Zoo FAQ

What is the best time of day to visit?

Animals tend to be most active and visitor attendance tends to be lowest early in the morning and just prior to closing. School group visits are popular each morning March through May. This is a great time to visit if you enjoy the excitement and energy of youngsters exploring their Zoo.

How long does it take to see the Zoo?

We suggest you allow yourself two hours to see most of the Zoo. Even better, visit often and explore one part of the Zoo in depth during each visit.

Can I feed the animals?

Remember that all of the Zoo’s animals are wild and are on special diets. Help keep the animals healthy by keeping snacks for yourself. There are many naturally roaming animals such as peacocks, geese, and squirrels. Chasing and feeding these animals encourages unwanted behavior, so please allow them to pass uninterrupted. The only exception is the daily Giraffe Encounter. Under the supervision of trained Zoo staff and volunteers, you will have the opportunity to hand feed giraffe a portion of the normal daily diet.

Can I bring my own lunch and picnic in the Zoo?

Though outside food is not permitted in the Zoo, there is an air-conditioned cafe on Zoo grounds that features a variety of reasonably priced menu items. You may also choose to bring your own food and picnic in one of the many areas just outside the Zoo in Reid Park. Bottled water is always permitted in the Zoo, and is encouraged on warm days.

Where should I park?

Do you have group rates?

Yes. A discount is offered to groups of 20 with reservation, and for bulk ticket sales of 20 or more tickets. All payments for group/bulk tickets must be made in a single payment by one individual. For large groups and bulk ticket arrangements, please call (520) 837-8183 or click here.

Do you have volunteers?

Keep an eye out for docents, who are dressed in tan pants and white or red shirts. They often have “touch stations” and other things to look at and are always happy to share interesting information about the animals. Consider becoming a volunteer and share your own interest with others!

Are there other safety restrictions?

For the safety of animals and other Zoo guests, bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, and skates are not allowed inside the Zoo. Straws, drink cup lids, glass, coolers, balloons and cans are also restricted. A full listing of the Zoo’s “Rules of Conduct” is available at the front gate of the Zoo. Read about our COVID-19 safety precautions here.

Can I bring my pet to the Zoo?

For the safety of your animal as well as the Zoo residents, pets are not permitted in the Zoo. We welcome trained service animals (such as dogs and miniature horses) needed for people with disorders or disabilities.

Can I rent strollers or wheelchairs?

We do have wheelchairs and strollers for rent available at the Discover the Wild Gift Shop. An ID for deposit is also requested.  Please read below for wheelchair and stroller policies:

Rental Fee:

Electric wheelchairs: $25 charge plus $25 refundable deposit. 
  • 500 pounds weight limit
  • Unit is a single person chair only. Others may not ride on or operate the wheelchair
  • Must be 16 years of age or older to operate wheelchair
  • There are no time restrictions; the rental fee is a flat fee.
  • We do not take reservations; rentals are on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • For safety reasons, electric wheelchairs may not be rented while it is raining or rain is forecasted to begin as the vehicle cannot get wet.
Standard wheelchairs: $10 (plus tax)
  • 250 pound limit
  • Unit is a single person chair only. Others may not ride on or operate the wheelchair
    Must be 16 years of age or older to operate wheelchair
    There are no time restrictions; the rental fee is a flat fee.
    We do not take reservations; rentals are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Single-Stroller:  $8 (plus tax)

  • 60-pound limit; one child only

Double-Stroller: $10 (plus tax)

  • 100lb limit; 2 children onl

Guests are welcome to bring their own strollers or wheelchairs.

What if I have not found the answer to my question on this web site?

Please feel free to e-mail or call us. We care about your visit being as comfortable, educational and enjoyable as possible. Call our 24-hour Recorded Information Line at (520) 791-4022 or send us an email.