Create wild memories this summer with the Zoo’s new BRICKLIVE experience, Read for Adventure family program, Sip and Stroll 21+ event series and more.

 

EXPERIENCE OKC ZOO’S MUST-SEE, SEASONAL EXHIBIT BRICKLIVE™ ANIMAL PARADISE OPEN DAILY THROUGH SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2022

Stack up hours of fun as you explore the all new, seasonal BRICKLIVE™ Animal Paradise at the Oklahoma City Zoo. Sponsored by Devon this must-see, seasonal exhibit connects guests of all ages with wildlife through brick-built, life-sized animal displays constructed with more than two million toy bricks! Seen for the first time in Oklahoma at the OKC Zoo, BRICKLIVE Animal Paradise, is located within the Zoo’s butterfly garden area and is designed to educate wildlife fans about many of the planet’s endangered species while building an appreciation for conservation and biodiversity. While on your BRICKLIVE adventure, visit the interactive toy brick area setup in the lower level of the Zoo’s aquatics building. Here young builders, 11 and under, can let their imagination run wild as they play with and use thousands of bricks to construct their own creations. Looking for a brick-tastic birthday party location? The Zoo is also offering a BRICKLIVE Animal Paradise Birthday Package while the exhibit is open through October. Create fun memories for your child’s special day with this limited birthday package offer. To learn more or book a party, click here. BRICKLIVE Animal Paradise will remain on display through Sunday, October 30, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Event tickets are available at www.okczoo.org. Go wild and purchase a BRICKLIVE Bundle ticket to receive general Zoo admission plus unlimited admission to BRICKLIVE Animal Paradise and Stingray Bay plus all-day rides on the Endangered Species Carousel and Elephant Express Tram. Bundle tickets are $28 for adults ages 12-64 and $25 for children ages 3-11. General admission for BRICKLIVE and seasonal ZOOfriends membership pass options will also be available at www.okczoo.org/tickets. Children 2 and under are free and do not require tickets for entry into BRICKLIVE.

 

 

OKC ZOO’S STATEWIDE LIBRARY PROGRAM, READ FOR ADVENTURE, CONTINUES FOR ANOTHER SEASON PROVIDING OKLAHOMANS WITH FREE GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS TO THE ZOO

Jump into another season of Read for Adventure, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden’s statewide library program. Sponsored by OG&E, Read for Adventure brings Oklahoma families to together while building an appreciation for reading and nature. The program’s feature book, Juniper’s Butterfly Garden, inspires kids to read the story of a child’s discovery of monarch butterflies and why it’s important to protect them. Monarchs migrate annually through Oklahoma on their journey from central Mexico to southern Canada and both the OKC Zoo and OG&E are committed to conserving vital habitats that benefit all pollinators. The Read for Adventure program is aimed at promoting literacy statewide and invites library card holders to check out Juniper’s Butterfly Garden, from any participating public and tribal library location within the state, to receive a voucher redeemable for FREE general admission to the OKC Zoo for up to four people (child, adult or senior). Vouchers expire June 30, 2023. For a list of participating libraries, visit www.okczoo.org/readforadventure.

 

 

2022 ZOO AMPHITHEATRE CONCERT EVENTS

Rock on at Oklahoma City’s treasured outdoor concert venue, the Zoo Amphitheatre. This season’s events include: 

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 ticket information, visit www.thezooamphitheatre.com.

 

 

NOW THROUGH SUNDAY, JULY 31: OKC ZOO INVITES YOU TAKE THE PLASTIC FREE ECOCHALLENGE, HELP REDUCE SINGLE-USE PLASTICS

Be part of the solution to end plastic pollution and take the Plastic Free Ecochallenge. Join the Oklahoma City Zoo’s team and participants from around the world in support of this global “Plastic Free” challenge occurring now through Sunday, July 31. This initiative encourages and empowers participants to become more eco-conscious by making decisions to eliminate single-use plastics in daily actions. Plastic items like grocery bags, straws and coffee cups are creating huge ecological harm, especially in oceans and other aquatic habitats. This includes our streams, rivers and lakes in Oklahoma where plastic trash is a common sight. The hope is that participants change their behaviors towards plastic use in order to benefit the world and all living things. By joining the OKC Zoo team, you can choose daily actions and earn eco-points for each ecofriendly decision you make. Last year, the OKC Zoo team finished third overall among 391 teams from 53 countries that participated. Make the choice to support the “Plastic Free” challenge and join the OKC Zoo’s team today at https://bit.ly/OKCPlasticFreeChallenge.

