Oklahoma has many unique sanctuaries for animals that are open to the public. From large zoos to small foundations, there are many caring people that devote their time to protecting animal welfare and educating others. Many of the places in this article accept donations and volunteers and they welcome the opportunity to have you visit their animals during operating hours. If you’re looking for a fun activity, plan a day and visit one of these hidden gems for animal lovers in Oklahoma.

1. Endangered Ark Foundation: Hugo
Endangered Ark Foundation, 2657 E 2070 Rd, Hugo, OK 74743, USA
facebook/EndangeredArkFoundation
North America's largest endangered Asian elephant herd is right here in Hugo, Oklahoma. You can experience a close encounter with the elephants and the staff will conduct interactive educational activities during your tour. Tours are only held on Fridays, Saturdays, and most Sundays. It's one of the most wonderful little-known Oklahoma zoos.

Read our full coverage to learn more about Endangered Ark Foundation.
2. Arbuckle Wilderness Park: Davis
6132 Kay Starr Trail, Davis, OK 73030, USA
facebook/Arbuckle-Wilderness-Safari
Located in the beautiful Arbuckle Mountains and near Turner Falls, this wilderness park features a drive-thru safari road. Observe hundreds of exotic animals from your car and visit the petting zoo and reptile exhibit.

Read our full coverage to learn more about Arbuckle Wilderness Park.
3. Oklahoma Aquarium: Jenks
300 Aquarium Dr, Jenks, OK 74037, USA
facebook/okaquarium
At the Oklahoma Aquarium you can see hundreds of aquatic animals and exhibits in a fun and educational way. You will also find one of the most unique shark exhibits in the world. Walk through a dome tunnel to see the largest bull sharks in captivity and don't forget to pet the stingrays. It's one of the most unique hidden gems in Oklahoma.

Read our full coverage to learn more about Oklahoma Aquarium.
4. Oklahoma City Zoo: Oklahoma City
2000 Remington Pl, Oklahoma City, OK 73111, USA
flickr/j_rho
As one of the little-known zoos in Oklahoma, you can still enjoy all the usual exhibits of a big zoo in Oklahoma City but without all the crowds. From adorable sea lions to ferocious lions, your day will be filled from start to finish admiring all the animals and visiting the exhibits.

Visit the Oklahoma City Zoo website to learn more.

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5. Orr Family Farm: Oklahoma City
14400 S Western Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73170, USA
facebook/orrfamilyfarm
This family-friendly farm has so much to do and see, so plan enough time for your visit. Choose from train rides, corn mazes, fishing, hay rides, pedal cars, pony rides, and even a zip line. And if you want to spend more than a day here at one of the best hidden gems in Oklahoma and make a weekend of it, camping and glamping are available as well! Please note: they are closed in July and August to prepare for the fall season.

Visit the Orr Family Farm website to learn more.
6. Safari Joe's Exotic Wildlife Ranch: Adair
13455 US-69, Adair, OK 74330, USA
Safari Joe's Exotic Wildlife Ranch/Facebook
If you're looking for Oklahoma animal sanctuaries to visit, here's one. Safari Joe's is an exotic wildlife sanctuary housing over 250 animals at the park. Find many large cats (lions, tigers and leopards) reptiles and birds in the sanctuary. The sanctuary is on the same property as Safari Joe's H2O Water Park and seeing the animals is free with admission between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.

Visit the Safari Joe's Exotic Wildlife website to learn more.
7. Tiger Safari Zoological Park: Tuttle
963 County Street 2930, Tuttle, OK 73089, USA
Tiger Safari Zoological Park/Facebook
Animal lover's will love this place as it's one of the most interactive hidden gems in Oklahoma when it comes to animals. Tiger Safari is a must-visit offering sunset safaris, overnight camping, and swimming with otters. You can even rent an authentic African village or a treehouse on the property for a one-of-a-kind overnight experience.

Read our full coverage to learn more about Tiger Safari.
8. Tulsa Zoo: Tulsa
6421 E 36th St N, Tulsa, OK 74115, USA
flickr/danny barron
Even though this zoo is well-known, it is worth mentioning as a favorite for animal lovers. In 2005, The Tulsa Zoo was named "Americas Favorite Zoo" by Microsoft Game Studios. Visitors of all ages enjoy the sea lions, monkeys, giraffes, zebras, penguins, bears, lions, tigers, and many more animals. They also have a train that circles the outer perimeter of the park, making two stops for your convenience. A carousel, playground, ice cream stand, and lunch pavilion are also located within the zoo.

Visit the Tulsa Zoo website to learn more.
9. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge: Indiahoma
Refuge Headquarters, 32 Refuge Headquarters, Indiahoma, OK 73552, USA
facebook/WichitaMountainsWildlifeRefuge
Located in southwestern Oklahoma, this wildlife refuge protects many plants, birds, fish, reptiles, and mammals. Admission is free and you will find a visitor center and bookstore at the wildlife refuge. It's one of the most beautiful hidden gems for animal lovers in Oklahoma.

Read our full coverage to learn more about Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.

What other places are must-visit hidden gems for animal lovers in Oklahoma? Let your fellow readers know in the comments!

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More to Explore

Hidden Gems For Animal Lovers In Oklahoma

Melissa M. | September 14, 2021

Where can I have an animal encounter in Oklahoma?

If you enjoy a more hands-on experience with animals when you visit a zoo or sanctuary, there are plenty of animal encounters you can partake in. At Nomad’s Animal Encounter in Seminole, private tours are available to get an up-close and personal experience with the animals. At Extreme Animals in Oklahoma City, you can have a sloth encounter or a swim with otters. These encounters offer some of the most memorable experiences you can have!

What are some of the best hidden gems in Oklahoma?

In a state filled with hidden gems, there are several you need to put on your bucket list now! Little Sahara State Park has over 1,600 acres of sand dunes and looks a bit like the Sahara Desert. It’s a rather remarkable place. Lake Murray is not only a beautiful, crystal-clear lake, but there are plenty of recreational activities you can do on the water and in the surrounding area. You can learn more about these hidden gems and more in this post. 

Are there any petting zoos in Oklahoma?

Hochatown Petting Zoo in Hochatown has plenty of barnyard animals to interact with and it also happens to be an animal rescue center. And then there’s Bradt’s Menagerie, the largest petting zoo in Oklahoma with a wide variety of animals from chickens to llamas, miniature horses, a water buffalo, and even a zedonk (a zebra/donkey). It’s a place unlike any other!

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