Starting Saturday, March 16, camel rides return to the Zoo for spring and summer fun
WHAT:
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden welcomes three alpaca to its animal family starting today, Friday, March 15. This is a brand new species for the Zoo.
Starting Saturday, March 16, camels and camel rides return to the OKC Zoo for spring and summer fun! The $6 tickets to ride may be purchased on-site at the camel habitat. Rides will take place from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. (weather-permitting) and children under 6 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Other rules are posted at the habitat.
WHEN:
Alpaca come to the OKC Zoo Friday, March 15.
Camels and camel rides return Saturday, March 16, with rides continuing daily throughout the spring/summer season (weather-permitting).
WHERE:
2000 Remington Place, Oklahoma City, OK 73111
DETAILS:
Guests visiting the OKC Zoo can enjoy a camel ride just a few steps away from the main entrance, inside the former rhino habitat at the pachyderm building. Three Arabian camels (also known as dromedaries), each weighing in at about 2,000 pounds and standing over 10-feet tall, will transport guests to another world. The experience of riding such a unique animal is truly unforgettable. The camels – Bill, Fred and returning fan-favorite, Mongo love eating tree leaves (browse), have big personalities and enjoy working with their caretakers. All three of these Arabian camels, native to Northern Africa and the middle east, have been domesticated and can provide guests with short excursions in their habitat, providing guests with an unforgettable experience. Camel rides are not included in the Zoo-It-All or Ride-It-All packages.
New to the Zoo, the adult male alpaca trio – Calvin Klein, Hi-Ho Silver and Pearls Topaz – will also make their home at the former pachyderm building. Alpaca are native to South America and best known for their sheep-like woolly fur. They are significantly smaller than their camelid camel cousins, with adults weighing between 110 and 180 pounds and standing about three feet tall. While they adjust to their new home, the alpaca will remain in their indoor habitat – viewable to guests inside the pachyderm building – for a week or two before venturing out to their exterior habitat yard, located between the crane habitat and pygmy hippo habitat.
Discover the Zoo’s newest species, alpaca, and experience camel rides during spring break! Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, the 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. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Regular admission is $11 for adults and $8 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 or in-person at the Zoo! To learn more about these and other happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visit okczoo.org.