OKC Zoo announces August happenings and line-up

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - Oklahomans looking to plan ahead for fall activities with the OKC Zoo will be excited to see the upcoming World Elephant Day, Haunt the Zoo and Zoobrew tickets set to go on sale.

August activities for the OKC Zoo are in conjunction with supporting the Zoo’s animal family, education programming and conservation initiatives locally and globally.

Here are highlights to explore your interests:

CONTINUING THROUGH MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2: EARLY ZOO HOURS FOR ZOOFRIENDS MEMBERS ONLY

ZOOfriends members can continue enjoying early access to the Oklahoma City Zoo through Labor Day, Monday, September 2, with gates opening at 8:30 a.m. daily. This special perk is for ZOOfriends members only with proof of a current membership passport. Memberships can be purchased at okczoo.org/membership.  

ONGOING: NATURE EXPLORERS PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION AND BUTTERFLY SALE

OKC Zoo’s Nature Explorers Preschool is moving to a brand-new center with more classrooms, common areas, and a nature-based outdoor learning area where students will spend most of their days. Nature Explorers Preschool is currently enrolling for full-time care with classes beginning August 12, 2024. Preschool hours are Monday- Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit okczoo.org/preschool to learn more and sign up. 

THURSDAY, AUGUST 1 THROUGH SATURDAY, AUGUST 31: ASIAN ELEPHANT AWARENESS MONTH

August is Asian Elephant Awareness Month, a global movement to bring attention to the plight Asian elephants are facing and inspire the public to take conservation action through a social media campaign, #AsianElephantAwarenessMonth. The Oklahoma City Zoo is home to a multi-generational herd of eight Asian elephants with two new additions expected in 2025.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 1: TICKETS ON SALE FOR ZOOBREW, PRESENTED BY BYRON’S LIQUOR WAREHOUSE

It’s ZOObrew’s sweet 16^th year. This year’s ZOObrew is expanding its tastings, including beer, wine, spirits, and mocktails! The fun is set for Friday, September 27, with events running from 4 to 9 p.m. ZOObrew is a 21-and-older event including a variety of tastings from breweries in and around Oklahoma, as well as other libations and non-alcoholic beverages. Revelers will also relish tasty bites from local food trucks, lawn games and more while exploring the Zoo and raising important funds for the OKC Zoo. To purchase PREbrew and ZOObrew tickets and additional event details, visit okczoo.org/zoobrew. 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 3: OKC ZOO HOSTS WORLD ELEPHANT DAY ACTIVITIES FROM 11 A.M. TO 2 P.M.

Bring the whole herd out to celebrate World Elephant Day at the Oklahoma City Zoo. Sanctuary Asia is the place to be for caretaker chats, enrichment events, and the much-loved elephant presentations. Water bottles will be given away beginning at 9 a.m. as guests enter the park. World Elephant Day activities are free with regular admission.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10: ENHANCED EXPERIENCE FOR DEAF AND HARD-OF-HEARING VISITORS WITH AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS

To enhance the experience of deaf and hard-of-hearing guests, the OKC Zoo will provide American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters in the park on Saturday, August 10. For a complete listing of available Wild Encounters visit okczoo.org/plan_your_visit#WE.

DISCOVER THE OKC ZOO’S NEW SAVANNA SWEETS AT EXPEDITION AFRICA

Savanna Sweets in the OKC Zoo’s Expedition Africa habitat is a new dedicated dessert depot hosts a delectable list of chilled treats to beat the summer heat. The new menu includes:

• Chocolate-Dipped Bananas
• Chocolate-Dipped Waffles
• Chocolate-Dipped Cheesecake
• Chocolate-Dipped Vanilla Ice Cream
• Chocolate-Dipped Cookies
• Chocolate-Dipped Banana Cream Pie
• Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches with a choice of peanut butter or chocolate chip cookie, which can also be chocolate-dipped.

SUMMER CONCERTS AT ZOO AMPHITHEATRE

Newly renovated and Oklahoma City’s treasured outdoor music venue, Zoo Amphitheatre, is filling August with a lineup of concerts that appeal to music lovers of all stripes.

• Friday, August 2: Legends of Hip Hop with Ice Cube, E-40, and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
• Saturday, August 3: Blues Traveler and Big Head Todd and the Monsters
• Saturday, August 24: Howard Jones & ABC and Haircut One Hundred
• Friday and Saturday, August 30 and 31: The Flaming Lips’ Summer Freak Out

Stay up to date on Zoo Amphitheatre’s 2024 season and purchase tickets at okczooamp.com.

ONGOING: OKC ZOO SUMMER ATTRACTION TIMES

• NEW Scooter Pals! Take a ride on the wild side with the OKC Zoo’s new Scooter Pals. This new mobile entertainment opportunity is a fun way for guests 18 and older to explore the park. Scooter Pals are animal themed and available to rent daily weather permitting, located in the Zoo’s entry plaza. Cost is $5 activation fee, $0.35/minute.  
• Children’s Zoo Barnyard (Children’s Zoo) is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is free to enjoy.
• Elephant Express Tram: Take the tram for a relaxing, informative tour of the Zoo. Rides offered daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All day bracelets are $6 per person. Children two and under free. 
• Elephant Presentations are free to attend and take place at Sanctuary Asia, elephant habitat at 2 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Memorial Day (May 27), Independence Day (July 4), and Labor Day (September 2). 
• Endangered Species Carousel: Carousel rides are available daily from 9:30 a.m. to 430 p.m. Cost is $4 per person. 
• Explorikeet Feedings (Children’s Zoo):These feathered favorites are waiting to meet you! Feeding opportunities are available daily from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Cost is $4 per person. Participants under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a paying adult. 
• Gorilla Trek VR: Experience the life of gorillas in the jungle with this 360-degree live action virtual reality film with motion platform seating. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $8 per person. 
• Rhino Feedings:  Discover this memorable experience with one of the most magical residents at the Zoo–an Indian rhino! Feeding opportunities available Thursday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to noon. at Sanctuary Asia. Cost is $10 per person. 
• Stingray Bay: Our stingrays will bring a smile to your face! Stingray Bay is open daily from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $4 per person to enter. Stingray feedings occur 10:30 to 11 a.m. and 1:30 to 2 p.m. daily, while supplies last, for an additional $3 per person.
• Flamingo Mingle: Flock to the Flamingo Mingle feeding daily from 9:30 to 10 a.m. and 3:30 to 4 p.m. Cost is $5 per person.
• Giraffe Feeding: Feed our tallest friends during the Giraffe Feeding 11 a.m. to noon daily and Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 3 p.m. Cost is $5 per person.
• Camel Rides: Camel Rides are available the OKC Zoo daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $8 per person.

The Oklahoma City Zoo is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Purchase advance Zoo admission tickets at okczoo.org/tickets. Zoo admission is $16 for adults and $13 for children ages 3-11 and seniors ages 65 and over. Children two and under are admitted free.