There’s no better place to find gifts and experiences for animal lovers than the Oklahoma City Zoo.
It’s that time of year when everyone is looking for gifts that will get family and friends roaring with delight. There’s no better place to get wild presents for loved ones than the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden.
An OKC ZOOfriends Passport is a gift that keeps on giving! Ideal for the solo explorer or bringing the whole family for a safari, ZOOfriends memberships give recipients unlimited access to the OKC Zoo and 12 months of adventure. Prices start at $60 for single memberships, all the way up to $299 for a membership for 10. ZOOfriends get much more than just general admission to the Zoo. Passport holders save big on every visit with discounts on attractions, Wild Encounters, VIP tours, special events, food, and more! The savings even extend to discount admissions at hundreds of other Association of Zoos and Aquariums member facilities around the world! Visit okczoo.org/membership to purchase.
Taking animals home from the Zoo is a no-no, but decorating a home with art created by members of the OKC Zoo’s animal family is a must for lovers of animals and art. Art Gone Wild paintings are created by animals at the OKC Zoo as part of their enrichment activities. The selection is ever-changing, with animal artists of every size and shape creating custom canvases that range in price from $35 (6-inch by 6-inch) to $115 (18-inch by 24-inch). Visit the Guest Experiences office in the Zoo’s entry plaza to see what’s available.
Wild Encounters are the Zoo’s behind-the-scenes experiences for guests. Learn more about the members of the Zoo’s animal family from the caretakers who spend the most time with them and enjoy a variety of experiences, including touching an Asian elephant, feeding Galapagos tortoises, and creating enrichment items for Red River hogs. Visit okczoo.org/plan_your_visit#WE to purchase your next Wild Encounter.
Looking for more inspiration? Visit Safari Gifts in the entry plaza and Baobab Gifts in Expedition Africa to find the perfect present for every age. The OKC Zoo is home to the state’s largest selection of cuddly wildlife plush animals, many of which have counterparts at the Zoo. African painted dogs, naked mole rats, flamingos, and more make a great way to remember their favorite animals even at home. Shoppers will also find custom, comfy apparel, jewelry, light-up and bubble wands, coffee beans, mugs, toys, and more. Celebrating the birth of Xerxes, the male Asian elephant born at the OKC Zoo earlier this year, there are T-shirts, mugs, snow globes, ornaments, and plush animals galore.
Leave a lasting impression on the OKC Zoo with ZOObricks. Located at the Zoo’s entrance, these engraved bricks offer a unique gift for someone this holiday season. Those wishing to purchase a ZOObrick can add up to three lines of inscription on each brick that will be displayed at the Zoo. Bricks are $150 and on sale now at ozsgiving.org/zoobricks.
Make the whole season merry and bright with a trip to OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS. Available as both a drive-thru and walk-thru experience, this annual tradition includes all-new holiday and animal-themed lanterns, interactive displays, and brilliant photo opportunities. SAFARI LIGHTS runs nightly through Sunday, January 4, 2026. Reserve your tickets now at okczoo.org/safarilights.
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 education programs to scientific research, the OKC Zoo is working to save species regionally and worldwide. The OKC Zoo is located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35 and a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums, and Oklahoma City’s Adventure District.
During the OKC Zoo’s Winter Hours, Monday, December 1 through Wednesday, February 4, 2026, park hours will be open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday/Sunday with last entry at 4 p.m. The park will be closed to guests during the day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Purchase Zoo admission in advance at okczoo.org/tickets to avoid the entry lines. For more Zoo information, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Linktree, TikTok, and by visiting our blog stories.