Zoo Experience

TIMED ONLINE TICKETS

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

DIRECTIONS & PARKING

• Click below for directions. Parking is free.

ZOO EXPERIENCE

Keeper Chats and Animal  Encounters will happen at unscheduled times around the Zoo to prevent congestion. Training demos happen daily at the Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater.

Here’s what’s open:

• Asian Forest Sanctuary
• Pacific Seas Aquarium & South Pacific Aquarium
• Rocky Shores
• Arctic Tundra
• Red Wolf Woods
• Kids’ Zone
• Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater
• Carousel

Here’s what’s closed:

• 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:

• Masks are required for guests age 5+ who are not fully vaccinated (indoor areas only) and encouraged for fully vaccinated guests.  Learn more.
• If you feel ill, please stay home until you feel better.
• 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.

ZOO DINING

• Our Plaza Cafe is open for indoor and outdoor dining.
• Swirl and Dippin’ Dots are open seasonally on weekends.
• Please pay with credit/debit card, no cash.
• Remember to bring a water bottle! Refilling stations are open.

Rentals

The Zoo offers wheelchairs (non-motorized), strollers, powerchairs and umbrellas for rent on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors may be asked to leave a piece of ID that will be returned when the rental item is turned in. Find rentals inside the carousel to the right after you enter the front gate. Credit/debit cards only, please.

Wheelchair: $10/day*
Stroller: $10 single; $12 double*
Powerchair: $35* (minimum age 18 yrs)
Umbrella: $6*

*Includes tax

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. 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.