TICKETS ON SALE FOR 41st ANNUAL HAUNT THE ZOO PRESENTED BY NEWS 9

Gather your ninjas, superheroes, Blueys, and more, because the Oklahoma City Zoo’s 41st annual Haunt the Zoo is on the way! Oklahoma’s largest and longest-running Halloween tradition, Haunt the Zoo, presented by Oklahoma’s Own News 9, returns in October and tickets are on sale now! Haunt the Zoo is a fun, festive, and safe trick-or-treating experience surrounded by the Zoo’s wondrous wildlife. Trick-or-treaters can pose in themed photo booths with elaborate decorations and props along the Haunt the Zoo trail as they collect treats from friendly volunteers. Show off your festive best and wear your Halloween costume to Haunt the Zoo. Adults are encouraged to dress up, too, but nothing scary. No fake weapons or full-face masks are allowed. Haunt the Zoo occurs Saturdays and Sundays, October 5 through 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. General Zoo admission or ZOOfriends memberships plus, official Haunt the Zoo treat bags are required to trick-or-treat and must be purchased in advance. Official trick-or-treat bags are $8/bag ($7/bag for ZOOfriends members). To purchase ticket and learn more, visit www.okczoo.org/HTZ.

HAUNT THE ZOO FOR HALLOWEEN VOLUNTEER SIGN UP OPEN!

  • Volunteering so fun, it’s scary! The Oklahoma City Zoo is needing volunteers to help with this year’s spooktacular celebration, Haunt the Zoo occurring Saturdays and Sundays, October 5 through 27. Volunteers must 14 or older and any volunteer under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. This volunteer opportunity is ideal for individuals and families plus, civic, school and corporate groups. To learn more about volunteering, visit www.okczoo.org/volunteer.

 

SEPTEMBER: OKC ZOO PARTNERS WITH CURBSIDE CHRONICLE TO OFFER FREE ZOO ADMISSION TICKET

Hey OKC, the Curbside Chronicle’s popular Zoo issue returns! The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden has partnered with The Curbside Chronicle to offer a free Zoo general admission ticket in the magazine’s September issue. This special “Zoo” issue will be available the month of September for a $2 suggested donation from Curbside vendors throughout the metro area. Don’t miss this issue including a wild read about all things happening at the OKC Zoo plus an official park map and a free admission voucher. To redeem your Curbside Chronicle voucher for admission to the OKC Zoo present it at the Zoo’s ticket window upon arrival. Vouchers valid through December 31, 2024.

 

NOW THROUGH LABOR DAY, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2: OKC ZOO OFFERS EARLY PARK ACCESS FOR MEMBERS ONLY

Rise and shine! There’s still time for ZOOfriends members to enjoy extra time at the Oklahoma City Zoo with early park access starting at 8:30 a.m. through Labor Day, Monday, September 2. This special perk is only for ZOOfriends members with proof of a current membership passport. The Zoo closes daily at 5 p.m. with last entry at 4 p.m. Discover the benefits of a ZOOfriends Membership Passport offering general admission for 12 months plus exclusive offers to the OKC Zoo, and exploring the park year-round. Plus, you’re supporting the Zoo’s ongoing animal care and conservation programs. Learn more about memberships at okczoo.org/membership.

 

NOW THROUGH MONDAY, OCTOBER 21: OKC ZOO CONSERVATION ACTION NOW (CAN) GRANT APPLICATIONS OPEN

As part of its mission, the Oklahoma City Zoo is offering small Conservation Action Now (CAN) grants to support the conservation of imperiled species, habitats, and their surrounding communities through species preservation, research, and education. The 2024 OKC Zoo CAN grants will fund projects taking place in marine and/or aquatic ecosystems and benefiting the conservation of marine and aquatic species and habitats. The competitive grants, up to $2,500, will be awarded in December. Visit okczoo.org/conservation-small-grant-program to learn more and apply.

 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 9 A.M. TO 3 P.M.: MEET PBS KIDS’ NATURE CAT AT THE OKC ZOO

On the hit PBS KIDS animated series “Nature Cat,” Fred the house cat transforms into the backyard explorer extraordinaire Nature Cat! The Oklahoma City Zoo and Oklahoma Educational Television Authority (OETA) are excited to host Nature Cat at the Zoo on Saturday, September 7. OKC Zoo visitors will have the chance to meet Nature Cat from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Love’s Pachyderm Building. Help build kids’ love of learning and connection with the natural world with Fred and then spend the day exploring the Zoo. Photo opportunities with Nature Cat and educational activities geared towards kids 11 and under will be part of the day’s activities. This event is free with Zoo admission.

 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 9 A.M. TO 2 P.M.: OKC ZOO HOSTS OBI BLOOD DRIVE

The Oklahoma City Zoo is calling on the community to support Our Blood Institute (OBI’s) fall blood drive happening at the Zoo on Saturday, September 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Help boost OBI’s blood supply for the fall season. Donors that participate in the drive on September 7 will receive an exclusive, glow-in-the-dark PEOPLEJUICE shirt and an admission voucher to the OKC Zoo. Admission vouchers may be used through the end of the year. The Zoo will be hosting this blood drive at its Education Center located at the east end of the parking lot. To make an appointment visit www.obi.org. 

