Zoo Pass FAQ
Interested in a Zoo Pass?
If you’re interested in purchasing a Zoo Pass and would like to learn more about the program or if you’re an existing Zoo Pass member and need a little help, check out our FAQ below! If you are unable to find an answer to your questions, please feel free to reach out to the Zoological Society of Milwaukee directly at 414-258-2333.
Frequently Asked Questions About
Our Zoo Pass
- You can pay online through this link.
- You can pay over the phone by calling one of our customer service representatives at 414-258-2333.
- You can pay for a pass in person. If you don’t currently have a Zoo Pass, 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 to the Zoo Pass.
- You can pay by check through the mail by printing out this form and mailing it in.
We are currently working on a payment plan for guests to break up their bill into 3 consecutive monthly credit card payments. For more information on how this new plan works, call 414-258-2333.
If your household has changed we are happy to work with you on adjusting your Zoo Pass. Some changes may require a change in your Zoo Pass category. Call 414-258-2333 to speak with someone about adding or subtracting from your Zoo Pass.
We try and create Zoo Pass categories to fit your life. If you can’t find the category you are looking for, click here for the full list of options.
We electronically load attraction coupons to your Zoo Pass. Coupons are not redeemable for cash, and expired coupons cannot be replaced.
Your coupons for being a Zoo Pass member are valid for the North Shore Bank Safari Train, Penzeys Carousel and the summer special exhibit.
You can check the balance of your coupons when you log into the MyAccount section of our website. We offer members more attraction coupons if they renew early. It’s our way of saying thank you for saving us the cost associated with mailing renewal notices. Be on the lookout for emails about your renewals to take advantage of this offer.
The benefits used by a member generally exceed the value/price of the Zoo Pass. Because of this and the large amount that is tax deductible, Zoo Passes are not refundable.
Our mailings help keep you up to date on your Zoo Pass, events at the Zoo and the animals! Call 414-258-2333 to update your information, or log into your MyAccount.
If you are moving to another state, your Zoo Pass may allow you to get free or discounted admission to another Zoo near your new location. Take a look at the zoos that are included in your pass.
Your Zoo Pass gives you free, regular admission to the Milwaukee County Zoo. In addition to admission, your pass may give you free or discounted admission to certain events, priority and discounted registration for Conservation Education classes and camps and much more.
Only the adults named on the card can use the Zoo Pass. Nannies or caregivers are allowed to use the pass to bring children in; however, they will need a letter from the Zoological Society to go with the pass. This offer is only valid for members with a Single Adult Family, Family +1 or higher membership. Please contact our membership office at 414-258-2333 to add a nanny or caregiver to your account.
Family Zoo Passes can only include two adults living in the same house and children under 18. An adult child in the household can be one of the two adult cardholders. Additional options to include adult children are purchasing a pass with guest privileges or upgrading to a Platypus Circle membership that includes transferable cards. For more information on Zoo Pass categories click here.
Zoo Passes are popular gifts because they last the entire year! To buy a pass as a gift click here or call 414-258-2333.
When you come to the Zoo, have your Zoo Pass and picture ID in hand. The Zoo’s staff at the gate will need to see both items to confirm your membership.
If you would like to add parking to your pass you will need to contact our office either on the phone, 414-258-2333, or in person. There is an added cost to include parking. The Zoological Society accepts credit cards, cash and check.
No. The Zoo Pass includes regular Zoo admission during regular Zoo hours. 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.
No, it does not. There are many events you can enjoy free of charge with your Zoo Pass, including two events just for Zoo Pass members. Most fundraising events offer a discount for Zoo Pass 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 buying a Zoo Pass gives you tax-deductible options. If you give the Zoo Pass as a gift, the entire purchase is tax deductible. If you buy the Zoo Pass for yourself, here are the amounts for your records.
2022 Zoo Pass tax-deductible amounts:
-
Individual (Basic: $90, Plus: $106)
- Individual +1 or Couple (Basic: $105, Plus: $120)
- Individual +2, Family or Single Adult Family (Basic: $115, Plus: $135)
- Family +1 (Basic: $135, Plus: $144)
- Family +2 (Basic: $141, Plus: $153)
- Family +3 (Basic: $157, Plus: $166)
- Affiliate (Basic: $189, Plus: $192)
- Benefactor (Basic: $253, Plus: $255)
Tax-deductible amounts for Zoo Passes purchased on or after Jan. 9, 2023:
- Individual (Basic: $95, Plus: $111)
- Individual +1 or Couple (Basic: $110, Plus: $125)
- Individual + 2, Family and Single Adult Family (Basic: $120 Plus: $140)
- Family +1 (Basic $135, Plus: $149)
- Family +2 (Basic: $146, Plus: $158)
- Family +3 (Basic: $162, Plus: $176
- Affiliate (Basic: $194 Plus: $197)
- Benefactor (Basic: $258, Plus: $260)
Jan. 1 through Feb. 28:
Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Spring and Fall:
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Daily
Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day:
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Daily
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
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.
Masks are required inside buildings. They are not required outside. Masks are required for Zoo Classes and Camps.
For members visiting the Zoo with an organized class field trip or company picnic, members’ free admission benefits do not apply. Due to the many busloads of school groups visiting the Zoo, county policy does not permit Zoo gate attendants to verify individual memberships among busloads of people. Guests attending company outings receive other benefits that the company has purchased.
