NOW THROUGH LABOR DAY, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4: OKC ZOO OFFERS EARLY PARK ACCESS FOR MEMBERS ONLY

Oklahoma City Zoo’s ZOOfriends members can take advantage of early park access now through Labor Day, Monday, September 4, 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. Go wild for a ZOOfriends Membership Passport offering general admission for 12 months plus exclusive offers to the OKC Zoo, and know that you are supporting the Zoo’s ongoing animal care and conservation programs, too. Memberships can be purchased at okczoo.org/membership.

 

TUESDAY, AUGUST 1 THROUGH THURSDAY, AUGUST 31: OKC ZOO CELEBRATES ASIAN ELEPHANT AWARENESS MONTH

August is Asian Elephant Awareness Month and the Oklahoma City Zoo is proud to partner with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and International Elephant Conservation partners to bring attention to these beloved and endangered animals. The goal of this global movement is to raise awareness of the plight Asian elephants are facing, and inspire the public to take action for elephant conservation through a social media campaign, #AsianElephantAwarenessMonth. Asian Elephant Awareness Month continues to build momentum with over 40 million wildlife fans showing their support for Asian elephants by posting photos and messages on social media since 2019. Share your love for elephants on social and join those being “herd” with #AsianElephantAwarenessMonth and remember to tag @okczoo. In addition to caring for a multi-generational herd of eight Asian elephants, the OKC Zoo strives to conserve Asian elephants and their habitat through its global partnerships. Asian elephants are endangered, facing 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% in 40 years. Furthermore, Asian elephants are much more susceptible than African elephants to EEHV, a fast-moving virus with a 60% fatality rate. Closer to home, Oklahomans can also support Asian elephant conservation this August through these events:

  • OKC Zoo and Capitals Ice Cream Partnering for Elephant Conservation / August 1 through 31: The Oklahoma City Zoo and Capitals Ice Cream are paring up for a wild cause, elephant conservation. Here’s the scoop! From Tuesday, August 1 through Thursday, August 31, purchase Capitals’ signature ice cream flavor, “Strawberry Banelephant” and they will donate 10% of each sale to the OKC Zoo’s Asian elephant conservation program. Customers that purchase “Strawberry Banelephant” also have the opportunity to enter to win an OKC Zoo Asian elephant Wild Encounter experience good for four people plus general Zoo admission. Entries must be made in-person at Capitals and the drawing will be held on September 4. Capitals Ice Cream is located in Midtown OKC at 1006 N. Hudson Avenue, Sweet #100. For store hours visit, www.capitalsicecream.com.
  • World Elephant Day Celebration Presented by Bob Moore Subaru / Saturday, August 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: This World Elephant Day, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Bob Moore Subaru invite you to celebrate elephants in a big way. Learn more about the OKC Zoo’s Asian elephants and how you can help protect their counterparts in the wild. Guest will also enjoy family-friendly activities, caretaker chats, animal enrichment, an elephant presentation at 2 p.m. and more–all happening at the Zoo’s elephant habitat at Sanctuary Asia. This event is free with Zoo admission.

 

MONDAY, AUGUST 7 THROUGH FRIDAY, AUGUST 11: OKC ZOO OFFERS FREE GENERAL ADMISSION ON SELECT WEEKDAY AFTERNOONS

Complete the summer season with visit to the Oklahoma City Zoo for free! The OKC Zoo is offering free general admission, weekday afternoons from Monday, August 7 through Friday, August 11. Guests will enjoy free admission from noon to 4 p.m. each day. The Zoo closes daily at 5 p.m. This offer applies to all guests including adults, seniors and children. Children two and under are always free. Stay cool during your afternoon Zoo outings and explore the park’s splash areas in the Children’s Zoo and Sanctuary Asia, misters, fans and indoor attractions. Guests are also encouraged to bring their own drinks and reusable water bottles when visiting the Zoo. Through a partnership with Shape Your Future, a program of TSET, the Zoo recently installed five new hydration stations across the park for zoo-goers to enjoy.

