Summer happenings connect fans of all ages with wildlife and wild places through special events, animal awareness days, activities and more!

NOW THROUGH FRIDAY, JUNE 30: VOTE FOR THE OKC ZOO THROUGH TARGET CIRCLE

We are honored and excited to announce that we have been chosen to participate in a special charitable giving campaign, sponsored and funded by Target. Zoo fans have the chance to help direct a portion of Target’s donation to the Oklahoma Zoological Society in support of the OKC Zoo! Vote for us through the Target Circle program through Friday, June 30, to help determine how Target’s donation will be divvied up. Find out more about Target Circle here: www.target.com/circle. We’re asking our supporters to help us make the most of this incredible opportunity. Every vote counts to help us receive a portion of the available Target funds as we continue our mission to connect people with our world’s vanishing wildlife and wild places to inspire conservation action. Don’t forget, as you earn more votes, you can keep voting multiple times during the campaign.

 

THURSDAY, JUNE 1 AND FRIDAY, JUNE 2: OKC ZOO HOSTS SCHOOL’S OUT DAY CAMPS

The Oklahoma City Zoo’s School’s Out Day Camps offer a unique educational experience for students during school breaks and holidays. These daily themed camps include educational activities, in-park exploration, up-close animal ambassador visits and more. School’s Out Day Camps are available for children ages 4 to 12. The cost is $45 per camper (members) and $50 per camper (nonmembers) per day. Camps run from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Zoo’s Rosser Conservation Education Center. Campers must bring their lunch and snacks. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Visit Schools Out Camps (okczoo.org) to view the complete camp schedule and themes for December and January, and to register. June camp dates and themes:

 

FRIDAY, JUNE 2: PARK CLOSING EARLY AT 3 P.M. FOR SECOND ANNUAL OKC ZOO GALA

On Friday, June 2, the Oklahoma City Zoo will be closing early at 3 p.m. with last entry at 2 p.m. in preparation for its second annual and sold out, OKC Zoo Gala – Journey to Africa presented by Dr. Margaret Freede and Judge Dan Owens.

 

SUNDAY, JUNE 4: LAST DAY FOR OKC ZOO AND MATHIS HOME MEMBERSHIP SALE

Don’t miss this wild opportunity to save big on a ZOOfriends membership! The Oklahoma City Zoo is partnering with Mathis Home to offer OKC Zoo fans an exclusive sale on the purchase of a ZOOfriends Membership Passport for 4, the Zoo’s most popular membership. Now through Sunday, June 4, a ZOOfriends Membership Passport for 4 people is available for the discounted price of $99, a savings of $50 from the regular price of $149. All memberships must be purchased in-person at participating Mathis Home locations, Oklahoma City (3434 W Reno Avenue) or Midwest City (7271 SE 29th Street), now through June 4. Those purchasing a new membership or a renewal that expires by June 30, 2023, can take advantage of this sale price of $99 for a Membership Passport for 4 only. Membership purchases are limited to one membership per customer. For additional details about the OKC Zoo and Mathis Home membership sale, visit www.okczoo.org/mathis.

 

MONDAY, JUNE 5 THROUGH MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4: EARLY ZOO HOURS FOR ZOOFRIENDS MEMBERS ONLY

Beginning Monday, June 5 and continuing through Labor Day, Monday, September 4, ZOOfriends members will enjoy early access into the Oklahoma City Zoo with gates opening at 8:30 a.m. daily. This special perk is for ZOOfriends members only with proof of a current membership passport. The Zoo will close daily at 5 p.m. with last entry at 4 p.m. Support your love and passion for wildlife and wild places with a ZOOfriends Membership Passport to the OKC Zoo. There’s a membership level for every kind of explorer with amazing benefits plus, you are supporting the OKC Zoo, its animals, programs and conservation efforts. Memberships can be purchased at www.okczoo.org/membership.  

