OKC Zoo extends hours for Zoo Lovers Day

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is extending its hours in celebration of Zoo Lovers Day.

Zoo Lovers Day at OKC Zoo flyer.
Zoo Lovers Day at OKC Zoo flyer.

The OKC Zoo is teaming up with the Oklahoma Zoological Society (OZS) to host the first Zoo Lovers Day on Monday, April 8, to celebrate wildlife fans here in OKC.

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Officials say Zoo Lovers Day gives guests the chance to support the zoo through donations and learn more about the zoo’s mission, animal family and conservation programs while visiting with animal experts and the awesome animals they care for. Donors will also be entered into a drawing for a chance to win prizes.

Officials say caretakers have also created themed enrichment activities for certain animals for guests to enjoy.

  • Animal enrichment at the Oklahoma City Zoo. Image courtesy Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden.
    Animal enrichment at the Oklahoma City Zoo. Image courtesy Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden.
  • Animal enrichment at the Oklahoma City Zoo. Image courtesy Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden.
    Animal enrichment at the Oklahoma City Zoo. Image courtesy Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden.
  • Animal enrichment at the Oklahoma City Zoo.
    Animal enrichment at the Oklahoma City Zoo. Image courtesy Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden.

Zoo Lovers Day enrichment schedule

  • 1 p.m.: Galapagos tortoise (Children’s Zoo)

  • 1:44–1:51 p.m.: Optimal Solar Eclipse Viewing (Guests are encouraged to bring their own protective eclipse glasses.)

  • 1:45 p.m.: Sumatran tigers (Cat Forest)

  • 2:30 p.m.: Asian elephants (Sanctuary Asia, Elephant Presentation Pavilion)

  • 3:15 p.m.: Cassowaries (Sanctuary Asia)

  • 4 p.m.: River otter and grizzly bears (Oklahoma Trails, Big Rivers)

  • 4:45 p.m.: African lions (Lion Overlook)

  • 5:30 p.m.: Giraffes (Expedition Africa savanna)

  • 6:15 p.m.: Red river hogs (Expedition Africa)

  • 7 p.m.: Lemurs (Expedition Africa)

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Zoo Lovers are invited to enjoy this special day from 9 a.m.-8 p.m., with the last entry at 7 p.m. This gives guests extra time to explore the park, see enrichment activities and check out the new Expedition Africa.

To learn more about Zoo Lovers Day or to purchase tickets, visit OKCZoo.org.

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