September calendar brings Sip & Stroll, Fair Food Days, ZOObrew, Haunt the Zoo tickets on sale, Animal Awareness Days and more!

NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 10: SIP & STROLL, OKC ZOO’S 21+ EVENT SERIES

There’s still time to wine and dine on the wild side with the Oklahoma City Zoo’s 21+ evening event series, Sip & Stroll sponsored by Will & Wiley Hard Seltzer, 1800 Tequila, Kraken Rum and Bubly Sparkling Water. Join the Zoo every Thursday evening now through September 10, from 6 to 10 p.m. to discover amazing animals and cool cocktails. Limited to 900 guests per night to ensure social distancing, Sip & Stroll guests 21-and-older, are invited to explore an outdoor path through the majority of the park to experience six water holes, each with a full bar, and delight in featured drinks, inspired wildlife and wild places. Best of Oklahoma, Big Rock BBQ and the Lotus Pavilion will be open with delicious menu items available for purchase.

              While at Sip & Stroll, check out Art Gone Wild, the Zoo’s collection of animal paintings. These one-of-a-kind paintings will be on display and available for purchase in the Guest Services office. Masks are required upon entry into Guest Services. All net proceeds from Art Gone Wild benefit the Zoo’s conservation initiatives.

Sip & Stroll admission is $17 per person and tickets must be purchased in advance online at okczoo.org/sipandstroll. Guests can also pre-purchase a Drink Passport at okczoo.org/sipandstroll good for one 5-oz featured drink sample at all six water holes for an additional $27 per person. Six full bars located throughout the Zoo will be selling beverages including domestic beer, wine, mixed drinks, soda and water. Event entry times are spaced every 15 minutes to allow for maximum social distancing. After scheduled checked in, guests are welcome to stay until 10 p.m. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Sip & Stroll is a rain or shine event.

 

SEPTEMBER 1 – 30: OKC ZOO AND CURBSIDE CHRONICLE OFFER FREE ZOO ADMISSION TICKET

The Oklahoma City Zoo is proud to continue its partnership with the Curbside Chronicle and provide a free Zoo general admission ticket in the magazine’s September issue. Pick up your copy of Curbside on sale for $2 to discover what’s happening at the Zoo this fall, a park map and, of course, get your free ticket. To redeem your Curbside Chronicle voucher for admission to the OKC Zoo present it at the Zoo’s ticket window upon arrival. Reservations are not required for entry. To learn more, call (405) 425-0262. 

 

SEPTEMBER 1 – 30: ART GONE WILD, ART MADE BY THE OKC ZOO’S ANIMALS FOR ANIMALS

Art by animals for animals – that’s the unique focus of Art Gone Wild, the Oklahoma City Zoo’s collection of original animal paintings. View this year’s new pieces from various animals including elephants, giraffe, goats, ostrich, various reptiles, sea lions, tigers and more on display and available for purchase at the Zoo. With assistance from their caretakers, each animal applies its own technique from paint brushes to using their noses, feathers, flippers or paws to paint! 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. Prices for these wild works of art range from $35 to $300, depending on size. All net proceeds benefit one of the Zoo’s conservation initiatives. Art Gone Wild will be on display in the Zoo’s Guest Services office located in the Entry Plaza from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Masks are required for all guests 11 and older upon entry into Guest Services. To learn more, call (405) 425-0262. 

 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5: OKC ZOO AND RED CROSS HOST BLOOD DRIVE

This Labor Day holiday, the American Red Cross of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma City Zoo is calling on the community-at-large to help save lives. The Red Cross will host a blood drive at the OKC Zoo’s Rosser Conservation Education Center on Saturday, September 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. As a thank you, those who come to donate will receive a one voucher good for admission to the OKC Zoo! For additional information about donating blood and the requirements to give, visit www.redcrossblood.org.

