Can visitors bring their own food and drinks into the Oklahoma City Zoo?

Yes, the Oklahoma City Zoo allows guests to bring their own food and drinks, including coolers, which can help families mitigate costs.

Are wheelchairs or strollers available for rent at the Oklahoma City Zoo?

Yes, the Oklahoma City Zoo offers wheelchairs, strollers, double strollers, wagons, and electric convenience vehicles for rent at the Zoo's Entry Plaza on a first-come, first-served basis.

Does the Oklahoma City Zoo offer any special programs for guests with sensory sensitivities?

Yes, the Oklahoma City Zoo is a certified "sensory-inclusive" venue and partners with KultureCity to offer complimentary sensory bags at Guest Services, which include noise-canceling headphones, fidgets, and weighted lap blankets. They also have designated "Quiet Areas" throughout the zoo.

ZooOklahoma, US

Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden offers a vibrant blend of wildlife exhibits and lush gardens, providing an immersive experience for families and nature enthusiasts alike.

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About

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden offers a vibrant blend of wildlife exhibits and lush gardens, providing an immersive experience for families and nature enthusiasts alike. Spanning 130 acres, this esteemed institution is home to over 2,000 animals representing more than 500 species, alongside meticulously cultivated botanical collections. Visitors can embark on a global adventure, exploring world-class habitats designed to replicate natural environments, fostering both animal well-being and exceptional viewing opportunities.

The visitor experience is one of discovery and connection, where guests can get up close to majestic creatures and marvel at diverse plant life. Signature exhibits transport you to different corners of the world, from the recently expanded Expedition Africa, where giraffes graze on savannas and visitors can enjoy eye-level feeding experiences, to the serene Sanctuary Asia, home to a herd of Asian elephants and Indian rhinoceros. The Great EscApe exhibit provides a fascinating look into the lives of critically endangered Western lowland gorillas, orangutans, and chimpanzees within lush rainforest settings.

Beyond the exotic, the Oklahoma Trails exhibit celebrates native wildlife, featuring iconic species like bison and black bears in naturalistic settings. The zoo also boasts a significant botanical collection, with 30,000 flowering bulb plants, a 21,000 sq foot butterfly garden, and rare plants from five different continents, ensuring a beautiful and green backdrop throughout your visit. Interactive experiences like Stingray Bay, where guests can touch and feed stingrays, and the Children's Zoo with its playful wallabies and lorikeet feeding, make the Oklahoma City Zoo a truly engaging and memorable destination for all ages. Take the ultimate field guide with you: use the Snappit app to identify birds, plants, and animals on your trip.

The Oklahoma City Zoo began its journey in 1902 in Wheeler Park with the donation of a single white-tailed deer, a rare sight at the time, which quickly attracted crowds. This small menagerie grew, and by 1903, the area was formally dedicated as the Wheeler Park Zoo. After a devastating flood in 1923, the zoo moved to its current location in Lincoln Park, officially reopening in 1924. Over the decades, it has seen significant expansions and improvements, including projects during the WPA era in the 1930s, like the construction of the Zoo Amphitheater and the original "Monkey Island". The zoo has continued to evolve, consistently enhancing its habitats and conservation efforts, becoming an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Alliance of Museums.

Seasonal info

Oklahoma summers can be very hot, so it's advisable to visit early in the morning, stay hydrated, and utilize indoor, climate-controlled areas and splash pads. Animals may be less active in extreme heat. Spring brings beautiful flowering plants. Seasonal events like "Haunt the Zoo" occur in October.

Accessibility

The Oklahoma City Zoo is highly accessible, featuring wheelchair-accessible paths, entrances, and restrooms. Wheelchairs and electric convenience vehicles are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis. The zoo is also a certified "sensory-inclusive" venue, offering sensory bags with noise-canceling headphones and fidgets, and designating "Quiet Areas".

Plan your visit

Suggested duration: Plan for a full day to comfortably explore all the exhibits and attractions. The zoo covers 130 acres, and there's a lot of walking involved.
Best time to visit: Weekday mornings, especially when the weather is cooler or slightly overcast, are ideal for avoiding crowds and seeing more active animals. Many animals are more active in the morning before temperatures rise. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for exploring the expansive grounds.
Location: Oklahoma, US
Species in this guide: 15

Best for

Families With Young Children: Abundant Play Areas, Interactive Animal Encounters, And Dedicated Children's Zoo.Nature Enthusiasts & Botanists: Extensive Botanical Gardens, Diverse Plant Collections, And Beautifully Landscaped Grounds.Animal Lovers & Wildlife Photographers: Opportunities For Close Up Animal Viewing, Unique Species, And Photogenic Habitats Like Expedition Africa And Sanctuary Asia.Seniors & Visitors With Mobility Needs: Accessible Pathways, Benches, Shaded Areas, And Rental Options For Wheelchairs And Scooters.

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Don't miss

Expedition Africa

Witness giraffes and zebras in a sprawling savanna, with an elevated platform for giraffe feeding that offers eye-level interactions.

Sanctuary Asia

Encounter majestic Asian elephants and Indian rhinoceros. Don't miss the red pandas and Komodo dragons.

Great EscApe

Observe critically endangered Western lowland gorillas, Sumatran orangutans, and chimpanzees in immersive habitats.

Oklahoma Trails

Discover native Oklahoma wildlife, including bison, black bears, and a diverse collection of reptiles and amphibians in the Herpetarium.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

African Lion

Tiger

Indian Rhinoceros

Black Rhinoceros

Black Bear

Asian Elephant

Black Swallowtail

Blue And Yellow Macaw

Anaconda

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Sea Lion

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Arrive Early

Especially during warm weather or peak seasons, arriving right at opening (9 AM, sometimes 8 AM in summer) helps beat the heat and crowds, and animals are often more active.

Wear Comfortable Shoes & Stay Hydrated

The zoo is large (130 acres) and requires a lot of walking. Bring a refillable water bottle, especially in Oklahoma's hot summers.

Plan Your Route

Review a zoo map upon arrival or use the digital map to prioritize must-see exhibits and minimize backtracking. Consider which exhibits offer shade during the hottest parts of the day.

Take Advantage of Extra Experiences

Budget time and a little extra cash for animal feeding opportunities (giraffes, lorikeets, flamingos, rhinos) or Stingray Bay to enhance your visit.

Utilize Rental Services

If anyone in your group has limited mobility, consider renting a wheelchair or electric scooter near the entrance.

Don't Forget the Botanical Side

Take time to appreciate the beautiful landscaping and specific garden areas like the butterfly garden, which offer peaceful respites.

Frequently asked questions

: Yes, the Oklahoma City Zoo allows guests to bring their own food and drinks, including coolers, which can help families mitigate costs.
: Yes, the Oklahoma City Zoo offers wheelchairs, strollers, double strollers, wagons, and electric convenience vehicles for rent at the Zoo's Entry Plaza on a first-come, first-served basis.
: Yes, the Oklahoma City Zoo is a certified "sensory-inclusive" venue and partners with KultureCity to offer complimentary sensory bags at Guest Services, which include noise-canceling headphones, fidgets, and weighted lap blankets. They also have designated "Quiet Areas" throughout the zoo.