Spring into fun with botanical events, community partnerships, concerts, family-friendly activities and more

2019 ZOO AMPHITHEATRE CONCERT EVENTS

The Zoo Amphitheatre, Oklahoma City’s iconic, outdoor concert venue, launches another wild concert season on Tuesday, May 7, with The Killers and continues through the summer with the following events: 

  • Friday, June 21, “Weird Al” Yankovic
  • Tuesday, July 9, Young The Giant + Fitz & the Tantrums
  • Sunday, July 28, Alice Cooper/Halestorm

For more than 75 years, the Zoo Amphitheatre has been a mecca for musicians and music lovers alike. 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. To learn more about the Zoo Amphitheatre, current concert listings or for ticket information, visit www.thezooamphitheatre.com.

OKC ZOO, METROPOLITAN LIBRARY SYSTEM CONTINUE STATEWIDE LIBRARY PROGRAM

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Metropolitan Library System are proud to continue their community literacy program, “Read for Adventure”. This popular promotion and partnership enables Oklahoma library card holders to check out the original children’s book, Our Day at the Zoo, from any participating public library location within the state to receive four general admission ticket vouchers to the OKC Zoo. “Read for Adventure” continues through March 31, 2020. Zoo ticket vouchers are good through March 31, 2020. To find a public library near you, click here.

NOW–FRIDAY, MAY 31:  MATHIS BROTHERS ZOOFRIENDS MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT

Go wild for big savings! During the month of May, visit Mathis Brothers Furniture (3434 West Reno in Oklahoma City) for significant savings on ZOOfriends membership purchases or renewals. Now through Friday, May, 31, a one-year family membership to the Oklahoma City Zoo is only $69 when you purchase it at Mathis Brothers in Oklahoma City. Also save on Wildcard ($45) and Safari ($105) memberships. With a ZOOfriends membership you can enjoy unlimited visits to the OKC Zoo for an entire year and additional benefits and discounts. By becoming a ZOOfriends member you’re helping the Zoo, too. The Oklahoma Zoological Society/ZOOfriends is committed to giving all membership dollars back to the OKC Zoo to support its animals, educational programming, conservation initiatives and the overall growth of the Zoo. For additional information, call (405) 425-0618 or visit zoofriends.org.

NOW–FRIDAY, MAY 17:  APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR ZOOTROOP, YOUNG PROFESSIONALS SERVICE ORGANIZATION

Join ZOOtroop and be among the next generation making a difference for wildlife and wild places. Now through May 17, ZOOfriends is looking for young professionals (age 21-35) passionate about conservation, volunteering and the OKC Zoo to join its wild young professionals’ volunteer group. ZOOtroop works to raise conservation awareness, promote the mission of the OKC Zoo and support ZOOfriends as volunteers for numerous events and projects. For additional information or to fill out an application, visit zoofriends.org/zootroop.

FRIDAY, MAY 3:  TICKETS ON SALE FOR NEW 21-AND-UP EVENT SERIES, DATE NIGHTS AT THE ZOO

Tickets are now available for the Oklahoma City Zoo’s new 21-and-up event series, Date Nights at the Zoo. Step up your date nights with a walk on the wild side, and get ready for Date Nights at the Zoo every Thursday in June from 6 to 10 p.m. Make plans to attend June 6; June 13; June 20 (Pride Date Night); and June 27. Your evening safari features picnic fare, karaoke, dance lessons, wine and beer tastings, lawn games, a sea lion presentation and more! Ticket pricing is $60 (couple package); $35 (single package); and $20 (singe ticket-no drinks) and includes: event admission, two drink tickets per person, access to all activities and a one-time pass through the wine and beer tasting areas per person. To learn more and purchase your tickets, click here.

SATURDAY, MAY 4:  SAFE KIDS DAY AT THE OKC ZOO

Mark your calendars, and plan on joining the fun at Safe Kids Day at the Oklahoma City Zoo on Saturday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The day will be full of family-friendly activities including a safety scavenger safari for kids, and information stations teaching guests how to stay safe on the road, at home and at play! Preventable injuries are the top contributor to childhood deaths in the United States, and almost every one of these tragedies is preventable. Bring the family out to Safe Kids Day at the OKC Zoo and together learn how to keep your family safe.

