Reopening the Zoo

THE NEW ZOO EXPERIENCE

What’s changed with Covid-19 restrictions?

TIMED ONLINE TICKETS

• Everyone needs a timed online ticket – including members. (Children under 3 do not need a ticket.)
• Choose your entry time, then check your email.
• Bring your printed ticket or phone to scan at the gate.

DIRECTIONS & PARKING

• During current Covid-19 restrictions, please use the Mildred St. entrance to Point Defiance Park. The main Pearl St. entrance is closed.
• Please have your timed ticket (printed or phone) ready to show Zoo staff from your car.
• They will direct you to the Zoo parking lot.
• Please wait in your car until 5 minutes before your ticket time, then walk down to the front gate.

THE NEW ZOO EXPERIENCE

During current Covid-19 restrictions, our indoor and high-touch experiences are closed. Keeper Chats and Animal  Encounters will happen at unscheduled times around the Zoo to prevent congestion. Please follow the one-way path around the Zoo.

Here’s what’s open:

• Asian Forest Sanctuary
• Rocky Shores (above-water viewing only)
• Arctic Tundra
• Red Wolf Woods
• Kids’ Zone (meerkats, lemurs, reptiles and amphibians)

Opening July 1:

• Pacific Seas Aquarium
• South Pacific Aquarium

Here’s what’s closed:

• Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater
• Goat feeding
• Playground
• Carousel
• Budgie Buddies

We are committed to providing a safe, fun and educational experience for our guests while ensuring the health and safety of our staff, volunteers, and animals.

TO PROTECT EVERYONE’S SAFETY DURING COVID-19:

• Face coverings are required for anyone 5 and over. All staff wear them too. Learn more.
• If you feel ill, please stay home until you feel better.
• Please keep a 6-foot social distance from others.
• Follow the one-way walking path around the Zoo and aquariums.
• Please follow good hygiene etiquette, and wash or sanitize hands often.
• Try to avoid touching surfaces with your hands.

GENERAL ZOO RULES:

• Do not touch any animals unless they are in an area that allows contact.
• Do not bring any type of roller skates, skateboards, scooters or bicycles into the Zoo.
• Do not bring balloons, frisbees, or balls into the Zoo.
• Pets are not allowed on Zoo grounds or in zoo facilities. Read our Service Animal Policy
• Reserve the elevators for visitors with mobility issues (e.g. strollers, wheelchairs)
• Do not shout at animals or tap on exhibit windows or openings.
• Do not feed animals except in designated areas
• Remain fully clothed at all times.
• Do not smoke on Zoo grounds; this includes the use of e-cigarettes.
• Never leave a pet inside of a parked car.
• Don’t leave valuables in your car.

Please note: We reserve the right to address individuals or groups that are behaving inappropriately or are not following the Code of Conduct. Actions may range from a warning to expulsion from the Zoo or arrest by the Tacoma Police Department.

DO THE NEW ZOO

What’s changed with Covid-19 restrictions?

• During current Covid-19 restrictions, our walk-up food kiosk is open.

Pearl Street Grille

Where: Near lower entrance of Asian Forest Sanctuary

When: 10am – 5pm daily

Menu: Burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders and fries

• No outside food allowed, except for dietary restrictions.
• The gift shop is closed, but kiosks around the Zoo will offer plush toys and unique artisan gifts.
• Please pay with credit/debit card, no cash.
• Remember to bring a water bottle! Refilling stations are open. Drinking fountains are closed.

THE NEW ZOO EXPERIENCE

What’s changed with Covid-19 restrictions?

• We are not offering stroller, umbrella, electric scooter or wheelchair rentals at this time.
• Please bring your own if you need one.
• We are also not able to offer sensory bags to our guests at this time.

Accessibility

All exhibit areas, restaurants, gift shop and main restrooms at the Zoo are ADA accessible.
Have a service animal? Please alert our front gate staff, and read our Service Animal Policy here.

Sensory Inclusive

Our Zoo is now a certified Sensory Inclusive facility, registered with KultureCity. We offer visual stories and other online tools, and our staff are trained to help people with sensory needs enjoy our zoo to the utmost. (NOTE: No sensory bags at this time.) Click below to learn more.

Here at the Zoo we’re working hard to protect the Earth for everyone.

Here’s how you can help:

• Avoid idling your car for more than 30 seconds. This helps preserve sea ice for Arctic animals.
• Bring a reusable water bottle – and fill it up at one of our water stations around the Zoo. You’ll help protect marine animals from plastic pollution. We also sell water in fully-recyclable aluminum bottles.
• Recycle your waste. Recycling bins are next to trash cans – make an Earth-friendly choice! You can also find compost bins for your food waste at the Plaza Cafe.
• Leave your car at home and ride your bike (we have racks to the left of the main entrance). We also have an electric car plug-in in the parking lot behind the Elephant Barn.