Holiday tradition brings enriching gifts to the animals at Sanctuary Asia, offers Zoo guests free photo opportunity with Santa

WHAT:                 

 

Santa Claus is going on a gift-giving safari to the Oklahoma City Zoo! Be there for Santa Delivers, the OKC Zoo’s annual holiday tradition, and watch as jolly St. Nick brings enrichment gifts to his wildlife friends at the Zoo’s Sanctuary Asia.

 

WHEN:               

Friday, December 13, 2019

  • Animal Gift Deliveries at Sanctuary Asia:                10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
  • Photos with Santa at Lotus Pavilion:                        11:30 a.m. to noon

 

DETAILS:

With help from some very special Zoo elves (aka animal caretakers), Santa is making wild wishes come true for the animals at the Zoo’s Sanctuary Asia habitat. Watch as the cassowary, Komodo dragons, red pandas, tanuki, rhinos and elephants receive approved, gifts and treats prepared by their caretakers on Friday, December 13, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. These festive items are created as part of the Zoo’s ongoing animal enrichment program, designed to encourage natural behaviors and provide stimulating activities and environments for the animals. After Santa makes his deliveries, he will be available in the Lotus Pavilion for photos so bring your cameras and your smiles! Free hot chocolate courtesy of Salt & Surrey Catering and cookies will also be served.

 

2019 Santa Delivers Schedule

10:30 a.m.:         Santa Claus arrives at Sanctuary Asia!

10:40 a.m.:         Cassowary

10:50 a.m.:         Komodo dragons

11 a.m.:               Red pandas (Leela and her cubs, Khyana and Ravi)

11:10 a.m.:         Tanuki

11:20 a.m.:         Indian rhinos

11:30 a.m.:         Asian elephants

 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year when Santa visits the Zoo! Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, the Oklahoma City 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 connected with the Zoo on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram and by visiting Our Stories. To learn more about other happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visit okczoo.org.