The holidays are in full swing at the OKC Zoo! The season kicks off with OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS, Schools Out Day Camps, and a Gayla Peevey sing-along.

 

 

DRIVE THEM WILD WITH A ZOOFRIENDS GIFT MEMBERSHIP

Support the Oklahoma City Zoo’s mission and knock out some gift shopping at the same time with a ZOOfriends membership. From November 1 through December 31, purchase a ZOOfriends membership for 1, 2, or 4 people and receive a voucher for a free animal plush, a $24.99 retail value. Or purchase a membership for 6, 8, or 10 and receive two vouchers for free animal plushes, a $49.98 retail value. Whether it’s for a lone animal lover or a whole herd, a ZOOfriends membership provides holders with access to the OKC Zoo for an entire year, plus discounts on Wild Encounters, VIP tours, special events, gift shop purchases, concessions, summer camps and more. It can even be used for discount admission to hundreds of Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoos and aquariums. ZOOfriends Passports start at $60 for one guest and range up to a Passport for ten for $299. To learn more about ZOOfriends or to purchase a passport, visit okczoo.org/membership.

 

WILD GIFT-GIVING IDEA: 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. New art pieces are created regularly and available to view in the Zoo’s Guest Services office located in the Entry Plaza, open during regular park hours. Original pieces range from $35 to $300, depending on size. All net proceeds benefit one of the Zoo’s conservation initiatives.

 

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1 THROUGH THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14: MILITARY APPRECIATION CELEBRATION AT THE OKC ZOO

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is honoring our military men and women with a Military Appreciation Celebration. From Friday, November 1 through Thursday, November 14, all active duty, retired, and veteran members of the military, National Guard and Reserves will receive free general Zoo admission, and special discounts while in the park. Military members will also receive 50 percent off of general Zoo admission for up to four immediate family members on date of visit. Valid military ID is required to receive complimentary general admission. This offer is available Friday, November 1 through Thursday, November 14. Qualifying guests can show their military ID at any Zoo ticket window to receive discounts. Reservations are not required. Military members will also enjoy the following discounts while visiting the Zoo during November with proof of valid ID:

  • 10% off merchandise at the Zoo’s Safari Gift Shop.
  • 10% off concession purchases in the park.
  • $10 off any membership level! Military members must be named on the membership.  

 

NOVEMBER 4, 2024 THROUGH MARCH 7, 2025: WINTER HOURS FOR OKC ZOO RIDES, ATTRACTIONS

Go wild for the Oklahoma City Zoo’s one-of-a-kind rides and attractions. With the seasonal change, the Zoo has implemented revised hours for many of its experiences. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at http://www.okczoo.org/tickets or in the park. All rides and attractions are operational weather permitting and schedules are subject to change without notice.

  • Children’s Zoo Barnyard (Children’s Zoo Presented by Primrose Schools) is open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Giraffe Feeding (Expedition Africa): Giraffe feedings occur at the giraffe barn daily from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting. The cost is $5
  • Elephant Express Tram: Take the tram for a relaxing, informative tour of the Zoo. Rides offered daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting. All-day bracelets are $6 per person. Children two and under free.
  • Elephant Presentations are free to attend and take place at the Sanctuary Asia elephant habitat at 2 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
  • Endangered Species Carousel: Carousel rides are available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday through Sunday. Cost is $4 per person.
  • Explorikeet Feedings (Children’s Zoo Presented by Primrose Schools): These feathered favorites are waiting to meet you! Feeding opportunities are available daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $4 per person. Participants under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
  • Flamingo Mingle feedings occur in the Children’s Zoo habitat from 11-11:30 a.m. daily and 3:30-4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting. Cost is $5 per person. Children age 2 and under are not permitted. 
  • Gorilla Trek VR Experience and The Great Migration VR Experience (Great EscApe): 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 or immerse yourself in The Great Migration experience with more than two million animals as they move between Tanzania’s Serengeti and the Maasai Mara reserves in Kenya. Weekday hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Cost is $8 per person. Age and height requirements apply. 
  • Rhino Feedings: Our Indian rhinos are excited to meet you! Feeding opportunities available from 11:30 a.m. to noon Thursday through Sunday. Cost is $10 per person.
  • Stingray Bay:  Stingray Bay is open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $4 per person to enter. Stingray feedings occur Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., while supplies last, for an additional $3 per person.

