Oklahoma Zoos: Complete Guide to Wildlife Parks and Safari Adventures

Explore Oklahoma's diverse collection of 12+ zoos, wildlife parks, and safari experiences, including 2 AZA-accredited facilities and unique drive-through safari parks. From the acclaimed Oklahoma City Zoo's new 12-acre Expedition Africa to Tulsa Zoo's 84 acres of adventure, discover world-class animal exhibits and interactive wildlife encounters across the Sooner State.

12+

Zoos & Wildlife Parks

2

AZA Accredited Facilities

5,000+

Animals Statewide

5

Safari Drive-Through Parks

On This Page

AZA-Accredited Zoos

Oklahoma is home to two Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) accredited facilities, representing the highest standards in animal care, conservation, and education. Both facilities attract over 1 million combined annual visitors and lead important conservation programs.

Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden AZA Accredited New 2024 Expansion

Location: Adventure District, Northeast Oklahoma City, OK

Accredited Through: September 2029 (continuously since 1981)

Covering 130 acres, the Oklahoma City Zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals representing over 500 species. Receiving over 1 million visitors annually, this dual-accredited facility (AZA and American Alliance of Museums) is Oklahoma's premier zoological attraction.

Hours

  • Open Daily: 9am-5pm
  • Last Entry: 4pm
  • Open year-round

Admission

  • Adults (12-64): $20
  • Seniors (65+): $17
  • Children (3-11): $17
  • Children 2 & Under: FREE (ticket required)
  • Parking: FREE
  • Military: $10 admission (up to 4 guests with valid ID)

Featured Exhibits

  • Expedition Africa (NEW 2024) - Largest expansion in zoo history: 12 acres showcasing 60+ African species including lions, giraffes, lemurs, hyenas, honey badgers, and flamingos
  • Sanctuary Asia - Asian elephants, tigers, and orangutans in naturalistic habitats
  • Great EscApe - Chimpanzees, gorillas, and bonobos with expansive climbing structures
  • Island Life - Galapagos tortoises and other island species
  • Cat Forest - Lions, snow leopards, and big cats
  • Butterfly Garden - Seasonal walk-through exhibit

Interactive Experiences

  • Giraffe & Rhino Feeding - Hand-feed these gentle giants (additional fee)
  • Camel Rides - Seasonal rides available
  • Wild Encounters - Behind-the-scenes experiences with grizzly bears, bison, Asian elephants, and Galapagos tortoises
  • Carousel Rides - Additional fee
Going Cashless: Starting December 1, 2025, the zoo will no longer accept cash anywhere within the facility.
Safari Lights 2024-2025: November 15-January 4, nightly 5:30pm-11pm. Drive through nearly a mile of glowing animal and holiday-themed lanterns, then enjoy interactive light displays, festive snacks, and photos with Santa.

Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum AZA Accredited America's Favorite Zoo 2005

Location: Mohawk Park, Tulsa, OK

Accredited Through: September 2028

Spanning 84 acres within one of America's largest municipal parks, Tulsa Zoo features more than 3,000 animals, many rare and endangered. Named "America's Favorite Zoo" by Microsoft Game Studios in 2005, this facility combines state-of-the-art exhibits with immersive cultural experiences.

Hours

  • Open Daily: 9am-5pm
  • Last Entry: 4pm
  • Tickets valid until 4pm; guests may stay until 5pm closing

Admission & Discounts

  • Active Military/Veterans: 20% off gate admission (unlimited tickets per transaction)
  • First Responders: 20% off gate admission
  • SNAP/WIC Recipients: $5 per ticket (up to 6 tickets with proof)
  • AZA Zoo Members: 50% off with membership proof

Major Exhibits

  • Lost Kingdom - Asian-inspired gardens modeled after Angkor-Wat featuring Malayan tigers, snow leopards, Chinese alligators, siamangs, binturongs, and Komodo dragons
  • Valley of the Elephant - 2.5-acre naturalistic elephant habitat
  • Mary K. Chapman Rhino Reserve - Expansive rhino viewing area
  • Osage Casino & Hotel Giraffe Barn and Mary K. Chapman Giraffe Experience - Up-close giraffe encounters
  • African Black-Footed Penguin Exhibit - South African shoreline simulation with underwater viewing
  • Chimpanzee Connection - Indoor and outdoor viewing of chimpanzee troop
  • Rainforest Exhibit - Journey from Amazonian basin to Incan cloud forests

Drive-Through Safari Parks

Oklahoma offers unique drive-through safari experiences where visitors can hand-feed exotic animals from their vehicles. These parks provide accessible wildlife encounters across hundreds of acres of naturalistic habitats.

