Enjoy another BOO-tiful month at the OKC Zoo! October kicks off fall with Haunt the Zoo for Halloween, the Chomp and Stomp enrichment event, and more.

 

NATURE EXPLORERS PRESCHOOL ENROLLMENT OPEN

Class is in session! OKC Zoo’s Nature Explorers Preschool is in its brand-new center with added classrooms, common areas, and a nature-based outdoor learning area where students will spend most of their days. The new preschool center is located adjacent to the Zoo's administration building. Nature Explorers Preschool is currently enrolling students 3–5 years old for full- and half-day classes. Students in the nature-based preschool program spend 75 percent of their time outdoors with curriculum blending classroom learning with experiences in nature so children can learn about animals, habitats, and the important work of conservation. Preschool hours are Monday- Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (full-day) or 8 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (half-day). Visit www.okczoo.org/preschool to learn more and sign up.

 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 THROUGH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4: OKC ZOO’S ANNUAL PUMPKIN DRIVE

The spooky season is almost here, which means it’s time again for the Zoo’s annual pumpkin drive! From Saturday, September 28 through Friday, October 4, guests bringing a pumpkin larger than their head to the Oklahoma City Zoo will receive half off their same-day general admission ticket. Pumpkins brought and donated will be used to decorate the OKC Zoo for the 41th annual Haunt the Zoo, Saturdays and Sundays, October 5 through 27. Limit one half-priced admission per person.

 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 9 A.M. TO NOON: OKC ZOO HOSTS NATIVE SPECIES AWARENESS DAY

Celebrate the homegrown members of the Zoo’s animal family during Native Species Awareness Day. Starting at 9 a.m. and running through noon, visitors to the Oklahoma Trails habitats can see animal enrichments, learn from caretaker chats, and meet popular mascot Smokey Bear. Guests will also have an opportunity to participate in a citizen science project and help Zoo experts tag monarch butterflies. Local conservation organizations will be on hand with information on ways everyone can save wildlife and wild places in the state. Oklahoma Zoological Society will offer plush native species animal adoptions, including otters, coyotes, grizzly bears, and more, for $25 with proceeds supporting The Nature Conservancy. The day’s activities also include a plant sale hosted by the Zoo’s horticulture team in the Entry Plaza from 9 a.m. to noon. Plus, the Zoo’s horticulture team will be on hand to answer questions and provide tips about fall gardening and landscaping. Native Species Awareness Day activities are included with paid Zoo admission.  

 

TICKETS ON SALE FOR 41TH ANNUAL HAUNT THE ZOO FOR HALLOWEEN PRESENTED BY OKLAHOMA’S OWN NEWS 9

Calling all minions, Barbies, superheroes, talking dogs, and Beetlesjuice (Beetlejuices?)! October means the return of the Oklahoma City Zoo’s 41st annual Haunt the Zoo for Halloween, Oklahoma’s largest and longest-running Halloween tradition! Presented by Oklahoma’s Own News 9, Haunt the Zoo is a wild take on the traditional trick-or-treat experience as costumed fans can enjoy all the sweets 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 goodies 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 too scary, please! Haunt the Zoo occurs Saturdays and Sundays, October 5 through 27. Trick-or-treating is available each day from 9 a.m. 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 for ZOOfriends members). To purchase tickets, visit www.okczoo.org/htz. Haunt the Zoo goers can also experience other Zoo attractions including giraffe, flamingo 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/htz. 2024 Haunt the Zoo sponsors to date include Oklahoma’s Own News 9, Sam’s Club, Frito Lay, Express Employment International, Primrose School, Kroger, Tinker Federal Credit Union, Bank7, Aurora Pediatric Dentistry, Andy B’s, Love’s, INTEGRIS Health Children’s, and Heartland.

BE PART OF THE HAUNT THE ZOO TRADITION AND VOLUNTEER! The Oklahoma City Zoo is needing volunteers to help with this year’s spooktacular celebration, Haunt the Zoo occurring Saturdays and Sundays, October 5 through 27. Volunteers must be 14 or older and any volunteer under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. This volunteer opportunity is ideal for individuals and families plus, civic, school and corporate groups. To learn more about volunteering or to register, click here.

 

ONLINE RESERVATIONS OPEN FOR OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS PRESENTED BY OG&E

Haven’t been to Oklahoma’s newest must-experience holiday extravaganza? Reserve your tickets for OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS as it comes back for a bigger and brighter holiday season with all new lanterns! Presented by OG&E, OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS is a dazzling light display offering guests of all ages the opportunity to discover all brand-new, larger-than-life light sculptures on a driving tour through the OKC Zoo. The fun continues as guests park and re-enter the Zoo for a separate walking experience complete with immersive and interactive light displays, s’mores stations, themed photo ops and more. Wild souvenirs including exclusive “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” apparel and gifts as well as delicious treats and eats will also be available for purchase. OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS begins Saturday, November 9, and runs nightly through New Year’s Day, Wednesday, January 1, 2025 with drive-through and walk-through 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 and Christmas Day. Supporting sponsor for OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS includes Devon and MidFirst Bank. Advance online reservations are required for OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS and are limited, so purchase early. Pricing varies based on visit date, you pick the date that works best with your schedule and budget! To make reservations or for additional event details, visit www.okczoo.org/safari-lights OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS is produced by the Oklahoma City Zoo and Tianyu Culture.

