Go wild this summer with BRICKLIVE, Sip & Stroll 21+ events, World Giraffe Day and more!

OKC ZOO’S NEW MUST-SEE, SEASONAL EXPERIENCE, BRICKLIVE™ ANIMAL PARADISE OPEN DAILY

Connect with wildlife through brick-built art as you experience the all new, seasonal BRICKLIVE™ Animal Paradise, sponsored by Devon at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden. Debuting for the first time in Oklahoma at the OKC Zoo, BRICKLIVE Animal Paradise, features endangered animal statues made with more than one million toy bricks! This one-of-a-kind exhibit will be located within the Zoo’s butterfly garden area and is designed to connect wildlife fans to many of the planet’s endangered species while “building” an appreciation for conservation and biodiversity. BRICKLIVE Animal Paradise will remain on display through Sunday, October 30, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Purchase event tickets at www.okczoo.org. Purchase a BRICKLIVE Bundle ticket and receive general Zoo admission plus unlimited admission to BRICKLIVE Animal Paradise and Stingray Bay plus all-day rides on the Endangered Species Carousel and Elephant Express Tram. Bundle tickets are $28 for adults ages 12-64 and $25 for children ages 3-11. General admission for BRICKLIVE and seasonal ZOOfriends membership pass options will also be available at www.okczoo.org/tickets. Children 2 and under are free and do not require tickets for entry into BRICKLIVE.

 

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

Jump into another season of Read for Adventure, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden’s 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, 2023. For a list of participating libraries, visit www.okczoo.org/readforadventure.

 

2022 ZOO AMPHITHEATRE CONCERT EVENTS

Rock on at Oklahoma City’s treasured outdoor concert venue, the Zoo Amphitheatre. This season’s events include: 

Managed by 3HORSE Productions, LLC, the Zoo Amphitheatre is adjacent to the Oklahoma City Zoo and remains one of Oklahoma City’s most enduring and unique attractions. For ticket information, visit www.thezooamphitheatre.com.

 

MONDAY, JUNE 6: COOKIES FOR CONSERVATION – OKC ZOO PARTNERS WITH EILEEN’S COLOSSAL COOKIES TO HELP GIRAFFES

Spot this sweet deal! The Oklahoma City Zoo teaming up with Eileen’s Colossal Cookies for a wild cause, giraffe conservation. Beginning Monday, June 6 and continuing through Thursday, June 30, for every frosted giraffe cookie purchased at Eileen’s, $.50/per cookie will be donated to the OKC Zoo in support of giraffe conservation. Cookies will be available to purchase individually or trays of six cookies. Patrons that purchase a tray of six cookies will have an opportunity to enter and win a giraffe feeding experience at the OKC Zoo for four people plus Zoo admission. Cookies for Conservation are available at participating locations, Edmond (1333 N Santa Fe, Edmond) and Nichols Hills (7700 N. May Ave, OKC) locations.

 

SATURDAY, JUNE 11: AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (ASL) INTERPRETERS AT THE OKC ZOO

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden has initiated a new in-park program and is providing American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters to create an enhanced Zoo visit for guests who are deaf and hard of hearing. ASL interpreters are available at the Zoo on the second Saturday of every month including Saturday, June 11 and present at the sea lion and elephant presentations plus, scheduled Wild Encounter experiences. Zoo guests are not charged a fee for the use of an ASL interpreter. Cost per person for the sea lion presentation is $5, children two and under are free to attend. Elephant presentations are free to attend and occur at 2 p.m. in the elephant pavilion at Sanctuary Asia. For a complete listing of available Wild Encounters visit okczoo.org.

 

THURSDAY, JUNE 16: SIP AND STROLL PRIDE NIGHT AT THE OKC ZOO

Celebrate Pride month and beat the heat at the Oklahoma City Zoo’s Sip and Stroll PRIDE Night on Thursday, June 16, from 6 to 10 p.m. As one of OKC’s most popular Pride events happening in June, Sip and Stroll PRIDE Night welcomes all LGBTQIA+ guests and friends ages 21 and older to discover wildlife from around the world and visit six fully stocked “watering holes” serving conservation themed cocktails while learning more about the Zoo’s local and global conservation initiatives. Admission tickets to Sip and Stroll PRIDE Night festivities include evening access to almost the entire OKC Zoo, food trucks Yum Pig and Wicked Hangry, the premiere and sale of new PRIDE collection of Art Gone Wild created by our resident animal artists, and a high energy drag performance featuring Jalika Boom, Kadabra, Pat Thai and Carmen Deveraux! Presented by COOP Ale Works, Sip and Stroll, reoccurs every third Thursday through September. Sip and Stroll admission, $32/person, includes access to the sea lion presentation, elephant presentation, Stingray Bay, the Endangered Species Carousel and more. Sip and Stroll Drink Passports can be purchased for an additional $27 per person, allowing pass holders to enjoy a sample of all 6 specialty drinks. Drinks will also be available a la carte. Additional beverages and food will be available for purchase during Sip and Stroll from Zoo restaurants and local food trucks. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. This event will occur rain or shine. Remaining 2022 Sip and Stroll event dates include: July 21, August 18 and September 15. Online reservations are required and can made when you purchase your ticket at www.okczoo.org/sipandstroll.

