The Only Two Locations in Oklahoma You Can Visit Asian Elephants For World Elephant Day
World Elephant Day is coming up this weekend, Saturday, August 2. It's a little crazy saying that you can actually see elephants in Oklahoma, but we're lucky enough to have two locations dedicated to conservation efforts for elephants.
The Oklahoma City Zoo and the Endangered Ark Foundation are the only two places in the state where guests can see elephants. On Saturday, guests may be able to get a closer look at more than just the animals, but how they interact with their caretakers and more.
Although the Endangered Ark Foundation has not shared if they will be doing special events for the occasion, the Oklahoma City Zoo has in fact prepped for the celebration this weekend.
Exciting events and special moments planned for World Elephant Day at OKC Zoo
This year is a lot different many of the years previous for the OKC Zoo since they welcomed a new calf, Xerxes, into the herd. Since it's such a novel moment for the baby, the staff say visitors should expect a packed house.
Rachel Boyd, the Zoo's Curator of Elephants, said:
"We’re all still riding high on the arrival of Xerxes, the first Asian elephant bull born at the Zoo. We hope the excitement surrounding Xerk helps our guests connect with Asian elephants and take conservation action to support the species.”
The Zoo has planned some unique opportunties for families to help conservation efforts and have a little something to keep for themselves.
They will have elephant plushes for $25 and a chance to purchase custom canvas totes painted by the Zoo’s elephants for $30 each, both benefitting the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Asian Elephant SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction program. A bundle including a plush and tote is available for a $50 donation.
Their biggest highlights, though, have to do with the real life Asian Elephants and their caretakers. Some of the events to look forward to are:
- Caretaker Chats!
- Special training session at 11 a.m. in the Inasmuch Elephant Pavilion where the elephant care team will talk about the importance of regular foot care for our herd members.
- Trivia activities including “Foraging for Food,” “Meet the Herd” matching game, a plinko game, trivia wheel, and an elephant personality quiz.
- An opportunity to take a Conservation Pledge for Elephants.
All of the World Elephant Day events are free with general admission. The events start on Saturday, August 2 at 9 a.m. and run until noon.
A bittersweet celebration for the Endangered Ark Foundation in Hugo, Oklahoma.
This year, the Asian elephant herd in Hugo unfortunately lost one of their own earlier this year. Their matriarch, Suzy, had passed away at 74 years old, making her the oldest known elephant in North America.
Despite her loss, the facility has continued to care for their 11 other elephants and allow visitors to see them up-close-and-personal with an appointment.
If you would like an opportunity to see their elephants either through a private or public tour, you can reach out to them through their website.
Happy (soon to be) Asian Elephant Awareness Month! Let us know how you choose to celebrate by sending us your photos through the app.
50 Most Popular Baby Names So Far in 2025
Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll
20 Fascinating Photos Of Zoo Animals Getting Weighed and Measured
Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll
