo officials say minks and other wild animals are taking a toll on the flocks of birds in the zoo.

Minks, stray dogs and skunks, among other animals, have killed about 120 birds at the zoo. Two pink flamingos, at a cost of about $2,000 each, have fallen victims to predators this spring.

Executive Director Steve Wylie estimates the zoo has lost about $$40,000 in the last couple of years because of the killings. The problem has begun to concern zoo officials more in the lasts 18 months because minks - which Wylie refers to as cunning and diligent hunters - have become more prevalent in the area.

He says the zoo is contracting the state Agriculture Department to evaluate the zoo grounds and make suggestions on how to make the grounds safer for birds.