Taxpayer appreciation day, summer camps continue, animal conservation events and more!

2019 ZOO AMPHITHEATRE CONCERT EVENTS

The Zoo Amphitheatre, Oklahoma City’s iconic, outdoor concert venue, launches another wild concert season with the following events: 

  • Tuesday, July 9, Young The Giant + Fitz & the Tantrums
  • Sunday, July 28, Alice Cooper/Halestorm
  • Thursday, August 1, Bush/Live
  • Friday, August 23, Casey Donahew

For more than 75 years, the Zoo Amphitheatre has been a mecca for musicians and music lovers alike. Managed by 3HORSE Productions, LLC, the Zoo Amphitheatre is adjacent to the Oklahoma City Zoo and remains one of Oklahoma City’s most enduring and unique attractions. To learn more about the Zoo Amphitheatre, current concert listings or for ticket information, visit www.thezooamphitheatre.com.

TUESDAY, JULY 9: SALES TAX APPRECIATION DAY (FREE ADMISSION TO THE OKC ZOO)

The Oklahoma City Zoo, OKC’s oldest cultural attraction, remains thankful to the city’s citizens for their ongoing dedication and support! This year marks the twenty-ninth anniversary of the 1/8 of a cent dedicated sales tax being passed by Oklahoma City citizens for the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, and to celebrate, the Zoo is offering free admission to guests on Tuesday, July 9, 2019. Passed by Oklahoma City citizens in 1990, the sales tax has made numerous capital improvements possible at the Zoo including Great EscApe, Cat Forest/Lion Overlook, Oklahoma Trails, the Children’s Zoo, the Elephant Habitat, the Joan Kirkpatrick Animal Hospital and the new Sanctuary Asia habitat.

 

SUNDAY, JULY 14: WORLD CHIMPANZEE DAY SPONSORED BY BOB MOORE SUBARU

The Oklahoma City Zoo is proud to celebrate our closest cousin in the animal kingdom on World Chimp Day, Sunday, July 14 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Oklahoma City Zoo is proud to celebrate our closest cousin in the animal kingdom on World Chimpanzee Day, Sunday, July 14 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. World Chimp Day is a worldwide celebration to generate support, raise awareness and attention for chimpanzees which are listed as endangered in the wild. The OKC Zoo is home to seven chimps, each with their own individual personalities and attitudes. World Chimp Day activities are free with regular Zoo admission and include an information station with bio-facts, activities for kids, photo booth and a special chimp enrichment activity around 1:30 p.m. For more information, call (405) 425-0262.  

 

SATURDAY, JULY 20: AMERICAN RED CROSS HOSTS BLOOD DRIVE AT THE OKC ZOO

The American Red Cross of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma City Zoo are providing an opportunity for area residents to roll up a sleeve to save a life. The Red Cross will host blood drives at the OKC Zoo’s Rosser Conservation Education Center on Saturday, July 6 and Saturday, July 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. As a thank you, those who come to donate will receive a large bag of OKC Zoo Poo compost, plus one voucher good for admission to the OKC Zoo! Each voucher is good for one free admission ticket (adult, child or senior) to the Zoo. For additional information about donating blood and the requirements to give, visit www.redcrossblood.org.

 

FRIDAY, JULY 26: SMOKEY BEAR’S 75TH BIRTHDAY PARTY

Join the Oklahoma City Zoo and Oklahoma Forestry Services on Friday, July 26, from 10:00am-2:00pm in the Big Rivers building as we celebrate Smokey Bear’s birthday. Smokey Bear has been educating the public about fire prevention for 75 years! The event will feature firefighters, fire prevention information, fun Smokey giveaways —and of course, the bear himself! Come party, take a selfie with Smokey Bear and learn about how “Only you can prevent wildfires”. Smokey Bear’s birthday party activities are free with regular admission.

 

SATURDAY, JULY 27: BOWLING FOR RHINOS

Don’t strike out on your chance to be a champion for conservation. Save the date for the Oklahoma City Zoo’s annual conservation fundraiser, Bowling for Rhinos, on Saturday, July 27, and help save wild rhinoceros populations. The OKC Zoo's chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers is proud to host the 24th annual Bowling for Rhinos (BFR) event on July 27, from 6-9 p.m. at Oklahoma City’s Heritage Lanes (NW 122nd and N. Pennsylvania). Registration begins at 5 p.m. BFR is a community tradition and family-friendly fundraiser supporting rhino and habitat conservation. Total proceeds from the event benefit rhino conservation in Asia and Africa. Individual tickets include shoe rental, three games of bowling, food, a T-shirt and exciting door prize opportunities. Teams are also welcome to participate. Spectator tickets will include a T-shirt and door prize opportunities only. The Zoo will share sign-up instructions and event details on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and okczoo.org.

 

THURSDAY, AUGUST 8: INTERNATIONAL CAT DAY SPONSORED BY BOB MOORE SUBARU

Celebrate the world’s feline species at the OKC Zoo on Thursday, August 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. International Cat Day events, sponsored locally by Bob Moore Subaru, will generate support, raise awareness and bring attention to vulnerable, endangered and critically endangered cat species. International Cat Day activities are free with regular Zoo admission. For more information, call (405) 425-0262.  