 

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8: OKC ZOO RETURNS TO 9 A.M. OPENING

Beginning, Tuesday, September 8, the Oklahoma City Zoo returns to daily hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Advance tickets are required for all guests and ZOOfriends members. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.okczoo.org/tickets and are limited each day to ensure adequate social distancing between guests.

 

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9: OKC ZOO’S NEW SAFARI STUDY HALL: IN SESSION! 

Expand your student’s virtual learning experience with the Oklahoma City Zoo’s new Safari Study Hall (SSH), happening every Wednesday beginning September 9. SSH provides the fun zoo-centric activities your child knows and loves while also allowing time for their virtual learning. Students will go on Zoo tours, meet animal ambassadors, participate in S.T.E.A.M. themed activities and more. SSH is held from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Drop off is from 8–8:30 a.m. only. Late pick up, 4:30-5:30 p.m., is available for an additional fee. This program is for ages 8-11. Register now at www.okczoo.org/safari-study-hall. Prices are $45/child (members) and $50/child (nonmembers).

 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12: MONARCH FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY BOB MOORE SUBARU

The Oklahoma City Zoo calls on you to help save monarchs from their plight in the wild. Flutter to the OKC Zoo for the Monarch Festival presented by Bob Moore Subaru on Saturday, September 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to help plant a new pollinator garden at the Zoo. Families and individuals are invited to participate in this fun hands-on project, providing vital habitat for native pollinators. Planting areas will be spaced out to allow social distancing among guests and all tools will be sanitized between uses. Additional activities include milkweed giveaways, photo opportunities hosted by Bob Moore Subaru, Facebook Live videos, a special story time and reading of Junpier’s Butterfly Garden, and a pollinator information station – all free with Zoo admission. Plus, OKC ZOO POO and butterfly conservation wristbands will be available for purchase during the event. For more information, call (405) 425-0262.  

 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18: OKC ZOO HOSTS NEW PARENTS NIGHT OUT

It can be a bear of a task to raise your cub and teach them too! The OKC Zoo has experts ready to give you a break and provide your youngsters with a zoo-rific experience during our NEW Parents Night Out program. Program activities include a themed lesson, craft activity, pizza dinner, a nighttime Zoo tour, and a movie. Ages: 4-11 years old. Program starts at 6 p.m. Pick up as late as 10 p.m. Prices are $30/child, $25/additional child (members) and $40/child, $35/additional child (nonmembers). Program capacity is limited to ensure safe social distancing. Enroll your kiddo(s) today at https://www.okczoo.org/overnight-programs.

 

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21: TICKETS ON SALE FOR 37TH ANNUAL HAUNT THE ZOO FOR HALLOWEEN

Get ready for trick-or-treating so safe, it’s scary with Haunt the Zoo! Tickets for the Oklahoma City Zoo’s 37th annual Haunt the Zoo for Halloween go on sale Monday, September 21, at okczoo.org/tickets. Oklahoma’s beloved Halloween tradition, Haunt the Zoo, returns this year with more treats, extended dates and new surprises. Participants will experience new trick-or-treating methods in place to ensure a safe and memorable experience for our guests, staff and volunteers. To participate in trick-or-treat activities, an official treat bag must be purchased for each participant for $7 (non-members) or $6 (ZOOfriends members). This does not include general admission for entry into the Zoo. Advance reservations required and can be purchased at okczoo.org/tickets. Haunt the Zoo runs for four weekends: Oct. 10-11; Oct. 17-18; Oct. 24-25 and Oct. 31-Nov 1, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. To learn more about Haunt the Zoo, visit okczoo.org or call (405) 425-0262.

 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 THROUGH SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27: FAIR FOOD DAYS AT THE OKC ZOO

Come one, come all to enjoy your favorite fair foods at the OKC Zoo! During Food Food Days at the Zoo, guests can indulge in a variety of sweets and savory eats from Oklahoma vendors plus, culinary favorites from the Zoo’s eateries, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Food locations will be located throughout the park. Regular Zoo admission applies. To learn more about this happening, visit okczoo.org or call (405) 425-0262.