Beavers Bend Safari Park

Location: Hochatown, OK (90 acres)

Drive through 1.8 miles of stunning natural terrain featuring 350+ animals representing 55+ species. The safari road meanders through towering trees and water streams, with an animal walkabout area for closer encounters.

Hours: Open daily 9:30am

Features: Drive-thru safari, walkabout area, hand-feeding opportunities

Arbuckle Wilderness

Location: Davis, OK (Arbuckle Mountains near Turner Falls)

Hundreds of exotic animals roam freely along the drive-through safari road. Additional attractions include petting zoo and reptile exhibit for hands-on encounters.

Features: Drive-thru safari, petting zoo, reptile exhibits, scenic mountain setting

Tiger Safari Zoological Park

Location: Tuttle, OK 73089

One-of-a-kind safari adventure home to more than 170 animal species including lions, tigers, apes, monkeys, and kangaroos. Offers interactive exotic zoological park experiences and Zoo To You educational programs statewide.

Specializes in: Large exotic species, educational outreach programs

Creation Safari Wildlife Park

Location: Green Country, Oklahoma

Hands-on interactive petting farm featuring animals ranging from domestic farm animals to endangered species. Walk a quarter-mile path to view herds of bison and elk in naturalistic settings.

Features: Petting farm, walking trail, bison and elk viewing, educational focus

Wildlife Centers & Animal Sanctuaries

Little River Zoo

Location: Norman, OK

Family-owned zoo featuring diverse collection of exotic and domestic animals in a friendly, accessible environment. Focus on education and close-up animal encounters.

Endangered Ark Foundation

Location: Hugo, OK

Home to North America's largest endangered Asian elephant herd. Close encounters with elephants through interactive educational activities. Tours available Fridays, Saturdays, and most Sundays only.

Specializes in: Asian elephant conservation and education

Oakhill Center for Rare and Endangered Species

Location: Luther, OK

Specialized facility dedicated to conserving rare and endangered species through breeding programs and public education.

Safari Joe's

Location: Oklahoma (specific location varies)

Exotic wildlife sanctuary housing over 250 animals including many large cats (lions, tigers, leopards), reptiles, and birds. Focus on rescue and rehabilitation.

Zoo Safari USA

Location: Locust Grove, OK

Animal rescue focusing on smaller species not typically seen at larger zoos. Permanent home for African servals, Capybara, cockatoos, emus, and various amphibians and reptiles.

Snider Family Exotics

Location: Fletcher, OK

Local exotic animal park offering unique encounters with species not commonly found in traditional zoos. Family-friendly environment with educational programs.

Natural Wildlife Refuges

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

Location: Southwestern Oklahoma

Protects diverse native plants, birds, fish, reptiles, and mammals in natural habitat. FREE admission. Visitor center and bookstore available.

Wildlife: Bison, elk, deer, prairie dogs, and over 240 bird species

Selman Bat Cave Wildlife Management Area

Location: Between Freedom and Woodward, Northwest Oklahoma

Unique seasonal attraction open select nights in July only. Observe hundreds of thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats emerging from the cave at dusk.

Special Event: Limited viewing dates in summer months

Additional Refuges: Oklahoma is home to nine national wildlife refuges providing opportunities to observe native wildlife in protected natural habitats.

Oklahoma Aquarium

Oklahoma Aquarium

Location: Jenks, OK (15 miles south of Tulsa)

Home to more than 100 exhibits and thousands of aquatic animals, the Oklahoma Aquarium offers an amazing glimpse into underwater worlds. Walk through the famous shark tunnel featuring the world's largest captive bull shark collection.

