Last Updated on January 4, 2024, 4:28 PM | Published: January 4, 2024
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden sends us this information as posted below:
A new year means new fun at the OKC Zoo with the end of winter hours, Healthcare Workers and Emergency Responders Appreciation Month, education programs and more!
NOW THROUGH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2024: WINTER HOURS FOR OKC ZOO
As winter winds down, so do winter hours at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden. The Zoo is closed to visitors Tuesdays and Wednesdays through February 7—historically some of the Zoo’s least-attended days—while the Zoo undergoes maintenance and updates everyone can enjoy throughout 2024. Even when the weather is chilly, there’s still a lot to do at the Zoo. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at http://www.okczoo.org/tickets or in the park. All rides and attractions are operational weather permitting and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- NEW Scooter Pals! Take a ride on the wild side with the OKC Zoo’s new Scooter Pals. This new mobile entertainment opportunity is a fun way for guests 14 and older to explore the park. Scooter Pals are animal themed and available to rent daily weather permitting, located in the Zoo’s entry plaza. Cost is $5 activation fee, $0.35/minute.
- Children’s Zoo Barnyard (Children’s Zoo) is open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Elephant Express Tram: Take the tram for a relaxing, informative tour of the Zoo. Rides offered daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All day bracelets are $6 per person. Children two and under free.
- Elephant Presentations are free to attend and take place at Sanctuary Asia, elephant habitat at 2 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
- Endangered Species Carousel: Carousel rides are available daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $3 per person.
- Explorikeet Feedings (Children’s Zoo):These feathered favorites are waiting to meet you! Feeding opportunities are available daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $4 per person. Participants under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
- Gorilla Trek VR: Experience the life of gorillas in the jungle with this 360-degree live action virtual reality film with motion platform seating. Open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Cost is $8 per person.
- Rhino Feedings: Discover this memorable experience with one of the most magical residents at the Zoo – an Indian rhino! Feeding opportunities available weekends (Thurs.–Sun.) from 11:30 a.m. to noon. at Sanctuary Asia. Cost is $10 per person.
- Stingray Bay: Our stingrays will bring a smile to your face! Stingray Bay is open daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $4 per person to enter. Stingray feedings occur Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., while supplies last, for an additional $3 per person.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1 THROUGH THURSDAY, FEBRUARY, 29: HEALTHCARE WORKERS & EMERGENCY RESPONDERS APPRECIATION MONTH AT THE OKC ZOO
February is a great time to give back to the people who take care of us all, so the Oklahoma City Zoo is honoring all healthcare workers and emergency responders with free general Zoo admission and 50% off general admission for up to four guests (on date of visit) in recognition of Healthcare Workers and Emergency Responders Appreciation Month this February. Healthcare workers and emergency responders must present a valid work ID or badge at the Zoo’s ticket windows upon arrival to receive complimentary admission for themselves and discounts for up to four accompanying guests. Advance reservations are not required. Throughout February, healthcare workers and emergency responders will enjoy additional discounts while in the park, with proof of a valid work ID or badge, including 10% off concessions at Zoo restaurants and cafés, 10% off merchandise at the Zoo’s Safari Gift Shop, and even 10% off an annual ZOOfriends membership so they can enjoy the fun all year round.
ENROLLMENT OPEN FOR OKC ZOO’S SCHOOLS OUT DAY CAMP FOR SPRING BREAK 2024: EXPEDITION AFRICA, SPOTS ARE FILLING UP FAST!
Don’t let Spring Break turn into a spring slump. Sign your kids up for a week of animal amusement and lifelong learning during the OKC Zoo’s Spring Break Camp 2024. Enrollment opens soon for this week-long camp experience. The OKC Zoo’s education department offers daily activities that correspond with the camp’s theme, Expedition Africa, that include educational activities, in-park exploration, up-close animal ambassador visits and more. Spring break camps are set for Monday, March 18, through Friday, March 22, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (pick up goes to 4:30 p.m.) each day at the Rosser Conservation Education Center. Spring Break camp is for children ages 5–12. The cost is $270 per camper (for ZOOfriends members) and $300 per camper (non-members). Campers must bring their lunch and snacks. Space is limited and advance registration is required. To register, visit okczoo.org/spring-break or call (405) 425-0218.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27: CONSERVATION TRAVEL NIGHT
Connect with wildlife and wild places while traveling the world with the OKC Zoo’s Conservation Travel Program. Visit the Zoo’s Education Center Auditorium on Thursday, February 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. for Conservation Travel Night to learn about upcoming international trips. The Oklahoma City Zoo, in conjunction with Safari Professionals, invites you to explore conservation efforts that are supported by the Zoo’s Round Up for Conservation program. Learn more at https://okczoo.org/travel.
VOLUNTEER ON THE WILD SIDE: GROUP VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT THE OKC ZOO
The Oklahoma City Zoo offers exciting group volunteer opportunities during the fall and winter seasons. Corporations, colleagues, school groups, friends or families are invited to come out to the OKC Zoo to assist with special projects such as gardening, animal enrichment projects, craft/event preparations and more. These are ideal opportunities for groups of 3 to 30 individuals ages 16 and older. All participants will be required to complete a waiver of liability before the projects and school groups must provide contact information for a faculty advisor. To learn more or register a volunteer group, visit www.okczoo.org/groupvolunteers.
