Membership
Benefits and Costs
Every membership to the Washington Park Zoo is packed with adventure and a full year's worth of wild fun. The Washington Park Zoo is committed to providing the highest quality care for our animal residents. Your gift directly supports efforts to enhance animal habitats and improve the quality of life for our animal ambassadors.
Zoo Members Receive
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Year-long free general admission to the Washington Park Zoo
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10% discount on all gifts and souvenirs purchased from the Treehouse Gift Shop
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Reciprocal membership in zoos across the country.
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Reduced Boo at the Zoo for named members and children. (Not additional guests)
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Four free parking access passes for cardholders' use only.
Types of Membership
Membership Notices:
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Please make sure to include both adults you want to be listed on the cards. Memberships are NOT transferable and ONLY THE NAMES LISTED ON THE CARDS WILL BE ABLE TO USE THE MEMBERSHIPS CARD.
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ONE OF THE NAMED ADULTS MUST BE PRESENT TO USE THE PASS.
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Photo ID's are required to use the membership pass at the gate to verify name(s) and address. Named adults must live at the same address which needs to be listed on their photo ID at each check-in.
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ALLOW FOR AT LEAST 7 BUSINESS DAYS FOR PROCESSING BEFORE PICKING UP YOUR ONLINE MEMBERSHIP CARDS AND 10 DAYS BY MAIL.
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We are not able to process memberships at the admission office, so please purchase your pass before you visit us online or by mail.
Frequently Asked Membership Questions?
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Who can use my membership?
Your membership is not transferable, meaning it is for the named adult or adults and, if applicable, the number of children listed on the card. If a named adult with a photo ID is not present with the membership card, the membership cannot be used.
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I have a guest on my membership. How does that work?
If you have the PLUS guest as part of your membership, then you may bring in a different person with you for each visit, provided that one of the named adults is there. Unnamed guests cannot come into the Zoo under membership without a named adult present this includes caregivers.
How do I use my membership?
To expedite the check-in process, please have your membership card and the photo IDs of all the named adults present out of your purse and wallet and ready to hand to the admissions attendant.
Can I use my Washington Park Zoo membership at other zoos?
Your membership at WPZoo has many great privileges such as using our Reciprocal Program. This reciprocal program gives you free or discounted admission to many other facilities across the United States and Canada. Make sure you always travel with your membership ID, as membership databases are not linked and they will have no way to verify your membership.
You can check the list of reciprocal zoos on our website:www.washingtonparkzoo.com but you should always check with the individual zoo you plan to visit in advance. Reciprocal privileges may be changed without prior notification. The reciprocal institution's definition of membership levels may vary.
Can I add a guest to my membership?
You can buy a membership that includes a guest, but we do not offer a stand-alone guest addition to Zoo Memberships.
Who is considered a child on my membership?
Dependent children living in the same household, or grandchildren, ages 3–17 years old must be named on your membership. Children 2 and under are free at the Zoo but must still be named; they do not count towards the number of children included in your membership. Children do not receive membership cards and must be accompanied by a named adult on the membership.
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Children outside your household are not considered a part of your membership and require additional tickets to be purchased or guest passes to be used for their admission. If you have a unique circumstance or would like to discuss the children on your account, please contact us at the zoo office.
Can my relatives or friends who do not live in my household be included on my membership card?
Our membership plans are household-based, so only the adults and children who live in your household may be included in your plan. Grandchildren are the one exception to this policy; we just ask that you name grandchildren within your own family.
Why do I have to show a photo ID when I use my membership card?
To prevent misuse of membership cards or to prevent the use of a lost/stolen card, we require that each adult cardholder presents a photo ID when entering the Zoo.
How can I replace a lost/stolen membership card?
If your permanent membership card has been lost or stolen, you can get it replaced one time for free. Simply ask the front desk during your next visit or contact the WPZ Office. Cards will not be replaced if it is near your expiration date.
Are memberships refundable or transferable?
Memberships are non-refundable, non-transferable, and are not valid without the photo ID of listed adults.
Is my membership tax-deductible?
No, membership purchases are not tax-deductible. The estimated fair market value of goods and services included at these membership levels exceeds the purchase price.
How long is my membership valid for?
Your membership is valid for 12 months and will expire one year from the date of purchase. You can view your expiration date on your membership card.
For any other questions, please contact the zoo office.
Reciprocating Zoo & Aquarium List
The Washington Park Zoo participates in a reciprocity program for our members to enjoy discounted or free admission to other zoos and aquariums across the country. Benefits at each facility vary and may change without notice. Please ALWAYS call ahead to the facility that you are interested in visiting to determine what benefits are available for Washington Park Zoo Members and what is required to receive those benefits. Some facilities that are do not charge admission may offer discounts in their gift shop or towards other attractions.
Washington Park Zoo Members Visiting a Reciprocal Partner Zoo:
When visiting another zoo or aquarium, it is always a good idea to call ahead BEFORE your visit to confirm participation in the Reciprocal Admissions program and any restrictions that may apply. Remember to take proof of your Washington Park Zoo membership and a photo ID .
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Members of Reciprocal Partner Zoos Visiting the Washington Park Zoo:
Members from our other reciprocal zoos and aquariums will receive discounted admission to the Washington Park Zoo for the same term level as their pass designates. Professional members of the Zoological Association of America (ZAA), and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) receive free admission with their valid membership card. If a zoo or aquarium is not listed below, then they do not reciprocate with the WPZoo. Parking fees are not included with the discount since they are a separate department from the WPZoo.
* Note: To take advance of the reciprocal program you must have your valid organization's membership card and photo ID.