OKC Zoo is making it a November to remember with OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS, Military Appreciation Month, family-friendly events, a community food drive, education programs and more!

 

MONDAY, OCTOBER 31: WINTER HOURS BEGIN 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 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) is open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • 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. 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.
  • Endangered Species Carousel: Carousel rides are available daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $3 per person.
  • Explorikeet Feedings (Children’s Zoo): 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 age 3+ must wear a mask during this up-close animal encounter for the protection of guests and staff.
  • Flamingo Mingle feedings occur daily, weather-permitting, in the Children’s Zoo habitat from 11-11:30 a.m. and 3:30-4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Cost is $7 per person. Children age 2 and under are not permitted. 
  • Giraffe Feeding Platform: Connect with our giraffe herd on a new level! Weekend (Sat. and Sun.) feeding opportunities offered from 2 to 3 p.m. Cost is $5 per person.
  • Rhino Feedings:  Discover this memorable experience with one of the most magical residents at the Zoo – an Indian rhino! Feeding opportunities available weekends (Thurs.–Sun.) 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 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 12 THROUGH SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2023

Discover the magic of OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS, the Oklahoma City Zoo’s festive celebration of lights and holiday fun, presented by OG&E. Revelers of all ages will enjoy the opportunity to discover larger-than-life illuminated lanterns highlighting wildlife of the world, prehistoric animals and seasonal scenes while on a driving tour through the OKC Zoo. The estimated drive time to complete the OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS tour is 20 minutes. After the driving tour, guests 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 continues through the Zoo’s Children’s Zoo and along the Lakeside pathway where guests will enjoy interactive light displays and picture-perfect photo ops. Savor the evening with sweet treats such as s’mores and cookies and tasty beverages available for purchase in the Safari Café and Canopy Restaurant. Then pop in the Zoo’s Safari Gift Shop to check out a wide selection of one-of-a-kind toys and gift ideas including the event’s exclusive souvenir Glow Packages featuring light-up wristbands, necklaces, sabers and various zoovenirs. Both small packages, $49.99 each, and large packages, $89.99 each, are available to purchase online in advance with event tickets at www.okczoo.org/safari-lights. Brighten your OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS nights with this season’s new and returning special activities including Dinner with Santa family-friendly series, the OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS Lounge private event space, photo opportunities with Santa and more. Click here for additional details. OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS begins Saturday, November 12, and runs nightly through New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1, 2023 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. Admission for the drive-thru experience is $65/vehicle and includes up to 4 walk-thru admission tickets. Admission for the walk-thru only is $15/guest ages 3 and older. Supporting OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS sponsors include Devon and MidFirst Bank.

The OKC Zoo is now hiring for part-time positions for evening shifts to help bring OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS to life. Must be 16 or older to apply. Those interested in this festive seasonal opportunity to earn holiday money can apply online at t https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/okczoo/. The Zoo is also in search of volunteers to assist with OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS in various capacities. This is an ideal opportunity for group volunteers and individuals. Learn more at www.okczoo.org/volunteer.

 

NOVEMBER: TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR NEW WILD ABOUT HEALTH FITNESS CLASSES

The Oklahoma City Zoo is excited to present a new program, Wild About Health, and offer a trio of early morning fitness classes this November designed to build an appreciation for getting active and the outdoors! Guests are invited to try one or all three of our different fitness classes being led by Fit4Moms, Barre3 and a family-focused private yoga instructor – all happening outdoors in the OKC Zoo’s Devon Picnic Grounds. Instruction will take place from 9 to 10 a.m. and each class concludes with a surprise animal encounter at 10:15 a.m. Classes are limited to 30 guests and guests are encouraged to bring their own yoga mat. In the case of inclement weather, classes will move indoors. Cost per class is $30/adult or $18/adult for members, includes instruction and same-day general admission into the OKC Zoo. Tickets for this program go on sale Monday, October 3 at www.okczoo.org/events. Participation is limited and tickets must be purchased in advance, so don’t wait to get yours. OKC Zoo’s Wild About Health class schedule is as follows:

  • Barre3 / Saturday, November 5, 9 to 10 a.m.: Barre3 is a 45-minute full-body balanced workout combining strength conditioning, cardio and mindfulness that will leave you feeling balanced in body and empowered from within. A trained guide will direct and inspire participants through a circuit of diverse exercises developed to target specific areas of the body. All levels are welcome. Participants must be 18 or older.
  • Fit4Moms’ Stroller Strides / Sunday, November 20, 9 to 10 a.m.: Stroller Strides® is a functional, total-body conditioning workout designed for moms, dads or grandparents with kids in tow. Each workout is comprised of strength training, cardio and core restoration, all while entertaining the little ones with songs, activities and fun. Children must remain in their stroller for the duration of the class. School age children are welcome to join but they must be able to sit next to mom or in a designated big kid spot during class; this workout is intended for mom not for the kids. General Zoo admission is required for accompanying children attending this program.
  • Family Yoga / Friday, November 25, 9 to 10 a.m.: Complete your Thanksgiving holiday with a yoga class for the whole family! This yoga class offers an age-appropriate Yoga practice including stretching and strengthening poses, breathing and relaxation techniques all while being playful and fun. This class is designed for all ages and there must be an accompanying adult for every three minors. Participants are required to bring their own yoga mat. Cost is $30/adult or $20 for guests age 3-17; $18/adults for members or $11 for members age 3-17, includes instruction and same-day general admission into the Zoo.

 

NOVEMBER IS MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH AT THE OKC ZOO

This November, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is honoring our military men and women during Military Appreciation Month and throughout the month all active duty, retired, 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% 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 Tuesday, November 1 through Wednesday, November 30. 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 all available Wild Encounter experiences.
  • 10% off merchandise at the Zoo’s Safari Gift Shop.
  • $10 off any membership level! Military members must be named on the membership.  

For additional information about Military Appreciation Month visit okczoo.org.

 

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2: OKLAHOMA ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY’S ZOOTROOP KENDRA SCOTT GIVE BACK PARTY

Come together with the Oklahoma Zoological Society’s ZOOtroop for a wild cause at the Kendra Scott Give Back Party and support the Oklahoma City Zoo’s animal family. Kendra Scott will donate 20% of every jewelry purchase made during the Give Back Party occurring on Wednesday, November 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. to the Oklahoma Zoological Society. Bring your friends along for this unique shopping excursion supporting a new climbing structure to be featured at the OKC Zoo’s Children’s Zoo barnyard area for its goats. For those unable to attend this event who’d still like to support it, they can do so by visiting Kendra Scott in Oklahoma City and mention "Oklahoma Zoological Society" or enter the code GIVEBACK-CWTOC online at checkout. 20% of your purchase will directly benefit the Oklahoma Zoological Society. The code will be live Wednesday, November 2 and Thursday, November 3. For more information, visit www.kendrascott.com or stop into Kendra Scott's Classen Curve location at 5810 N. Classen Blvd. # Oklahoma City, OK 73118.

 

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4: OKC ZOO PARENTS NIGHT OUT

The Oklahoma City Zoo is hosting a Parents Night Out on Friday, November 4. Our dedicated education team is ready to give you a break and provide your little ones with an engaging experience during our Parents Night Out program. Program activities include a Zoo-themed lesson, craft activity, pizza dinner, a nighttime tour on grounds and a movie. This program is for ages 4-12. Program starts at 6 p.m. with pick up as late as 10 p.m. Prices are $30/child, $25/additional child (members) and $40/child, $35/additional child (nonmembers). Enroll your kiddo(s) today at Parents Night Out (okczoo.org).

 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5 THROUGH SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21: OKC ZOO CO-HOSTS COMMUNITY FOOD DRIVE REGIONAL FOOD BANK OF OKLAHOMA

The Oklahoma City Zoo in partnership with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma asks you to help end hunger in Oklahoma. Donate a can or box of non-expired/non-perishable food to the OKC Zoo from Saturday, November 5 through Sunday, November 20, and receive half off general Zoo admission. One discount per person per food item donated. Suggested food donations include peanut butter, canned tuna, chicken, vegetables and/or fruits, cereal and oatmeal. Food donations can be dropped off at the Zoo’s ticket windows. 