 

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24: WORLD GORILLA DAY PRESENTED BY BOB MOORE SUBARU

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Bob Moore Subaru invite you to the Zoo on Thursday, September 24 for World Gorilla Day. Created by The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International (DFGFI), World Gorilla Day, is a global effort that connects people to gorillas while raising awareness for the conservation of these great apes and their habitat. DFGFI is one of the OKC Zoo’s conservation partners and funds provided by the Zoo are used to support operations at the Karisoke Research Center, which is the base for DFGFI’s field activities.

              Go above and beyond to help gorillas by donating old or used cell phones to the Gorillas on the Line Cellphone Challenge and receive a free Zoo admission ticket! Small electronics frequently contain coltan and mining for this substance threatens the habitats of gorillas and other endangered species. When individuals donate used phones or other electronics, the coltan from those devices is re-used and reduces the need to mine for the compound in gorilla habitats. Gorilla fans that donate a cellphone from Saturday, September 19 through Wednesday, September 23, will receive a free general admission ticket to the Zoo. These items can be dropped off for recycling in the Zoo’s guest experience office in the Entry Plaza.

World Gorilla Day activities are planned from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Zoo grounds and include a scavenger safari with prizes, photo opportunities presented by Bob Moore Subaru, Facebook live videos and more. All activities are free with Zoo admission. To learn more, visit okczoo.org or call (405) 425-0262.  

 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25: ZOOBREW, 21+ FUNDRAISER, BACK AS LIVE EVENT AT THE OKC ZOO

Raise a glass for conservation with ZOObrew 2020! The 12th annual, ZOObrew is back as a live event, limited to 1,200 guests 21 and older, at the Oklahoma City Zoo in support of the Oklahoma Zoological Society on Friday, September 25, from 7 to 10 p.m. Event goers 21 and older, will have an opportunity to taste their favorite Oklahoma breweries while roaming Zoo grounds after hours. This year's ZOObrew will have a much lower capacity, and fewer brewers, who will be spaced throughout the park to ensure social distancing measures are enacted. Additionally, ZOObrew will be in conjunction with the Zoo’s “Fair Food Days” and guests will be able to purchase local fair favorites such as funnel cakes, turkey legs, churros and more, from local food trucks and the Zoo’s eateries.

Doors will open at 6 p.m., and the event will begin promptly at 7 p.m.  Admission times are spaced every 15 minutes to allow for maximum social distancing. ZOObrew staff and volunteers will maintain crowd sizes and ensure all those participating will be able to maintain CDC social distancing guidelines.

ZOObrew tickets are on sale now at various levels from $15 to $100 per person, and ZOOfriends members receive 10% off. Quantities are limited. To purchase yours tickets, click here.

 

ONGOING: OKC ZOO’S STATEWIDE LIBRARY PROGRAM, READ FOR ADVENTURE, BRINGS OKLAHOMANS TOGETHER THROUGH READING, FREE ZOO TICKETS

Read for Adventure, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden’s statewide library program, brings Oklahoma families together through reading and family fun. Sponsored by OG&E, this year’s program features a new, original children’s book, Juniper’s Butterfly Garden, inspires kids to read with the story of a child’s journey as she learns about monarch butterflies. Monarchs migrate annually through Oklahoma on their journey from central Mexico to southern Canada and both the OKC Zoo and OG&E are committed to conserving vital habitats that benefit all pollinators. The Read for Adventure program is aimed at promoting literacy statewide and invites library card holders to check out Juniper’s Butterfly Garden, from any participating public and tribal library location within the state, to receive a voucher redeemable for FREE general admission to the OKC Zoo for up to four people (child, adult or senior). Vouchers are redeemable through June 30, 2021. For a list of participating libraries, visit www.okczoo.org/readforadventure.