 

THURSDAYS, JUNE 8 AND 15: OKC ZOO’S SIP AND STROLL, 21+ EVENT SERIES, PRESENTED BY COOP ALE WORKS, PRIDE CELEBRATION ON JUNE 15

Find your summer vibe on the wild side with the Oklahoma City Zoo’s Sip and Stroll events this June. Presented by COOP ALE WORKS and sponsored by Kroger Delivery, Sip and Stroll invites OKC Zoo fans 21 and older to connect with friends, loved ones and wildlife with these happenings on Thursday June 8 and our PRIDE celebration on June 15. Stroll the park from 6 to 10 p.m. each night., to discover wildlife from around the world while sipping specialty cocktails and other beverages from five conservation-themed bars setup throughout the Zoo. Tasty bites will be available for purchase from the Zoo’s eateries and some of OKC’s most popular food trucks. With a brand-new experience, The Continental Club, libation station, features a different conservation project or partner that the Zoo supports each event date with its own specialty cocktail. Sip and Stroll is an event with a purpose with $2 from every ticket going to support the Zoo’s conservation efforts. Back by popular demand, Thursday, June 15 is our PRIDE Sip and Stroll celebration. All LGBTQIA+ guests and friends are welcome to this popular PRIDE event complete with live entertainment and festive PRIDE cocktails. Plus, information stations hosted by queer community organizations will be setup during the event. General admission for Sip and Stroll is $22 per person for nonmembers and $17 per person for ZOOfriends members. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Online reservations are required and can made when you purchase your ticket at

www.okczoo.org/sipandstroll.

 

THURSDAY, JUNE 8: OKC ZOO AND BOB MOORE SUBARU HOST WORLD OCEAN DAY ACTIVITIES

Help the Oklahoma City Zoo make waves to protect our blue planet this World Oceans Day. Thursday, June 8 is World Ocean Day and the OKC Zoo and Bob Moore Subaru are hosting special activities in celebration of our world’s one shared ocean. Guests of all ages will enjoy learning more about the Zoo’s marine life and the importance of keeping our waters and oceans healthy for all living things, and actions you can take to make a difference. Activities are planned from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and include a scavenger safari for kids with prizes, caretaker chats, animal enrichment, themed photo opportunities hosted by Bob Moore Subaru, information stations and more. Plus, admission to the Zoo’s unique Stingray Bay experience will be free for all guests on World Oceans Day, June 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Regular fees apply for stingray feeding opportunities available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. and 1:30 to 2 p.m., while supplies last, for an additional $3 per person.

 

SATURDAY, JUNE 10: AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (ASL) INTERPRETERS AT THE OKC ZOO

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is continuing its in-park program, 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 10 and present at the elephant presentations plus, 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 at 2 p.m. in the elephant pavilion at Sanctuary Asia. For a complete listing of available Wild Encounters visit okczoo.org.

 

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14: STROLLER MEET UPS SPONSORED BY MERCY AT THE OKC ZOO

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Mercy Hospital OKC encourage all Oklahoma City moms and dads to stroll down to the OKC Zoo for an exclusive experience, Stroller Meet Ups sponsored by Mercy! Join us on Wednesday, June 14, from 8:30 to 9 a.m. for this opportunity to stroll and see the Zoo with your little ones, in a fun and active way. Guests will hear from a Mercy expert then head out on a stroller safari to explore the OKC Zoo at their leisure. Registrants are welcome to bring a maximum of two guests with them. Spots are limited so make your Stroller Meet Up reservation at mercy.net/OKCZoo.

 

MONDAY, JUNE 19: OKC ZOO’S STATEWIDE LIBRARY PROGRAM, READ FOR ADVENTURE, LAUNCHES FOR ANOTHER SEASON PROVIDING OKLAHOMANS WITH FREE ZOO TICKETS

Flutter into a summer of reading fun and togetherness with the bonus to visit the OKC Zoo for free! The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, together with OG&E, are proud to launch this season of Read for Adventure, a statewide library program that inspires Oklahoma families take time for reading and appreciating nature in a unique way. The program’s feature book, Juniper’s Butterfly Garden, coveys 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, 2024. For a list of participating libraries, visit www.okczoo.org/readforadventure.