FRIDAY, MAY 10–SUNDAY, MAY 12:  SPRING POLLINATOR PLANT AND OKC ZOO POO SALE

Garden season is here, and the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden can you help you green it up! Over Mother’s Day weekend, Friday, May 10 through Sunday, May 12, the OKC Zoo will be hosting a spring pollinator plant and OKC ZOO POO sale in the Zoo’s entry plaza from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. Spread your botanical wings and purchase an array of pollinator plants, and help create habitat for monarchs and other pollinators in your own backyard. Plus, the Zoo will be selling its premium compost, OKC ZOO POO. This organic fertilizer sourced from many of your favorite Zoo animals including the Asian elephants, Indian rhinos and giraffe is the natural way to nurture your garden. OKC ZOO POO is available in two sizes: a medium box with pollinator seeds for $9.99 or a new, large reusable bag with pollinator seeds for $14.99. For additional information, visit okczoo.org.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15:  OKC ZOO HOSTS WATER CONSERVATION WORKSHOP

Plants need water to grow and thrive, and the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden strives to utilize this valuable resource efficiently. To demonstrate this, the OKC Zoo is hosting a water conservation workshop on Wednesday, May 15 from 9 a.m. to noon in the Zoo’s Rosser Conservation Education Center auditorium. The workshop will highlight water-efficient plant materials and irrigation technology used by the Zoo plus, a presentation by Oklahoma Gardening host, Casey Hentges, on drought tolerant plant choices for Oklahoma. Participants will then enjoy a walking tour of the Zoo’s Butterfly Garden, picnic grove, Oklahoma Trails and the water conservation garden. Zoo horticulture staff, master gardeners and Oklahoma State University extension personnel will be available to discuss the gardens and answer questions. Kid-friendly activities will also be included with the walking tour. This program is held in cooperation with the OSU Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, the Oklahoma County Extension office and the Oklahoma City Utilities Department. To purchase tickets for the workshop, $9/adult for non-members; $7/adult ZOOfriends members and $6/child (age 3-11), click here.

MONDAY, MAY 13–FRIDAY, MAY 17:  NATIONAL PUBLIC GARDENS WEEK AT THE OKC ZOO

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is joining efforts with the American Public Gardens Association (APGA) to celebrate National Public Gardens Week, May 13-19, 2019. In recognition of this national event, the OKC Zoo will be hosting walking tours of the Zoo’s butterfly garden to bring awareness to the importance of botanical collections and pollinator conservation. Garden tour dates are Tuesday, May 14; Thursday, May 16; and Friday, May 17 – each tour begins at 10 a.m. Participants should meet at the Zoo’s guest services office located in the entry plaza. Regular Zoo admission applies.

As a member of APGA, the OKC Zoo is proud to support this week-long endeavor that aims to highlight the importance of building vibrant, relevant gardens committed to community enrichment and environmental responsibility through community engagement, sustainable practices and conversation. For additional information, visit okczoo.org.

SATURDAY, MAY 18:  OKC ZOO HOSTS PLANT CONSERVATION DAY AND OKC ZOO POO SALE

Join the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden on Saturday, May 18, for Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) Plant Conservation Day, and be a champion for global plant conversation! As an accredited member of BGCI, the OKC Zoo is raising awareness for our world’s fauna and flora. Zoo horticulture staff and experts from the Oklahoma Cactus and Succulent Society will host an information table from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Zoo’s entry plaza to talk with guests about cacti and why this popular plant family needs our help. There will also be a walking tour of the Zoo’s water conservation and drought tolerant gardens at 10 a.m. Participants should meet at the Zoo’s guest services office located in the entry plaza. The Zoo will also be selling its premium compost, OKC ZOO POO. This organic fertilizer sourced from many of your favorite Zoo animals including the Asian elephants, Indian rhinos and giraffe is the natural way to nurture your garden. OKC ZOO POO is available in two sizes: a medium box with pollinator seeds for $9.99 or a new, large reusable bag with pollinator seeds for $14.99. For additional information, visit okczoo.org.

THURSDAY, MAY 23:  WORLD TURTLE DAY PRESENTED BY BOB MOORE SUBARU

Thursday, May 23, is World Turtle Day and the Oklahoma City Zoo and Bob Moore Subaru want to “shellebrate” with you! Join us as we come together for turtles, and learn how you can help protect these species and their disappearing habitats both locally and globally. Event activities are planned from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., near the Zoo’s herpetarium and Island Life. Kids 11 and under will enjoy an on-grounds turtle scavenger safari with a prize and the Zoo’s turtle experts will be hosting two keeper chats at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Galapagos tortoise habitat. Guests will also enjoy information stations and more. All activities are free with Zoo admission. To learn more, visit okczoo.org.