 

ONGOING:  OKC ZOO ATTRACTIONS – FALL SEASON SCHEDULE

Maximize your OKC Zoo day with these exclusive animal feedings, attractions and rides being offered daily. Attraction capacity is limited to maintain adequate social distancing among guests. Guests can pre-purchase tickets for all Zoo rides and attractions when they make their online reservation at http://www.okczoo.org/tickets or purchase them in the park. All rides and attractions are operational weather permitting and schedules are subject to change without notice.

  • Flamingo Mingle: Flock to the fun and experience the excitement of feeding the Zoo’s American flamingos. Flamingo Mingle feedings occur daily, weather-permitting, in the Children’s Zoo habitat from 9:30-10:30 a.m. and 3:30-4:30 p.m. Cost is $7 per person. Children age 2 and under are not permitted. Participants age 3+ must wear a mask during this up-close animal encounter for the protection of guests and staff.
  • Elephant Express Tram: Embark on a guided Zoo tour as you travel from the Entry Plaza to Sanctuary Asia. Rides offered Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All day bracelets are $6 per person. Children two and under free.
  • Camel Rides: Connect with camels, Fred, Mongo and Bill! Daily rides available from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cost is $6 per person. Children under 6 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Children age 2 and under are not permitted. Participants age 3+ must wear a mask during this up-close animal encounter for the protection of guests and staff. Additional rules are posted at the habitat.
  • Centennial Choo Choo: Make tracks for the Zoo’s popular train ride open Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $3 per person. Children two and under free.
  • Endangered Species Carousel: Carousel rides are available Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $3 per person.
  • Explorikeet Feedings (Children’s Zoo): Discover the hands-on fun of feeding our lorikeets! Opportunities available Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $4 per person. Participants age 3+ must wear a mask during this up-close animal encounter for the protection of guests and staff. This attraction closes for a “bird break” from 1-1:30 p.m.
  • Giraffe Feeding Platform: Be spotted feeding our gentle giants! Daily feeding opportunities from 11 a.m. to noon and 2 to 3 p.m. Cost is $5 per person. Children age 2 and under are not permitted. Participants age 3+ must wear a mask during this up-close animal encounter for the protection of guests and staff.
  • NEW Rhino Feedings: For one of the most magical experiences in the OKC Zoo, make plans to feed one of the Zoo’s Indian rhinos! Feeding opportunities available on Saturday and Sundays at 11:30 a.m. at Sanctuary Asia. Cost is $10 per person. Children age 2 and under are not permitted. Participants age 3+ must wear a mask during this up-close animal encounter for the protection of guests and staff. Additional rules are posted at the habitat.
  • Sea Lion Presentations: Add a splash of fun to your day with these fun and engaging presentations! Daily presentations at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Zoo’s Sea Lion Presentation Stadium. Cost is $5 per person. Children two and under are free.
  • Stingray Bay: Stingray Bay makes a splash with up-close encounters and feeding opportunities with these majestic creatures. Cost is $4 per person to enter. Stingray feedings are 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. for an additional $3 per person. Participants age 3+ must wear a mask during this up-close animal encounter for the protection of guests and staff. Stingray Bay is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 

ONGOING: OKC ZOO’S RIDE IT ALL WRISTBANDS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

Oklahoma City Zoo guests can add a Ride It All wristband to their admission ticket to enjoy unlimited rides on the Zoo’s Endangered Species Carousel, Centennial Choo Choo train and Elephant Express Tram. Daily capacity for all rides will be limited to ensure appropriate social distancing among guests. Rides will be cleaned and sanitized between each stop. The Elephant Express tram route will take guests between the Entry Plaza and Sanctuary Asia and includes a narrated tour by the Zoo’s knowledgeable and experienced drivers along the way. Due to the popularity of all rides, guests with Ride It All wristbands may experience brief lines at each attraction. Lines should dissipate quickly. The price for a Ride It All wristband is $10 per person for all ages plus general Zoo admission. Guests presenting a valid military ID will receive a price of $19/person for all ages. ZOOfriends members can purchase a Ride It All for $10/person for all ages. To purchase advance Zoo admission tickets and Ride It All wristbands, visit http://www.okczoo.org/tickets