RESERVATIONS OPEN FOR OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 THROUGH WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2025

Holidays have never been merrier or BRIGHTER than this! The magic of OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS, presented by OG&E, returns for another award-winning season with new lanterns and interactive holiday fun. Guests of all ages can discover larger-than-life illuminated lanterns highlighting wildlife and seasonal scenes while on a 20-minute driving tour through the OKC Zoo. After the driving tour, guests can park and re-enter the Zoo for an additional walking experience that begins in the entry plaza with a musical light presentation. The walking tour includes more lanterns, interactive displays, and picture-perfect photo opportunities. Savor the evening with a menu of sweet treats and tasty beverages available for purchase in the Safari Café and Canopy Restaurant. And don’t forget to pop by the Zoo’s Safari Gift Shop to check out a wide selection of one-of-a-kind toys and gift ideas. OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS begins Saturday, November 9, and runs nightly through New Year’s Day, Wednesday, January 1, 2025 with drive-thru and walk-thru experiences from 5:30 to 11 p.m. with the last check-in at 10 p.m. OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS will be open on holiday nights including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.

 

Online reservations are required for OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS and can be made at www.okczoo.org/safari-lights. Drive-up purchases will not be accepted. Tickets are limited to ensure optimal guest experience. Event pricing varies based on visit date. ZOOfriends members receive a $10 discount on drive-thru admissions and a $2 discount on additional walk-thru admissions. Supporting OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS sponsors include Devon, Homeland, and MidFirst Bank.

 

Sensory-Friendly Night for OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS is Friday, November 8, from 6 to 9 p.m. with last entry at 8 p.m. This evening is designed for guests with sensory sensitivities and their families. Guests can expect a smaller crowd, limited flashing lights, quieter music and designated quiet area inside the Zoo’s Canopy Restaurant.

 

The Zoo is in search of volunteers to assist with OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS in various capacities. SAFARI LIGHTS is also an ideal opportunity for group volunteers and individuals. Learn more at www.okczoo.org/volunteer.

 

  

BOOK THE OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS LOUNGE FOR YOUR HOLIDAY SOCIAL

As part of this year’s OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS festivities, the OKC Zoo invites you to bring the whole family or your small business together in the unique setting of the Safari Lights Lounge. This is the perfect place to celebrate the season and experience the magic of OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS presented by OG&E with colleagues, family and friends in a private event space, the OKC Zoo’s Treehouse and Canopy Restaurant East Room. All package options include up to 15 or 30 admission tickets to the walk-thru course of OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS, access to the Zoo through a private entrance, a picture-perfect holiday backdrop, plus setup, breakdown, and cleanup of the event space. Learn more at OKCZOO SAFARI LIGHTS Lounge.

  

 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7: OKC ZOO HOSTS “I WANT A HIPPOPOTAMUS FOR CHRISTMAS” SING-ALONG WITH GAYLA PEEVEY

Oklahoma City native Gayla Peevey, original singer of “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas,” visits the OKC Zoo with a sing-along and autograph session at the Love’s Pachyderm building in Expedition Africa. The classic Christmas tune was used to raise money to purchase a Nile hippopotamus, which was then donated to the Zoo on Christmas Eve 1953. The event is Thursday, November 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and is included free with general Zoo admission. Commemorative hippo shirts and more will be available for purchase at this event and in the Zoo’s Safari Gift Shop located in the entry plaza throughout the holiday season.

 

 

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8: OKC ZOO HOSTS SENSORY-FRIENDLY NIGHT FOR SAFARI LIGHTS

The OKC Zoo is hosting a Sensory-Friendly Night for OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS on Friday, November 8, from 6 to 9 p.m. with last entry at 8 p.m. This evening is designed for guests with sensory sensitivities and their families. Guests can expect a smaller crowd, limited flashing lights, quieter music and designated quiet area inside the Zoo’s Canopy Restaurant. Reservations are required and can be made at okczoo.org/safari-lights.

 

 

STARTING FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22: ZOOBRICKS ON SALE

Leave your mark at the Oklahoma City Zoo with a ZOObrick! These engraved 4"x8" bricks, located at the Zoo’s Entry Plaza, make a one-of-a-kind holiday gift. You can personalize your ZOObrick with up to 3 lines of inscription (20 characters per line) to create a lasting tribute. Bricks go on sale for $150 each starting November 22nd, so don’t miss this chance to give a gift that will be cherished for years to come. Visit ozsgiving.org/zoobricks to learn more.

 

 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28: THANKSGIVING DAY, OKC ZOO IS CLOSED FOR THE DAY BUT OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS IS OPEN

Introduce a new Thanksgiving Day holiday tradition to your crew and make plans to experience OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS! The Zoo’s new popular light event is bigger and better than ever, and will be open on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28, from 5:30 to 11 p.m. with the last entry at 10 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made at okczoo.org/safari-lights. The Zoo is closed to guests during the day on November 28.