 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 11: TICKETS ON SALE FOR ZOOBREW, OKLAHOMA’S MOST POPULAR BEER-TASTING FESTIVAL FOR 21+, PRESENTED BY BYRON’S LIQUOR WAREHOUSE AT THE OKC ZOO

Marking its 15th anniversary, ZOObrew, Oklahoma’s largest outdoor beer-tasting festival, returns to the Oklahoma City Zoo on Friday, September 29, from 6 4 to 9 p.m. Presented by Byron’s Liquor Warehouse, ZOObrew sets the scene for craft beer and wildlife fans, 21 and older, to enjoy an epic evening of tastings from breweries located in Oklahoma and neighboring states plus other libations, including wine, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages will be available. Revelers will also relish tasty bites from local food trucks, unique Zoo experiences, lawn games and more while raising important funds for the OKC Zoo. ZOObrew guests will also get an exclusive look at the OKC Zoo’s newest habitat expansion, Expedition Africa. The Zoo’s most ambitious and immersive experience ever, Expedition Africa features views of iconic African species including giraffe, zebra, lemurs, honey badger, lions and cheetah. Partake in the pre-event activities with PREbrew from 4 to 6 p.m. PREbrew admission, $115/person, includes early entry to the event from 4 to 6 p.m., unlimited beer samplings, appetizers in the COOP VIP Lounge, a limited-edition shirt, lorikeet experience, access to the Children’s Zoo Barnyard area and carousel rides. A PREbrew Designated Driver admission ticket is $40/person and does not include unlimited beer sampling. PREbrew tickets are limited. ZOObrew general admission tickets are $70/person including event access, unlimited beer samplings and carousel rides. A ZOObrew Designated Driver admission ticket is $20/person and does not include unlimited beer sampling. The Zoo will close at 1 p.m., last entry at noon, on Friday, September 29 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 29. 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 12: AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (ASL) INTERPRETERS AT THE OKC ZOO

On Saturday, August 12, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden will be providing American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters in the park to create an enhanced OKC Zoo experience for guests who are deaf and hard of hearing. ASL interpreters are available at the Zoo on the second Saturday of every month and present at elephant presentations and scheduled Wild Encounter experiences. Zoo guests are not charged a fee for the use of an ASL interpreter. Elephant presentations are free to attend and occur weekends at 2 p.m. in the elephant pavilion at Sanctuary Asia. For a complete listing of available Wild Encounters visit okczoo.org.

 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12: WORLD ELEPHANT DAY CELEBRATION HOSTED BY OKC ZOO AND BOB MOORE SUBARU

In celebration of World Elephant Day, the Oklahoma City Zoo encourages elephant fans of all ages to help take action for these iconic and majestic animals. The OKC Zoo and Bob Moore Subaru are planning special World Elephant Day activities for Saturday, August 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Zoo’s Sanctuary Asia elephant habitat near the ZooZeum. This particular animal awareness day is dedicated to bringing attention to the urgent issues facing Asian elephants through event activities and a worldwide social media campaign, #AsianElephantAwarenessDay. Guests will enjoy information stations, interactive activities for kids with prizes, photo opportunities hosted by Bob Moore Subaru, Facebook live chats, animal enrichment and more. The fun concludes with a special elephant presentation at 2 p.m. OKC Zoo is proud to care for a multi-generational herd of eight Asian elephants including Rex (54), Asha (28), Chandra (27), Kandula (21), Bowie (9), Achara (8), Kairavi (4), and young calf, Rama (18 months). All World Elephant Day events are free with Zoo admission.

 

MONDAY, AUGUST 14: OKC ZOO AND BOB MOORE SUBARU BRING AWARENESS TO WORLD LIZARD DAY WITH SPECIAL ACTIVITIES PLANNED FROM 10 A.M. TO 1 P.M.

Leapin’ lizards! The Oklahoma City Zoo invites reptile enthusiasts to share in this special day that recognizes our world’s lizards and efforts being done to protect them and their habitat. Join the OKC Zoo and Bob Moore Subaru on Monday, August 14 to learn more about the Zoo’s lizards, from the smallest to largest, and what you can do to help their wild counterparts. Activities are planned from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. near the Zoo’s Herpetarium including information stations, caretaker chats, animal enrichment, photos opportunities and more, and are free with regular Zoo admission.

 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18: TICKETS ON SALE FOR 40TH ANNUAL HAUNT THE ZOO FOR HALLOWEEN PRESENTED BY NEWS 9