 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10: OKC ZOO AND BOB MOORE SUBARU HOST DASHING THROUGH THE ZOO FUN RUN

On your mark, get set, dash through the Zoo! The OKC Zoo and Bob Moore Subaru invite you to light up the night at our Dashing Through the Zoo Fun Run on Thursday, November 10, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. We are offering running enthusiasts a chance to help launch OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS with a fun run through the park to experience dozens of beautifully lit lanterns in a brand-new way. The designated course takes runners on the drive-thru experience pathway through the Zoo before SAFARI LIGHTS opens to the public! Once finished, walk-thru portion of OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS. Choose from two Fun Run packages including the following:

  • Option #1 ($40/person): Admission to SAFARI LIGHTS walk-thru, fun run registration, a commemorative T-shirt and one s’mores kit and hot chocolate.
  • Option #2 ($30/person): Admission to SAFARI LIGHTS walk-thru, fun run registration and a commemorative T-shirt.

Event tickets are non-refundable. Online reservations are required for participation in this event. No walk-up tickets will be sold. Register at Our Events (okczoo.org). T-shirts will be included with admission, with size selection available on a first come, first served basis on shirt size.

 

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11: OKC ZOO IS OPEN ON VETERANS DAY, FROM 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. WITH LAST ENTRY AT 4 P.M., MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH DISCOUNTS APPLY

 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19: JOIN OKC ZOO’S CONSERVATION CLUB EDUCATION SERIES

Conservation starts with you! The Oklahoma City Zoo’s education team is proud to launch a brand-new Conservation Club for young nature enthusiasts. This monthly series will teach your young conservationists how to make the planet a place where wildlife and wild places thrive through hands-on activities, chats with experts and expeditions throughout the OKC Zoo. The focus for November’s program is Cultivating Conservation and the program is set to take place on Saturday, November 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pre-registration required. Please visit Conservation Club (okczoo.org) for more information.

 

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25: 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 24, 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 24.

 

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28: OKC ZOO HOSTS SENSORY-FRIENDLY NIGHT FOR SAFARI LIGHTS

The OKC Zoo is hosting a Sensory-Friendly Night for OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS on Monday, November 28, from 6 to 10 p.m. with last entry at 9 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.

 

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6 THROUGH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8: OKC ZOO IN ITS WINTER HOURS

The Oklahoma City Zoo’s winter hours begin Tuesday, December 6 and continue through Wednesday, February 8 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 Sunday, January 1, 2023 including holidays.

 

ONGOING OKC ZOO HAPPENINGS

 

OKC ZOO SELLING DIGITAL ART NFTs CREATED BY ITS MALE ORANGUTAN FOR CONSERVATION

Purchase a piece of art history that will help raise awareness and funds for wild orangutan conservation. The Oklahoma City Zoo’s critically endangered male Sumatran orangutan, Elok, 21, has created digital art available for purchase as a non-fungible token (NFT) via an international auction. All pieces of The Elok Collection are viewable and available for purchase through the online auction site OpenSea.io. This novel creative endeavor is the result of the design team at Megafauna Studios, Becky Scheel and Mathieu Kuhne, reaching out to the OKC Zoo’s Director of Conservation Science, Dr. Rebecca Snyder, to propose a new form of digital animal enrichment. Animal enrichment is the term used to describe any stimuli given to animals in human care that stimulates their senses and activates natural behaviors as well as behavioral diversity. All three species of orangutans—Sumatran, Bornean and Tapanuli—are critically endangered, making conservation fundraising efforts like this crucial. Elok’s artwork is available on the world’s largest NFT market place, OpenSea.io. Net proceeds from the sale will be collected by Oklahoma Zoological Society, the non-profit organization that supports the Oklahoma City Zoo. The OKC Zoo will then allocate the funds to non-profit science-based conservation organizations working to protect wild orangutans and other endangered species. For more information about this digital venture, the Zoo has created a webpage www.okczoo.org/nft featuring photos, videos and answers to frequently asked questions.

 

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, 2023. For a list of participating libraries, visit www.okczoo.org/readforadventure.

 

OKC ZOO’S HIGHLIGHTS WILDLIFE OF THE WEEK

The Oklahoma City Zoo’s Wildlife of the Week features bring the wow! Each week, the OKC Zoo shares exciting and educational facts about its animal family with its Wildlife of the Week program. The Zoo will focus on a new animal species weekly on its 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’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 near Lotus Pavilion), 3 p.m.

 

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

Attention all Oklahoma schools, the Oklahoma City Zoo has a wild 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. 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.

 

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. The Zoo will be closed to the public during the daytime on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Tuesdays and Wednesdays between December 6 and February 8, 2023. 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 daytime 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. 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.