The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, in partnership with the Oklahoma Zoological Society (OZS), is hosting its first Zoo Lovers Day, a unique day of giving celebration for wildlife fans to support the OKC Zoo. Fans will have the opportunity to share their generosity and donate to causes focusing on the OKC Zoo’s mission, animal family, and conservation programs throughout the event while connecting with the Zoo’s experts and the amazing animals in their care. Donations can be made in-person during Zoo Lovers Day or digitally at www.ozsgiving.org/zooloversday. Donors will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win exclusive prizes. Each gift made on Zoo Lovers Day will be matched up to $10,000, courtesy of Jackie and Robert Tilghman.

As an added treat on this day, Zoo caretakers have created themed enrichment activities for select animals. Guests are invited to watch the various events from 1 to 7 p.m. as the Zoo is extending its hours to 8 p.m. for this special day, providing guests additional time to explore and experience the park including the brand-new Expedition Africa. Zoo Lovers Day enrichment schedule includes: 

  • 1 p.m.: Galapagos tortoise (Children’s Zoo)
  • 1:44–1:51 p.m.: Optimal Solar Eclipse Viewing (Guests are encouraged to bring their own protective eclipse glasses.)
  • 1:45 p.m.: Sumatran tigers (Cat Forest)
  • 2:30 p.m.: Asian elephants (Sanctuary Asia, Elephant Presentation Pavilion)
  • 3:15 p.m.: Cassowaries (Sanctuary Asia)
  • 4 p.m.: River otter and grizzly bears (Oklahoma Trails, Big Rivers)
  • 4:45 p.m.: African lions (Lion Overlook)
  • 5:30 p.m.: Giraffes (Expedition Africa savanna)
  • 6:15 p.m.: Red river hogs (Expedition Africa)
  • 7 p.m.: Lemurs (Expedition Africa)

 

This day continues to spread love and joy with a fun passport activity with prizes for all ages. Guests can pick up an event passport when they purchase their admission tickets then collect stamps as they travel the park learning more about the Zoo’s unique programs and how all Zoo Lovers can support wildlife and wild places here in Oklahoma and globally. Completed passports can be turned in at the event information table for a prize.

Zoo Lovers Day is a selected 2024 Leadership Action Project through Leadership Oklahoma City’s LOYAL program. OZS and the Zoo appreciate LOYAL Class XVIII for their volunteerism and assistance with this event.

Zoo hours on Monday, April 8, are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. with last entry at 7 p.m. To learn more about Zoo Lovers' Day or to make a donation, visit www.ozsgiving.org/zooloversday.

We love our OKC Zoo and you should, too! 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. 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. Join or renew today at www.okczoo.org/membership. 

Stay connected with the Zoo on Facebook, X, Instagram, Linktree and TikTok, and by visiting our blog stories. To learn more about Zoo happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visit okczoo.org.