Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, Oklahoma City

Since its founding in 1902, Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden has grown into a world-class zoological park and botanical garden. Today, it's home to over 2,000 animals representing more than 500 species-from primates and big cats to exotic reptiles, colorful birds, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates, plus an impressive botanical collection.

Guests can explore a variety of immersive habitats designed to reflect ecosystems from around the world. In Expedition Africa, a savanna-inspired environment is home to animals like giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. Sanctuary Asia introduces visitors to elephants, red pandas, rhinos, and Komodo dragons within a spacious, themed setting. The Great EscApe simulates a rainforest environment where gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans thrive. Nearby, Cat Forest and Lion Overlook showcase an impressive range of big cats surrounded by dense greenery.

Oklahoma Trails highlights animals native to the region, including bison, black bears, and alligators, offering a look at the state’s natural heritage. Nearby, the 21,000-square-foot Butterfly Garden provides a space filled with native plants and butterflies in constant motion.

In addition to its wildlife exhibits, the zoo features a wide variety of interactive attractions suitable for all ages. Visitors can hand-feed giraffes, enjoy sea lion presentations, hop aboard the Centennial Choo-Choo train, visit the Herpetarium, or get their hands wet at Stingray Bay. For those seeking a more in-depth adventure, the zoo offers behind-the-scenes Wild Encounters, featuring animals like elephants, rhinos, sea lions, and tortoises, and exclusive VIP Safari Tours.

The zoo also fosters deeper engagement through educational programs, conservation initiatives-including butterfly habitat and prairie restoration-and special events like the ZooZeum photo exhibit and guided garden tours. Its picturesque botanical gardens are divided into themed sections such as the English Garden, Aviary Garden, and Dwarf Conifer Garden.