 

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21: OKC ZOO AND BOB MOORE SUBARU HOST FACEBOOK LIVE EVENTS IN CELEBRATION OF WORLD GIRAFFE DAY

The Oklahoma City Zoo is proud to partner with Bob Moore Subaru and stand tall for giraffes in honor of World Giraffe Day, a worldwide occurrence that sheds light on the challenges these beloved animals face in the wild. Join us for a two special Facebook live events on World Giraffe Day, Wednesday, June 21, the longest day of the year for the tallest animal on the planet, at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. These chats will be hosted by members of our giraffe care team who will share fun facts about the animals in their care and the vital role the Zoo is playing in conserving this iconic species and their habitat. Facebook fans will also get an exclusive look at the Zoo’s state-of-the-art giraffe barn featured at Expedition Africa. This is just one of many ways to show your love for these gentle giants. Check out these community events happening this June in support of giraffe conservation…

  • Join wildlife fans at Pinot’s Palette (Norman location) on Wednesday, June 14, from 7 to 8 p.m. and create an original painting inspired by the Zoo’s giraffes. The cost is $40 per person and supplies are included. Advance registration is required and can be made at https://www.pinotspalette.com/norman/event/696915.
  • Spot this sweet deal! The OKC Zoo is partnering with Eileen’s Cookies for giraffe conservation. From Monday, June 19 through Friday, June 30, when you purchase a pack of 6 frosted giraffe decorated cookies for $12, Eileen’s will donate $3 of that back to the Zoo. Purchase cookies at each of the two participating Eileen’s locations, Edmond (1333 N Santa Fe, Edmond) and Nichols Hills (7700 N. May Ave, OKC).
  • Make your way to Rendezvous Pizza (Quail Springs location, 14020 N May Ave, OKC) on Tuesday, June 20 for a special give back event. Just put your itemized receipt in the OKC Zoo box after you eat and 20% of those sales will be donated to the Zoo in support of giraffe conservation.

Since the 1980s, the population of wild giraffes has fallen by 30% and it’s estimated less than 100,000 individuals inhabit Africa. Giraffes have lost 90% of their habitat. Additionally, giraffes are often poached for their meat and hide and are also caught in snares set for other animals. In 2022, the OKC Zoo used the Round Up for Conservation Fund to support GCF’s capacity building efforts in Africa, providing support for two African veterinarians to receive wildlife management training and grants to African students conducting conservation-related research. OKC Zoo has also contributed to giraffe conservation by supporting Northern Rangelands Trust in Kenya and by being a partner organization for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Giraffe SAFE: Saving Animals from Extinction program. OKC Zoo is also a proud participant in the AZA’s Species Survival Plan® for giraffe. The Zoo is home to six giraffes who recently moved into a new state-of-the-art barn at Expedition Africa, the Zoo’s latest and largest expansion in its history, slated to open this summer. As the giraffe get settled into their new space, they will be off public view.

 

SATURDAY, JULY 1 THROUGH MONDAY, JULY 31: OKC ZOO INVITES YOU TAKE THE PLASTIC FREE ECOCHALLENGE, HELP REDUCE SINGLE-USE PLASTICS

Be part of the solution to end plastic pollution and take the Plastic Free Ecochallenge. Join the Oklahoma City Zoo’s team and global participants in support of this united challenge occurring the month of July. This initiative encourages and empowers participants to become more eco-conscious by making decisions to eliminate single-use plastics in daily actions. Plastic items like grocery bags, straws and coffee cups are creating huge ecological harm, especially in oceans and other aquatic habitats. This includes our streams, rivers and lakes in Oklahoma where plastic trash is a common sight. The hope is that participants change their behaviors towards plastic use in order to benefit the world and all living things. By joining the OKC Zoo team, you can choose daily actions and earn eco-points for each ecofriendly decision you make. Make the choice to support the “Plastic Free” challenge and join the OKC Zoo’s team beginning July 1 at Plastic Free Ecochallenge 2023 - OKC Zoo and Botanical Garden.

