Experience wildlife and wild places abroad with the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden’s Conservation Travel Program! In 2025, the OKC Zoo, in partnership with Safari Professionals, is hosting three different conservation travel experiences to Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, and inviting Oklahomans to come along on these trips of a lifetime!
“We want Oklahomans to explore more of the world with us,” said Dr. Dwight Lawson, OKC Zoo’s executive director/CEO. “Together with Safari Professionals, we have curated adventures that are memorable and immersive with unique conservation experiences. As travelers encounter the rich biodiversity, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural treasures of each destination, our hope is they are inspired to become champions for protecting wildlife and wild places.”
The first of the Zoo’s three conservation travel opportunities is an exclusive 12-night immersion into Indonesia, from June 8 through 20, 2025. This is the Zoo’s first excursion to Indonesia and will provide travelers with extraordinary cultural and wildlife encounters experienced through boat journeys and walking excursions encompassing several islands. Guests will discover exotic, endangered species in their native habitats including Asian elephants and orangutans, and explore the famous pink beaches of Komodo Island, home to the largest lizards on Earth, Komodo dragons. The trip, limited to 14 guests of all ages, includes accommodations at six luxury lodges providing the ideal setting for relaxation and creating memorable moments while immersed in nature!
For those dreaming of a destination with startling beauty, rich history, and fascinating wildlife–Sri Lanka awaits! The OKC Zoo is thrilled to offer a brand-new travel opportunity to the island nation of Sri Lanka from July 10 through 24, 2025. This adventure-filled trip is limited to 12 guests and includes extended stays in six cities allowing travelers quality time to explore stunning landscapes and celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Sites and, of course, connect with wildlife. Sri Lanka is home to a variety of primates, leopards, sloth bears, an array of birds and large populations of Asian elephants. This is the ultimate trip for elephant fans as guests will observe and learn how the Zoo is working with local groups to conserve this endangered and beloved species. In fact, the Oklahoma City Zoo is the only Association of Zoos and Aquariums member doing conservation work anywhere in Sri Lanka. Adventurers will also find themselves relaxing and recharging in some of Sri Lanka’s most luxurious and iconic hotels.
The expeditions continue with the Zoo’s third and final travel destination: Zimbabwe. Don’t miss this epic wildlife safari to Zimbabwe spanning 10 days and nine nights, August 11 through 20, 2025. Wildlife enthusiasts will be in awe of Zimbabwe, one of Africa’s most exciting safari destinations, as they take in incredible views of lions, elephants, African painted dogs, cheetahs, hyenas, hippos and more! Guests will also explore some of Africa’s most iconic natural treasures including Matobo National Park, Hwange National Park and the magnificent Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Following exciting days out on safari, travelers return to top-rated accommodations with breathtaking views, exceptional amenities and dining. This trip is limited to 12 guests.
Inviting wildlife enthusiasts on safari to Zimbabwe aligns with the OKC Zoo’s anxiously anticipated opening of Expedition Africa, the Zoo’s largest new habitat expansion in its 122-year history. Set to officially open on March 26, the new 12-acre project will provide guests with more immersive experiences and larger habitats for animals native to the African continent including giraffes, wildebeests, ostriches, meerkats, African painted dogs, cheetahs, lemurs, honey badgers and more.
For adventurers wanting to get away this year, the OKC Zoo has limited spots remaining for a Costa Rica excursion. Join the OKC Zoo from July 5 through 13, 2024 for this 8-night safari to discover the incredible biodiversity of Costa Rica which literally means “rich coast” and is home to 5% of the planet’s biodiversity. Over the course of this trip, travelers will discover wildlife along the beaches, in the ocean and in the mountains including whales, sea turtles, birds, butterflies and so much more.
OKC Zoo supports conversation initiatives and partners around the world with funds from its Round Up for Conservation program. Guests are encouraged to donate their spare change when purchasing admission tickets, or when buying food or beverages at the OKC Zoo. By “rounding up” purchases, Zoo visitors have contributed over $1 million since the program’s inception in 2011.
These amazing travel opportunities are offered by the Oklahoma City Zoo in partnership with Safari Professionals–a wildlife conservation travel company with over 35 years of designing and conducting unique adventures in wildlife destinations throughout the world. To learn more about these trips including prices, locations, amenities, and travel protocols visit www.okczoo.org/travel.
Interested in learning more about these travel experiences? The OKC Zoo is hosting a “Conservation Travel Night” Tuesday, February 13, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at its Rosser Conservation Education Center Auditorium. At this informal gathering, Zoo representatives will describe these trips in greater detail and answer all of your questions. Attendees should park by and enter through the education center located at the east end of the Zoo’s parking lot.
The Oklahoma City Zoo is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the last entry no later than 4 p.m. Guests are encouraged to purchase advance Zoo admission at okczoo.org/tickets for faster access. 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. 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.
Stay connected with the Zoo on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, Linktree and TikTok, and by visiting our blog stories. To learn more about Zoo happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visit okczoo.org.