Make your Spring Break ZOOcation a wild one with the OKC Zoo’s new Gorilla Trek VR Experience, animal enrichment activities, education programs plus, event tickets go on sale for the Zoo’s family-friendly Ostrich Egg Breakfasts!

 

 NOW OPEN GORILLA TREK VIRTUAL REALITY, OKC ZOO’S NEW INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE

This Spring Break holiday, discover gorillas up-close with the Oklahoma City Zoo’s all-new Gorilla Trek Virtual Reality (VR) experience. Gorilla Trek VR takes guests on a virtual journey as they enjoy a 360-degree live action film with motion platform seating for an unprecedented look at endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat in Rwanda. Narrating the film is world-renowned primatologist and Executive Director/CEO of Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Dr. Tara Stoinski, who takes viewers through the dense Volcanoes National Park, documenting the family dynamics of these critically endangered gorillas. Gorilla Trek VR is located inside the Zoo’s Great EscApe Building and will be open daily during Spring Break, March 11 through 19, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $8 per person plus Zoo admission and guests must be taller than 36” and able to wear a headset to experience Gorilla Trek VR.

OKC ZOO OFFERS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPRING BREAK, INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS WELCOME

OKC Zoo is seeking volunteers for the Spring Break holiday, Saturday, March 11 through Sunday, March 19, with opportunities available for groups and individuals. By volunteering here, you can give back to our community while making an impact on the Zoo’s wildlife and wild places all while having a uniquely fun day. Volunteers are needed to assist with a variety beautification projects throughout the park. Morning, afternoon and full day shifts available. Individual volunteers must be at least 16. Volunteer groups are limited to 20-30 people with a minimum of 3 people. To learn more about volunteering at the OKC Zoo, make plans to attend an information session on Monday, February 27 at 6 p.m. in the Education Center Auditorium.

 

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28: OKC ZOO SUMMER CAMP ENROLLMENT OPENS, 11 WEEKS OF CAMP, MAY 30-AUGUST 9, 2023

Enroll your young explorers in the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden’s summer day camps. These wild week-long summer camps provide engaging experiences for children ages 4 to 17 to embrace their passion for wildlife and wild places and the Zoo is the best place in Oklahoma City to inspire these connections and more!  The OKC Zoo’s educational, week-long summer camps offer unique, individually themed programs that include a variety of hands-on S.T.E.A.M. activities that are sure to spark your child’s curiosity while building a scientific understanding of the world. Campers will also enjoy in-park exploration, one-of-a-kind activities, up-close encounters with animal ambassadors and unforgettable experiences that will foster their love for nature and animals! With an exciting selection of camp options such as Beastly Feasts, Guardians of the Globe, Wild Inspirations and Zoo-rassic Park, and many others to choose from, your kiddo is sure to find a program they are wild about. These adventure-filled Zoo camps for kids ages 4 through 17 and scheduled to run from May 30 to August 9, 2023. The cost is $270 per camper (ZOOfriends members) and $300 per camper (nonmembers) per week. Camps run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and full and half day options are available. Campers must bring their own lunch and snacks. Camp capacity is limited and advance registration is required. To learn more or to register, visit okczoo.org or call (405) 425-0218.

The OKC Zoo is looking for passionate individuals interested in inspiring young minds and fostering a fun camp experience to join their camp team this summer. Candidates must be 16 years old and have experience working with children. College coursework in education or science preferred but not necessary. Contact education@okczoo.org for more information.

 

CONTINUING THROUGH FRIDAY, MARCH 31: OKC ZOO HONORS HEALTHCARE WORKERS AND EMERGENCY RESPONDERS WITH FREE GENERAL ADMISSION

For all you do, the OKC Zoo thanks you. The Oklahoma City Zoo is honoring all healthcare workers and emergency responders with free general Zoo admission and 50% off general admission for up to four guests (on date of visit) in recognition of Healthcare Workers and Emergency Responders Appreciation Months continuing through Friday, March 31, 2023. Healthcare workers and emergency responders must present a valid work ID or badge at the Zoo’s ticket window upon arrival to receive complimentary admission for themselves and discounts for up to four accompanying guests. Advance reservations are not required. Throughout February and March, healthcare workers and emergency responders will enjoy additional discounts while in the park, with proof of a valid work ID or badge, including 10% off concessions at Zoo restaurants and cafés, 10% off merchandise at the Zoo’s Safari Gift Shop. 

