Record-Breaking Attendance at OKC Zoo in March Thanks to Expedition Africa and Spring Break

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden reported a record-breaking attendance in March 2024, with 155,239 visitors. This figure exceeds the previous record of 149,389 guests in March 2011. The busiest day was March 20, with 14,101 guests. The rise in attendance is linked to the Oklahoma and Texas Spring Break, favorable weather, and the launch of the new wildlife habitat, Expedition Africa.

Expedition Africa, funded by the Inasmuch Foundation, is the most significant expansion in the OKC Zoo's history, spanning over 12 acres. It includes new habitats, renovated buildings, and improved guest facilities. The expansion houses over sixty species from Africa, such as hyenas, wildebeests, and a giraffe herd. Dr. Dwight Lawson, the CEO of the Oklahoma City Zoo, expressed satisfaction with the expansion's success.

A notable feature of Expedition Africa is the refurbished Love’s Pachyderm Building. This building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2021, is home to several species, including African lungfish, dwarf mongooses, and naked mole rats. It also has a large events space and a play area with a rock-climbing wall and a slide.

The zoo also reported high visitor satisfaction in March. Based on 575 surveys, 88% of guests were satisfied with their visit, an increase from 85% in February. This figure surpasses the 81% satisfaction rate at other renowned zoos like the San Diego Zoo and Smithsonian National Zoological Park Zoo.

The Oklahoma City Zoo operates daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last entry at 4 p.m. It is situated at the intersection of I-44 and I-35 and is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums, and Oklahoma City’s Adventure District. Tickets cost $16 for adults and $13 for children aged 3-11 and seniors aged 65 and over. Membership offers additional benefits and supports the Zoo’s animal family, education programs, and conservation efforts.

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