OKLAHOMA CITY – After implementing shorter, “winter hours” at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden last December, the zoo has returned to operating daily for its normal hours, which is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
By adjusting the Zoo’s schedule and closing guest-facing operations on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the winter months, the zoo was able to reduce expenses while still providing excellent care for its animal family and ample opportunities for guests to visit and connect with wildlife and wild places.
And with spring approaching and warmer temperatures returning to Oklahoma, the OKC Zoo is excited to have guests and ZOOFriends return to the zoo located at the crossroads of Interstate 44 and Interstate 35 in northeast Oklahoma City.
Candice Rennels, spokesperson for the zoo, told Southwest Ledger that the month of February was designated Healthcare Workers and Emergency Responders Appreciation Month at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden. All emergency responders and healthcare workers in Oklahoma were granted free admission to the zoo for the entire month. This is in appreciation and gratitude for the hard work put forth by these heroes in the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic.
In addition, the OKC Zoo also offered 50% off general admission for up to four immediate family members and qualifying individuals on the date of the visit.
“We had a great response” to our appreciation month offer, Rennels said, adding that it will conclude on Sunday, Feb. 28. “With the warmer weather, we know people are looking for something to do. We urge people to come on out to the zoo. There is plenty to see and do,” she said.
And while no new animal babies have been born recently, Rennels was quick to note that an elephant and giraffe are currently pregnant, so their fingers are crossed.
A reminder is that tickets to the zoo – available via okc zoo.org/tickets – are limited each day in interest of social distancing during the pandemic.
With warmer temperatures on the way, make plans for your next Zoo visit today. Advance tickets are required for all guests and ZOOfriends members and can be purchased online at www.okczoo. org/tickets.
Regular admission is $12 for adults and $9 for children ages 3-11 and seniors ages 65 and over. Children 2 and under are admitted free.
To learn more about Zoo happenings, call 405-424- 3344 or visit okczoo.org.