 

NOW THROUGH SUNDAY, APRIL 30: APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR OKC ZOO’S LIVING CLASSROOM GRANT PROGRAM

We’re growing a passion and appreciation for conservation among Oklahoma City’s youth one garden at a time! Applications are now being accepted for the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden’s Living Classroom Grant program, providing opportunities for Oklahoma City’s youth to care about wildlife and habitat conservation through their own inspiring actions. Together with Oklahoma Monarch and Pollinator Collaborative and the National Wildlife Federation, the OKC Zoo invites Oklahoma City metro area schools, K-12, to apply for the OKC Living Classroom Grant Program and take action to increase habitat for monarchs and other pollinators by creating gardens at their schools. In the last 20 years, monarch populations have dropped by over 80 percent. The main problem afflicting monarchs is habitat loss throughout their migration and breeding range. Migrating monarchs travel through Oklahoma in the spring and fall as they make their way between central Mexico and southern Canada. Thus, creating and protecting monarch habitat in Oklahoma is critical for this iconic butterfly’s survival. Now through Sunday, April 30, 2023, all public, private and charter K-12 schools in Oklahoma City metro areas, are eligible to apply for the OKC Living Classroom Grant Program. A maximum of five grants will be awarded by Thursday, June 1, 2023. Recipient schools will receive amounts up to $1,500 to purchase garden supplies. Funding to support the Living Classrooms grant program comes from the sale of Art Gone Wild, art made by the OKC Zoo’s animals for animals.

 

CONTINUING THROUGH SATURDAY, APRIL 22, 2023: OKC ZOO’S ANNUAL PEPSI VENDING MACHINE ART CONTEST

The Oklahoma City Zoo, Pepsi and Aquafina are inviting all Oklahoma’s students, K-12, to participate in this year’s Pepsi Vending Machine Art Contest for an opportunity to win prizes and have their original art design displayed on a Pepsi vending machine at the Zoo. Incorporating the contest theme, Make Oklahoma Litter Free for Wildlife, students are asked to use their artistic talents to express their ideas for eliminating litter through art and awareness. Litter has a direct impact on all living things and waterways, and by disposing of trash and recycling properly you are contributing to the conservation of Oklahoma’s wildlife and wild places. Contest entries become property of the OKC Zoo and must be postmarked by Saturday, April 22, 2023. Each of the contest’s grand prize winners (K-5 and 6-12) will have their design replicated on the cover of a Pepsi machine at the Zoo to be admired by guests for a year and receive a $300 gift card to a select OKC Outlets store! Winners from all award categories will receive a certificate and have their designs on display at the OKC Zoo. Find official contest details and entry forms at www.okczoo.org/pepsicontest.

SATURDAY, MARCH 4: JOIN OKC ZOO’S CONSERVATION CLUB EDUCATION SERIES

Conservation starts with you! The Oklahoma City Zoo’s education team is proud to bring its Conservation Club to the community for young nature enthusiasts. This monthly series will teach your young conservationists how to make the planet a place where wildlife and wild places thrive through hands-on activities, chats with experts and expeditions throughout the OKC Zoo. The focus for March’s program is Nature Appreciation happening on Saturday, March 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pre-registration required. Please visit Conservation Club (okczoo.org) for more information.

  

FRIDAY, MARCH 10: OKC ZOO’S EDUCATION TEAM HOSTS PARENTS NIGHT OUT

Spring Break kicks off early for parents with the Oklahoma City Zoo’s Parents Night Out happening on Friday, March 3. The Zoo’s education team is ready to give you a break and provide your little ones with an engaging program focused around the theme, On the Farm. Activities include a nature-inspired lesson, craft activity, pizza dinner, a nighttime tour on grounds and a movie. Program capacity is limited to 15 kids and ideal for ages 4 to 12. The program starts at 6 p.m. with pick up as late as 10 p.m. Prices are $30/child, $25/additional child (members) and $40/child, $35/additional child (nonmembers). Enroll your kiddo(s) at Parents Night Out (okczoo.org).

