Frequently Asked Questions

We’re happy to have you visit Denver Zoo and we want you to enjoy your time with us. Our goal is to connect people with animals and create defining moments that inspire everyone to respect, value and care for the natural world. The comfort and safety of our visitors and animal residents is our top priority. 

  • WHAT IF I FIND AN INJURED ANIMAL IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD? SHOULD I BRING IT TO DENVER ZOO?

    Denver Zoo is not equipped for native wildlife rehabilitation, but we do know some organizations that can help! If you find a wild animal in need of care, you can reach out to any of these resources for help: 

    Denver Urban Wildlife 

    Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center 

    Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Reporting Wildlife Concerns 

  • WHERE CAN WE STOP TO TAKE A BREAK/REST?

    There are benches along the pathway for guests to rest.  

  • WHERE CAN I BUY FOOD?

    Made-to-order and grab-and-go food and beverage options are available throughout campus with easy online ordering at DenverZoo.org/eat. 

    The following restaurants are open: 

    Cup & Cone 

    Samburu Grille 

    Brown Bear BBQ 

    Dippin’ Dots 

    Kamala Café 

    Kamala Snacks and Sips Cart 

    Scratch Food Truck – Returning Soon 

    Simply Pizza Food Truck 

    Café Costa 

    Stingray Cove™ Snack Cart 

    Puff Puff Mini-Donuts 

  • CAN I BRING FOOD INTO DENVER ZOO?

    Yes! You are welcome to bring your own food into Denver Zoo and enjoy a picnic at any of the locations mentioned above. Please do not break or rest in the flow of traffic. 

  • WHERE CAN I BUY DENVER ZOO SOUVENIRS?

    Denver Zoo has multiple gift outlets open onsite including Kibongi Market. Guests can also purchase from our online gift shop anytime and have purchases shipped. 

  • HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO VISIT DENVER ZOO?

    General admission tickets for Denver Zoo are: 

    Adults (Ages 16-64): $25.20 

    Seniors (Ages 65+): $22.05 

    Youth (Ages 3-15): $18.90 

    Youth 2 and Under: Free 

  • HOW OLD DO GUESTS HAVE TO BE TO VISIT DENVER ZOO BY THEMSELVES?

    Children under 16 must be accompanied by a person 18 years or older. 

  • CAN I BRING A GUEST WHEN USING MY MEMBERSHIP?

    It depends on the type of membership you’ve purchased. Visit our Membership page here to learn more about your benefits. 

  • WHERE ARE YOUR RESTROOMS LOCATED?

    We have restrooms at the Main Gate, Gates Center, Primate Panorama, Tropical Discovery, Giraffes, and near the McGrath Family Amphitheater near Kamala Café. See our map for locations. Full-service restroom facilities that accommodate the physically challenged are available in Tropical Discovery, Gates Center and near the Kamala Café. Baby changing stations are available at all locations. View our digital map or download the Denver Zoo app to find restroom locations. 

  • DO YOU HAVE ANY FAMILY RESTROOMS OR A PRIVATE PLACE FOR NURSING?

    Yes, family restrooms are available at the Main Entrance and near Kamala Café in Toyota Elephant Passage. We also have one Mamava Pods available for nursing located at our Gates Building Garden level restrooms. To locate and unlock the Mamava Pod during your visit, download the Mamava Pod app for APPLE or GOOGLE. View our digital map or download the Denver Zoo app to find restroom locations.  

  • CAN I SMOKE ANYWHERE IN THE ZOO?

    Smoking is not allowed inside Denver Zoo. Guests may exit the Main Entrance, smoke in the designated smoking area outside of the Zoo and re-enter the Zoo when finished. 

  • HOW MUCH IS DENVER ZOO PARKING—AND WHERE IS IT?

    Parking at Denver Zoo is free for our guests! You may park in any of the parking lots adjacent to Denver Zoo or in our four-level parking garage. Access to these parking lots is along 23rd Avenue between York Street and Colorado Boulevard near the Denver Zoo main entrance. 

    In an effort to reduce our environmental footprint, Denver Zoo encourages carpooling, using public transportation, biking and walking. 

  • WHAT DAYS ARE FREE AT DENVER ZOO?

    Denver Zoo offers seven Community Free Days throughout the year. Tickets are limited and will be issued through an online lottery system. Click here for more information and dates for Denver Zoo Free Days.  

  • CAN YOU RENT WHEELCHAIRS, MOTORIZED WHEELCHAIRS OR WAGONS?

    Yes! We strongly encourage you to reserve your wheelchair and/or wagon in advance of your visit. Click here to make your selection and we’ll have it ready for you when you arrive. Rentals can be picked up from the Zoo Concierge just inside the main entrance. 

