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If you’re interested in becoming a Platypus Circle member and would like to learn more about the program, or if you’re an existing Platy and need a little help, check out our FAQ below! If you are unable to find an answer to your question, please feel free to reach out to the Zoological Society of Milwaukee directly at 414-918-6151.

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Frequently Asked Questions About
Platypus Membership

The Zoo is open year-round except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Hours vary depending on the time of year. To see specific hours, click here.

  • You may pay online through this link.
  • You may pay over the phone by calling 414-918-6151.
  • You may pay for a Platy membership in person. If you don’t currently have a Platy card, please pay to enter the Zoo and ask for a receipt. Bring the receipt to our membership office and we will credit the applicable admission towards a new Platy membership.
  • You may pay by check. Make checks payable to the Zoological Society of Milwaukee.
  • We offer payment plan options to our Platy members. Please call 414-918-6151 to learn more.

Your Platypus Circle membership gives you transferable cards for free admission to the Milwaukee County Zoo and free parking. In addition to admission, your unique membership benefits include a guided behind-the-scenes tour not available to the public, free Zoo attraction tickets, additional admission tickets to share with others, discounts on gift shop purchases and facility rentals, invitations to members-only special events, and much more.

All individual benefits  All corporate benefits

Yes! One of the benefits of joining the Platypus Circle is your card is transferable and no ID is required, meaning you may lend your card to someone else. Each card provides free admission for up to 8 people in one car to enter the Zoo and includes free parking.

Complete this form to schedule your tour no later than two weeks prior to your preferred tour date.

Our mailings help keep you up to date on Platy membership details, events at the Zoo and the animals! Call 414-918-6151 to update your information, or visit the MyAccount section of our website.

Yes! Each Platy card is good for admission for up to eight people and parking for one car per day.

Platy memberships are a popular gift because they last the entire year! To buy a Platy membership as a gift, please call 414-918-6151.

When you come to the Zoo, have your Platy card in hand. The Zoo’s staff at the gate will need to see a Platy membership card for free admission and parking.

No. The Platy membership card includes regular Zoo admission throughout the year. Regular Zoo admission does not include special, after-hours events. The Zoo will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

In addition to all of the exclusive Platy member events, you can enjoy many events free of charge with your Platy membership including most Zoo-sponsored events. Some other Zoo and Society fundraising events offer a discounted ticket price to our members. Check out our calendar of events to see what we have in store for you!

The Zoological Society of Milwaukee is a nonprofit organization and a portion of your Platy membership is tax-deductible. The tax-deductible portion varies depending on the benefits you choose to accept. Please call 414-918-6151 for more information.

Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day

Weekdays:      8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Weekends:      9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fall, Winter & Spring Hours:  

Weekdays:      8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Weekends:      9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Holiday hours:

Thanksgiving Day:       Office closed

Dec. 24:           Office closes at 2:30 p.m.

Dec. 25:           Office closed

Dec. 31:           Office closes at 2:30 p.m.

Jan. 1:              Office closed

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