OKC ZOO’S DISCOUNT OFFER FOR OKLAHOMA SNAP/EBT/WIC AND TRIBAL WIC PROGRAM EXTENDED THROUGH MARCH 31, 2024
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden will extend the Oklahoma SNAP/EBT/WIC and Tribal WIC discount through Sunday, March 31, 2024. Guests with a valid Oklahoma SNAP/EBT/WIC card, a Tribal WIC Program card, The Chickasaw Nation Packed Promise or Summer EBT card can simply show it to a cashier at the OKC Zoo ticket windows to get $3 general admission to the Zoo for up to four paying guests. As always, children age 2 and younger get in free. The discount is only available at the Zoo ticket windows and cannot be used with any other discount or promotion. Discount admission is only for same-day admission and is non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled. To learn more, visit www.okczoo.org/discounts.
ONGOING OKC ZOO HAPPENINGS
DRIVE THEM WILD WITH A ZOOFRIENDS GIFT MEMBERSHIP
Support the Oklahoma City Zoo’s mission and knock out some gift shopping at the same time with a ZOOfriends membership. Whether it’s for a lone animal lover or a whole herd, a ZOOfriends membership provides holders with access to the OKC Zoo for an entire year, plus discounts on Wild Encounters, VIP tours, special events, gift shop purchases, concessions, summer camps and more. It can even be used for discount admission to hundreds of Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoos and aquariums. ZOOfriends Passports start at $60 for one guest and range up to a Passport for ten for $299. To learn more about ZOOfriends or to purchase a passport, visit okczoo.org/membership.
OKC ZOO’S STATEWIDE LIBRARY PROGRAM, READ FOR ADVENTURE, CONTINUES FOR ANOTHER SEASON PROVIDING OKLAHOMANS WITH FREE GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS TO THE ZOO
Read for Adventure, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden’s statewide library program, brings Oklahoma families to together while building an appreciation for reading and nature. Sponsored by OG&E, this popular program connects kids to the Read for Adventure feature book, “Juniper’s Butterfly Garden,” the story of a child’s discovery of monarch butterflies and why it’s important to protect them. Monarchs migrate annually through Oklahoma on their journey from central Mexico to southern Canada and both the OKC Zoo and OG&E are committed to conserving vital habitats that benefit all pollinators. The Read for Adventure program is aimed at promoting literacy statewide and invites library card holders to check out Juniper’s Butterfly Garden, from any participating public and tribal library location within the state, to receive a voucher redeemable for FREE general admission to the OKC Zoo for up to four people (child, adult or senior). Vouchers expire June 30, 2024. For a list of participating libraries, visit www.okczoo.org/readforadventure.
OKC ZOO’S WILD ENCOUNTERS BEHIND THE SCENES EXPERIENCES
The Oklahoma City Zoo’s Wild Encounters are a wild way to connect with some of your favorite Zoo animals. These ZOO-nique experiences offer wildlife fans an up-close encounter with Asian elephants, bears, Galapagos tortoises and more. Meet the OKC Zoo’s expert caretakers while learning about the animals they care for and how the Zoo is working to protect their wild counterparts. The Zoo’s Wild Encounters are available daily and each experience comes with a souvenir lanyard. Groups are limited to 10 people of any age. Prices range from $45–$60 per person depending on the encounter. ZOOfriends’ members receive discount per encounter. For additional information about Wild Encounters or to make a reservation, contact Guest Services at (405) 425-0262.
OKC ZOO’S DAILY CARETAKER CHATS
Take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about the Oklahoma City Zoo’s animal family from the expert themselves, our caretakers. Hear from these dedicated and passionate individuals as they share about the amazing wildlife, they care for each and every day. These daily chats are free with regular Zoo admission and include:
- Carnivores (Lion Overlook), 10 a.m.
- Great apes (Great EscApe), 10:30 a.m.
- Asian elephants (Sanctuary Asia’s Boardwalk), Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m.
- Cassowaries (Sanctuary Asia near Lotus Pavilion), 3 p.m.
ONGOING: ART GONE WILD, ART MADE BY THE OKC ZOO’S ANIMALS FOR ANIMALS
Art Gone Wild, the Oklahoma City Zoo’s selection of animal paintings, are one-of-a-kind gifts for any occasion. With assistance from their caretakers, the Zoo’s talented animal artists have created an array of paintings available for purchase. Art Gone Wild is part of the Zoo’s enrichment program and the paints are safe for the animals to use as they are non-toxic and washable. New art pieces are created regularly and available to view in the Zoo’s Guest Services office located in the Entry Plaza, open during regular park hours. Original pieces range from $35 to $300, depending on size. All net proceeds benefit one of the Zoo’s conservation initiatives.
Celebrate the holiday season in wild style! The Oklahoma City Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the last entry no later than 4 p.m. The Zoo will be closed to the public during the daytime on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Tuesdays and Wednesdays between December 5 and February 7, 2024. Purchase advance Zoo admission tickets at okczoo.org/tickets and avoid the entry lines. Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, the OKC 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. Regular daytime admission is $12 for adults and $9 for children ages 3-11 and seniors ages 65 and over. Children two and under are admitted free. Membership has its perks! As a ZOOfriends member of the Oklahoma City Zoo, enjoy free admission all year-long, plus many additional benefits and discounts. You will also be supporting the Zoo’s animal family, education programming and conservation initiatives both locally and globally. Join or renew today at www.okczoo.org/membership.
Stay connected with the Zoo on Facebook, X, Instagram, Linktree and TikTok, and by visiting our blog stories. To learn more about Zoo happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visit okczoo.org.
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