The OKC Zoo and Botanical Garden sends this information as posted below:
Beautiful fall weather, holiday events, and more propelled the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden to a new monthly attendance record for November with 79,906 total guests visiting. This new guest total bests the previous November attendance record of 76,246 guests set in 2024.
“November was a wild month in every sense of the word,” said Dr. Dwight Lawson, Executive Director and CEO of the OKC Zoo. “In addition to a lineup of fan-favorite activities and events, the Zoo has been bustling with excitement every day. The dedication of our staff in every facet of their work shines through in their commitment to guest satisfaction and made for our most successful November ever.”
Baby buzz has gripped the Zoo this year, with births including Asian elephant Xerxes, giraffe Kamili, okapi Maple, Francois langur Frankie, and more. The OKC Zoo also hosted its Military Appreciation Celebration in November, honoring active duty and retired military personnel and first responders with free admission and discounts throughout the Zoo.
As usual, a big driver of attendance was OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS, presented by OG&E, which brought in visitors nightly starting on November 15. This unique holiday experience continues all throughout December and into the new year with SAFARI LIGHTS open through Sunday, January 4, 2026. Zoo events like the brand-new Breakfast with Santa series, which continues December 6, 13, and 20, and the arrival of the Coca Cola Caravan were also popular happening in November.
Light up the holidays with a visit OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS, open nightly through Sunday, January 4, 2026. Purchase tickets, reserve an igloo, or book a guided tour to OKC’s brightest winter tradition at okczoo.org/safarilights.
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 until 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 and Sunday with last entry at 4 p.m. The park will be closed to guests during the day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays now 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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