10 Zoos and Aquariums in Oklahoma

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Oklahoma can hold its own when it comes to zoos and aquariums.

Oklahoma City and Tulsa have world-class operations that can compete with anyone.

The Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks, near Tulsa, is one of the biggest and finest ones you will see anywhere.

The Zoo in Oklahoma City is also impressive.

There are also a lot of small safari-type operations around the state that give you a chance to get up and close to the animals.

Zoos and Aquariums in Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Aquarium

The Oklahoma Aquarium in the Tulsa suburb of Jenks is one of the largest aquariums in the region.

There are more than 100 exhibits with thousands of creatures.

There is an underwater tunnel where you can see ocean life above and beside you, featuring sharks of many kinds and many other types of fish.

The aquarium has many saltwater and freshwater exhibits.

It has a large area of native aquatic life such as alligator gar.

There are areas where kids and adults can touch various creatures as well as feed them.

There are areas with otters, beavers, and raccoons as well. 

There are guided tours or you may explore on your own.

Woolaroc Ranch Museum and Wildlife Park

This park is near Bartlesville and has hundreds of acres of land where there are more than 30 species of wildlife from around the world.

You can drive through the park that winds through the preserve that was started in 1915.

There are animals you would have expected to see in Oklahoma years ago, like elk, deer, longhorn cattle, and buffalo.

There are other animals like the Japanese Silka Deer or deer from Europe.

There are ostriches and llamas, and probably some animals you have not seen before.

There is also a museum featuring western art and artifacts, as well as a large collection of Native American Art.

There is also a children’s playground and a petting zoo.

This is a working ranch that was started by Frank Phillips, founder of Phillips Petroleum, 

Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden

This is one of the largest zoos in the state and is unique in that it has a large botanical garden with beautiful trails to explore.

There are large exhibits from different areas of the world, with tigers, lions, giraffes, elephants, and all the usual animals you would expect.

Some exotic animals might be surprising.

There are more than 800 animals and 11 life zones represented from Oklahoma and around the world.

There are several rides and animal encounters available at an extra charge.  

The large botanical gardens feature thousands of plants, and there is a butterfly garden as well.

The total facility covers 130 acres and will take at least half a day to see it all.

The Blue Zoo

The Blue Zoo is at Quail Springs Mall and is the first large aquarium in Oklahoma City.

There are hundreds of aquatic creatures like sharks and stingrays, as well as birds and reptiles.

Interactions with the animals are also available.

There are classes on various species, environmentalism, and ecology.

In-house experts teach about all the creatures that are there. Scuba divers swim with the sharks.

There are also pirates doing swordfights, and mermaids for the kids to meet.

Themed birthday parties and group events are also available. 

Tulsa Zoo

The Tulsa Zoo tries to recreate natural habitats for a lot of animals over its vast 84 acres.

There is an African Plains area of a few acres that recreates the vast grasslands with antelopes, white rhinos, warthogs, and more animals.

There are giraffes to see from a viewing deck and an area for children to feed them.

There are several buildings with more creatures living in habitats that are cold, hot, desert, forest, and water areas.

Also don’t miss the Lost Kingdom, home to some of Asia’s most elusive creatures.

You may see Malayan tigers, snow leopards, Monitor komodo, and Siamangs.

You may also see elephants there as well.

There are several buildings with different themes and habitats.

You may tour the museum on your own or book a guided tour. 

You may also ride a train through the facility. 

Endangered Ark Foundation in Hugo

Hugo is a small town in the southeast corner of the state, and the Endangered Ark Foundation is where they care for the largest herd of Asian Elephants in North America. 

Several circuses spend the winter in Hugo, and that makes it a unique place to visit, in addition to the sanctuary for Elephants.

There are special events like the Ele-birthday celebration each August. 

The facility was started in 1993 to care for endangered Asian Elephants.

There are two buildings and a large outdoor area where the elephants live.

You can get up close and personal with them.

There are interactive educational demonstrations about caring for elephants.

Group tours and customized tours are available. 

Medicine Park Aquarium and Natural Science Center

Medicine Park is a small town on the edge of Lawton, about 85 miles southwest of Oklahoma City.

It is near the entrance to the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge.

The small town is known for its cobblestone streets and charm, as well as its aquarium.

The center has about 100 fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals.

There are creatures from Oklahoma and from around the world.

There are otters, eels, paddlefish, and piranhas.

There is a new Quail Encounter Exhibit that is a walk-through aviary featuring quail.

There are several educational programs you can participate in, and you may observe feeding and other demonstrations.

The facility also has a seven-acre botanical garden.

Nomad’s Animal Encounter

Nomad’s Animal Encounter is a petting zoo in Seminole, just southeast of Oklahoma City. 

It is a hands-on animal experience for all ages.

There are native and exotic animals that you can interact with.

There are private and group tours available.

Staff will teach you the best ways to hold, pet, feed, and interact with different animal species.

There are llamas, pigs, goats, sheep, zebras, water buffalos, skunks, foxes, bobcats, deer, and prairie dogs.

There are also snakes like a python or red-tailed boas. 

This is an outdoor adventure, so the weather and seasons can affect tours.

Arbuckle Wilderness

The Arbuckle Wilderness is in the small town of Davis, about an hour south of Oklahoma City on Interstate 35.

It is a theme park you drive through.

There are more than 400 exotic animals.

There are exotic and rare animals running wild in habitats similar to their natural type of environment.

You may buy cups of food to feed the animals as you drive from your car window.

You will see camels, zebras, yaks, buffaloes, and more.

There is also a walk-through park with smaller animals, birds, and reptiles, as well as a petting zoo.

Rides of various kinds are seasonal.

Cookouts and hayrides are also available at various times throughout the year.

Tiger Safari Zoological Park

The Tigar Safari Zoological Park in Tuttle, on the southwest edge of Oklahoma City, offers a chance to get close to a lot of exotic animals. 

The park creates an African village for the animals to live in.

You may also get a taste of living there by staying overnight in the park.

There are overlooking treehouses, as well as huts for you to stay overnight.

There are more than 170 animals to view, and most of them have plenty of room to roam.

This means you get to see them in an area similar to their natural surroundings in the wild.

Private tours and overnight stays are available Tuesdays through Sundays.

Group tours are also available.

You may also observe, and participate in feeding the animals.

The treehouses are 20 feet above the ground, and you can watch the animals from above, which gives a unique perspective.

10 Zoos and Aquariums in Oklahoma – Summary Table

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