 

FRIDAY, JULY 7: OKC ZOO HOSTS SUMMER ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES FOR ITS ANIMALS AS PART OF SEASONAL EVENT SERIES

The Oklahoma City Zoo is providing a cool way for its animal family to beat the summer heat with a special enrichment day on Friday, July 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests can watch as a variety of the OKC Zoo’s wildlife interact with enrichment prepared for them by their caretakers, encouraging them to use their environment to stay cool. Utilizing treats and toys, guests will see animals interact with items like ice block, sprinklers, mud wallows and more. The Zoo’s caretakers use daily enrichment to enhance the quality of an animal’s habitat, and to offer opportunities for animals to participate in species specific behaviors such as foraging and exploration. Guests may see caretakers add toys, feeders, ice treats or scents to encourage animals’ natural abilities, ensuring they have different opportunities throughout the day. Guests will have an opportunity to talk with the Zoo’s expert team members to learn more about our enrichment program. This event is free with Zoo admission. The summer enrichment event schedule will be posted in the entry plaza and on the Zoo’s Facebook page.

 

SATURDAY, JULY 8: AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (ASL) INTERPRETERS AT THE OKC ZOO

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is continuing its in-park program, 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, July 8 and present at the elephant presentations plus, 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 at 2 p.m. in the elephant pavilion at Sanctuary Asia. For a complete listing of available Wild Encounters visit okczoo.org.

 

SATURDAY, JULY 15: OKC ZOO HOSTS 20TH BIRTHDAY BASH FOR GRIZZLY BEARS, WILL AND WILEY

The Oklahoma City Zoo invites you to a “bear”y special event, a 20th birthday bash for our bear brothers, Will and Wiley. It’s been 20 years since this popular pair made their journey to the OKC Zoo and joined our animal family. Although we do not know Will and Wiley’s exact birthday since they were orphaned in the wild, we are excited to commemorate two decades of caring for these beloved bears with you! Join us on Saturday, July 15 for this historical happening starting at 10 a.m. Festivities kick off with caretakers providing enrichment treats for the bear brothers at their habitat in Oklahoma Trails at 10:15 a.m. plus, fun activities for kids and giveaways while supplies last. Wondering what to gift a grizzly? Celebrate Will and Wiley by donating to Oklahoma Trails and the bears’ habitat here.

 

SATURDAY, JULY 29: OKC ZOO AND BOB MOORE SUBARU PLAN INTERNATIONAL TIGER DAY ACTIVITIES; TIGER TWIN’S FIRST BIRTHDAY AND DANIEL TIGER APPEARANCE

This International Tiger Day, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Bob Moore Subaru are coming together to raise awareness for these magnificent yet endangered big cats in a big way. Join the OKC Zoo on Saturday, July 29 for this annual celebration dedicated to raising awareness for tiger and habitat conservation, and learn how the OKC Zoo, along with your support, can help protect them. Family-friendly activities are planned from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Zoo’s Cat Forest including informational and educational displays, caretaker chats and a themed photo booth presented by Bob Moore Subaru. In addition, the Zoo is hosting a first birthday event for Sumatran tiger twins, Luna and Bob, born on July 2, 2022, to mom, Lola. Carnivore caretakers are planning to provide Luna, Bob and Lola with a variety of enrichment treats and items at 10:15 a.m. in their outdoor habitat to mark this special occasion. That’s not all! On July 29, OKC Zoo and OETA will host Daniel Tiger at the Zoo, Love’s Pachyderm, from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and fans will have chance to get their photo taken with this beloved character. All event activities are free with regular admission.