 

ONGOING: OKC ZOO KEYS RETURN

Sponsored by Oklahoma’s Own News9, Oklahoma City Zoo Keys bring learning to life as fans unlock interesting facts about the animals they know and love. A favorite Zoo activity that began in the 1960s, OKC Zoo Keys has been reimaged for new generations to experience. Guests of all ages can unlock recorded messages from more than 20 displays throughout the Zoo. Each display shares information about the Zoo’s signature species and conservation efforts voiced by some of News9’s well-known anchors and meteorologists. There are five key options available in various colors. Each key is made from the same molds used to make keys for the OKC Zoo in the 1960s. Vintage keys will also work on the new displays! Cost is $4 per key. Zoo Keys are available for purchase daily at the Guest Services office, stroller window (Entry Plaza) and Explorikeet habitat in the Children’s Zoo.

 

ONGOING: OKC ZOO’S WILD ENCOUNTERS

The Oklahoma City Zoo’s Wild Encounters enable wildlife fans to get up close and personal with grizzly bears, Galapagos tortoises, sea lions and Asian elephants! Wild Encounters are premium experiences that let you see some of your favorite Zoo animals in up-close ways like never before. Connect with our expert caretakers and learn about the animals they care for each and every day and the Zoo’s efforts to conserve their wild counterparts. Wild Encounters are available daily and each experience comes with a souvenir lanyard! These encounters are also ideal gifts for any occasion. There is a maximum of ten people per encounter and participants must wear masks. Prices range from $40–$50 per person depending on the encounter. Children age 2 and under are not permitted. Participants age 3+ must wear a mask during this up-close animal encounter for the protection of guests and staff. ZOOfriends’ members receive discount per encounter. For additional information about Wild Encounters or to make a reservation, contact Guest Services at (405) 425-0262.

 

ONGOING: OKC ZOO POO AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

The Oklahoma City Zoo’s premium compost, OKC ZOO POO, takes your garden and flower beds from mild to wild! Sourced from organic plant material and members of the Zoo’s animal family including the Asian elephants, Indian rhinos, giraffe and various hoofstock, OKC ZOO POO is brown gold! OKC ZOO POO is available for purchase at the Zoo's Guest Services office, located in the Entry Plaza. Purchase a small bag for $3.99 or a large bag with a reusable tote bag and a packet of pollinator seeds for $14.99. To learn more, call (405) 425-0262 or visit okczoo.org.

 

ONGOING: OKC ZOO’S CONSERVATION WRISTBANDS

Show your love and support for wildlife and wild places by purchasing and collecting the Oklahoma City Zoo’s conservation wristbands. These one-of-a-kind wristbands are available to purchase at the OKC Zoo’s stroller window in the Entry Plaza for $2 each, with all proceeds benefitting the Zoo’s local and global conservation efforts. Choose from 10 different animal designs including butterfly, elephant, flamingo, giraffe, gorilla, honeybee, lion, red panda, rhino and turtle.

 

Take in the thrill of it all this fall at the Oklahoma City Zoo! The OKC Zoo is open daily at 8 a.m. now through Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2020. Beginning Tuesday, September 8, Zoo hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Advance tickets are required for all guests and ZOOfriends members and can be purchased at http://www.okczoo.org/tickets. Zoo tickets are limited each day to ensure safe social distancing among guests. 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 up-to-date with the Zoo on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and by visiting Our Stories. Zoo fans can support the OKC Zoo by becoming Oklahoma Zoological Society members at ZOOfriends.org. To learn more about these and other happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visit okczoo.org.