The Oklahoma City Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the southwest and is one of only seven zoos in the entire country with the distinction of being a fully accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the American Association of Museums (AAM) as both a living museum and a botanical garden.

The Zoo features over 1,900 animals. The Cat Forest/Lion Overlook is the only exhibit of its kind to house both large and small cats in a naturalistic environment and has the most diverse collection of cats in the region. The Great EscApe is the only exhibit of its kind to house all three ape species in one exhibit. The bird collection features 117 species of birds, and the Reptile House plays host to 153 species of reptiles and amphibians. If you’re interested in aquatic species, check out the Zoo’s 155 species of fish, aquatic invertebrates and marine animals. There is also a special area, called the Oklahoma Trails Adventure, dedicated to the state's natural beauty. This naturalistic zone is home to 100 different species of animals native to Oklahoma and features 11 distinct habitats unique to the state. The zoo’s 20,000-square-foot Butterfly Garden is the largest outdoor walk-through garden of its kind in Oklahoma. And don’t forget to see Achara, the baby Asian elephant born December 22, 2014.

And get up close and personal with the animals in behind-the-scenes experiences every day of the week! Wild Encounters allows visitors get face-to-face with grizzly bears, sea lions, elephants and Galapagos tortoises. Wild Encounters welcomes all ages and groups up to ten people; children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets can be purchased in Guest Relations.

Grizzly Bears — 9:45 AM at the Swift Fox habitat; $35/member and $40/nonmember
Sea Lions — 11:30 AM at the sidewalk ramp across from Canopy Restaurant; $35/member and $40/nonmember
Elephants — 2:45 PM at the Elephant habitat entrance; $45/member and $50 nonmember
Galapagos Tortoises — 1:00 PM at the Tortoise statue near Island Life entrance; $35/member and $40/nonmember

For more information on special rides and attractions at the Oklahoma City Zoo, click here.