An Inside Look at the OKC Zoo: What to See & Do!

Oklahoma City Zoo

Do you love animals and nature? If so, then a visit to the Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Gardens should be on your list of places to visit. Situated in Oklahoma City, this zoo is the perfect destination for a day of fun and exploration.

With more than 1,900 animals, representing more than 400 species, this zoo offers something for everyone. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights of the zoo and what you can expect when you plan your own adventure!

What’s so special about the Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Gardens?

The Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Gardens is truly a special place. The zoo consists of nine distinct areas, each with its own unique attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy.

From the Sanctuary Asia exhibit, which features Asian elephants and lush tropical rainforest plantings to the Children’s Zoo where you can interact with nature and animals such as Galápagos tortoises, flamingos, monkeys, and lorikeets, there’s something for everyone.

At the Great EscAPE exhibit, you can explore a world of gorillas, orangutans, and chimpanzees in their natural habitats. The Cat Forest/Lion Overlook is home to some of the world’s most majestic cats like African lions and tigers, while the Oklahoma Trails area boasts native animals such as black bears, alligators, bison, and over two dozen snakes.

The Aquaticus exhibits California sea lions, while the Butterfly Garden is a place where visitors can witness fluttering butterflies in an enclosed habitat. And be sure to check out the Herpetarium, which contains over 80 exhibits featuring a range of species including frogs, salamanders, and lizards.

Here are some highlights of the Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Gardens:

• Sanctuary Asia Exhibit featuring Asian elephants and lush tropical rainforest plantings
• Children’s Zoo with interactive exhibits such as Galápagos tortoises, flamingos, monkeys, and lorikeets
• Great EscAPE exhibit exploring a world of gorillas, orangutans, and chimpanzees
• Cat Forest/Lion Overlook with African lions and tigers
• Oklahoma Trails features native animals such as black bears, alligators, bison, and over two dozen snakes
• Aquaticus Exhibit with California sea lions
• Butterfly Garden where visitors can witness fluttering butterflies in an enclosed habitat
• Herpetarium with over 80 exhibits featuring frogs, salamanders, and lizards

Fun Adventures & Activities

In addition to exploring and learning about animals, there are a variety of adventure activities available at the Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Gardens.

Visitors can explore the zoo on a camel ride, hop on an Elephant Express Tram, feed the Explorikeets, feed the giraffes from the Giraffe Feeding Platform, watch a rhino feeding demonstration, explore Stingray Bay, ride the Endangered Species Carousel, and take a Safari Cart Tour. Each activity offers an interactive experience for all ages to help make your visits to the zoo unforgettable.

Camel Rides

Visitors can choose a camel ride through the zoo, allowing them to observe animals from a unique perspective. The ride lasts approximately 10 minutes, and camels are accompanied by a handler who will provide information and help guide the camel.

Elephant Express Tram

The Elephant Express tram is a guided tour of the zoo, allowing visitors to learn more about the animals and habitats in an engaging and comfortable atmosphere. The trams run every half hour, and visitors can hop on and off as they explore the zoo.

Explorikeet Feeding

Visitors to the zoo may feed some of the Explorikeets in their habitat with nectar provided by keepers at the Explorikeet Center. The center also provides educational talks about the birds, their habitats, and their behaviors.

Giraffe Feeding Platform

At the Giraffe Feeding Platform, visitors can observe the giraffes in their habitat while feeding them from a raised platform. Keepers will provide information about the animals and answer any questions that visitors may have.

Rhino Feedings

Visitors can observe the rhinos in their habitat and even participate in a feeding demonstration. Keepers will provide information about the animals, their habitats, and behaviors, as well as answer questions from visitors.

Stingray Bay

Stingray Bay allows visitors to get a close-up view of the stingrays in their habitat, as well as touch and feed them. Keepers are available to provide information about the animals, their habitats, and their behaviors.

Endangered Species Carousel

The Endangered Species Carousel is a fun ride for children of all ages that takes visitors on a journey of endangered and threatened species from around the world. Visitors can learn more about the animals and their habitats through interactive displays located throughout the ride.

Safari Cart Tour

The Safari Cart Tour is a guided tour that allows visitors to explore the zoo in an open-air cart, giving them the opportunity to observe animals up close. The tour is accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who will provide interesting facts about the animals and their habitats.

Some Things to Know Before You Go

Before you plan your trip to the Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Gardens, there are a few things you should know. Here are some tips and reminders to keep in mind before you go:

Zoo Hours

The zoo is open from 9 am-5 pm and 5.30 pm-11 pm daily, but the hours may vary on certain days and during special events such as Animal Encounters, Keeper Talks, and other special activities. So, be sure to check the zoo’s website before visiting.

Admission Fees

Admission fees are $12 for adults and $9 for children ages 3-11. Seniors 62 years and older pay $9. Parking is available for a fee of  $0.75/30 minutes and can be paid at the entrance gate.

Food and Drink

Picnic areas are available and visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks when possible. It is also important to remember that food and drinks are not allowed within the animal exhibits.

Accessibility

The zoo is wheelchair accessible, but please note that the terrain is hilly, so those with mobility issues should be aware. Strollers and wheelchairs are available for rent at the Admission Gate.

Photography and Video

Most exhibits may be photographed and videos are permitted in certain areas, however, please check with attendants beforehand as some exhibits may not allow photography.

Other Facilities

Restrooms and water fountains are available throughout the zoo, and visitors can also participate in a variety of educational programs, camps, classes, private tours, and event rental spaces for special occasions.

How long does it take to go through the OKC Zoo?

The amount of time it takes to go through the OKC Zoo varies from person to person, depending on how long you would like to spend at each exhibit and whether or not you are participating in any of the adventure activities. Generally speaking, however, it will take 2-3 hours to explore all the major exhibits and have a good overview of the zoo. Additional time should be allotted if you intend to participate in any of the adventure activities, such as camel rides or feeding demonstrations.

Can I take a backpack to OKC Zoo?

Yes, you can take a backpack into the OKC Zoo as long as it adheres to the zoo’s size and bag policy. All bags are subject to search at security checkpoints. For more information on what is allowed in the zoo, please refer to the OKC Zoo website.

How to get to the Oklahoma City Zoo

2000 Remington Pl, Oklahoma City, OK 73111
(405) 424-3344
https://www.okczoo.org/

Our Conclusion:

The OKC Zoo is a great place for visitors of all ages to explore and learn about animals from around the world. With numerous adventure activities, educational talks, and feeding demonstrations, there are many fun ways to make your visit unforgettable.

Whether you’re looking for an interactive experience or a leisurely stroll through the park, the OKC Zoo has something for everyone. Be sure to plan your visit ahead of time so that you can take advantage of all the zoo has to offer.