  • DO YOU ALLOW SKATEBOARDS?

    No, for the safety of our guests, self-propelled or motorized riding conveyances such as skateboards, skates, “Heelys” brand shoes or similar shoes with built-in wheels (wheels must be removed), rollerblades, scooters, cycles, big wheels and electric powered toys/riding toys are not allowed. 

  • DO YOU ALLOW PETS?

    No, for safety of our guests and animals, pets of any kind are not allowed on Denver Zoo campus. Service animals are allowed with some restrictions. 

    What is a Service Animal? 

    Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog or miniature horse that has been trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability. 

    Are emotional support, therapy, comfort or companion animals considered service animals under the ADA and permitted at Denver Zoo? 

    No. Because these animals have not been trained to perform a specific job or task, they do not qualify as service animals under the ADA and are not permitted at Denver Zoo. 

    Please check-in with security upon entry if you plan on bringing a service animal into the zoo. 

  • ARE THERE OTHER ITEMS THAT ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE ZOO?

    Yes, for the safety of our animals Denver Zoo reserves the right to refuse any items that animal staff advises may cause distress. 

    Click here for more information on what is not permitted at Denver Zoo 

  • CAN WE FEED THE ANIMALS?

    Feeding, chasing and teasing the animals is strictly prohibited. This includes the free roaming animals that call Denver Zoo home. Observe these animals from a distance and do not approach, chase or feed them. Please do not tap on glass or shout at animals. Violation of this rule is subject to removal from the zoo grounds and/or prosecution. 

    Guests who are interested in feeding an animal should visit Lorikeet Adventure or Stingray Cove™ where they can feed these beautiful species with specially created foods designed for their dietary needs. Food items are available for purchase at each location. Both habitats are open seasonally and weather dependent. 

  • WHERE WOULD I FIND AN ITEM I LOST AT THE ZOO?

    Lost something during your visit? We’ll do our best to help you find it. Stop by the Concierge on your way out to see if your item has been found or file a claim here to report the lost item. 

  • WHERE CAN I FIND FIRST AID?

    Please ask any security officer or employee to assist you. If needed, paramedic service is available. 

  • WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO DRESS FOR A DAY AT DENVER ZOO? IS THERE ANY CLOTHING THAT ISN'T PERMISSIBLE?

    Denver Zoo is a casual, family-oriented organization. Footwear is required at all times. We suggest you dress comfortably, wear good walking shoes and check the local weather report before you leave for the Zoo. In Colorado, it‘s often a good idea to bring an extra layer just in case. Ensuring that Denver Zoo is family friendly is an important part of the Zoo experience. In that spirit, we ask you to use discretion and common sense in choosing your attire. 

  • WILL DENVER ZOO TAKE MY ANIMAL?

    No, Denver Zoo does not generally accept animal donations from private individuals. Many animals in our collection are carefully managed by a Species Survival Plan (SSP) and we coordinate the management of these populations by working with other Zoos and accredited organizations. This helps us make sure that we have a healthy animal population and know as much as possible about each individual animal before they arrive. 

    If you have an animal you want to find a new home for, please contact our Call Center at 720-337-1400 for information about specific animal rescue organizations. 

  • HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO VISIT DENVER ZOO?

    Many Denver Zoo visitors spend an average of one to three hours at the zoo, but how long you stay is up to you! We offer food, restaurants and activities that can provide an entire day’s worth of fun and memories for you and your family. 

    Please keep in mind Denver Zoo will close one hour and 45 minutes after the last ticket entry time. Timed tickets are required for entry. 

  • WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF DAY TO VISIT DENVER ZOO?

    We recommend guests arrive early in the day, ideally when gates open or in the early afternoon, as mid-morning to noon is often our busiest time. 

    Please be aware that animals may choose to stay in the shade or behind the scenes when temperatures rise. 

  • ARE WEAPONS PERMITTED ON DENVER ZOO GROUNDS?

    Denver Zoo is committed to providing an environment that is safe and secure for guests, employees, volunteers, contractors, vendors and the animals in its care. Denver Zoo prohibits any person from using, possessing, carrying, displaying or distributing any weapon on, at or within the Denver Zoo campus, except as otherwise stated within our Weapons Policy. Please view Denver Zoo’s Weapons Policy here. 

  • CAN I GET IN FOR FREE WITH A “MY DENVER” CARD?

    Denver Zoo provides My Denver youth cardholders (ages 5-18) free admission for themselves and one adult. This is good for unlimited visits to the Zoo and can be used year-round. Online timed reservations are required for entry, which can be made here. 

Winter Hours: Open 10 AM - Last Entry 3:30 PM for All Guests & Members.