 

TUESDAY, JUNE 21: OKC ZOO AND BOB MOORE SUBARU HOST WORLD GIRAFFE DAY

The Oklahoma City Zoo is proud to partner with Bob Moore Subaru and participate in World Giraffe Day, a worldwide celebration of giraffe that sheds light on the challenges these beloved animals face in the wild, on Tuesday, June 21. This annual event created by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) aims to raise awareness and support for giraffes which are listed as vulnerable in the wild. On World Giraffe Day, Zoo guests will enjoy a variety of activities presented locally by Bob Moore Subaru and happening near the giraffe feeding platform and habitat from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Activities include an information station, interactive activities for kids with prizes, photo opportunities hosted by Bob Moore Subaru, animal enrichment and Facebook live chats with the Zoo’s expert giraffe caretakers. All event activities are free with Zoo admission. GCF reports that the current Africa-wide giraffe population is approximately 117,000 individuals, almost a 30% population decrease in the last 30 years. Wild giraffe populations have declined due to habitat destruction and poaching. The OKC Zoo is committed to conserving these iconic animals and their habitat and providing financial support to GCF this year through its Round Up for Conservation Funds. These funds will support two of GCF’s initiatives, Wildlife Veterinarian Course, a wildlife veterinarian training course developed to enhance the capacity of African vets, and GCF ABC, a program that provides support for researchers and students to generate scientific data that can inform giraffe conservation and management. The OKC Zoo is also a proud to be an Association of Zoos and Aquariums Giraffe SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) partner, providing annual financial support for giraffe conservation programs in Africa in hopes of bringing attention to the importance of protecting this incredible species. World Giraffe Day activities are free with Zoo admission. To learn more, visit okczoo.org.

 

ONGOING OKC ZOO HAPPENINGS

OKC ZOO’S HIGHLIGHTS WILDLIFE OF THE WEEK

Be in the know with the Oklahoma City Zoo’s Wildlife of the Week. Learn new and exciting facts about the Zoo’s animal family with its Wildlife of the Week program. Each week, the OKC Zoo will highlight one of more than 600 unique animal species in our care on the Zoo’s 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 SUMMER ATTRACTION SCHEDULE

There’s more to see and do at the OKC Zoo. Guests can pre-purchase tickets for these experiences when they purchase their admission tickets 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.

  • BRICKLIVE Animal Paradise: Discover this safari of wildlife brick sculptures! Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. General admission for BRICKLIVE is $5/person plus, Zoo admission.
  • Camel Rides: Take your Zoo visit to new heights with a ride on a dromedary camel. Cost is $8 per person and rides will take place from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. daily. Children under 6 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Other rules are posted at the habitat.
  • Children’s Zoo Barnyard: Meet our goats and sheep up close and in-person. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Endangered Species Carousel: Carousel rides are available daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $3 per person.
  • Elephant Presentation (Sanctuary Asia): These “ele”fantastic presentations are free to attend and occur Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.
  • Explorikeet Feedings (Children’s Zoo): Fly by the Children’s Zoo to feed the lorikeets. Feeding opportunities available daily from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 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: Flamingo Mingle feedings occur daily in the Children’s Zoo habitat from 9:30 to 10 a.m. and 3:30 to 4 p.m. Cost is $7 per person. Children age 2 and under are not permitted. Participants age 3+ must wear a mask during this up-close animal encounter for the protection of guests and staff.
  • Giraffe Feeding Platform: Greet the Zoo’s gentle giants! Daily feeding opportunities from 2 to 3 p.m. Additional weekend feedings from 11 a.m. to noon beginning Saturday, May 28. Cost is $5 per person.
  • OKC Zoo Tram: Tour the Zoo in comfort while learning about its animal and 100+ year history. Tram travels from the Entry Plaza to Sanctuary Asia and are offered daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All day bracelets are $6 per person. Children two and under free.
  • Rhino Feedings: Our Indian rhinos are ready to meet you! Feedings occur at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Sanctuary Asia. Cost is $10 per person. Children age 2 and under are not permitted. 
  • Sea Lion Presentations: Don’t miss these educational and engaging presentations featuring the Zoo’s California sea lions and harbor seals! Daily presentations at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Zoo’s Sea Lion Presentation Stadium. Cost is $5 per person. Children two and under are free.
  • 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. Daily hours 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. with feeding opportunities available from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 to 2:30 p.m., while supplies last, for an additional $3 per person.

 

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.
  • Great apes (Great EscApe), 10:30 a.m.
  • Asian elephants (Sanctuary Asia’s Boardwalk), Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m.

 

OKC ZOO HIRING FOR PART-TIME POSITIONS FOR 2022 SEASON

Working at the OKC Zoo you’ll connect with people, wildlife and wild places. The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is now hiring for dozens of summer and fall, part-time positions throughout the park for its 2022 season. The OKC Zoo is hiring for four different groups and each have their own application process. Positions include OKC Zoo brand ambassadors, ride operators, tram drivers, zipline guides, cooks, and ZOOfriends membership and retail associates. Team members must be quick-thinking, organized, courteous, knowledgeable, able to follow clear directions, outgoing and friendly. The ability to speak with guests, answer guest questions and provide solutions to problems is essential. Pay ranges from $11.17 per hour and up with great benefits. To learn more about these employment opportunities or to apply, visit https://www.okczoo.org/jobs.

 

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

Calling all Oklahoma schools, the Oklahoma City Zoo has a special 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. Original pieces range from $35 to $300, depending on size. All net proceeds benefit one of the Zoo’s conservation initiatives. Art Gone Wild paintings are on display in the Zoo’s Guest Services office located in the Entry Plaza, open during regular park hours.

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. Connect to wildlife and tons of fun as you experience the all new BRICKLIVE Animal Paradise at the OKC Zoo. Sponsored by Devon, BRICKLIVE features 45+ life-sized animal statues made with almost two million toy bricks! BRICKLIVE Animal Paradise is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. now through October 30, 2022. Purchase advance tickets for general Zoo admission and BRICKLIVE at www.okczoo.org/tickets. 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 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.

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