 

2023 THE ZOO AMPHITHEATRE CONCERT EVENTS

The Zoo Amphitheatre, Oklahoma City’s treasured and fan-favorite outdoor concert venue, is showcasing an array of concert events throughout the summer and fall seasons. 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. Ticket information is available at  www.thezooamphitheatre.com for the 2023 concert schedule…

 

ONGOING OKC ZOO HAPPENINGS

EXPERIENCE GORILLA TREK VIRTUAL REALITY, OKC ZOO’S NEWEST INTERACTIVE ATTRACTION

Discover the Oklahoma City Zoo’s newest attraction, Gorilla Trek Virtual Reality (VR), to get closer than ever to gorillas in the jungle! The Zoo’s Gorilla Trek VR takes guests on a virtual journey as they enjoy a 360-degree live action film with motion platform seating for an unprecedented look at endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat in Rwanda. Narrating the film is world-renowned primatologist and Executive Director/CEO of Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Dr. Tara Stoinski, who takes viewers through the dense Volcanoes National Park, documenting the family dynamics of these critically endangered gorillas. Gorilla Trek VR is located inside the Zoo’s Great EscApe Building and beginning Monday, May 1, it will be open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $8 per person plus Zoo admission and guests must be taller than 36” and able to wear a headset to experience Gorilla Trek VR.

 

OKC ZOO SUMMER ATTRACTION SCHEDULE

Wild meets fun with these popular OKC Zoo attractions and experiences. All rides and attractions are operational weather permitting.

  • Camel Rides: Camel rides are available daily 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.
  • Children’s Zoo Barnyard: This fun encounter connects guests of all ages with our goats and sheep. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Flamingo Mingle: Flamingo Mingle feedings occur daily in the Children’s Zoo habitat from 9:30-10 a.m. and 3:30-4 p.m. Cost is $5 per person. Children age 2 and under are not permitted. 
  • Gorilla Trek VR Experience: 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. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 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.
  • Rhino Feedings: Our Indian rhinos are ready to meet you! Feedings occur at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 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 are daily from 10:30 to 11 a.m. and 1:30 to 2 p.m., while supplies last, for an additional $3 per person.

 

OKC ZOO’S EXCLUSIVE BEHIND THE SCENES EXPERIENCES, WILD ENCOUNTERS

Discover the Oklahoma City Zoo’s Wild Encounters and connect with some of your favorite Zoo animals like never before. Wild Encounter experiences offer animal fans an up-close encounter with Asian elephants, bears, bison, Galapagos tortoises, Indian rhinos and Komodo dragons! 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 FREE, 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 chats are free with regular Zoo admission and include:

  • Carnivores (Lion Overlook), 10 a.m. daily
  • Galapagos tortoises (Children’s Zoo), 10:30 a.m. daily
  • Great apes (Great EscApe), 1:30 p.m. daily
  • Asian elephants (Sanctuary Asia’s Boardwalk), Mon. – Thurs., 11:30 a.m.
  • Cassowaries (Sanctuary Asia, near Lotus Pavilion), 3 p.m. daily

 

SHOP OKC ZOO’S SAFARI GIFT SHOP, ONLINE STORE

Find the perfect gift for the animal lover in your life at the Oklahoma City Zoo’s Safari Gift Shop. Discover a variety of nature-inspired gifts, apparel, wildlife plush, toys and more when you shop the Zoo’s digital store or stop by the Safari Gift Shop in-person. Located in the Zoo’s Entry Plaza, the Safari Gift Shop, is during regular Zoo hours and admission is not required to shop. Show your love for wildlife and wild places and Round Up for Conservation when you make your purchases. All proceeds benefit the Zoo’s conservation efforts.

 

ONGOING: ART GONE WILD – ART MADE BY THE OKC ZOO’S ANIMALS FOR ANIMALS

The Oklahoma City Zoo’s, Art Gone Wild program is an exclusive selection of art created by animals for animals. These one-of-a-kind paintings are ideal for any gift giving occasion with new pieces created seasonally. 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 are used to support the Living Classrooms grant program which provides funding to OKC metro area school to plant pollinator gardens. Art Gone Wild paintings are on display in the Zoo’s Guest Services office located in the Entry Plaza, open during regular park hours.