FRIDAY, MAY 31–SUNDAY, JUNE 2:  OKC ZOO’S CACTUS, SUCCULENT AND OKC ZOO POO SALE

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden will be hosting a cactus and succulent sale Friday, May 31 through Sunday, June 2 in the Zoo’s entry plaza from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. Guests will also be able to purchase OKC ZOO POO, the Zoo’s new, organic compost. This “brown gold” fertilizer is made from nutrient-rich deposits produced by the Zoo’s Asian elephants, Indian rhinos and other herbivores. OKC ZOO POO is available in two sizes: a medium box with pollinator seeds for $9.99 or a new, large reusable bag with pollinator seeds for $14.99. For additional information, visit okczoo.org.

OKC ZOO’S EDUCATION PROGRAMS/EVENTS IN MAY

The Oklahoma City Zoo’s Nature Explorers Preschool focuses on developing the “whole child” (i.e., cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and creative development). Curriculum increases direct contact time with the outdoors through discoveries about the Zoo’s plants and animals. Enrollment for the 2018-2019 year is now open. Classes run September 3, 2019, to May 24, 2020. Child must be 3-5 years on or before September 1, 2019. Three enrollment options include: Option 1 – Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Option 2 – Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; or Option 3 – Monday-Friday. Fees include a $50 non-refundable enrollment fee to reserve a child's spot and $195/month for two-day preschool, $245/month for three-day preschool and $425 for five-day preschool.

  • THURSDAY, MAY 9 AND THURSDAY, MAY 16: CUB CLUB TODDLER PROGRAM

Let out your biggest ROAR for the king of the jungle! May’s Cub Club program, Loyal Lions, is all about lions and their families. These monthly programs will connect you and your little one to the Zoo’s animals through lessons, crafts, discovery stations and/or guided tours on grounds. Ages 2-5 welcome. Toddler Cub Clubs are the second and third Thursdays of each month from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Cost per child/adult pair is $12 (member) and $15 (non-member).

  • SCOUT PROGRAMS

The OKC Zoo’s education team hosts monthly programs for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to learn about the wild world around them while achieving badges and meeting program requirements, electives.

  • FRIDAY, MAY 24: ZOO DONE IT? FAMILY OVERNIGHT

Mischief is afoot! One of our animal ambassadors ransacked our classroom looking for their favorite snack. Use your investigative skills to examine the crime scene, narrow down the suspects, find the culprit and solve our “Zoo Done It” mystery! This program is Friday, May 24 from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. the next morning. Evening snack and light breakfast will be provided, and Zoo admission included. Ages 4 and up. All children attending an overnight must be accompanied by a responsible adult (although one adult can accompany more than one child). Cost: $35/child, $20/adult.

  • FRIDAY, MAY 31:ZOO DONE IT? ADULT OVERNIGHT

Enjoy a night on the wild side and explore the OKC Zoo after dark. Do you have what it takes to navigate the Zoo, collect the clues, and solve our animal mystery? This program is Friday, May 31 from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. the next morning. Evening snack and light breakfast will be provided, and Zoo admission included. Ages 18 and up. Cost: $35/adult.

  • TUESDAY, MAY 28 THROUGH FRIDAY, MAY 31: SCHOOL'S OUT DAY CAMPS

Get your child’s summer off to a wild start! The OKC Zoo’s School’s Out Day Camps offer a variety of activities including Zoo tours, up-close animal visits, crafts and games. Snacks are provided, but campers must bring their lunch. Ages 4-11 welcome. Advanced registration and payment required. All campers are required to bring a copy of their immunizations. Camp runs 8:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m. Drop-off at Education Center from 8-8:30 a.m. Cost per child per day is $40 (ZOOfriends members) or $45 (non-members).

ONGOING:  BINOCULAR BORROW PROGRAM PRESENTED BY DEAN MCGEE EYE INSTITUTE

New at the OKC Zoo, guests can borrow a pair of binoculars to enhance their visual experience. Presented by Dean McGee Eye Institute, the Binocular Borrow program offers 20 pairs of branded binoculars to Zoo guests during their visit at no cost. To participate, guests will bring a valid photo ID to the Zoo’s guest services office in the entry plaza and complete a quick information form. The photo ID will be securely held by Zoo officials as guests enjoy the beauty of the Zoo during their visit and will be returned when the binoculars are brought back to the office. One valid photo ID is required for each pair of binoculars. Participation is free with Zoo admission.