 

 

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25 THROUGH WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27: SCHOOLS OUT DAY CAMPS

Metro area schools are closed this week, but learning never takes a break at the OKC Zoo with Schools Out Day Camps! The Oklahoma City Zoo’s education team has three days of fun to prime kids ages 5 to 12 for Thanksgiving fun with themes like Friendsgiving (unlikely animal friends), Friends and Family (animals that live in packs and flocks), and Feast or Famine (predators and prey). The cost is $60 per camper ($54/camper for ZOOfriends members) per day. Camps run from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Zoo’s Rosser Conservation Education Center. Campers must bring their lunch and snacks. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Visit Schools Out Camps (okczoo.org) to view the complete camp schedule and themes for November and December, and to register.

 

 

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27 THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2024: SCHOOLS OUT DAY CAMPS

The Oklahoma City Zoo’s Schools Out Day Camps offer a unique educational experience for students during school breaks and holidays. Kids ages 5 to 12 can get into a magical mood with themed classes including House of Courage & Bravery (lions and other cat-tastic creatures), House of Loyalty & Perseverance (learn about burrowing creatures), and House of Wisdom & Wit (explore the world of birds). These daily themed camps include educational activities, in-park exploration, up-close animal ambassador visits and more. The cost is $60 per camper ($54/camper for ZOOfriends members) per day. Camps run from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Zoo’s Rosser Conservation Education Center. Campers must bring their lunch and snacks. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Visit Schools Out Camps (okczoo.org) to view the complete camp schedule and themes for November and December, and to register.

 

 

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3 THROUGH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5: OKC ZOO IN ITS WINTER HOURS

The Oklahoma City Zoo’s winter hours begin Tuesday, December 3 and continue through Wednesday, February 5 and the Zoo will be closed during the day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays with no public access to the park. The Zoo will continue to be open to the public Thursdays through Mondays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the last entry no later than 4 p.m. OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS will remain open nightly from 5:30 to 11 p.m. with the last entry no later than 10 p.m. through Wednesday, January 1, 2025 including holidays.

 

 

CHRISTMAS DAY, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25: OKC ZOO IS CLOSED FOR THE DAY BUT OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS IS OPEN

The OKC Zoo’s wildly festive light event, OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS presented by OG&E, is bigger and better than ever, and will be open on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25, from 5:30 to 11 p.m. with the last entry at 10 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made at okczoo.org/safari-lights. The Zoo is closed to guests during the day on December 25.

 

 

NEW YEARS DAY, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1: OKC ZOO IS OPEN AND FINAL NIGHT OF SAFARI LIGHTS

Welcome 2025 in a wild way and plan a day at the Oklahoma City Zoo! The OKC Zoo is open on News Years Day, Wednesday, January 1 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the last entry at 4 p.m. Monday, January 1 is also the final night to discover OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS presented by OG&E and open from 5:30 to 11 p.m. with the last entry at 10 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made at okczoo.org/safari-lights.

  

 

ONGOING OKC ZOO HAPPENINGS

 

 

VOLUNTEER ON THE WILD SIDE: GROUP VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT THE OKC ZOO

Gather your group and flock to the Oklahoma City Zoo for exciting group volunteer opportunities during the fall season. Corporations, colleagues, school groups, friends or families are invited to come out to the OKC Zoo to assist with special projects such as yardwork, gardening, cleaning, painting, craft/event preparations and more. These are ideal opportunities for groups of 3 to 30 individuals ages 16 and older. All participants will be required to complete a waiver of liability before the projects and school groups must provide contact information for a faculty advisor. To learn more or register a volunteer group, visit www.okczoo.org/groupvolunteers.

 

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

Read for Adventure, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden’s statewide library program, brings Oklahoma families to together while building an appreciation for reading and nature. Sponsored by OG&E, this popular program connects kids to the Read for Adventure feature book, “Juniper’s Butterfly Garden,” 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, 2025. For a list of participating libraries, visit www.okczoo.org/readforadventure.

  

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, Galapagos tortoises 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 $45–$60 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 (WEATHER PERMITTING)

Take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about the Oklahoma City Zoo’s animal family from the expert themselves, our caretakers. When weather permits, guests can 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:

  • Asian elephants (Sanctuary Asia’s Boardwalk), Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m.
  • Predators (Predator Pass), Friday through Monday, 11:30 a.m.
  • Lungfish (Love’s Pachyderm Building at Expedition Africa), 1:30 p.m.
  • Flamingos (Children’s Zoo presented by Primrose Schools), 3 p.m.
  • Lemurs (Expedition Africa), 3:30 p.m.

The Oklahoma City Zoo is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the last entry no later than 4 p.m. During Zoo Winter Hours, Tuesday, December 3 through Wednesday, February 5, the Zoo will be closed to guests during the day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 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.

 

Stay connected with the Zoo on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, 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.