The Oklahoma City Zoo offers its visitors a great opportunity to see a wide range of animals and learn about their needs and habits. Covering 110 acres of land, and home to a staggering 1,500 different species, the zoo is an animal-friendly and carefully run place that balances the sightseeing desire to look upon the animals without caging them in confined spaces. This zoo in Oklahoma City is also a wildlife sanctuary, and aside from serving visitors from far away it also runs extensive local education programs designed to promote the protection and care of wildlife both in Oklahoma zoo, and across the world. All in all, it is one of Oklahoma's top attractions.

The zoo's main attractions for wildlife watchers include the Cat Forest and Lion Overlook, where you may just steal a glimpse of a lion, tiger, jaguar, or snow leopard. The Oklahoma Zoo also features two education centers that talk you through efforts to conserve the existence of these animals. Another excellent attraction at this zoo in Oklahoma City is the Butterfly Garden, which is home to 15,000 different plants, and of course some pretty spectacular butterflies. As with the rest of the Oklahoma City Zoo, the Butterfly Garden is well equipped with informative tablets that explain the surrounding flora and fauna.

Aside from the animals, attractions at this zoo in Oklahoma City include various child-friendly rides. There's the Safari Tram and Swan Paddle Boats, which both allow you to kick back with child in tow and take in the natural beauty of the area. The Endangered Species Carousel also proves highly popular with kids. For adults looking to join in the fun at Oklahoma Zoo, there's a medium to large rock climbing wall to grapple with.

Oklahoma Map

Oklahoma Zoo is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer months, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the winter. A good idea is to get there early in the day before the crowds arrive. During July and the first week of August this becomes especially possible as the zoo opens at 7:30 a.m. for what is known as Morning Zoo Rise. Whatever time of year you visit, the entrance fee is exceptionally reasonable, and is waived for kids under the age of two. Once inside the zoo, rides come at an extra fee, although you can bypass this by paying a one price, ride all you want ticket at the front entrance. Again, this works out economical in the extreme.

Oklahoma City Zoo is conveniently situated for the time-pressed traveler just off a major Interstate to the east of the city. There are a few Oklahoma hotels very close to here—the economical Econo Lodge North, for example, and the excellent Courtyard by Marriott Oklahoma City. What's more, if you're only in the area for a short amount of time and want to see one of Oklahoma's fabled lakes, the tranquil Northeast Lake is right next door. Other memorable lakes in Oklahoma include Grand Lake, where fishing is said to be the best in the State. If the zoo has taught you anything, though, you'll remember to throw catches back into the water alive!