The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden recorded its third consecutive year of rising attendance, welcoming 1,225,688 visitors during the 2026 fiscal year — a nearly 10% increase from the previous year’s total of 1,114,208. The zoo said the figure covers the period from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
What drove the surge
Zoo officials attributed the growth to several high-profile animal births and to seasonal attractions that drew steady crowds. Among the births was an endangered female Asian elephant calf born June 26, a development the zoo described as critically important for conservation efforts. New giraffes, plains zebras and François’ langurs also arrived during the year, helping maintain public interest.
“The excitement surrounding the Oklahoma City Zoo continues to grow, and we’re incredibly honored that so many families choose to make memories here year after year,” OKC Zoo Executive Director and CEO Dr. Dwight Lawson said in a release.
Popular events and community impact
Seasonal programming remained a steady draw: the Dinosaur Expedition exhibit has tallied more than 77,000 visitors since opening in March, and long-running events such as Haunt the Zoo and Safari Lights continued to perform strongly. Those events — together with daily guest visits — helped the zoo raise more than $160,000 for wildlife conservation during the fiscal year.
- Dinosaur Expedition: 77,000+ visitors since March
- Haunt the Zoo: 49,608 attendees
- Safari Lights: 112,417 visitors
- Sip and Stroll: 8,630 guests
Numbers at a glance
| Fiscal period | Attendance | Change vs. prior year |
|---|---|---|
| July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 | 1,225,688 | +10% |
| Prior fiscal year | 1,114,208 | |
| Conservation funds raised | More than $160,000 | |
For Oklahoma City and the region, the zoo’s rising attendance has several ripple effects. Increased visitation supports jobs at the zoo and in the surrounding hospitality and retail sectors, pumps tourist spending into local businesses, and expands public engagement with conservation programs — all factors that can shape planning priorities for city and county officials.
Zoo leaders said they plan to build on this momentum with additional animal experiences, research initiatives and community events in the year ahead. For visitors, that means more opportunities to see new arrivals and to participate in seasonal programming that has proven popular across multiple years.
Details about upcoming exhibitions, membership options and ticketing remain available on the zoo’s official channels for residents and travelers planning visits this summer and fall.