Don’t wait, get your tickets early for Haunt the Zoo, celebrating 40 years of magic, wild memories and trick-or-treating fun that can’t be outdone! This year, the Oklahoma City Zoo is commemorating the 40th anniversary of Haunt the Zoo, Oklahoma’s largest and longest-running Halloween tradition, and going above and beyond to make this special year even more spooktacular. Presented by News 9, Haunt the Zoo, provides a festive setting for families and friends to enjoy time together while enjoying a unique, safe trick-or-treating experience surrounded by the Zoo’s wondrous wildlife! Trick-or-treaters will discover originally themed photo booths with elaborate decorations and props along the Haunt the Zoo trail as they collect treats from friendly volunteers. Show off your festive best and wear your Halloween costume to Haunt the Zoo. Adults are encouraged to dress up, too, but nothing scary. Haunt the Zoo occurs Saturdays and Sundays, October 7 through 29. Trick-or-treating is available each day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a morning reservation block from 9 a.m. to noon and an afternoon block from noon to 4 p.m. General Zoo admission or ZOOfriends memberships plus, official Haunt the Zoo treat bags are required to trick-or-treat and must be purchased in advance. Official trick-or-treat bags are $8/bag or $7/bag (ZOOfriends members). To purchase and view all ticket options, visit www.okczoo.org after tickets go on sale Friday, August 18! While experiencing Haunt the Zoo, attendees can enjoy a Hay Maze and special 40th anniversary activities at no additional cost. Haunt the Zoo goers can also experience other Zoo attractions including giraffe, rhino and lorikeet feedings, a ride on the tram or carousel and more while at the Zoo. Tickets for these attractions may be limited and can be purchased in advance or on-site. To learn more about Haunt the Zoo, visit www.okczoo.org.

 

2023 THE ZOO AMPHITHEATRE CONCERT EVENTS

The Zoo Amphitheatre rocks on! Oklahoma City’s treasured and fan-favorite outdoor concert venue, the Zoo Amphitheatre showcases an array of live events throughout the summer and fall seasons. As the 2023 concert calendar continues and the summer heat sits in, Zoo Amp guests are welcome to bring one (1) empty plastic or reusable bottle into the venue for water refills. Glass or metal bottles/cans, CamelBak® hydration packs and empty IV bags will not be allowed inside the Zoo Amphitheatre. Managed by 3HORSE Productions, LLC, the Zoo Amphitheatre is adjacent to the Oklahoma City Zoo and remains one of Oklahoma City’s most enduring and unique attractions. For venue and ticket information, visit  www.thezooamphitheatre.com.

Upcoming Events:

  • Saturday, August 5: Sam Hunt with special guests Brett Young & Lily Rose
  • Saturday, August 19: Lindsey Stirling with special guest Walk Off The Earth
  • Sunday, August 20: Incubus with special guests Badflower and Paris Jackson
  • Wednesday, August 23: Rick Springfield with special guests The Hooters, Paul Young and Tommy
  • Sunday, September 10: Darius Rucker with special guest Jameson Rodgers
  • Saturday, October 14: The All-American Rejects with guests New Found Glory, Motion City Soundtrack, The Get Up Kids

 

ONGOING OKC ZOO HAPPENINGS

 

EXPERIENCE GORILLA TREK VIRTUAL REALITY, OKC ZOO’S BRAND-NEW INTERACTIVE ATTRACTION

Imagine trekking the jungles of Rwanda to see gorillas in the wild! You can with the Oklahoma City Zoo’s newest attraction, Gorilla Trek Virtual Reality (VR). The Zoo’s Gorilla Trek VR experience transports guests to the African wilds to walk among endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat through advanced VR technology including a 360-degree film and motion platform seating. Narrating the film is world-renowned primatologist and Executive Director/CEO of Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Dr. Tara Stoinski, who takes viewers through the dense Volcanoes National Park, documenting the family dynamics of these critically endangered gorillas. Gorilla Trek VR is located inside the Zoo’s Great EscApe Building and beginning Monday, May 1, it will be open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $8 per person plus Zoo admission and guests must be taller than 36” and able to wear a headset to experience Gorilla Trek VR.

 

OKC ZOO SUMMER ATTRACTION SCHEDULE

Wild meets fun with these popular OKC Zoo attractions and experiences. All rides and attractions are operational weather permitting.

