Know Before You Go

What to Expect When You Visit

All visitors must have a date-specific ticket. Every guest. Every day.

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Masks are recommended for your visit.

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All Visitors Must Have Date-specific Tickets. Every Guest. Every Day.

Admission tickets are still required for WCS Members as well as one-day ticket buyers. (ages 3 & up)

  • RESERVE WCS Member tickets – Must have valid member card for reservation. Members must present tickets, valid member card and photo ID for park entry. Reserve member tickets.
  • BUY one-day ticketsPurchase entry tickets.
  • Already have a gift certificate or ticket voucher? Use our online web form for assistance from the Reservation Center. You must have your ticket order number, and the name, email and phone number associated with that order.
  • Media Visits: No press cards or credentials will be accepted at the gate for admission. All members of the media visiting for the purposes of coverage must have an appointment with the Communications Department.
  • Important Note on Date Selection for Tickets: If the date or time you wish to visit is not listed in our calendar, please select another date. Dates are removed from the calendar once we have already reached the maximum number of guests for that date. The Reservation Center and Member Services will NOT be able to reserve tickets for that date.
  • Policies are subject to change, and all guests must abide by the park rules in effect on the date of visit. When changes happen, we make every effort to align our website and park signage with updates. Always check before you arrive for the most up-to-date information.
  • Please check FAQs for further informationView FAQs.

Mask Policy

Masks are recommended for your visit. Guests and staff may continue to wear masks for a variety of reasons, so please be kind and considerate of others.

For the health and safety of our animals, some Wild Encounters and other programs may still require masks.


Contactless Entry

For everyone’s health and safety, we are implementing contactless arrival procedures. We need your help to make it work! Here’s what you do:

  • Step 1: Reserve your tickets in advance - then print OR be ready to use on your mobile device
  • Step 2: Have ticket barcode ready as you arrive for self-scanning (WCS Members – have your valid Member card and ID to show too)
  • Step 3: Scan all your tickets and enter!

Health And Safety Is A Priority!

We are managing capacity for our guest experience, but still expect some lines or gathering at animal viewing areas. Please respect social distancing and related guidelines.

  • Hand Sanitizer: Hand sanitizer available at all entrances and throughout the park near food/retail and exhibit areas.
  • Review all visitor behavior and activity policies: View rules

COVID-19 Warning: An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. By visiting WCS’s facilities, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.


No Re-entry

This applies to all visitors – one-day ticket holders and WCS members. New dated/time entry tickets are valid for a single visit. Reentry is not permitted.


Be A Responsible Guest & Protect Yourself And Others

From social distancing behaviors to handwashing, we need all guests to continue to participate in proper healthy behaviors when visiting. Please remember:

  • If you are sick, or have possible symptoms, please stay home and take time to recover.
  • Distance responsibly! Keep at least 6 feet between yourself and others. Please be patient at animal exhibit areas and allow guests to move along before stepping forward or creating crowds. Pay attention to all zoo signs, as some pathways are now one-way.
  • Wash your hands often. Restrooms for washing with soap and water are available across the park, and we’ve added hand sanitizer stations near exhibits and other gathering areas.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing or coughing.
  • Do not touch your face with unwashed hands.

What To Expect When You Visit

  • Food and shopping are available. Dancing Crane Cafe is open for take-out and outdoor dining only.
  • WHEN YOU ARRIVE - use centralparkzoo.com/today to see that day’s available exhibits and amenities.
  • EXPECT SOME CHANGES. We are committed to providing safe and healthy experiences for our community. Changes to exhibits and park operations will happen. We will provide advance notice when possible, but adjustments may also be due to unforeseen conditions. THANK YOU FOR UNDERSTANDING IF SOME EXHIBITS/ANIMALS ARE NOT AVAILABLE ON THE DAY YOU CHOOSE TO VISIT.
  • ADULT SUPERVISION REQUIRED. All guests age 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult (18+).

Do Not Bring Scooters

For everyone’s safety, child scooters are never permitted. See our complete list of rules.


Please be Aware

Guest Conduct Policy: We expect all guests to behave in a family-friendly manner. WCS staff, guests, and the animals in our care deserve an environment free from abusive or inappropriate behavior.

We reserve the right to refuse admission to, escort from park grounds, and/or revoke without a refund the Membership of, any individual or group who endangers our animals, staff, vendors, guests, or any WCS property; or who engages in verbal or physical harassment, discriminatory or threatening behavior, or otherwise interferes with the safety or enjoyment of the park by others.

This Guest Conduct Policy also applies to written and verbal correspondence. WCS reserves the right to terminate communication with any individual who engages in verbal harassment, profanity, discriminatory or threatening behavior, whether by phone, email or other means of communication.

Purchase Tickets Online

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