Spring Break proved to be a big win for the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, which welcomed a record-breaking 160,420 visitors in March — its highest attendance ever for the month.
The milestone tops last year’s March total and highlights the Zoo’s growing popularity as a go-to destination for families during Spring Break.
“We saw guests from across Oklahoma and beyond enjoying new attractions and spending time with wildlife,” said Executive Director and CEO Dr. Dwight Lawson.
Seasonal programming helped drive the crowds. Spring Break at the Zoo featured extended hours, daily caretaker chats, animal enrichment activities and family-friendly events like the Golden Egg Safari. Visitors also got a chance to see some of the Zoo’s youngest residents, including a Sumatran tiger cub, an Asian elephant calf and other recent additions.
One of the biggest draws continues to be Dinosaur Expedition, an immersive experience featuring more than 60 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, fossil digs and interactive exhibits. The attraction, located near the Jungle Gym Playground, remains open daily through November 1.
By the numbers, March was a busy month:
- About 20% of visitors traveled from outside Oklahoma
- More than 31,000 people explored Dinosaur Expedition
- 18,000+ servings of Dippin’ Dots were enjoyed
- Over 8,700 plush animals went home with guests
- Volunteers contributed more than 3,100 hours
- Dozens of camps, birthdays and special events filled the calendar
With record attendance and new attractions continuing to draw interest, the OKC Zoo is carrying strong momentum into the rest of the spring season.