 

 SATURDAY, MARCH 11: OKC ZOO HOSTS OUR BLOOD INSTITUTE DRIVE, 9 A.M. TO 2 P.M.

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Our Blood Institute (OBI) are calling on the community to help us “save the humans” by giving blood! Take time to attend this blood drive being hosted at the OKC Zoo’s Education Center on Saturday, March 11, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All donors will receive a new, alien-themed T-shirt and an admission voucher to the OKC Zoo. Zoo vouchers may be used throughout the remainder of the year. To make an appointment click here.

  

MONDAY, MARCH 13 THROUGH FRIDAY, MARCH 17: OKC ZOO HOSTS SPRING BREAK ANIMAL ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES

The Oklahoma City Zoo is welcoming spring in a wild way and hosting the first of its seasonal enrichment celebrations for its animals and fans alike during the week of Spring Break, Monday, March 13 through Friday, March 17. Caretakers will be providing special, sensory-based enrichment activities for select Zoo animals each day at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. that will be viewable to guests. Enrichment is the dynamic process of improving or enhancing the quality or experience of something that our animals encounter. The Zoo’s expert teams provide daily enrichment for the animals in their care to enhance the quality of an animal’s habitat, and to offer opportunities for animals to participate in species specific behaviors including foraging and exploration. Guests may have seen caretakers add toys, feeders, ice treats or scents to encourage our animals’ natural abilities, ensuring they have different opportunities throughout the day. This event is free with Zoo admission. The spring enrichment event schedule will be posted in the entry plaza and on the Zoo’s Facebook page.

 

FRIDAY, MARCH 31: TICKETS ON SALE FOR OKC ZOO’S OSTRICH EGG BREAKFASTS OCCURRING SATURDAYS IN MAY

Rise and shine to get your tickets for the Oklahoma City Zoo’s exclusive Ostrich Egg Breakfasts (OEB) happening Saturdays in May. Guests will enjoy memorable mornings full of delicious food, fun and togetherness with family and friends as the Zoo wakes up around them! The Zoo is hosting these breakfast events every Saturday in May (6th, 13th, 20th and 27th) with two available sessions, 8 to 9 a.m. and 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Make the most of May and get a jump start the holidays weekends, Mother’s Day and Memorial Day, with brunch on the wild side. OEB attendees will delight in a delicious breakfast buffet complete made to order omelettes or scrambled eggs, a pancake bar, your favorite breakfast classics, and beverages. Plus, mimosas and Bloody Mary’s will be available for purchase during the event. Ostrich Egg Breakfast tickets include admission into the OKC Zoo, the breakfast buffet, tram and carousel access, lorikeet feeding opportunity and entry into Stingray Bay. Pricing for ZOOfriends members is $40 per adult 12 and older and $30 per child 3-11, and for nonmembers $56 per adult 12 and older and $45 per child 3-11. Children 2 and under are free. Celebrate your “egg”stra special breakfast with a custom Ostrich Egg Breakfast T-shirt on sale in April. Stay tuned to the Zoo’s socials to learn more. Ostrich Egg Breakfasts attendance is limited so purchase advance tickets beginning March 31 at www.okczoo.org.

 

OKC ZOO SPRING ATTRACTION SCHEDULE

All your favorite Zoo attractions and experiences return for the spring season! The following schedule begins Saturday, March 4, and is subject to change without notice. Attractions times during Spring Break, Saturday, March 11 through Sunday, March 19, are also included below. Guests can pre-purchase tickets for select experiences when they purchase their admission tickets online at www.okczoo.org/tickets. By purchasing admission tickets online, you can bypass the Zoo’s lines for faster entry into the park. All rides and attractions are operational weather permitting.