Hours

  • Daily: 10am-6pm
  • Tuesdays: 10am-9pm (extended hours)
  • Open year-round

Features

  • 8 exhibit galleries
  • World's largest captive bull shark collection
  • 175-foot walk-through shark tunnel
  • Interactive stingray touch pool
  • Turtle feeding experiences

Major Galleries

  • Shark Adventure - Bull sharks, reef sharks, and ray species with walk-through tunnel
  • Sea Turtle Island - Rescued and rehabilitated sea turtles
  • EcoZone - Native Oklahoma aquatic species and ecosystems
  • Aquatic Oklahoma - Rivers, lakes, and streams of the state
  • Pacific Reef - Colorful tropical fish and coral ecosystems
  • Interactive Exhibits - Touch tanks and feeding stations

Visitor Information & Planning Tips

Best Times to Visit

  • Spring (March-May): Mild weather, baby animals, blooming botanical gardens
  • Fall (September-November): Comfortable temperatures, active animals, fewer crowds
  • Weekday Mornings: Smallest crowds, most active animals
  • Special Events: Safari Lights (OKC Zoo, Nov-Jan), Zoo Nights (Tulsa Zoo)

What to Bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sunscreen and hat (Oklahoma sun can be intense)
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Camera or smartphone
  • Cash/card for animal feeding experiences (OKC Zoo going cashless Dec 2025)
  • Light jacket for indoor exhibits

Special Programs

  • Gorillas on the Line (OKC Zoo): Donate used electronics (phones, iPods, tablets, gaming systems) for one free daytime admission per device
  • Behind-the-Scenes Tours: Available at both OKC and Tulsa zoos (advance booking required)
  • Educational Programs: School groups, summer camps, scout programs
  • Conservation Talks: Daily keeper talks and feeding demonstrations

Important Notes

  • No refunds or rain checks for weather or animal visibility (OKC Zoo policy)
  • Special circumstances (weather, construction, births, veterinary procedures) may require animal removal from public viewing
  • Free parking at Oklahoma City Zoo
  • Stroller and wheelchair rentals available at major facilities

Zoo Memberships & Discount Programs

Membership Benefits

Zoo memberships typically pay for themselves in 2-3 visits and provide year-round benefits including free admission, special events access, retail discounts, and reciprocal admission to 200+ other AZA zoos nationwide.

Oklahoma City Zoo Membership

Benefits:

  • Unlimited free admission year-round
  • Free parking (normally included but valuable benefit)
  • Discounts on carousel rides, animal feedings, and special experiences
  • Retail and dining discounts
  • Members-only events and early access to new exhibits
  • Reciprocal admission to AZA facilities nationwide

Tulsa Zoo Membership

Benefits:

  • Unlimited zoo admission
  • 50% reciprocal discount at other AZA zoos
  • Members-only events (Zoo Nights, special previews)
  • Discounts on programs and special experiences
  • Early registration for camps and classes

Special Discount Programs

Military & First Responders

  • OKC Zoo: $10 admission for military + up to 4 guests (with valid military ID)
  • Tulsa Zoo: 20% off gate admission for active military, veterans, and first responders (unlimited tickets per transaction)

Public Assistance Programs

  • Tulsa Zoo: $5 admission for SNAP/WIC recipients (up to 6 tickets with proof of eligibility)
  • AZA Reciprocity: Members of other AZA zoos receive 50% off Tulsa Zoo admission with membership proof

Frequently Asked Questions

Both are AZA-accredited facilities with unique strengths. Oklahoma City Zoo (130 acres, 2,000+ animals, 500+ species) is larger and features the new 12-acre Expedition Africa (2024), extensive botanical gardens, and more interactive experiences like giraffe feeding, camel rides, and behind-the-scenes encounters. Tulsa Zoo (84 acres, 3,000+ animals) was named America's Favorite Zoo in 2005 and excels in cultural immersion with exhibits like Lost Kingdom (Asian Angkor-Wat inspired) and comprehensive rainforest displays. OKC Zoo receives over 1 million annual visitors and offers free parking. Both maintain the highest standards of animal care and conservation.

Oklahoma offers five drive-through safari experiences. Beavers Bend Safari Park in Hochatown features 90 acres with 350+ animals across 55+ species on a 1.8-mile scenic drive through natural terrain. Arbuckle Wilderness in Davis (near Turner Falls) provides hundreds of exotic animals along the safari road plus petting zoo and reptile exhibits. Tiger Safari Zoological Park in Tuttle houses 170+ species including large cats and primates. Creation Safari Wildlife Park offers hands-on petting farm experiences plus walking trails to view bison and elk herds. All parks allow hand-feeding animals from your vehicle (feed typically purchased at entrance).

