New visual art exhibit features 37 original wildlife photos taken at the Zoo from 11 local photographers and OKC Zoo Bricktopia, a custom miniature brick display inspired by the Zoo.
As one of the state’s most scenic and picturesque locations, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is a gathering place for talented photographers looking to capture “Wow!” moments featuring the most diverse animal family in Oklahoma. A new exhibit in the Patricia & Byron J. Gambulos ZooZeum, the Zoo’s historical museum, will showcase the best photos of 2024 from members of the Zoo’s Photo Crew and OKC Zoo Bricktopia, an artistic view of the Zoo with a unique medium–miniature bricks.
OKC Zoo Photo Crew: Best of 2024 showcases 37 original wildlife photos taken at the Zoo from 11 members of the OKC Zoo Photo Crew—a group of dedicated Zoo volunteers who capture photos of the animals, gardens, and events throughout the year. Bedford Camera & Video is sponsoring the exhibit, which opens Saturday, January 25 and is free with park admission.
“The Photo Crew is an incredibly talented group of photographers,” said Candice Rennels, Director of Public Relations. “These photographers have somehow collected images of our wildlife in bold new ways that are original, inspiring, and museum-worthy. We are incredibly excited to celebrate their work and show our guests a new view of the Zoo we all love.”
Photos in the exhibit are grouped into four categories:
- Zoo Animal Family—featuring more than one member of a species
- Wild for Wildlife—highlighting any and all wildlife
- Enrichment—capturing a moment of wildlife reacting to enrichment provided by Zoo caretakers
- Seasonal—reflecting the change of seasons within the Zoo
Adding to the excitement of the OKC Zoo Photo Crew: Best of 2024 exhibit, guests will also enjoy OKC Zoo Bricktopia, a custom miniature brick display inspired by the OKC Zoo. This elaborate model was created by OKC Zoo team member and avid brick builder, Daniel Custar.
“We were amazed by Daniel’s ability to imagine and construct such a unique art piece that connects people to the Zoo, and knew it needed to be a highlight of this exhibit,” added Rennels.
Bricktopia features hundreds of brick pieces and figurines as well as interactive lights, and will be on view during the OKC Zoo Photo Crew: Best of 2024 exhibit. Guests are encouraged to see how many “photographer” figurines they can spot throughout the display.
Volunteers contributing to the OKC Zoo Photo Crew share their passion and talents by taking images of the Zoo’s wondrous wildlife and beautiful plants, providing content to be used on the Zoo’s platforms. Members of the Photo Crew share their images with the Zoo and acknowledge the Zoo’s right to use any provided photos on its digital platforms or with the media with credit given to the photographer.
The Oklahoma City Zoo’s daytime hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the last entry at 4 p.m. The Zoo will be closed to the public Tuesdays and Wednesdays now through February 5, 2025. 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, Oklahoma City’s Adventure District and an Adventure Road partner.
Stay connected with the Zoo on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, Linktree and TikTok, and by visiting our blog stories. Make it a zoo day with a ZOOfriends membership! As a ZOOfriends member of the Oklahoma City Zoo, enjoy free admission for 12-months, plus 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.