CONTINUING THROUGH MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2: EARLY ZOO HOURS FOR ZOOFRIENDS MEMBERS ONLY
ZOOfriends members can continue enjoying early access to the Oklahoma City Zoo through Labor Day, Monday, September 2, with gates opening at 8:30 a.m. daily. This special perk is for ZOOfriends members only with proof of a current membership passport. The Zoo closes daily at 5 p.m. with last entry at 4 p.m. Support your love and passion for wildlife and wild places with a ZOOfriends Membership Passport to the OKC Zoo. There’s a membership level for every kind of explorer with amazing benefits and each plan pays for itself in four or fewer visits. Plus, you are supporting the OKC Zoo, its animals, programs, and conservation efforts! Memberships can be purchased at www.okczoo.org/membership.
ONGOING: NATURE EXPLORERS PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION AND BUTTERFLY SALE
OKC Zoo’s Nature Explorers Preschool is moving to a brand-new center with more classrooms, common areas, and a nature-based outdoor learning area where students will spend most of their days. The new preschool center is located adjacent to the Zoo's administration building. Nature Explorers Preschool is currently enrolling for full-time care with classes beginning August 12, 2024. Students in the nature-based preschool program spend 75 percent of their time outdoors with curriculum blending classroom learning with experiences in nature so children can learn about animals, habitats, and the important work of conservation. Preschool hours are Monday- Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit www.okczoo.org/preschool to learn more and sign up. The Zoo’s preschool center includes a permanent butterfly art piece. Donors who make a gift of $250 or more to support this innovative new learning center have the opportunity to have their family’s or child’s name on a butterfly emblem as part of the installation inside the doors of the preschool. There are only 150 butterflies available for this inaugural piece. To make a donation visit https://www.ozsgiving.org/preschool.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 1 THROUGH SATURDAY, AUGUST 31: ASIAN ELEPHANT AWARENESS MONTH
August is Asian Elephant Awareness Month, a global movement to bring attention to the plight Asian elephants are facing and inspire the public to take conservation action through a social media campaign, #AsianElephantAwarenessMonth. The Zoo is proud to partner with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and International Elephant Foundation to raise awareness of these beloved and endangered animals. Share your love for elephants on social media and join those being “herd” with #AsianElephantAwarenessMonth and remember to tag @okczoo. The Oklahoma City Zoo is home to a multi-generational herd of eight Asian elephants with two new additions expected in 2025. Asian elephants are endangered and face unique challenges that threaten the species’ survival. Asian elephant populations in the wild have fallen below 40,000. The 13 nations that make up the natural habitat of Asian elephants contain the densest human population on the planet and, as a result, vital habitat for elephants has been reduced by 85 percent over the last 40 years. Furthermore, Asian elephants are much more susceptible than African elephants to EEHV, a fast-moving virus with a 60% fatality rate.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 1: TICKETS ON SALE FOR ZOOBREW, PRESENTED BY BYRON’S LIQUOR WAREHOUSE
It’s ZOObrew’s sweet 16th year and it’s going to be bigger and better than ever before. This year’s ZOObrew is expanding its tastings, including beer, wine, spirits, and mocktails! The fun is set for Friday, September 27, with events running from 4 to 9 p.m. Presented by Byron’s Liquor Warehouse, ZOObrew is a 21-and-older event including a variety of tastings from breweries in and around Oklahoma, as well as other libations and non-alcoholic beverages. Revelers will also relish tasty bites from local food trucks, lawn games and more while exploring the Zoo and raising important funds for the OKC Zoo. Can’t wait to get the party started? PREbrew, from 4 to 6 p.m., includes early entry to the event, unlimited samplings, appetizers in the COOP VIP Lounge, a limited-edition shirt, exclusive animal engagements, and carousel rides for $125/person. PREbrew tickets are limited. ZOObrew general admission tickets are $70/person including event access, unlimited samplings and carousel rides. Proceeds from ZOObrew will support one of the Zoo’s global wildlife conservation efforts. The Zoo will close at 1 p.m., last entry at noon, on Friday, September 27 in preparation for ZOObrew. To purchase PREbrew and ZOObrew tickets and additional event details, visit www.okczoo.org/zoobrew. ZOObrew Volunteer Opportunities: Tap into your wild side and volunteer to help with ZOObrew on Friday, September 27. Volunteers must be 21 or older and will enjoy wild perks such as an event shirt and pizza! Register to volunteer at www.okczoo.org/zoobrew.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3: OKC ZOO HOSTS WORLD ELEPHANT DAY ACTIVITIES FROM 11 A.M. TO 2 P.M.
