What is Zoo Membership, Anyway?

By Ashley Stalvig, Membership & Development Coordinator

So, what is it? A season pass? Free admission? Discounts on purchases? Newsletter subscriptions? Exclusive access? Yes and no. While zoo membership comes with many amazing benefits it is much more than a free pass! Members become part of the zoo family and are the zoo’s core support system. Funds raised through the membership program are vital to the daily operations of the zoo. They provide support for education, conservation, outreach and animal care, just to mention a few.

The zoo is a place to discover and explore, offering wholesome recreation to children and families throughout our region. Zoo members are part of the zoo community. With free admission for a year, members can visit as often as they like, as long as they like. They can stay for a half hour to go for a walk and visit their favorite animal or make a day trip out of the visit and watch all the daily animal enrichments! Members also are the first to be invited to or notified about upcoming events, activities, projects and new animals or exhibits.

Membership levels are flexible enough to fit any family’s needs and you can easily add an additional person to any membership to include a babysitter or grandparent! What are you waiting for? Become a member today! The benefits are great! Every membership includes:

·  Immense satisfaction from supporting a wholesome family attraction

·  Free admission for one year, from the month of purchase (excludes fundraising events)

·  Member-only discounts in the Tiger’s Paw Gift Shop and Safari Café 

·  Discounted member-only zoo train passes

·  One free stroller use with each visit (based on availability)

·  Discounts for education camps and classes

·  Free or reduced admission at over 150 other zoos and aquariums in the US

·  Invitations to exclusive member-only events

·  Free electronic subscription to the Wild Times Newsletter

·  Free adult admission to Boo at the Zoo (children need tickets)

·  Periodic emails to keep you informed of events and animal updates

Become a zoo member today!