Celebrate International Cat Day At The Oklahoma City Zoo

Saturday, July 5, the Oklahoma City (OKC) Zoo will be celebrating big cats, small cats and everything in between with families. Starting at 9:30 a.m. until noon, guests will have unique opportunities at the Lion Overlook and jaguar habitat that include chats with caretakers for some of the zoo's large cats.

Zoo curators and experts are incorporating fun, interactive acitivities for families to learn more about the zoos large cats. They're also hoping to inspire others to get involved in caring for these animals in order to preserve important species across the world.

There will also be a scavenger treasure hunt contest happening that could earn families a prize inspired by the new Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado movie soon to be released.

OKC Zoo hosts a variety of opportunities to see jaguars, lions and cheetahs.

Guests will be able to learn firsthand from the folks responsible caring for African lions during a caretaker chat at 10 a.m. In the Small Cat Interpretation Center, guests can test their cat vocalization knowledge at the Press and Guess table. Multiple buttons will play a variety of recorded cat vocalizations, showcasing the feline members of the Zoo’s animal family.

@okczoo When Huey yawns, you are required to say “ooohhhh big yawn”…we don’t make the rules : Caretaker Carsyn #okczoo #lions #bigyawn #cats #animals ♬ original sound - estwne

  At the jaguar habitat, guests can paint rosettes on a jaguar silhouette before it’s used in an enrichment activity for the Zoo’s female jaguar Zia, followed by a caretaker chat at 11:30 a.m. The zoo's Curator of Carnivores, Tyler Boyd, is hoping that the event will not only allow big-cat lovers to really appreciate different species, but inspire others to get more involved.

@okczoo Get ready for a PAWS-itively adorable look at Pando in her new habitat! Our newest resident, Pando the bobcat, has taken her first steps outside and is becoming familiar with her new habitat in Cat Forest! Guests may have an opportunity to see her throughout the day. Pando's caretakers share that she is enjoying exploring her new space but also likes to find quiet spots for napping and taking breaks. Stop by the Zoo to see if you can spot this little cutie #okczoo #bobcat #kitten #animals ♬ Amas Veritas - Alan Silvestri

“Of course, we're here to ensure these animals have the best possible lives we can provide, but we want to inspire people to have that same passion that leads them to doing more for wildlife and the habitats they call home,” he said. 

Dora-themed treasure hunt experience also happening for international cat day.

They'll also be partnering with Nickelodeon and Paramount Plus "to host the Dora’s Treasure Hunt experience in the Zoo’s Cat Forest to celebrate the upcoming Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado movie," according to the zoo's press release.

@officialdora watch this exclusive clip from #DoraSolDorado before it comes to @nickelodeon and @paramountplus ♬ original sound - Dora

If guests complete their Dora branded treasure map activity sheet and turn in finished sheet at the Zoo’s Guest Service office, located in the entry plaza, they'll receive a prize from the Dora treasure box! One prize per completed treasure map activity sheet.

To learn more or purchase tickets online, click here.