The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden announces that it will be delaying the official opening of Expedition Africa until March 2024. Despite the OKC Zoo’s best efforts to complete the 12-acre expansion for an opening celebration on Thursday, October 12, the Zoo has made the difficult decision to delay the official opening until next spring. This fall, as buildings and habitats become completed and animals have acclimated to their new environments, the OKC Zoo will begin opening select pathways and buildings in Expedition Africa for guests to discover.
Currently guests can view the Zoo's new ring-tailed and red-ruffed lemurs now on public view at Expedition Africa. The lemur habitat presented by The Chickasaw Nation is located near the front entrance and features an expansive viewing deck that provides a complete look of the vertical, arboreal environment for these playful (and vocal!) primates. Guests will also have the opportunity to see a flock of flamingos that recently relocated to Expedition Africa.
Located in the heart of the Zoo, Expedition Africa presented by Inasmuch Foundation will feature enhanced animal habitats, diverse environments, memorable wildlife experiences for guests to enjoy and over 60 species native to the African continent such as giraffe, lemurs, wildebeest, honey badger, hyena and more. A highlight of the project is a new state-of-the-art giraffe barn, offering indoor viewing areas of our giraffe herd, and a complete reimagining of the Zoo’s historic pachyderm building.
This expansion was funded by private fundraising efforts combined with funding from a dedicated 1/8-of-a cent sales tax, approved by Oklahoma City citizens in 1990. Expedition Africa is the OKC Zoo’s largest endeavor yet and we are extremely grateful for the support of our dedicated staff, ZOOfriends, volunteers and community and philanthropic partners for helping bring this vision to fruition.
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the last entry at 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, Oklahoma City’s Adventure District and an Adventure Road partner. Regular 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. Stay connected with the Zoo on Facebook, X, Instagram, Linktree, Threads and TikTok and by visiting our blog stories. Looking for a year of Zoo adventures? Consider a 12-month, ZOOfriends Membership Passport to the OKC Zoo providing general admission year-round and exclusive offers while supporting the Zoo’s ongoing animal care and conservation programs. Memberships can be purchased at okczoo.org/membership.