The OKC Zoo and Botanical Garden sends this information as posted below:
As 2025 winds down, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is sending thanks to the community, members, Zoo teams, and volunteers for a year worth celebrating.
“This has been a momentous year for many reasons,” said Dr. Dwight Lawson, Executive Director and CEO of the OKC Zoo. “We’ve welcomed so many beloved new members to our animal family, set a new fiscal year attendance record, and raised thousands of dollars in funding for conservation work at home and around the world as part of our mission to connect people with wildlife and wild places, and inspiring conservation action among our guests. And we could not have done it without the hard work of our OKC Zoo team and the generous support of the community, ZOOfriends members, and the many volunteers who give their time to the OKC Zoo.”
Community support played a big role in setting a new fiscal year attendance record of 1,114,208 guests who visited the OKC Zoo between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. Those numbers include daily admission as well as a host of popular events outside of regular hours keeping Zoo team members busy day and night all year long. In addition to favorite events including Breakfast with the Animals, Sip and Stroll, and SAFARI LIGHTS, the Zoo celebrated the Oklahoma City Thunder’s historic NBA Championship win with a free admission day on Tuesday, June 24, welcoming in nearly 10,000 guests.
It was an exciting year for animal births, adding a bat-eared fox kit, lesser hedgehog tenrecs, Xerxes, the Asian elephant, Atlas and Lyra, the Plains zebras, Maple, the okapi, Frankie, the Francois langur, giraffe Kamili, and most recently a critically endangered Sumatran tiger cub born on December 15. In 2025, the Zoo welcomed Pando the bobcat, who was rescued from the California wildfires, and a group of Eastern collared lizards—Oklahoma’s official state reptile—in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Partnering with the Oklahoma Animal Coalition, the OKC Zoo launched a new conservation campaign aimed at saving wildlife and lowering energy costs with Lights Out, Oklahoma! Each spring and fall, millions of birds migrate through Oklahoma, which is part of the central flyway. But excessive light pollution from stadiums, businesses, and homes can derail their journey by confusing birds who rely on stars and the moon for navigation. Learn more at okczoo.org/lightsout.
“Thank you again to our staff, our volunteers, the people of Oklahoma, and everyone who visits and supports the OKC Zoo,” Lawson added. “With your continued help and dedication, I know 2026 will be even better.”
OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS, presented by OG&E, is a must-see attraction with larger-than-life illuminated lanterns highlighting wildlife and seasonal scenes on a 20-minute driving tour through the Zoo. Then enjoy the walking experience featuring more lanterns, interactive displays, and picture-perfect photo opportunities the whole family will love. Each year’s lights and lanterns are all new, presenting a fun and fascinating experience for visitors of all ages. Also new at this year’s OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS are igloo rentals and Safari Sleigh rides. SAFARI LIGHTS runs nightly through Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 5:30 to 11 p.m. with the last check in at 10 p.m. Visit okczoo.org/safarilights for more information and to reserve your tickets.
Established in 1902, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden inspires more than a million visitors annually to take action to conserve wildlife and wild places. From education programs to scientific research, the OKC Zoo is working to save species regionally and worldwide. 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, park hours will be open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday/Sunday with last entry at 4 p.m. The park will be 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. For more Zoo information, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Linktree, TikTok, and by visiting our blog stories.
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