  • ZOOFRIENDS MEMBER PRE-SALE: Member pre-sale for SAFARI LIGHTS tickets now live. ZOOfriends members receive a $10 discount on drive-thru admissions and a $2 discount on additional walk-thru admissions.
  • SAFARI LIGHTS SENSORY NIGHT: The OKC Zoo will be hosting a Sensory-Friendly Night for SAFARI LIGHTS on Friday, November 8, from 6 to 9 p.m. Attendees will discover a less sensory stimulating environment with lower crowd attendance, limited flashing lights, and reduced sounds while experiencing the magic of SAFARI LIGHTS.

 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12: AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (ASL) INTERPRETERS AT THE OKC ZOO

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden strives to find new and memorable ways to bring guests closer to its wildlife and nature including providing American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters in the park. The OKC Zoo has ASL interpreters available to help create an enhanced experience for guests who are deaf and hard of hearing. ASL interpreters are 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.

 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15: OKC ZOO HOSTS FREE CHEETAH CONSERVATION LECTURE

Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) Executive Director Dr. Laurie Marker will give a free presentation about the organization’s decades of work studying and protecting cheetahs in Africa in the Oklahoma City Zoo’s Rosser Conservation Education Auditorium on Tuesday, October 15. In addition to meeting Dr. Marker, attendees can purchase Namibia-made handicrafts with the proceeds benefiting CCF. Stay tuned to the OKC Zoo’s social channels for additional details.

 

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16 THROUGH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18: SCHOOL’S OUT DAY CAMP

Kids who love the creepy crawlies will enjoy the OKC Zoo’s Fall Break School’s Out Day Camp starting Wednesday, October 16. Sign up for 1, 2, or 3 days of learning about nature’s eerie and fascinating creatures, the nocturnal world of real-life vampires, and some of the world’s most ferocious predators. Campers must be ages 5-12 years old to participate. Drop off is from 8-8:30 a.m. and pick up is from 4-4:30 p.m. Campers must bring their own lunch and a morning and afternoon snack. Each day camp is $60 per child for non-members or $54 per child for ZOOfriends members. Visit okczoo.org/schools-out to register.

 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18: OKC ZOO’S CHOMP AND STOMP ANIMAL ENRICHMENT EVENT

Take time this fall break to attend the OKC Zoo’s seasonal animal enrichment event: Chomp and Stomp. During this uniquely festive, family-friendly activity guests watch as the OKC Zoo’s animal family chomp and stomp pumpkins galore. This year the creative animal caretakers’ theme is “Fantasy creatures: Chompin’ and Stompin’ Adventures”! Unique food items are provided to the animals as part of the Zoo’s ongoing animal enrichment program, which is designed to stimulate and encourage the animals’ natural behaviors, such as foraging. This activity is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is free to attend with Zoo admission. The Chomp and Stomp schedule will be shared on the Zoo’s social platforms and website.

 

                

ONGOING OKC ZOO HAPPENINGS

 

KULTURECITY SENSORY-INCLUSIVE OPTIONS

Since 2018, the OKC Zoo has been certified as a sensory-inclusive zoo by nonprofit KultureCity. The Zoo provides complimentary sensory bags that include fidget toys, noise-cancelling headphones, and more. Guests will also find on grounds signage designating quiet zones and headphone zones for those who may feel overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the Zoo. Sensory bags are available for guests to checkout at no cost on a daily basis from the Zoo’s Guest Services office located in the entry plaza area.

 

READ FOR ADVENTURE, OKC ZOO’S STATEWIDE LITERACY PROGRAM

Check out Read for Adventure, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden’s unique 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, 2025. For a list of participating libraries, visit www.okczoo.org/readforadventure.

 

OKC ZOO’S FALL ATTRACTION SCHEDULE FOR OCTOBER 1–31, 2024

Pre-purchase tickets for these wild extras as well as Zoo admission 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.

  • Camel Rides: Camel rides are available Saturdays and Sundays in October, 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.
  • Flamingo Mingle: Flamingo Mingle feedings occur daily in the Children’s Zoo habitat from 9:30-10 a.m. and an additional opportunity on Saturdays and Sundays from 3:30-4 p.m. Cost is $5 per person. Children age 2 and under are not permitted. 
  • Giraffe Feeding (Expedition Africa): Giraffe feedings occur at the giraffe barn daily from 11 a.m. to noon with an additional feeding on Saturdays and Sundays from 3:30 to 4 p.m.
  • 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.
  • Rhino Feedings: Our Indian rhinos are ready to meet you! Feedings occur at 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 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 available weekdays from 10:30 to 11 a.m. and 1:30 to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, while supplies last, for an additional $3 per person.
  • The Barnyard at the Children’s Zoo presented by Primrose Schools: This fun encounter connects guests of all ages with our goats and sheep. Weekday hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
  • 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.
  • 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 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 9:30 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. 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.

 

OKC ZOO’S WILD ENCOUNTERS BEHIND THE SCENES EXPERIENCES 

The Oklahoma City Zoo’s Wild Encounters give participants a way to connect with some of their 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

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:

  • Wetland species (Wetland’s Walkway), 10 a.m.
  • Carnivores (Predator Pass), Friday through Monday, 11:30 a.m.
  • Asian elephants (Sanctuary Asia’s Boardwalk), Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m.
  • Lungfish (Love’s Pachyderm Building), 1:30 p.m.
  • Flamingos (Children’s Zoo), 3 p.m.
  • Lemurs (Expedition Africa), 3:30 p.m.

 

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 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the last entry no later than 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, 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.