  • Camel Rides Are Back! This seasonal attraction returns to the Zoo Saturday, March 11. Cost is $8 per person and rides will take place from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. daily. Children under 6 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Other rules are posted at the habitat.
    • SPRING BREAK HOURS/Mar. 11-Mar.19: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.
  • Children’s Zoo Barnyard: This fun encounter connects guests of all ages with our goats and sheep. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. including spring break week.
  • Elephant Presentation (Sanctuary Asia): These engaging presentations are a BIG hit and free to attend. Presentations occur Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.
    • SPRING BREAK HOURS/Mar. 11-Mar.19: 2 p.m. daily presentation.
  • Endangered Species Carousel: Round out your day with a spin on the Zoo’s one-of-a-kind carousel. Rides are available daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. including spring break week. Cost is $3 per person.
  • Explorikeet Feedings (Children’s Zoo): Fly by the Children’s Zoo to see and feed the lorikeets. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $4 per person.
    • SPRING BREAK HOURS/Mar. 11-Mar.19: 9 a.m. to noon, 1 to 4:30 p.m. daily. The habitat will be closed from noon to 1 p.m. for a bird break!
  • Flamingo Mingle: Flamingo Mingle feedings occur daily in the Children’s Zoo habitat from 9:30-10 a.m. and 3:30-4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Cost is $5 per person. Children age 2 and under are not permitted. 
    • SPRING BREAK HOURS/Mar. 11-Mar.19: 9:30 to 10 a.m. and 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. daily.
  • Giraffe Feeding Platform: Greet the Zoo’s gentle giants! Feeding opportunities from 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Cost is $5 per person.
    • SPRING BREAK HOURS/Mar. 11-Mar.19: 11 a.m. to noon, 2 to 3 p.m. daily.
  • Gorilla Trek VR Experience: New at the Zoo - view gorillas in the wild with the OKC Zoo’s all-new Gorilla Trek Virtual Reality (VR) experience featuring a 360-degree live action film with motion platform seating. Open Thursday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost is $8 per person. Age and height requirements apply.  
    • SPRING BREAK HOURS/Mar. 11-Mar.19: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
  • OKC Zoo Tram: Tour the Zoo in comfort while learning about its animal and 100+ year history. Tram travels from the Entry Plaza to Sanctuary Asia and rides are offered daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $6 per person. Children two and under free.
  • Rhino Feedings: Our Indian rhinos are ready to meet you! Feedings occur at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Sanctuary Asia. Cost is $10 per person. Children age 2 and under are not permitted. 
    • SPRING BREAK HOURS/Mar. 11-Mar.19:  11:30 a.m. to noon daily.
  • Stingray Bay: Stingray Bay provides up-close encounters and feeding opportunities with one of the most majestic creatures of the sea, stingrays! Cost is $4 per person to enter. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feeding opportunities are available Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., while supplies last, for an additional $3 per person.
    • SPRING BREAK HOURS/Mar. 11-Mar.19: Open from 9 to 11:30 a.m., 12:30 to 4 p.m. Stingray Bay will be temporarily closed from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Feeding opportunities available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. and 1:30 to 2 p.m., while supplies last, for an additional $3 per person.

 

ONGOING OKC ZOO HAPPENINGS

 

OKC ZOO’S EXCLUSIVE BEHIND THE SCENES EXPERIENCES, WILD ENCOUNTERS

Discover the Oklahoma City Zoo’s Wild Encounters and connect with some of your favorite Zoo animals like never before. These ZOO-nique experiences offer wildlife fans an up-close encounter with Asian elephants, bears, bison, Galapagos tortoises, Indian rhinos and now, Komodo dragons! Meet the OKC Zoo’s expert caretakers while learning about the animals they care for and how the Zoo is working to protect their wild counterparts. The Zoo’s Wild Encounters are available daily and each experience comes with a souvenir lanyard. Groups are limited to 10 people of any age. Prices range from $40–$50 per person depending on the encounter. ZOOfriends’ members receive discount per encounter. For additional information about Wild Encounters or to make a reservation, contact Guest Services at (405) 425-0262.