Bring the whole herd out to celebrate World Elephant Day at the Oklahoma City Zoo. Sanctuary Asia is the place to be for caretaker chats, enrichment events, and the much-loved elephant presentations. The Oklahoma Zoological Society is celebrating with opportunities to support the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Asian Elephant SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) program. Those who make a $25 donation to conservation will receive an elephant plush. On Saturday, Zoo guests will receive a free water bottle courtesy of Shape Your Future, a program of TSET, while supplies last. Water bottles will be given away beginning at 9 a.m. as guests enter the park. World Elephant Day activities are free with regular admission.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 10: ENHANCED EXPERIENCE FOR DEAF AND HARD-OF-HEARING VISITORS WITH AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS
To enhance the experience of deaf and hard-of-hearing guests, the OKC Zoo will provide American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters in the park on Saturday, August 10. ASL interpreters are available at the Zoo on the second Saturday of every month and present at elephant presentations and scheduled Wild Encounter experiences for guests free of charge. Elephant presentations are free to attend and occur at 2 p.m., Friday through Sunday, in the elephant pavilion at Sanctuary Asia. For a complete listing of available Wild Encounters visit www.okczoo.org/plan_your_visit#WE.
DISCOVER THE OKC ZOO’S NEW SAVANNA SWEETS AT EXPEDITION AFRICA
Make this month a sweet one with a tasty treat from Savanna Sweets in the OKC Zoo’s Expedition Africa habitat. This new dedicated dessert depot hosts a delectable list of chilled treats to beat the summer heat. The new menu includes:
- Chocolate-Dipped Bananas
- Chocolate-Dipped Waffles
- Chocolate-Dipped Cheesecake
- Chocolate-Dipped Vanilla Ice Cream
- Chocolate-Dipped Cookies
- Chocolate-Dipped Banana Cream Pie
- Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches with a choice of peanut butter or chocolate chip cookie, which can also be chocolate-dipped.
All chocolate-dipped items can be topped with peanuts, sprinkles, Reese's Pieces, or Oreo pieces. Savanna Sweets will also offer soft-serve cones, Dole Whips, pretzels, popcorn, and cotton candy.
SUMMER CONCERTS AT ZOO AMPHITHEATRE
Newly renovated and Oklahoma City’s treasured outdoor music venue, Zoo Amphitheatre, is filling August with a lineup of concerts that appeal to music lovers of all stripes.
- Friday, August 2: Legends of Hip Hop with Ice Cube, E-40, and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
- Saturday, August 3: Blues Traveler and Big Head Todd and the Monsters
- Saturday, August 24: Howard Jones & ABC and Haircut One Hundred
- Friday and Saturday, August 30 and 31: The Flaming Lips’ Summer Freak Out
Managed by SaveLive, Zoo Amphitheatre is adjacent to the Oklahoma City Zoo and remains one of Oklahoma City’s premier, and iconic attractions. Stay up to date on Zoo Amphitheatre’s 2024 season and purchase tickets at www.okczooamp.com.
ONGOING: EXPLORE EXPEDITION AFRICA, NOW OPEN
OKC Zoo’s largest-ever habitat expansion is now open! Expedition Africa, presented by Inasmuch Foundation, is 12 acres of exciting exploration for animal lovers. Dozens of diverse species make their homes here. Enjoy the state-of-the-art new giraffe barn and Savanna, Predator Pass, and the revamped and renovated Love’s Pachyderm Building, home to some of the Zoo’s wildest residents, including naked mole rats, a dwarf crocodile, an African lungfish, and more! In addition to new animal habitats and buildings, Expedition Africa has new shaded pavilions, viewing decks, and seating to make “going on safari” easier than ever before.