  • Camel Rides: Camel rides are available daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and the cost is $8 per person. Children under 6 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Other rules are posted at the habitat.
  • Children’s Zoo Barnyard: This fun encounter connects guests of all ages with our goats and sheep. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Elephant Presentation (Sanctuary Asia): These engaging presentations are a BIG hit and free to attend. Presentations occur Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.
  • Endangered Species Carousel: Round out your day with a spin on the Zoo’s one-of-a-kind carousel. Rides are available daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $3 per person.
  • Explorikeet Feedings (Children’s Zoo): Fly by the Children’s Zoo to see and feed the lorikeets. Open daily from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Cost is $4 per person.
  • Flamingo Mingle: Flamingo Mingle feedings occur daily in the Children’s Zoo habitat from 9:30-10 a.m. and 3:30-4 p.m. Cost is $5 per person. Children age 2 and under are not permitted. 
  • Gorilla Trek VR Experience: View gorillas in the wild with the OKC Zoo’s all-new Gorilla Trek Virtual Reality (VR) experience featuring a 360-degree live action film with motion platform seating. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $8 per person. Age and height requirements apply.  
  • OKC Zoo Tram: View the Zoo in comfort while learning about its animal and 100+ year history. Tram travels from the Entry Plaza to Sanctuary Asia and rides are offered daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $6 per person. Children two and under free.
  • Rhino Feedings: Our Indian rhinos are ready to meet you! Feedings occur at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Sanctuary Asia. Cost is $10 per person.
  • Stingray Bay: Stingray Bay provides up-close encounters and feeding opportunities with one of the most majestic creatures of the sea, stingrays! Cost is $4 per person to enter. Open daily from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 4 p.m. Feeding opportunities are daily from 10:30 to 11 a.m. and 1:30 to 2 p.m., while supplies last, for an additional $3 per person.

 

OKC ZOO’S EXCLUSIVE BEHIND THE SCENES EXPERIENCES, WILD ENCOUNTERS

Discover the Oklahoma City Zoo’s Wild Encounters and connect with some of your favorite Zoo animals like never before. Wild Encounter experiences offer animal fans an up-close encounter with Asian elephants, bears, bison, Galapagos tortoises, Indian rhinos and Komodo dragons! Meet the OKC Zoo’s expert caretakers while learning about the animals they care for and how the Zoo is working to protect their wild counterparts. The Zoo’s Wild Encounters are available daily and each experience comes with a souvenir lanyard. Groups are limited to 10 people of any age. Prices range from $40–$50 per person depending on the encounter. ZOOfriends’ members receive discount per encounter. For additional information about Wild Encounters or to make a reservation, contact Guest Services at (405) 425-0262.

 

OKC ZOO’S FREE, DAILY CARETAKER CHATS

Take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about the Oklahoma City Zoo’s animal family from the expert themselves, our caretakers. Hear from these dedicated and passionate individuals as they share about the amazing wildlife, they care for each and every day. These chats are free with regular Zoo admission and include:

  • Carnivores (Lion Overlook), 10 a.m. daily
  • Galapagos tortoises (Children’s Zoo), 10:30 a.m. daily
  • Great apes (Great EscApe), 1:30 p.m. daily
  • Asian elephants (Sanctuary Asia’s Boardwalk), Mon. – Thurs., 11:30 a.m.
  • Cassowaries (Sanctuary Asia, near Lotus Pavilion), 3 p.m. daily

 

SHOP OKC ZOO’S SAFARI GIFT SHOP, ONLINE STORE

Find the perfect gift for the animal lover in your life at the Oklahoma City Zoo’s Safari Gift Shop. Discover a variety of nature-inspired gifts, apparel, wildlife plush, toys and more when you shop the Zoo’s digital store or stop by the Safari Gift Shop in-person. Located in the Zoo’s Entry Plaza, the Safari Gift Shop, is during regular Zoo hours and admission is not required to shop. Show your love for wildlife and wild places and Round Up for Conservation when you make your purchases. All proceeds benefit the Zoo’s conservation efforts.

 

ONGOING: ART GONE WILD – ART MADE BY THE OKC ZOO’S ANIMALS FOR ANIMALS

The Oklahoma City Zoo’s, Art Gone Wild program is an exclusive selection of art created by animals for animals. New, one-of-a-kind paintings are created throughout the year and are perfect for any gift giving occasion. With assistance from their caretakers, the Zoo’s talented animal artists have created an array of paintings available for purchase. Art Gone Wild is part of the Zoo’s enrichment program and the paints are safe for the animals to use as they are non-toxic and washable. Original pieces range from $35 to $300, depending on size. All net proceeds are used to support the Living Classrooms grant program which provides funding to OKC metro area school to plant pollinator gardens. Art Gone Wild paintings are on display in the Zoo’s Guest Services office located in the Entry Plaza, open during regular park hours.

 

Visit the OKC Zoo and go wild as you connect with wildlife and wild places! The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the last entry at 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, Oklahoma City’s Adventure District and an Adventure Road partner. Regular 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. Stay connected with the Zoo on Facebook, X, Instagram, Linktree and TikTok, and by visiting our blog stories. Looking for a year of Zoo adventures? Consider a 12-month, ZOOfriends Membership Passport to the OKC Zoo providing general admission year-round and exclusive offers while supporting the Zoo’s ongoing animal care and conservation programs. Memberships can be purchased at okczoo.org/membership.