Zoo welcomed 76,203 visitors for the busiest November on record.
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden set a new monthly attendance record for November with 76,203 total guests of all ages visiting. This new guest total bests the previous November attendance record of 69,300 guests set in 2021.
The new record was set despite the Zoo closing to the public on November 4 after tornado warnings were issued for the metro area in the wee hours of the morning.
Visitation increases can be partially attributed to the opening of OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS on Saturday, November 9 and unseasonably warm weather, including 10 days with temperatures at or above 70° Fahrenheit.
Presented by OG&E, OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS is a drive-through and walk-through holiday experience open nightly through New Year’s Day, Wednesday, January 1, 2025. The Zoo is decorated with more than 70 light sculptures representing larger-than-life animals and holiday themes, photo opportunity spots, and interactive exhibits. OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS was recently ranked sixth Best Zoo Lights in the nation through a public vote with this year’s USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
“After setting an annual attendance record for 2023-24 and now breaking the old November record, it’s gratifying for all of the people here who work tirelessly to make the Oklahoma City Zoo one of the best zoos anywhere,” said Dwight Lawson, executive director/CEO of the OKC Zoo. “It’s more proof that we’re on the right track with our mission to inspire conservation action as we connect people with wildlife and wild places around the world.”
Make the holidays wild with OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS, open nightly through January 1, 2025. Reserve your tickets to OKC’s newest winter tradition at okczoo.org/safari-lights.
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 during the daytime on Christmas Day as well as 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. 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, Threads, Linktree and TikTok, and by visiting our blog stories. Looking for holiday gift ideas? Consider a 12-month, ZOOfriends Membership Passport to the OKC Zoo for everyone on your list. Memberships are a fantastic value with recipients enjoying in-park discounts and exclusive offers for 12 months, plus discounted entry to reciprocal Association of Zoos and Aquariums members nationwide. There’s more! Purchase a membership before the end of the year and receive a voucher for a free plush. Choose from over 40 plush animals at the Zoo’s Safari Gifts! Purchase memberships in person at the Zoo or online at okczoo.org/membership.