 

OKC ZOO’S FREE, DAILY CARETAKER CHATS

Take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about the Oklahoma City Zoo’s animal family from the expert themselves, our caretakers. Hear from these dedicated and passionate individuals as they share about the amazing wildlife, they care for each and every day. These chats are free with regular Zoo admission and include:

  • Carnivores (Lion Overlook), 10 a.m. daily
  • Galapagos tortoises (Children’s Zoo), 10:30 a.m. daily
  • Great apes (Great EscApe), 1:30 p.m. daily
  • Asian elephants (Sanctuary Asia’s Boardwalk), Mon. – Thurs., 11:30 a.m.
  • Cassowaries (Sanctuary Asia, near Lotus Pavilion), 3 p.m. daily

OKC ZOO HIRING FOR PART-TIME POSITIONS

Give your career some adventure! The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is now hiring for spring and summer part-time positions throughout the Zoo for its 2023 season. Positions include OKC Zoo brand ambassadors, ride operators, tram drivers and more. Team members must be quick-thinking, organized, courteous, knowledgeable, able to follow clear directions, outgoing and friendly. The ability to speak with guests, answer guest questions and provide solutions to problems is essential. Pay ranges from $11.17 per hour and up with great benefits. To learn more about these employment opportunities or to apply, visit https://www.okczoo.org/jobs.

SHOP OKC ZOO’S SAFARI GIFT SHOP, ONLINE STORE

Find the perfect gift for the animal lover in your life at the Oklahoma City Zoo’s Safari Gift Shop. Discover a variety of nature-inspired gifts, apparel, wildlife plush, toys and more when you shop the Zoo’s digital store or stop by the Safari Gift Shop in-person. Located in the Zoo’s Entry Plaza, the Safari Gift Shop, is during regular Zoo hours and admission is not required to shop. Show your love for wildlife and wild places and Round Up for Conservation when you make your purchases. All proceeds benefit the Zoo’s conservation efforts.

GORILLAS ON THE LINE CELLPHONE CHALLENGE

The smallest action can have a big impact and that’s true when you donate a cellphone to help save gorillas. Support the Oklahoma City Zoo in its efforts to protect wild gorillas and their habitat by donating old or used cellphones to the Gorillas on the Line Cell Phone Challenge now through Sunday, April 30, 2023. Donate a cellphone or small electronic and receive a free general Zoo admission ticket! Recycling old cellphones and electronics raises funds to directly support gorilla conservation initiatives through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Gorilla SAFE: Saving Animals from Extinction programs. Answer the call for gorillas and donate a device now through April 30. Schools, organizations, businesses and individuals are encouraged to collect as many cell phones and electronics as they can in support of gorilla conservation. Donated items can be dropped off for recycling in the Zoo’s Guest Services office located in the entry plaza during regular park hours.

ONGOING: ART GONE WILD – ART MADE BY THE OKC ZOO’S ANIMALS FOR ANIMALS

Art Gone Wild, the Oklahoma City Zoo’s selection of animal paintings, are one-of-a-kind gifts for any occasion. With assistance from their caretakers, the Zoo’s talented animal artists have created an array of paintings available for purchase. Art Gone Wild is part of the Zoo’s enrichment program and the paints are safe for the animals to use as they are non-toxic and washable. Original pieces range from $35 to $300, depending on size. All net proceeds are used to support the Living Classrooms grant program which provides funding to OKC metro area school to plant pollinator gardens. Art Gone Wild paintings are on display in the Zoo’s Guest Services office located in the Entry Plaza, open during regular park hours.

                Give your spring some zing with a visit to the OKC Zoo! The Oklahoma City Zoo 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, Twitter, Instagram, Linktree and TikTok, and by visiting our blog stories. Support your love and passion for wildlife and wild places with a ZOOfriends Membership Passport to the OKC Zoo. There’s a membership level for every kind of explorer with amazing benefits plus, you are supporting the OKC Zoo, its animals, programs and conservation efforts. Memberships can be purchased at okczoo.org/membership.

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