ONGOING: GORILLAS ON THE LINE CELL PHONE CHALLENGE
Have you recently upgraded to a new phone? Spring cleaning turn up a device you don’t use anymore? Make a huge impact by donating cell phones or other small electronics to help save gorillas. Support the Oklahoma City Zoo in its efforts to protect wild gorillas and their habitat by donating to the Gorillas on the Line Cell Phone Challenge now through Monday, September 30, 2024. Donate a cellphone or small electronic and receive a free general Zoo admission ticket! Recycling old cellphones and electronics raises funds to directly support gorilla conservation initiatives through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Gorilla SAFE: Saving Animals from Extinction programs. Answer the call for gorillas and donate a device now through September 30. Schools, organizations, businesses and individuals are encouraged to collect as many cell phones and electronics as they can in support of gorilla conservation. Donated items can be dropped off for recycling in the Zoo’s Guest Services office located in the entry plaza during regular park hours.
ONGOING: OKC ZOO SUMMER ATTRACTION TIMES
- NEW Scooter Pals! Take a ride on the wild side with the OKC Zoo’s new Scooter Pals. This new mobile entertainment opportunity is a fun way for guests 18 and older to explore the park. Scooter Pals are animal themed and available to rent daily weather permitting, located in the Zoo’s entry plaza. Cost is $5 activation fee, $0.35/minute.
- Children’s Zoo Barnyard (Children’s Zoo) is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is free to enjoy.
- Elephant Express Tram: Take the tram for a relaxing, informative tour of the Zoo. Rides offered daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All day bracelets are $6 per person. Children two and under free.
- Elephant Presentations are free to attend and take place at Sanctuary Asia, elephant habitat at 2 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Memorial Day (May 27), Independence Day (July 4), and Labor Day (September 2).
- Endangered Species Carousel: Carousel rides are available daily from 9:30 a.m. to 430 p.m. Cost is $4 per person.
- Explorikeet Feedings (Children’s Zoo): These feathered favorites are waiting to meet you! Feeding opportunities are available daily from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Cost is $4 per person. Participants under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
- Gorilla Trek VR: Experience the life of gorillas in the jungle with this 360-degree live action virtual reality film with motion platform seating. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $8 per person.
- Rhino Feedings: Discover this memorable experience with one of the most magical residents at the Zoo–an Indian rhino! Feeding opportunities available Thursday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to noon. at Sanctuary Asia. Cost is $10 per person.
- Stingray Bay: Our stingrays will bring a smile to your face! Stingray Bay is open daily from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $4 per person to enter. Stingray feedings occur 10:30 to 11 a.m. and 1:30 to 2 p.m. daily, while supplies last, for an additional $3 per person.
- Flamingo Mingle: Flock to the Flamingo Mingle feeding daily from 9:30 to 10 a.m. and 3:30 to 4 p.m. Cost is $5 per person.
- Giraffe Feeding: Feed our tallest friends during the Giraffe Feeding 11 a.m. to noon daily and Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 3 p.m. Cost is $5 per person.
- Camel Rides: Camel Rides are available the OKC Zoo daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $8 per person.
The Oklahoma City Zoo is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the last entry no later than 4 p.m. Purchase advance Zoo admission tickets at okczoo.org/tickets and avoid the entry lines. Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, the OKC Zoo is a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums, and Oklahoma City’s Adventure District. Zoo admission is $16 for adults and $13 for children ages 3-11 and seniors ages 65 and over. Children two and under are admitted free. Membership has its perks! As a ZOOfriends member of the Oklahoma City Zoo, enjoy free admission all year-long, plus many additional benefits and discounts. You will also be supporting the Zoo’s animal family, education programming and conservation initiatives both locally and globally. Join or renew today at www.okczoo.org/membership.
Stay connected with the Zoo on Facebook, X, Instagram, Linktree and TikTok, and by visiting our blog stories. To learn more about Zoo happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visit okczoo.org.