ONGOING:  EYE SPY SAFARI PRESENTED BY DEAN MCGEE EYE INSTITUTE

Presented by Dean McGee Eye Institute, Eye Spy Safari is an engaging way for young zoo fans to learn about the OKC Zoo’s animals and the challenges threatening their wild counterparts as they explore the Zoo. Eye Spy participants will be inspired to learn how the Zoo is leading the way in local and global conservation efforts and want to take action to help. Locate all seven Eye Spy stations in the Zoo, and scratch off your card to reveal the secret word as you go! Completed cards can be returned to the Zoo’s Safari Gift Shop for a prize. Eye Spy Safari cards are available at the Zoo’s Guest Services and ZOOfriends’ offices. Participation is free with Zoo admission.

ONGOING:  OKC ZOO’s “ASK A Keeper”

OKC Zoo offers daily opportunities for guests to engage with its animal keepers called “Ask A Keeper”. These free, informal chats allow guests to ask questions about the Zoo’s wildlife and their counterparts in nature from the experts themselves–our keepers. Our animal keepers are everyday heroes dedicated to protecting and conserving our world’s wildlife and wild places. “Ask A Keeper” signage will be posted on grounds and the schedule includes the following animal areas:

  • 10 a.m.: Wallaby (Children’s Zoo)
  • 10:30 a.m.: Galapagos tortoise (Island Life)
  • 11:30 a.m.: Big Rivers Aquarium (Oklahoma Trails)
  • 1:30 p.m.: Great Escape
  • 2 p.m.: Asian Elephant Presentation (Sanctuary Asia, elephant pavilion)
  • 2:30 p.m.: Red panda (Sanctuary Asia)
  • 3 p.m.: Southern cassowary (Sanctuary Asia)

ONGOING:  CAMEL RIDES AT THE OKC ZOO

OKC Zoo guests can add to their zooventure with a camel ride on one of three dromedary camels, Fred, Bill or Mongo. The $6 tickets to ride may be purchased on-site at the camel ride area. Rides will take place daily from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. (weather permitting) and children under 6 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Other rules are posted at the habitat. Camel rides are not included in the Zoo-It-All or Ride-It-All packages.

ONGOING:  OKC ZOO SPRING/SUMMER ATTRACTION SCHEDULE

Immerse yourself in all there is to do and see at the OKC ZOO! OKC Zoo rides and attractions are operational weather permitting. The following schedules can be made and all are subject to change without notice.

  • Children’s Zoo Barn: Little ones will go wild as they come eye-to-eye with the Zoo’s goats and sheep. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Free to experience.
  • Elephant Express Tram: Rides offered daily 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with four stops in the park. All day bracelets are $6 per person. Children two and under free.
  • Endangered Species Carousel: Take a spin! Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $3 per person.
  • Explorikeet Feedings (Children’s Zoo): Guests have the unique opportunity to feed and interact with our colorful lorikeets. $3 per person to feed. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This experience closes for a “bird break” from 1-1:30 p.m.
  • Giraffe Feeding Platform: Our giraffes are waiting to greet you! Daily feeding opportunities at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Cost is $5 per person.
  • Sea Lion Presentations: Sea lion presentations provide “fin”tastic fun for all ages! Daily presentations at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the Sea Lion Presentation Stadium. Cost is $4 per person. Children two and under are free.
  • Stingray Bay: Add a splash of fun to your day with a stop at Stingray Bay! Cost is $3 per person with paid Zoo admission. Children two and under are free. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

ONGOING:  OKC ZOO’S WILD ENCOUNTERS

The Oklahoma City Zoo provides you with an exclusive peek at what happens behind the Zoo scene with Wild Encounters! Wild Encounters are unique experiences that let you see some of your favorite Zoo animals in up-close ways like never before. Follow our expert animal keepers backstage to learn more about the animal’s unique personalities, stories. Wild Encounters are available daily and each experience comes with a souvenir lanyard! Wild Encounters are also a great gift idea for any occasion. Participants must be 6 years of age or older. Prices range from $41–$79 per person depending on the encounter. ZOOfriends’ members receive $11 discount per encounter. Contact Guest Services at (405) 425-0262 for reservations.

Mark your calendar for these Zoo happenings in June:

  • Date Nights at the Zoo (Thursdays in June, 6 to 10 p.m.): June 6, June 13, June 20 (Pride Date Night) and June 27
  • Lupus Walk at the OKC Zoo (Saturday, June 1)
  • World Oceans Day presented by Bob Moore Subaru (Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.): Dive in and learn how you can help protect and conserve the world’s oceans and waterways. This event is free with Zoo admission.
  • World Giraffe Day presented by Bob Moore Subaru (Friday, June 21): The OKC Zoo and you–standing tall for giraffe conservation. This event is free with Zoo admission.