Over a million people visit the OKC Zoo, connect with wildlife this past fiscal year marking a new annual attendance record.
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden proudly announces that 1,091,032 guests of all ages visited the OKC Zoo during its fiscal year, July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, setting a new annual attendance record. This new visitation record surpasses the former fiscal year attendance record of 1,081,131 guests attained from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017.
This increase in attendance can be attributed to a combination of factors including mild fall and spring break weather, the addition of unique seasonal exhibits with DINO SAFARI and BRICKLIVE Animal Paradise, and highly-attended special events such as OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS, Haunt the Zoo for Halloween and Sip and Stroll.
“It’s been an incredible year and we are extremely grateful to our guests and members who continue to visit and value the Zoo,” said Dr. Dwight Lawson, executive director/CEO for the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden. “Because of this support, we are able to advance our mission and move the Zoo forward. There are exciting developments on our horizon with the construction of our largest animal habitat to date, Expedition Africa, and the addition of new, quality programs and events that we are excited for our guests to experience as they further connect with wildlife and wild places.”
There is always something to see and do at the OKC Zoo. The Zoo’s animal family continues to grow with the birth of Sumatran tiger twins, Luna and Bob, on July 2, 2022 plus, the Zoo’s African lioness, Dunia, okapi, Kayin, and chimpanzee, Nia are all pregnant and due to give birth this fall. Go wild and mark your calendar for the return of the Zoo’s most popular fall and winter events including ZOObrew, the Zoo’s 21 and up beer tasting event, presented by Byron’s Liquor Warehouse on September 30; the 39th annual Haunt the Zoo for Halloween presented by Oklahoma’s Own News9 occurring Saturdays and Sundays, October 8 through 30; Haunt the Zoo: All Grown Up presented by COOP Ale Works, OKC’s biggest 21 and up Halloween celebration, on Friday October 28; and OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS presented by OG&E lights up the holiday season beginning Saturday, November 12. Tickets for many of these events are limited and already on sale at www.okczoo.org.
The Oklahoma City Zoo’s summer hours, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily with the last entry no later than 2 p.m., conclude Friday, September 2. Beginning Saturday, September 3, the OKC Zoo’s regular park hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the last entry at 4 p.m., will resume. Connect to wildlife and tons of fun as you experience the all new BRICKLIVE Animal Paradise at the OKC Zoo. Sponsored by Devon, BRICKLIVE features dozens of life-sized animal statues made with almost two million toy bricks! BRICKLIVE Animal Paradise is open daily during regular Zoo hours. Purchase advance tickets for general Zoo admission and BRICKLIVE at www.okczoo.org/tickets. Membership has its perks! As a member of the Oklahoma City Zoo, enjoy free admission all year-long, plus many additional benefits and discounts. You will also be supporting the Zoo’s animal family, education programming and conservation initiatives. Join or renew today at www.okczoo.org/membership.
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 $12 for adults and $9 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, Twitter, Instagram, Linktree and TikTok, and by visiting our blog stories. To learn more about Zoo happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visit okczoo.org.