No major city stop is complete without an equally great zoo, and Oklahoma City has an exceptional zoo that adults and children will enjoy. Both the OKC Zoo and nearby Botanical Gardens contain over 500 different species of animals, countless plants, and plenty of hands-on experiences that put you up close and personal with Mother Nature’s beautiful creatures.

Opened in 1902, this zoo has distinguished itself as one of the city's main family attractions. 512 species of animals can be found here covering 1900 different individuals. The zoo has a great number of attractions to entertain its more than a million annual visitors. These include the elephant habitat, the lion overlook, the Aquaticus, the stunning butterfly garden, Animals from various exotic islands around the world, a herpetarium, the endangered species carousel the animals of the Oklahoma Trail, and an exhibit dedicated to the great apes. There are also animal shows, such as the sea lion show, and the giraffe feeding. A number of these exotic animals roam freely around the hundred and thirty-eight acre Gardens at the zoo. The garden reflects the natural habitats of Oklahoma State - eastern deciduous forests and tall grass prairies. Of the exhibits at these Gardens you should especially check out The water conservation Garden, dwarf Conifers, pines, Oaks, and Magnolias, Bamboo, tropical, Cacti, and agave plants. The Zoo museum also recounts the history and development of the zoo. It consists of a historical archive and two galleries.