Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Zoo open?

Yes! The Zoo is open, with limited admission. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets online, and schedule their admission time. Members are also encouraged to schedule visits in the same way, by choosing “member” tickets for no charge.  You can schedule your visit here.

How much are tickets?

Can I purchase tickets online?

Yes! Currently, tickets are only sold online prior to your visit. You can schedule your visit and purchase tickets here.

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance if I’m a member?

Yes. Tickets for members are free, but must be scheduled and “purchased” online in order to reserve your admission time. Just make sure to have your Member ID number ready at checkout.

How do I find my Member ID number?

There are two numbers on your membership card. Your Member ID number is the shorter number printed above your name and membership type. (The longer number below the barcode is the barcode number, not your Member ID number.)

How much is a membership?

Memberships start at $96 for a whole year of unlimited visits and more. See our Membership page for full details and benefits.

Will my membership be extended to account for the Zoo closing?

All memberships that were active between March 14 and May 18, 2020, will be extended for 2 months.  This extension includes new memberships purchased or renewed during the time the Zoo was closed. Memberships that expired prior to March 14, will not be extended.

Do I have to wear a mask?

Masks will be required inside all buildings and indoor habitats. We will have masks for sale at the entrance.

Will all of the animal areas be open?

Yes, with a few exceptions. The Elephant Barn and the Veldt Barn will be closed, but the animals will be outside for visitors. Outdoor viewing areas at Gorillas and Orangutans will be closed, but animals can be viewed from inside.

Tropics, Amphibians & Reptiles, Australia/South America, and the American Barn will close for a short time each afternoon for cleaning and feedings.

Some animals will begin going inside at 4 p.m.

Can I buy food and drinks at the Zoo?

You can enjoy fresh and delicious menu options at our main restaurant, The Beastro, as well as other concession areas including Kookaburra Canteen, Baobab Cafe, and Nganda Cafe.

Check out the Beastro menu here. 

Is there a fee for parking?

Parking is FREE!

What are your hours?

9 AM to 5 PM, with gates closing at 3:30.

Tickets are scheduled by 30-minute blocks from 9 AM to 3 PM. Your ticket will be valid for 30 minutes after the scheduled time. The time you choose allows you to arrive anytime within your 30-minute scheduled time, and feel free to stay as long as you’d like. A typical visit lasts around 2-3 hours.

I have a membership at another zoo. How do I purchase tickets with the reciprocal discount?

Call our admissions office at 266-8211 to reserve your tickets with the discount.

What days are you closed?

We close the Saturday after Labor Day for our annual fundraiser, Zoobilee. But we are open all other 364 days of the year.

Can we bring our stroller or wagon?

Absolutely! We also have strollers available for rent at $6/single or $10/double. Ask for them at the gift shop or the information kiosk inside the Zoo entrance.

Do you have wheelchairs available?

Yes, wheelchairs are available to rent. A push wheelchair is $8, and an electric wheelchair is $25 for the first 3 hours and $5 for each additional hour. Call 316-266-8217 to reserve a wheelchair or inquire at the information kiosk inside the Zoo entrance.

Can my child bring a skateboard, bicycle, or scooter?

For the safety of our animals and our guests, we do not allow bikes, scooters, skates, skate-shoes, skateboards, hoverboards, or Segways.

Do you have lockers available for rent?

No, we do not have lockers available. Feel free to bring a cooler, bag, or wagon to carry your items around with you.

Can we bring pets to the Zoo?

To ensure the safety of our animals and yours, only service dogs are permitted in the Zoo.

Can we take pictures of the animals?

You’re welcome to take photos and video for your personal use only. Commercial photography is allowed only with prior written permission.

Is smoking allowed at the Zoo?

Smoking is not allowed inside the Zoo.

Are outside food and beverages allowed?

Yes, visitors can bring in food and non-alcoholic beverages. You can also stop by one of our restaurants or concession locations. All locations are currently operating from outdoor service windows only.

What extras can we see during our visit?

Keeper Chats, Animal Extras, and Wild Encounters are currently canceled, in order to maintain proper social distancing for guests, employees, and animals.

Do you have a gift shop?

Yes! Our gift shop is located near the entrance of the Zoo. We offer a full selection of merchandise, including books, SCZ logo clothing, educational toys and much more.

Can we leave the Zoo and come back on the same day?

Yes, just hang onto your receipt or ask for a stamp for reentry.

Do you offer rain checks?

We’re open rain or shine! We don’t give rain checks, so be sure to check the weather before you come.

What if my plans change after I’ve scheduled my visit?

Call our admissions office at 266-8211 and they’ll work with you to find a solution.

What if I miss my Scheduled Admission window?

Our admissions staff will do everything they can to accommodate late or missed arrivals. Call the ticket office at 316-266-8211.