This zoo is BIG. I'm sure it's not as big as some of them out there, but almost too big to see in a day. Certainly too big to enjoy properly, everything they offer, in one day with a four year old. Be prepared to buy or bring plenty of water/beverages and if you're with kiddoes, you'll likely get to buy an extremely expensive lunch as well. (You can't bring food in.) That being said, they had an excellent selection of food options available. If you can deal with the 30 minute line wait and another 15 for your food, you're in good shape.
They have a large variety of animals, almost all of them (minus most of the big cats) were out for us to admire and gawk at. The giraffe enclosure felt like a miserable three mile walk with no shade in scorching heat and it was absolutely NOT worth it one we got to where they were feeding them. Which, apparently, if you don't get there an hour early, aren't going to get to do because there's much too much of a line there, too. (With absolutely no shade their, either.) Beyond the giraffes, the reptile building was packed to the gills with people. They should - even without Covid concerns - be monitoring how many people were in that building at a time. It was wall-to-wall bodies and you could barely move. We left that scene pretty quickly.
We did really enjoy the nocturnal animal enclosure with the bats and owls, as well as getting to see a gorilla - that's been on the kid's to-do list for an entire year. The seals were fun too. And the eagles were a delight.
Overall, it was a well kept zoo with a lot to offer and see, and I suppose if we had been better prepared and had a better mapped out path, we'd have done better overall, but in the end, I felt like it just wasn't that great of...
Read moreThe Oklahoma City Zoological Society deserves a resounding five-star review for its unwavering dedication to wildlife conservation, education, and providing exceptional experiences for visitors of all ages. This non-profit organization tirelessly supports the incredible work of the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, enhancing its ability to care for over 2,000 animals representing hundreds of species from around the globe. Their commitment shines through in the zoo's diverse and engaging exhibits, many of which have been significantly improved and expanded thanks to the Society's fundraising efforts. From the impressive Sanctuary Asia, home to Asian elephants and Komodo dragons, to the immersive Oklahoma Trails showcasing native wildlife, each area offers a fascinating glimpse into the natural world. The Zoological Society also champions vital conservation programs, both locally and internationally, playing a crucial role in protecting endangered species and their habitats. Beyond conservation, the Society fosters a love for animals through various educational initiatives, including camps, workshops, and outreach programs, inspiring the next generation of conservationists. Their dedication to creating a welcoming and informative environment for zoo visitors is evident in the well-maintained grounds, engaging signage, and the numerous opportunities for up-close animal encounters. The OKC Zoological Society is an invaluable asset to the Oklahoma City community and a model for impactful zoo support...
Read moreWe LOVED our visit to the OKC Zoo! The pricing options were nice to be given, but I would have liked to know more about the attractions, and not just the rides, but ultimately chose the "Zoo-it-all" option. The map handed out at the gate said the app for your phone has a GPS connected map, but it did not. Also bring your own food, unless you want to pay $10+ per person. Now the exhibits... Absolutely Amazing! From the orangutans and other primates, to the new elephant exhibit... We fed Lorikeets and gave stingrays gentle back rubs. The elephant express (shuttle tram) was a nice way to get around 2/3 of the grounds. The kiddos also enjoyed the carousel. We arrived at 10:30 and left at 4:30. Everyone was pretty warn out by the end of the day, and we didn't get to see about 1/3 of the zoo. We missed many of the feedings and shows simply due to all of the many things to see and do. The Wifey even thought it would be worth a two day trip to truly experience and explore everything. For what we did, the zoo-it-all saved me about $5. If we had a time to see the sea lion show and feed the giraffes, it would have been $40. Overall, it was a fantastic experience and we'll definitely...
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