OKC ZOO REMAINS TOP SPRING BREAK DESTINATION, SETS NEW ATTENDANCE RECORD FOR MARCH

Spring Break happenings, a new Dinosaur Expedition experience, and wondrous wildlife attract over 160,000 guests to the OKC Zoo in March!

 

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is celebrating a successful Spring Break season with a new monthly attendance best for March of 160,420 guests visiting. This new total surpasses the previous March attendance record of 155,200 guests set in 2024.

 

“March was bustling as guests from across Oklahoma and neighboring states enjoyed our newest attractions and special activities while connecting with the wildlife around them,” said Dr. Dwight Lawson, Executive Director and CEO of the OKC Zoo. “I’m grateful to our team members, volunteers, and community partners for their collaborative efforts to make these interactions possible and create quality experiences for our guests.”

 

Spring Break at the Zoo, presented by Homeland, delivered on the fun with a variety of exclusive events such as extended park hours, daily caretaker chats and animal enrichment activities, the Golden Egg Safari with prizes, and a special sale on Zoo admission. While seeing the Zoo’s animal family, including youngsters Sumatran tiger Lucanus, Asian elephant Xerxes, giraffe Kamili, okapi Maple, and Francois langur Frankie, provided memorable wildlife moments for guests.

 

OKC Zoo’s new Dinosaur Expedition, presented by Mathis Home, continues to be a mega draw for fans. Featuring over 60 life-sized animatronics dinosaurs, dino skeletons, and interactive fossil digs, this immersive exhibit is quickly becoming a favorite attraction. Dinosaur Expedition also offers dino-themed children’s rides and a new VR experience Dinosaur: Evolution, narrated by renown paleontologist Dr. Phillip Manning, located in the Love’s Pachyderm Building. Adjacent to the Zoo’s Jungle Gym Playground, Dinosaur Expedition is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Sunday, November 1, 2026.

 

Other OKC Zoo highlights for the month of March:

 

  • Roughly 20% of Spring Break visitors were from outside of Oklahoma.
  • 31,000 guests discovered Dinosaur Expedition.
  • 18,158 servings of Dippin Dots were devoured.
  • Over 8,700 wildlife plush purchases.
  • Community volunteers donated 3,160 hours. 
  • 75 students attended Spring Break camp.
  • 45 birthdays were celebrated at the Zoo.

 

Established in 1902, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden inspires more than a million visitors annually to take action to conserve wildlife and wild places. From conservation education to scientific research, the OKC Zoo contributes to saving species regionally and worldwide. 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. Zoo hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with last entry at 4 p.m. Purchase Zoo admission in advance at okczoo.org/tickets to avoid the entry lines. Stay in the know on all things OKC Zoo on Facebook, Instagram, Linktree, TikTok, and by visiting our blog stories.

 

Experience the OKC Zoo as only a ZOOfriends member can! With a ZOOfriends membership, enjoy free general admission to the Zoo 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 okczoo.org/membership.