Giraffes, chimpanzees, lions and other wildlife provide inspiration for OKC Ballet’s family-friendly, sneaker ballet performance at the Zoo’s Expedition Africa. Event is free with Zoo admission.
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, together with OKC Ballet and Bank of Oklahoma, are excited to connect Oklahomans to wildlife through dance!
On Saturday, September 20, 2025, the Oklahoma City Zoo is hosting a special live performance featuring OKC Ballet’s Studio Company performance of How Gerald Got His Groove Back. This original ballet brings to life the story of a “giraffe who is determined to dance” through playful choreography and creative costuming. The performance is sure to get Zoo guests dancing, too.
“We’re grateful to align with community partners like Bank of Oklahoma and OKC Ballet to bring such a fun and enriching event like a live ballet performance to the Zoo for Oklahoma families to experience,” said Oklahoma Zoological Society Executive Director, Mandy Heaps.
OKC Ballet will perform at 9:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. at the OKC Zoo’s Expedition Africa on the Love’s Pachyderm Building patio. Expedition Africa is the Zoo’s latest and largest habitat expansion, featuring more than 60 species of African wildlife. A highlight of the habitat is the multi-species savanna that is home to the Zoo’s herd of giraffe, common eland, Nile lechwe, and ostrich, which will provide the perfect backdrop for this wild ballet.
"Oklahoma City Ballet is thrilled to partner with the outstanding OKC Zoo to bring dance, music, and storytelling to audiences this Saturday. Watch, take photos, or dance with us!” stated OKC Ballet’s Director of Development and Communications, Whitney Cross.
This event is free with Zoo admission and made possible thanks to presenting sponsor Bank of Oklahoma and supporting sponsor partners Absolute Balance and Dick Beshear.
While at the Zoo, guests have the unique opportunity to come eye-to-eye with the OKC Zoo’s giraffes and feed them! Giraffe feedings occur from 11 a.m. to noon and 2 to 3 p.m. at the giraffe feeding platform presented by Bank of Oklahoma at Expedition Africa. Regular fees apply.
The Oklahoma City Zoo’s regular daytime hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the last entry at 4 p.m. Avoid the entry lines and purchase advance Zoo admission tickets online at 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, and Oklahoma City’s Adventure District.
Stay connected with the Zoo on Facebook, Instagram, Linktree and TikTok, and by visiting our blog stories. Zoo more 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.