Oklahoma City Zoo offers giraffe and rhino hand-feeding experiences, seasonal camel rides, carousel rides, and Wild Encounters behind-the-scenes programs with grizzly bears, bison, Asian elephants, and Galapagos tortoises. The Gorillas on the Line program provides free admission when you donate used electronics (phones, tablets, gaming systems) - one ticket per device. Tulsa Zoo provides giraffe experiences at the Mary K. Chapman Giraffe Barn, keeper talks, and feeding demonstrations throughout the day. The Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks features interactive stingray touch pools and turtle feeding experiences. Safari parks offer unique drive-through feeding experiences where animals approach your vehicle.

Yes, this is feasible with planning. The Oklahoma Aquarium is located in Jenks, approximately 15 miles south of Tulsa Zoo (about 20-30 minutes drive). The aquarium is open 10am-6pm daily (until 9pm Tuesdays), while Tulsa Zoo operates 9am-5pm daily. A suggested itinerary: Start at Tulsa Zoo when it opens at 9am, spend 3-4 hours exploring major exhibits, then drive to Oklahoma Aquarium for 2-3 hours in the afternoon. Both facilities offer complementary experiences - land animals at the zoo, aquatic life at the aquarium. Plan for approximately 6-7 hours total including travel time. Consider visiting on a Tuesday if you want extended evening hours at the aquarium.

Discount opportunities include: Military personnel receive $10 admission at Oklahoma City Zoo (for self plus up to 4 guests with valid military ID) and 20% off at Tulsa Zoo. First responders receive 20% off at Tulsa Zoo. SNAP/WIC recipients can purchase up to 6 tickets for $5 each at Tulsa Zoo with proof of eligibility. Members of other AZA-accredited zoos receive 50% off admission at Tulsa Zoo with membership proof. Oklahoma City Zoo's Gorillas on the Line program provides free admission when you donate used electronics (one ticket per device - phones, iPods, tablets, gaming systems). Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge offers completely FREE admission year-round. Both major zoos offer reciprocal admission benefits when you purchase membership.

Expedition Africa is the largest expansion in Oklahoma City Zoo history, opening in 2024. This 12-acre immersive exhibit showcases more than 60 animal species native to the African continent in naturalistic habitats designed to replicate African ecosystems. Featured species include lions, giraffes, lemurs, hyenas, honey badgers, flamingos, and numerous other African mammals, birds, and reptiles. The exhibit provides multi-level viewing areas, educational signage about African conservation challenges, and opportunities to observe animal behaviors in settings that closely mimic their native environments. This expansion significantly increases the zoo's African collection and provides enhanced animal welfare through spacious, enriched habitats.

Oklahoma offers two exceptional Asian elephant experiences. Oklahoma City Zoo's Sanctuary Asia exhibit features Asian elephants in a spacious naturalistic habitat with pools, mud wallows, and enrichment features. The zoo offers Wild Encounters behind-the-scenes experiences where guests can meet elephants up close with keeper staff (additional fee, advance booking required). The Endangered Ark Foundation in Hugo, OK is home to North America's largest endangered Asian elephant herd. This specialized conservation facility offers close encounters with elephants through interactive educational activities and tours (available Fridays, Saturdays, and most Sundays only - advance reservations recommended). Both facilities focus on Asian elephant conservation and education about threats facing wild populations.

Yes, both AZA-accredited Oklahoma zoos operate year-round with consistent daily hours. Oklahoma City Zoo is open 365 days per year, 9am-5pm daily (last entry 4pm). Tulsa Zoo maintains year-round operations 9am-5pm daily (last entry 4pm). The Oklahoma Aquarium is also open year-round 10am-6pm daily (extended hours until 9pm on Tuesdays). Winter visits offer advantages including smaller crowds, comfortable temperatures (Oklahoma winters are generally mild compared to northern states), and opportunities to see cold-weather adapted animals more active. Special holiday events include Safari Lights at OKC Zoo (November 15-January 4, nightly 5:30pm-11pm). Safari parks like Beavers Bend Safari Park and Arbuckle Wilderness may have seasonal closures during extreme weather - check websites before visiting during winter months.

Related Resources

Last updated on November 27, 2025