 

 

SATURDAY, JULY 9: AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (ASL) INTERPRETERS AT THE OKC ZOO

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is proud to be offering a new in-park program and providing American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters 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 including Saturday, July 9 and present at the sea lion and elephant presentations plus, scheduled Wild Encounter experiences. Zoo guests are not charged a fee for the use of an ASL interpreter. Cost per person for the sea lion presentation is $5, children two and under are free to attend. Elephant presentations are free to attend and occur at 2 p.m. in the elephant pavilion at Sanctuary Asia. For a complete listing of available Wild Encounters visit okczoo.org.

 

 

THURSDAY, JULY 21: OKC ZOO HOSTS SIP AND STROLL PRESENTED BY COOP ALE WORKS

It’s all cool vibes and cocktails with Oklahoma City Zoo’s Sip and Stroll happening on Thursday, July 21, from 6 to 10 p.m. Revelers 21 and older will enjoy an evening safari through the majority of the OKC Zoo to discover amazing animals and exclusive experiences while sipping on refreshing drinks along the way. Visit six fully stocked, themed “watering holes” featuring custom cocktails like The Minty Rhino and Monarch Margarita inspired by our planet’s wildlife and wild places while learning what the Zoo is doing to protect the natural world through global conservation partnerships. Admission tickets to Sip and Stroll festivities include evening access to almost the entire OKC Zoo, food trucks Seafood Connect and OhMyGogi and a DJ. Presented by COOP Ale Works and Kroger, Sip and Stroll, reoccurs every third Thursday through September. Sip and Stroll admission, $32/person, includes access to the sea lion presentation, elephant presentation, Stingray Bay, the Endangered Species Carousel and more. Sip and Stroll Drink Passports can be purchased for an additional $27 per person, allowing pass holders to enjoy a sample of all 6 specialty drinks. Drinks will also be available a la carte. Additional beverages and food will be available for purchase during Sip and Stroll from Zoo restaurants. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. This event will occur rain or shine. With only two Sip and Stroll event dates remaining, August 18 and September 15, reserve your tickets now for OKC’s best 21+ summer event series. Online reservations are required and can made when you purchase your ticket at www.okczoo.org/sipandstroll.

 

ONGOING OKC ZOO HAPPENINGS

OKC ZOO’S HIGHLIGHTS WILDLIFE OF THE WEEK

Let us wow you with our Wildlife of the Week. Learn new and exciting facts about the Oklahoma City Zoo’s animal family with its Wildlife of the Week program. Each week, the OKC Zoo will highlight one of more than 600 unique animal species in our care on the Zoo’s Facebook page, @okczoo. Guests can also discover the Wildlife of the Week by scanning a QR code on the back of the Zoo’s park map or by visiting  www.okczoo.org/wow.  

 

 

OKC ZOO SUMMER ATTRACTION SCHEDULE

There’s more to see and do at the OKC Zoo. Guests can pre-purchase tickets for these experiences when they purchase their admission tickets online at www.okczoo.org/tickets. By purchasing advance online admission tickets, you can bypass the Zoo’s ticket lines for faster entry into the park. This schedule is subject to change without notice. All rides and attractions are operational weather permitting.

  • BRICKLIVE Animal Paradise: Discover this safari of wildlife brick sculptures! Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. General admission for BRICKLIVE is $5/person plus, Zoo admission.
  • Camel Rides: Take your Zoo visit to new heights with a ride on a dromedary camel. Cost is $8 per person and rides will take place from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. daily. Children under 6 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Other rules are posted at the habitat.
  • Children’s Zoo Barnyard: Meet our goats and sheep up close and in-person. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Endangered Species Carousel: Carousel rides are available daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $3 per person.
  • Elephant Presentation (Sanctuary Asia): These “ele”fantastic presentations are free to attend and occur Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.
  • Explorikeet Feedings (Children’s Zoo): Fly by the Children’s Zoo to feed the lorikeets. Feeding opportunities available daily from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $4 per person. Participants age 3+ must wear a mask during this up-close animal encounter for the protection of guests and staff.
  • Flamingo Mingle: Flamingo Mingle feedings occur daily in the Children’s Zoo habitat from 9:30 to 10 a.m. and 3:30 to 4 p.m. Cost is $7 per person. Children age 2 and under are not permitted. Participants age 3+ must wear a mask during this up-close animal encounter for the protection of guests and staff.
  • Giraffe Feeding Platform: Greet the Zoo’s gentle giants! Enjoy daily feeding opportunities from 11 a.m. to noon. Additional weekend feedings from 2 to 3 p.m. Cost is $5 per person.
  • OKC Zoo Tram: Tour the Zoo in comfort while learning about its animal and 100+ year history. Tram travels from the Entry Plaza to Sanctuary Asia and are offered daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All day bracelets are $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 through Sunday at Sanctuary Asia. Cost is $10 per person. Children age 2 and under are not permitted. 
  • Sea Lion Presentations: Don’t miss these educational and engaging presentations featuring the Zoo’s California sea lions and harbor seals! Daily presentations at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Zoo’s Sea Lion Presentation Stadium. Cost is $5 per person. Children two and under are free.
  • 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. Daily hours 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. with feeding opportunities available from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 to 2:30 p.m., while supplies last, for an additional $3 per person.