 

MONDAY, AUGUST 12: WORLD ELEPHANT DAY SPONSORED BY BOB MOORE SUBARU

Visit the Oklahoma City Zoo on Monday, August 12 for World Elephant Day presented by Bob Moore Subaru and join the herd as we come together for elephants. Asian and African elephants are facing numerous threats in the wild and this global event brings attention to how we can help conserve and protect these beloved animals. Enjoy a day of fun and learning with activities planned from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Information displays, conservation education games, crafts and other activities will be on-site at the OKC Zoo’s elephant habitat. World Elephant Day activities are free with regular Zoo admission. For more information, call (405) 425-0262.  

 

NOW THROUGH WEDNESDAY, JULY 31: ZOOFRIENDS’ CAPTURE THE WILD PHOTO CONTEST

The Oklahoma Zoological Society (ZOOfriends) is currently accepting submissions for its annual Capture the Wild photo contest. Click here to submit your best OKC Zoo photo for a chance to win great prizes. Entries accepted until July 31.

 

NOW THROUGH WEDNESDAY, JULY 31: SUMMER SAVINGS ADVENTURE SWEEPSTAKES

Oklahomans will go wild for the fourth annual Summer Savings Adventure Sweepstakes sponsored by the Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan (OCSP) and the Oklahoma City Zoo. The sweepstakes will see one Oklahoma child win $5,529 toward an OCSP college savings account. Participation is open to parents, grandparents or legal guardians who are at least 21 and have a child or grandchild who is an Oklahoma resident 16 or younger. The winner will be randomly selected and formally announced shortly after the sweepstakes concludes Wednesday, July 31, 2019. Sweepstakes entry, official rules and additional information is available at ok4saving.org/SSA. Submit your entry starting June 1.

 

NOW THROUGH FRIDAY, AUGUST 9: OKC ZOO SUMMER CAMPS

Give your young explorer a summer to remember with Oklahoma City Zoo’s week-long day camps. These weekly themed camps focus on all things zoo-related from animal training to veterinary care, and are available through Friday, August 9, 2019, for children ages 4-15. Full-day camps run Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for $275 (ZOOfriends’ members) and $300 (nonmembers). Half-day camps for ages 4-5 (only) meet Monday–Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for $145 (ZOOfriends’ members) and $160 (nonmembers). Additional fees apply for extended care hours. Campers enjoy a variety of activities including exploring the Zoo, exhibit tours, animal visits, keeper chats, water play, and Zoo rides and attractions. Daily snacks provided. These highly popular programs usually reach capacity, so enroll now. Advance registration and payment are required. To register online or learn more about camp programs, visit www.okczoo.org/camps or call Education at (405) 425-0218.

 

SUMMER EDUCATION PROGRAMS

The OKC Zoo's monthly education programs offer an enriching way for wildlife fans of all ages to feel connected to the Zoo’s animals through unique educational experiences. Pre-registration is required in advance of the program date.

  • THURSDAYS, JULY 12 & JULY 19; SATURDAY, JULY 27: CUB CLUB– LEAPING LIZARDS

THURSDAYS, AUGUST 8 & 15; SATURDAY, AUGUST 24: CUB CLUB- INCREDIBLE INSECTS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 & THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19: CUB CLUB- GORGEOUS GORILLAS

You and your little one will enjoy learning about Zoo animals through lessons, crafts, discovery stations, and/or guided Zoo tours. Ages 2-5 years welcome. Toddler Cub Clubs run from 10-11 a.m. Cost per child/adult pair is $12 (member) and $15 (non-member). For more information, call (405) 425-0218.

  • SATURDAY, JULY 27, 1 PM – 3 PM: FALL 2019 HOMESCHOOL ORIENTATION

Get a sneak peek of upcoming programs, meet instructors, learn about our policies, get your questions answered, mingle with other families, and enter drawings for free prizes! This event is free open to the public but registration is required. Click here to sign up or call (405) 425-0218.

  • FRIDAY, AUGUST 9: FAMILY ZOO’D OVERNIGHT

Is your family ready to feud it out by thinking and playing like animals do? Come spend the night at the zoo and compete in a series of animal challenges in this exploration of biodiversity. This program is Friday, August 9 from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. the next morning. Evening snack and light breakfast will be provided, and Zoo admission included. Ages 18 and up. Cost: $35/adult.

  • MONDAY, AUGUST 12 – FRIDAY, AUGUST 15: SCHOOL’S OUT DAY CAMPS

Wondering what to do when your child is out of school? Bring them to School’s Out Day Camp at the OKC Zoo! School’s Out Day Camps offer a variety of activities including Zoo tours, up-close animal visits, crafts and games. Snacks are provided, but campers must bring their lunch. Ages 4-11 welcome. Advanced registration and payment required. All campers are required to bring a copy of their immunizations. Camp runs 8:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m. Drop-off at Education Center from 8-8:30 a.m. Cost per child per day is $40 (ZOOfriends members) or $45 (non-members). To learn more about this program and register, click here.

