Your safety, as well as the safety of our employees, volunteers and animals, is absolutely paramount. With this in mind, we have made widespread operational changes throughout our 80-acre campus. A quick overview is below—for more information on our safety measures, visit DenverZoo.org/Safety-Policy/.
Masks are not required at Denver Zoo, with the exception all Up-Close Looks. Masks are strongly encouraged for all unvaccinated and immunocompromised guests ages 2+.
All employees are required to wear masks and observe six feet of safety with animals. Additional guidelines are also in place for other potentially sensitive species—such a primates, felines and otters.
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:
High-touch surfaces, including restrooms, are being disinfected frequently. Some high-touch surfaces, like restaurant tables and chairs, are cleaned immediately after use.
When the zoo is open to the public, public restrooms are closed and cleaned and disinfected frequently. The area is thoroughly cleaned with disinfectant cleaner; high touchpoints are additionally disinfected with an electrostatic sprayer. Public restrooms are also thoroughly disinfected each evening.
There are benches along the pathway for guests to rest. Benches are disinfected frequently.
All food and beverage items are prepared in compliance with all Government mandated COVID-19 safety procedures. 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:
Yes! You are welcome to bring your own food into Denver Zoo and enjoy a picnic at one of the locations mentioned above. Please do not break or rest in the flow of traffic.
Denver Zoo has multiple gift outlets open onsite including Kibongi Market. Guests can also purchase anytime from our online gift shop and have purchases shipped.
March 1-October 31:
Adults (Ages 12–64): $20
Seniors (Ages 65+): $17
Children (Ages 3–11): $14
Children 2 and Under: FREE
November 1-February 28:
Adults (Ages 12–64): $15
Seniors (Ages 65+): $13
Children (Ages 3–11): $10
Children 2 and Under: FREE
Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a person 16 years or older.
It depends on the type of membership you purchased. Visit our membership page to learn about your benefits.
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, Primate Panorama, Gates Center and near the Kamala Cafe. Baby changing stations are available at all locations. View our digital map or download our app to find restroom locations.
Yes, family restrooms are available at the Main Entrance, Primate Panorama and near the Kamala Café in Toyota Elephant Passage and are available for nursing in private. View our digital map or download our app to find restroom locations.
Smoking is not allowed inside of Denver Zoo. Guests may exit at the Main Entrance, smoke in the designated smoking area outside of the zoo and re-enter the zoo when you are finished.
You may park in any of the parking lots adjacent to the zoo or in the zoo’s four-level parking garage. All of the parking is free. Access to these parking lots is along 23rd Avenue between York Street and Colorado Boulevard near the zoo’s main entrance.
Denver Zoo encourages carpooling, using public transportation, bike riding and walking.
Select "Share the Love" days are free at Denver Zoo. Click here for list of upcoming free days at Denver Zoo.
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 Safari Outfitters just inside the main entrance.
No, for the safety of our guests, self-propelled or motorized riding conveyances such as skateboards, skates, “Heely” brand shoes or similar (wheels must be removed), roller blades, scooters, cycles, big wheels, electric powered toys/riding toys, etc are not allowed.
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?
Are emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals considered service animals under the ADA and permitted at Denver Zoo?
Please check in with security upon entry if you plan on bringing a service animal into 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 to the animal collection.
Click here for more information on what is not permitted at Denver Zoo
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. Open seasonally and weather dependent.
Please ask a concierge on your way out to see if your item has been found or file a claim to report the lost item.
We take care of "owies," and, if needed, paramedic service is available. Please ask any security officer or employee to assist you.
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 is often a good idea to bring an extra layer just in case. Ensuring that the zoo is family friendly is an important part of the zoo experience. In that spirit, we ask you to use discretion and common sense.
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 managing 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 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.
Many visitors to Denver Zoo spend an average of 1-3 hours at the zoo, but how long you stay is really up to you! We offer food, restaurants and activities that can offer an entire days worth of fun and memories for you and your family.
Please keep in mind, Denver Zoo will close 1 hour and 45 minutes after the last ticket entry time. Timed tickets are required for entry.
We generally recommend guests arrive early in the day, ideally when gates open for the day, or in the early afternoon, as mid-morning to noon is often the busiest part of the day.
Please be aware that animals may choose to stay in the shade or behind the scenes when the temperatures rise.
Please view Denver Zoo's Weapons Policy.
Your MY Denver Card is good in January and February. It can be used for up to 5 free visits with a paid adult per family or 16+ can attend without paying adult. It does however exclude special events, zoo lights, field trips and classes.