 

 

OKC ZOO’S WILD ENCOUNTERS BEHIND THE SCENES EXPERIENCES 

The Oklahoma City Zoo’s Wild Encounters are a wild way to connect with some of your favorite Zoo animals. These ZOO-nique experiences offer wildlife fans an up-close encounter with Asian elephants, bears, sea lions and more. 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 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 daily chats are free with regular Zoo admission and include:

  • Carnivores (Lion Overlook), 10 a.m.
  • Galapagos tortoises (Children’s Zoo), 10:30 a.m.
  • Great apes (Great EscApe), 10:30 a.m.
  • Asian elephants (Sanctuary Asia’s Boardwalk), Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m.
  • Cassowaries (Sanctuary Asia), 3 p.m.

 

OKC ZOO HIRING FOR PART-TIME POSITIONS FOR 2022 SEASON

Working at the OKC Zoo you’ll connect with people, wildlife and wild places. The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is now hiring for dozens of part-time positions throughout the park for its summer and fall seasons. The OKC Zoo is hiring for four different groups and each have their own application process. Positions include OKC Zoo brand ambassadors, ride operators, tram drivers, zipline guides, cooks, and ZOOfriends membership and retail associates. Team members must be quick-thinking, organized, courteous, knowledgeable, able to follow clear directions, outgoing and friendly. The ability to speak with guests, answer guest questions and provide solutions to problems is essential. Pay ranges from $11.17 per hour and up with great benefits. To learn more about these employment opportunities or to apply, visit https://www.okczoo.org/jobs.

 

ONGOING: OKC ZOO INVITES OKLAHOMA SCHOOLS TO PARTICIPATE IN SCHOOL MASCOT CHALLENGE

Calling all Oklahoma schools, the Oklahoma City Zoo has a special offer for you. According to the Chinese Zodiac 2022 is the Year of the Tiger and to honor this occasion the OKC Zoo is hosting a School Mascot Challenge, encouraging Oklahoma schools to permanently change their school mascot to any animal or insect. Any Oklahoma school, elementary to high school, that permanently changes their school mascot to represent any wildlife species will receive free general Zoo admission for everyone at the school. The tiger is the most popular school mascot in Oklahoma but unfortunately, this iconic animal is critically endangered with populations continuing to decline in the wild. We hope this challenge will inspire students and their communities to think about the state of wildlife here in Oklahoma and around the world by choosing a new school mascot that can have a deeper connection to conservation. This challenge continues through May 1, 2023 and does not apply to schools who already have an animal or insect as their mascot. Learn more at www.okczoo.org/mascot.

 

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

Art Gone Wild, the Oklahoma City Zoo’s selection of animal paintings, are one-of-a-kind gifts for any 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 benefit one of the Zoo’s conservation initiatives. Art Gone Wild paintings are on display in the Zoo’s Guest Services office located in the Entry Plaza, open during regular park hours.

 

The Oklahoma City Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the last entry no later than 4 p.m. Connect to wildlife and tons of fun as you experience the all new BRICKLIVE Animal Paradise at the OKC Zoo. Sponsored by Devon, BRICKLIVE features 45+ life-sized animal statues made with almost two million toy bricks! BRICKLIVE is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through October 30, 2022. Purchase advance tickets for general Zoo admission and BRICKLIVE at www.okczoo.org/tickets. 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 $12 for adults and $9 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, Twitter, Instagram, Linktree and TikTok, and by visiting our blog stories. To learn more about Zoo happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visit okczoo.org.