 

ONGOING: BINOCULAR BORROW PROGRAM PRESENTED BY DEAN MCGEE EYE INSTITUTE

Experience a new view of the OKC Zoo with the Binocular Borrow program presented by Dean McGee Eye Institute. This program provides guests with the opportunity to borrow a pair of branded binoculars during their visit at no cost. To participate, guests will bring a valid photo ID to the Zoo’s guest services office in the entry plaza and complete a quick information form. The photo ID will be securely held by Zoo officials as guests enjoy the beauty of the Zoo during their visit and will be returned when the binoculars are brought back to the office. One valid photo ID is required for each pair of binoculars. Participation is free with Zoo admission.

 

ONGOING: EYE SPY SAFARI PRESENTED BY DEAN MCGEE EYE INSTITUTE

Presented by Dean McGee Eye Institute, Eye Spy Safari is an engaging way for young zoo fans to learn about the OKC Zoo’s animals and the challenges threatening their wild counterparts as they explore the Zoo. Eye Spy participants will be inspired to learn how the Zoo is leading the way in local and global conservation efforts and want to take action to help. Locate all seven Eye Spy stations in the Zoo, and scratch off your card to reveal the secret word as you go! Completed cards can be returned to the Zoo’s Safari Gift Shop for a prize. Eye Spy Safari cards are available at the Zoo’s Guest Services and ZOOfriends’ offices. Participation is free with Zoo admission.

 

ONGOING: OKC ZOO’s “ASK A Keeper”

OKC Zoo offers daily opportunities for guests to engage with its animal keepers called “Ask A Keeper”. These free, informal chats allow guests to ask questions about the Zoo’s wildlife and their counterparts in nature from the experts themselves–our keepers. Our animal keepers are everyday heroes dedicated to protecting and conserving our world’s wildlife and wild places. “Ask A Keeper” signage will be posted on grounds and the schedule includes the following animal areas:

  • 10 a.m.: Wallaby (Children’s Zoo)
  • 10:30 a.m.: Galapagos tortoise (Island Life)
  • 11:30 a.m.: Big Rivers Aquarium (Oklahoma Trails)
  • 1:30 p.m.: Great Escape
  • 2 p.m.: Asian Elephant Presentation (Sanctuary Asia, elephant pavilion)
  • 2:30 p.m.: Red panda (Sanctuary Asia)
  • 3 p.m.: Southern cassowary (Sanctuary Asia)

 

ONGOING: CAMEL RIDES AT THE OKC ZOO

OKC Zoo guests can add to their zooventure with a camel ride on one of three dromedary camels, Fred, Bill or Mongo. The $6 tickets to ride may be purchased on-site at the camel ride area. Rides will take place daily 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. Camel rides are not included in the Zoo-It-All or Ride-It-All packages.

 

ONGOING: OKC ZOO SPRING/SUMMER ATTRACTION SCHEDULE

Immerse yourself in all there is to do and see at the OKC ZOO! OKC Zoo rides and attractions are operational weather permitting. The following schedules can be made and all are subject to change without notice.

  • Centennial Choo Choo:  All aboard! Daily rides from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $3 per person. Children two and under free.
  • Children’s Zoo Barn: Meet and greet the Zoo’s goats and sheep. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Free to experience.
  • Elephant Express Tram: Rides offered daily 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with four stops in the park. All day bracelets are $6 per person. Children two and under free.
  • Endangered Species Carousel: Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $3 per person.
  • Explorikeet Feedings (Children’s Zoo): Guests have the unique opportunity to feed and interact with our colorful lorikeets. $3 per person to feed. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This experience closes for a “bird break” from 1-1:30 p.m.
  • Giraffe Feeding Platform: Our giraffes are waiting to greet you! Daily feeding opportunities at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Cost is $5 per person.
  • Sea Lion Presentations: These engaging presentations offer “fin”tastic fun for all ages. Daily presentations at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the Zoo’s Sea Lion Presentation Stadium. Cost is $4 per person. Children two and under are free.
  • Stingray Bay: Add a splash of fun to your day with a stop at Stingray Bay! Cost is $3 per person with paid Zoo admission. Children two and under are free. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 

ONGOING: OKC ZOO’S WILD ENCOUNTERS

The Oklahoma City Zoo provides you with an exclusive peek at what happens behind the Zoo scene with Wild Encounters! Wild Encounters are unique experiences that let you see some of your favorite Zoo animals in up-close ways like never before. Follow our expert animal keepers backstage to learn more about the animal’s unique personalities, stories. Wild Encounters are available daily and each experience comes with a souvenir lanyard! Wild Encounters are also a great gift idea for any occasion. Participants must be 6 years of age or older. Prices range from $41–$79 per person depending on the encounter. ZOOfriends’ members receive $11 discount per encounter. Contact Guest Services at (405) 425-0262 for reservations.