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 some Zoo buildings will be monitored and limited; to adhere to safety and physical distancing guidelines.
What are the daily hours the Zoo is open?
Beginning March 1 through May 27, Zoo hours will be 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.
What entrance do I arrive at when visiting?
Only the Zoo’s main entrance will be open, along with the walk-in entrance.
What do I need to bring with me for my visit?
Masks are not required outside or inside Zoo buildings. Physical distancing continues to be recommended.
Zoo Pass holders will need a photo I.D. and membership card for admittance.
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
- Animal buildings open at 100% capacity:
Apes of Africa- Aquatic & Reptile Center
- Aviary – temporarily closed
- Big Cat Country
- Elephant Care Center / Conservation Outpost
- Family Farm Dairy Complex
- Giraffe Building
- Primates of the World – closes at 3:30 p.m.
- Small Mammals
- Family Farm: Playground open at 100% capacity
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.
What animal buildings are open?
Apes of Africa, Aquatic & Reptile Center, Florence Mila Borchert Big Cat Country, Giraffe Building, Primates of the World (closes at 3:30 p.m.), 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 rides or attractions be open?
For the winter 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 is open at 100% capacity. 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.
How long can I stay?
The Zoo is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 1 through May 27.
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.
