The Oklahoma Zoological Society is inviting wildlife fans to vote for their favorite design to become a specialty license plate that honors, supports the OKC Zoo. Public voting ends January 27, 2026.
The Oklahoma Zoological Society (OZS) is hosting the second phase of their “License Plate Contest” to establish an official Oklahoma license plate for the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, and inviting the public to select the winning design at www.ozsgiving.org/platecontest.
Now through Tuesday, January 27, 2026, OKC Zoo enthusiasts can vote online at www.ozsgiving.org/platecontest for their favorite design for a specialty plate from two options created by Oklahoma-based artists. Both designs feature original art inspired by the Zoo and its wondrous wildlife. The selected artists and their titled designs are Rhys Riley of Oklahoma City, “Penguin” and Rick Sinnett of Mustang, “Elephant”.
Fans can pre-order an OKC Zoo specialty plate during the voting timeframe. A minimum of 100 prepaid applications must be secured and on file by May 1, 2026 with Service Oklahoma to ensure production. To vote and reserve a plate, visit www.ozsgiving.org/platecontest. Public voting closes at 11:59 p.m. (Central Time) on January 27. The winning design will be announced on Friday, January 30 on the Zoo's socials @okczoo.
“We’re delighted to engage the public in this voting phase and cannot wait for Oklahomans to be able to show off their Zoo pride with a specialty plate,” said Mandy Heaps, OZS executive director. “This project not only celebrates the Zoo but it helps raise awareness, funds, and support for it in a fun, new way.”
The cost for an OKC Zoo specialty plate is $35, plus a $6.60 mail-in fee, for a total of $41.60 at initial purchase. After the initial purchase, the specialty plate is $10 at each renewal, added to your regular vehicle registration. Pricing is set by Service Oklahoma. $10 from each plate goes directly back to the OKC Zoo, including every time you renew after the initial plate purchase. Funds support conservation initiatives, education programs, and general Zoo operations.
The Oklahoma Zoological Society connects the community with the Oklahoma City Zoo to inspire conservation action through philanthropy. Established in 1954, OZS has raised millions of dollars and engaged thousands of donors in supporting the Zoo’s animal programs, capital projects, education initiatives, and conservation efforts. For more information, visit www.ozsgiving.org.
Go wild and vote now for the design of the new OKC Zoo specialty license plate through January 27 at www.ozsgiving.org/platecontest.
The OKC Zoo is located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35 and a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums, and Oklahoma City’s Adventure District. During the OKC Zoo’s Winter Hours, now through Sunday, March 1, 2026, the park will be open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday with last entry at 4 p.m. The Zoo is closed to guests during the day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Purchase Zoo admission in advance at okczoo.org/tickets to avoid the entry lines.
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