Planning A Zoo Visit:
Here’s What You Need to Know
Admission & Ticketing
Are reservations required to visit the Zoo?
Advance online tickets are no longer necessary when visiting the Zoo. Attendance in Zoo buildings will be monitored and limited; to adhere to safety and physical distancing guidelines.
Please note: Some 2021 events may require advance reservations.
What are the daily hours the Zoo is open?
Beginning Sept. 7, through Oct. 31, the Zoo is open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with admission gates closing at 3:45 p.m.
What entrance do I arrive at when visiting?
Only the Zoo’s main entrance will be open, along with the walk-in entrance. The West Entrance may be open on a limited basis.
What do I need to bring with me for my visit?
Masks are not required outside at the Zoo. Masking and physical distancing will continue to be required inside all Zoo buildings.
A limited quantity of masks is available for purchase at the Gift Shop. Masks can also be purchased before your visit at our online store.
Zoo Pass holders will need a photo I.D. and membership card for admittance.
What if I’m feeling ill before visiting?
We ask that you do not visit the Zoo if you’re feeling ill.
Your Zoo Visit
In general, what will be open?
The outdoor animal habitats- All public pathways to the outdoor animal habitats
- The Flamingo Café and The Coffee Shop
- Gift Shop, with limited capacity
- A limited number of restrooms
- Animal buildings open at 100% capacity:
- Apes of Africa
- Aquatic & Reptile Center
- Giraffe Building
- Family Farm Diary Complex
- Elephant Care Center / Conservation Outpost
- Animal buildings open at a limited capacity:
- Aviary – 75%
- Big Cat Country – 75%
- Small Mammals – 50%
- Family Farm: Playground
Staff, volunteers, and/or specially designed electronic counting devices monitor the number of visitors in the buildings with limited capacities. Facial masks are required for visitors, staff and contractors. Buildings are equipped with hand sanitizer stations, and markers and signage are prominently displayed throughout the Zoo grounds.
What outdoor animals can I see?
The animals on exhibit may change from day to day, based on weather conditions and necessary veterinary procedures. In general, a variety of animals will be in their outdoor habitats including elephants, giraffes, tigers, flamingos, caribou, grizzly bears, harbor seals and alpaca, among others.
Will any of the animal buildings be open?
Yes: Apes of Africa, Aquatic & Reptile Center, Florence Mila Borchert Big Cat Country, Giraffe Building, Aviary, Family Farm Dairy Complex, Elephant Care Center / Conservation Outpost, Small Mammals Building.
What should I bring with me?
It’s a good idea to have comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and water.
Can I purchase food?
Yes, the Flamingo Café and Coffee Shop are open regularly on weekdays and on weekends.
Various snack stands and cafés are open throughout the week, weather permitting.
Can I still bring in my own food?
Yes, you can bring in food and non-alcoholic beverages. No glass bottles are allowed.
Will the water fountains and water bottle refill station be open?
Limited water fountains will be open. The water bottle refill station in the Gathering Place will be open. Bottled water will be available for purchase.
Will the rides or attractions be open?
For the fall season, check the Plan Your Visit section of our website for details on what attractions are open.
Will the playground/play structures be open?
The playground in the Family Farm will be open.
Will the Gift Shop be open?
The Gift Shop, with limited capacity, will be open. Top-selling merchandise is also available for online purchases through the Zoo’s website.
Can I bring in my own stroller/wheelchair?
Yes. Strollers, wheelchairs and mobility scooters are also available to rent. Units are sanitized before rental and cleaned and sanitized upon return.
Will the restrooms be open?
A limited number of restrooms throughout the public pathways will be open:
- The U.S. Bank Gathering Place
- Flamingo Cafe
- Behind the Zoo Administration Office
- West Entrance; including Family Restroom
- Aquatic & Reptile Center
- Wild Burger
- Nourish 414 Concessions
- Elephant Care Center
- Giraffes
- Family Farm Entrance
- Dairy Store
- Maple Cove Picnic Area
Open restrooms are subject to change.
How long can I stay?
The Zoo closes at 5 p.m.
Safety Measures
Do I have to wear a mask?
Yes, visitors are required to wear masks (age 3+), inside all Zoo buildings, providing additional safety for themselves, other visitors, employees and Zoo animals. Masks are no longer required outside at the Zoo. Masking and physical distancing will continue to be required inside all Zoo buildings.
The types of approved face masks include: Cloth face masks with two or more layers of breathable, washable fabric; or disposable face masks, such as non-medical grade paper or procedure masks. FDA-approved face masks for sign language (ASL or LEP) interpreters.
Face masks that are not allowed: Neck scarves or bandanas, neck gaiters or buffs, winter scarves, face shields, masks with exhalation valves or vents, masks with inappropriate images or writing.
Face shields are not considered a replacement for masks.
Will Zoo staff be wearing masks?
Zoo staff are not required to wear face masks outside at the Zoo. Physical distancing is highly recommended whenever possible.
Zoo staff who are fully vaccinated are not required to wear masks when not interacting with the public.
Zoo staff who are not fully vaccinated must wear face masks at all times while inside Zoo buildings. Fully vaccinated and unvaccinated staff must wear face masks at all times when interacting with members of the public. Masks are also required when staff gather in a common space such as a meeting room with members of the public, regardless of the vaccination status of any individual or physical distances between individuals.
Fully vaccinated Zoo staff are not required to wear a face mask while in a vehicle with other fully vaccinated people. Unvaccinated individuals in the vehicle must wear masks.
What if I forgot to bring a mask?
If you would like to purchase a mask, a limited number of masks will be available for purchase at the Gift Shop, located just past the U.S. Bank Gathering Place.
Is hand-sanitizer available for visitors?
Hand-sanitizer stations will be located throughout the park, including entry and exit areas, in animal buildings, restrooms and concessions. Sanitizers contain at least 60% alcohol.
How will high-touch areas be cleaned?
We are reducing the risk for exposure by enhancing our already-stringent cleaning protocols and frequently sanitizing high-touch surfaces including ride seats and armrests, tables, chairs, railings and more.
What if visitors are not following the appropriate physical distancing guidelines?
Staff will be reminding visitors to follow a 6-foot physical distancing while inside buildings.
We kindly ask that visitors respect the physical distancing guidelines inside Zoo buildings.
What if I need medical attention during my visit?
If you feel ill once you are at the Zoo, go to the First Aid station near the Zoo Administration Office or call 414.771.3040 for assistance. You and your party may be asked to move to a special area within the Zoo for further assessment.
Your visit supports the Milwaukee County Zoo – its animals, special exhibits, and conservation programs, as well as its respected place in the community. The Zoo continues to serve as a cultural asset and resource for all who visit.
