Information
Landmark: Tulsa ZooCity: Tulsa
Country: USA Oklahoma
Continent: North America
Tulsa Zoo, Tulsa, USA Oklahoma, North America
Overview
Tucked inside Woodward Park, the Tulsa Zoo stands out as one of the city’s top spots, where you might catch a lion’s low rumble on a warm afternoon.Founded in 1927 and reborn in 1966, the zoo has since blossomed into one of the region’s top spots for conservation, learning, and family outings-where you might hear a lion’s low rumble from across the park.Covering about 84 acres, it’s home to over 2,600 animals-everything from tiny tree frogs to towering giraffes-representing more than 400 species from across the globe.At the Tulsa Zoo, themed zones and habitats recreate the animals’ native worlds, from the misty green canopy of the Lost Kingdom-home to orangutans swinging through vines, jaguars prowling in dappled light, and bright tropical birds flashing through the leaves.Step into the Great Apes Exhibit, where you can watch chimpanzees crack open nuts and gorillas roam through lush, leafy habitats designed to keep them curious and engaged.Cat Forest/Lions of the Serengeti features lions, tigers, and leopards, bringing you up close to their raw power and quiet grace while shining a light on the threats they face in the wild.The Polar Bear Arctic Exhibit offers a cutting-edge habitat that mirrors the icy winds and frozen terrain of the Arctic, giving polar bears and other cold-loving animals a home that feels like the real thing.African Plains features wide, open savannas where giraffes browse treetops, zebras graze in the sun, and antelopes move together, giving visitors a close look at how herds live and interact.Children’s Zoo: Kids can pet gentle goats, explore habitats up close, and dive into hands-on activities that make learning come alive.The Reptile House is home to snakes, lizards, amphibians, and other cold-blooded creatures, each showing off unique adaptations like a gecko’s sticky toes.Butterfly Garden and Aviary features seasonal bursts of color from delicate butterflies and the soft rustle of birds in free flight, creating an experience you can step right into.At the Tulsa Zoo, conservation starts close to home and reaches across the globe, from teaching visitors about wildlife to joining the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Programs, where they help breed endangered animals like the sleek, quick-footed cheetah.Working with Oklahoma wildlife groups, the team safeguards native species and the places they call home, from tallgrass prairies to quiet riverbanks.Educational programs include school field trips, summer camps, hands-on wildlife workshops, and outreach events that spark a love for the environment-like letting kids hold a smooth, cool turtle shell.Interactive learning comes alive with touch tanks, close-up animal encounters, and keeper talks that share the splash of a stingray’s fin while teaching visitors about animal behavior, ecology, and conservation.Visitor amenities include several dining spots, from casual cafés to snack stands, plus shady picnic tables where you can unpack your lunch.Gift shops offer animal-themed mugs and T-shirts, shelves of nature books, and bright, hands-on educational toys.The zoo’s easy to navigate in a wheelchair, with smooth paved paths and viewing spots designed so you can roll right up to the railing.Events and Seasonal Attractions: Boo at the Zoo brings Halloween to life with spooky games, glowing jack-o’-lanterns, and plenty of treats.ZooLights fills the winter nights with glowing holiday displays, from twinkling arches to trees wrapped in shimmering strands.Special Exhibits showcase rotating displays, from rare jungle frogs to hands-on, walk-through learning adventures.In the African Plains section, visitors can hand-feed giraffes, feeling their long, rough tongues curl around a leafy branch.Get up close with wildlife on guided tours, where you might feel the warm breath of a curious giraffe.Every exhibit weaves in stories about protecting species and how our choices shape their future-like a quiet panel beside the aquarium showing coral reefs fading in warm seas.Tucked into the historic Woodward Park, it blends vibrant gardens with lively animal exhibits, where the air smells faintly of roses.At the Tulsa Zoo, you can wander from playful sea lions to quiet butterfly gardens while learning and helping protect wildlife-all in the heart of the city.With hands-on programs, colorful displays, and a clear passion for protecting wildlife, it’s a place where families can explore together and discover more about the natural world.