 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 9 A.M. TO NOON: OKC ZOO CELEBRATES WORLD PRIMATE DAY

Feel free to monkey around at the Zoo on Saturday, September 7 as we celebrate World Primate Day. Learn about the many primates that call the OKC Zoo home, including leaping lemurs, playful chimpanzees, lowland gorillas, Francois langurs, and more! World Primate Day activities include caretaker chats, animal enrichment, trivia and more from 9 a.m. to noon at the Great EscApe habitat. Oklahoma Zoological Society will be on-hand for primate plush adoptions for $25. Now through December 31, guests who donate an old cell phone or other handheld electronic device to Gorillas on the Line inside the Guest Services office, get a free admission ticket to the Zoo. Recycling small electronic devices helps reduce the demand for conflict minerals like coltan, keeps potentially harmful materials out of our landfills, and raises money for gorilla conservation. To learn more, visit www.gorillassp.org.

 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1:30 P.M.: OKC ZOO HOSTS MEET THE CONSERVATIONISTS, A FREE LECTURE

Learn more about how the OKC Zoo champions positive conservation action around the world during Meet the Conservationists, a free-to-attend lecture and discussion in the Rosser Education & Conservation Center. Dr. Chase LaDue, OKC Zoo Conservation Scientist and project leader for the Sri Lanka Elephant Project, and Dr. Rajnish Vandercone, project leader of the Kaludiyapokuna Primate Conservation and Research Center, will speak about their research and the challenges facing conservationists worldwide. Seating is limited. The auditorium will open by 1:15 p.m.

 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14: AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (ASL) INTERPRETERS AT THE OKC ZOO

On Saturday, September 14, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden will be providing American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters in the park to create an enhanced OKC Zoo experience for guests who are deaf and hard of hearing. ASL interpreters are present at elephant presentations and scheduled Wild Encounter experiences. Zoo guests are not charged a fee for the use of an ASL interpreter. Elephant presentations are free to attend and occur weekends at 2 p.m. in the elephant pavilion at Sanctuary Asia. For a complete listing of available Wild Encounters visit okczoo.org.

 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23: ONLINE RESERVATIONS OPEN FOR OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS PRESENTED BY OG&E

There’s still plenty of time for holiday shopping, but don’t forget to grab tickets to this year’s all-new OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS, available online starting Monday, September 23. Presented by OG&E, OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS is a festive light display offering guests of all ages the opportunity to discover brand new, larger-than-life light sculptures on a driving tour through the OKC Zoo. The fun continues as guests park and re-enter the Zoo for a separate walking experience complete with immersive and interactive light displays, themed photo ops and more. Tasty treats and eats plus wild souvenirs will also be available for purchase. The OKC Zoo will be hosting a Sensory-Friendly Night for SAFARI LIGHTS on Friday, November 8, from 6 to 9 p.m. Attendees will discover a less sensory stimulating environment with lower crowd attendance, limited flashing lights and reduced sounds while experiencing SAFARI LIGHTS. OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS begins Saturday, November 9, and runs nightly through New Year’s Day, Wednesday, January 1, 2025 with drive-through and walk-through experiences from 5:30 to 11 p.m. with the last check-in at 10 p.m. OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS will be open on holiday nights including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve. Supporting sponsor for OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS includes MidFirst Bank. Advance online reservations are required for OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS driving tours. Online reservations and ticket sales open Monday, September 23 at www.okczoo.org and are limited so purchase early.

 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27: OKC ZOO AND OKLAHOMA ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY HOST 16TH ANNUAL ZOOBREW, OKLAHOMA’S MOST POPULAR BEER-TASTING FESTIVAL FOR 21+, PRESENTED BY BYRON’S LIQUOR WAREHOUSE AT THE OKC ZOO

Tickets are going fast for ZOObrew, Oklahoma’s largest outdoor beer-tasting festival! Now in its sweet 16th year, Oklahoma Zoological Society (OZS)’s ZOObrew is expanding with more beer, as well as liquor, wine, cocktails, and mocktails at the Oklahoma City Zoo on Friday, September 27, from 6 to 9 p.m. Presented by Byron’s Liquor Warehouse, ZOObrew sets the scene for craft beer and wildlife fans, 21 and older, to enjoy an epic evening of tastings from breweries and distilleries located in Oklahoma and neighboring states. Revelers can also dig into tasty fare from local food trucks, unique Zoo experiences, lawn games and more while raising important funds for the OKC Zoo. ZOObrew general admission tickets are $70/person including event access, unlimited beer, wine, and spirit samplings and carousel rides. The Zoo will close at 1 p.m., last entry at noon, on Friday, September 27 in preparation for ZOObrew. To purchase ZOObrew tickets and additional event details, visit https://www.ozsgiving.org/zoobrew.

ZOOBREW VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

  • Cheers for volunteers! The OKC Zoo appreciates its dedicated volunteers who give their time and talents to help in a variety of roles including special event support throughout the year. The OKC Zoo is needing volunteers, must be 21 or older, to lend a hand with ZOObrew on Friday, September 27. Enjoy wild perks such as an event shirt and pizza! Register to volunteer at here.

 

ONGOING: REGISTRATION OPEN FOR OKC ZOO’S NATURE EXPLORERS PRESCHOOL

OKC Zoo’s Nature Explorers Preschool has moved to a brand-new center with more classrooms, common areas, and a nature-based outdoor learning area where students will spend most of their days. The new preschool center is located adjacent to the Zoo's administration building. Nature Explorers Preschool is currently enrolling students ages 3-5 for full-time care with classes already in session. Students in the nature-based preschool program spend 75 percent of their time outdoors with curriculum blending classroom learning with experiences in nature so children can learn about animals, habitats, and the important work of conservation. Preschool hours are Monday- Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit www.okczoo.org/preschool to learn more and sign up.