(Updated November 29, 2023)
For general Zoo FAQs, please click here.
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS
This depends on how many people you regularly plan to bring with you to the Zoo. We have several different levels to accommodate you, your family and your guests. Please contact the membership department at zoomembership@louisvilleky.gov or (502) 459-2287 to speak with a membership specialist about all your options.
Yes, you can deduct a portion of your admission (not including parking) from the cost of a membership within seven days of the initial purchase. We accept original receipts from tickets purchased at the Zoo or online — but do not accept discounted, group rate or special event tickets. To join, please have your receipt ready and call the office at (502) 459-2287 or visit the front ticket windows on your next visit to the Zoo.
Membership cards are not mailed. If you have not yet collected your physical membership card(s), please stop at the front ticket windows during regular Zoo hours to pick them up. Once you have your membership card, simply show your membership card at our front gate for entry. We ask that members ALWAYS bring a photo ID for any adult members named on their card that are attending the Zoo.
Gift Vouchers are available online and can be used by your gift recipient to setup a membership in person or over the phone. Gift vouchers can be purchased online by clicking here. Gift cards may be purchased for any amount, including gift cards pre-loaded in the amount necessary to purchase your preferred membership level. Gift Cards can only be purchased in person during regular Zoo hours with cash or credit/debit card ONLY. Gift Card purchases made with a card require a matching ID to be processed. No other forms of payment including checks, mobile pay and tap-to-pay options are accepted for Gift Card purchases.
Yes! Your membership becomes active the day it is purchased. You will still need to pick up your membership card on your first Zoo visit at the ticket windows.
Parking is free during regular Zoo hours with your membership. If you are planning to purchase a ticket or bring someone else who is NOT covered by your membership, you may want to ride together so your guest can take advantage of your parking benefit. Parking for special after-hours events and fundraisers will vary, so please check the specific FAQs for the event you will be attending or email us at zoomembership@louisvilleky.gov to verify.
Your membership includes discounts on education camps and classes, general admission for extra guests, plus 10% off purchases at our gift shops and concession stands. A full list can be found here.
You are also eligible for free or 50% admission at over 150 reciprocal zoos and aquariums as part of AZA’s Reciprocity Program. See details and participating zoos and aquariums.
You can use your membership to enter during regular Zoo hours. The Louisville Zoo closes early on some days for special or private events; be sure to check louisvillezoo.org/today for any early closures. After-hours events such as Boo at the Zoo, Brew at the Zoo and Wine Too, Zoofari and Wild Lights, are not covered by any membership level, but you may receive a discount on select events.
Yes, all Louisville Zoo members receive free or 50% admission to over 150 participating AZA reciprocal zoos and aquariums. See details and participating zoos and aquariums before your visit and be sure to call ahead to verify their individual requirements.
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 or by logging in to our webstore here. Our staff can also verify your expiry via email at zoomembership@louisvilleky.gov, over the phone at (502) 459-2287 or at any member services location at the Zoo.
Yes! You can upgrade your membership to a higher level at any time — just pay the difference! Please note your membership expiration date will stay the same regardless of when you upgrade and we are unable to prorate our membership fees.
Memberships are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law. Please consult your tax advisor for details. Your membership and all your purchases at the Zoo support the Zoo’s mission to provide excellent care for our animals, top-notch family entertainment plus critical conservation education and scientific research.
Memberships and donations can be matched by your employer to the extent provided by law. Please consult your tax advisor for details. Matching gifts will in no way affect your membership or donation, but the additional gift is a huge help to the Zoo.
Contact your Human Resources Department to find out if your employer has a matching gifts program. Employers typically have web pages where you can enter your donation or the donation portion of your membership.
PURCHASING A MEMBERSHIP — NEW, RENEW, REJOIN AND GIFT
- Online: Please create a new profile or log in using your existing member number to make purchases in our online webstore.
- By Phone: Please call Membership Services at (502) 459-2287 during regular Zoo hours.
- By Mail: Download, print and complete the membership application and mail it to the address on the form.
Gift Vouchers are available online and can be used by your gift recipient to setup a membership in person or over the phone. Gift vouchers can be purchased online by clicking here. Gift cards may be purchased for any amount, including gift cards pre-loaded in the amount necessary to purchase your preferred membership level. Gift Cards can only be purchased in person during regular Zoo hours with cash or credit/debit card ONLY. Gift Card purchases made with a card require a matching ID to be processed. No other forms of payment including checks, mobile pay and tap-to-pay options are accepted for Gift Card purchases.
QUESTIONS ABOUT WHO IS LISTED ON YOUR MEMBERSHIP
For memberships covering 2 or more adults, you may choose to have 2 named adults and no guests OR 1 named adult and 1 flex guest.
If you have 2 named adults, each named adult will receive their own membership card and can visit on their own, while all other adults on the plan will be unnamed flex guests.
If you have 1 named adult and 1 or more flex guests, the named adult will be the only person with a membership card and is the only person authorized to use the membership.
All guests must attend with a named adult on the membership. The named adult on the card is the only person allowed to use the membership, cards cannot be shared, even within your own family.
If you have two named adults, the second named adult CANNOT be substituted for a flex guest.
Yes! We will be happy to change your account type one time within the life cycle of your membership. Please visit member services to complete this change, and be sure to bring your current membership card(s) to be surrendered and a photo ID.
No. Zoo memberships are non-transferable. If a named adult is not visiting, a guest cannot come in their place. If you need to change the designations on your membership plan, please contact us at zoomembership@louisvilleky.gov, by phone at (502) 459-2287 or stop at any member services location at the Zoo for assistance.
Memberships are non-transferable and the primary member can NOT be changed. To add children to your account, or for any corrections, please contact us at zoomembership@louisvilleky.gov, by phone at (502) 459-2287 or stop at any member services location at the Zoo for assistance.
Up to two (2) caregivers may be added to any level of membership for $28 each ($56 each for Dual levels if coverage is needed at both the Zoo and Kentucky Science Center). A caregiver, may visit on their own or escort the children covered on the membership. Caregivers may utilize ride passes on behalf of the named member, but caregivers are not able to utilize the free guest option available at some levels.
Yes! Up to two (2) caregivers may be added to any account at any time, for $28 each ($56 each for Dual levels if coverage is needed at both the Zoo and Kentucky Science Center). Please note your membership’s expiration date will stay the same regardless of when you upgrade and we do not prorate the fees for the change.
Our membership plans are household-based, so only the adults and children that live in your household may be included on your plan. Grandchildren are the one exception to this policy. We ask that your membership be used for yourself and your own children or grandchildren.
No. Your membership card and associated privileges are not transferable to or for any other individuals. Discounted tickets are available at the ticketing windows for purchase on any visit.
Dependent children living in the same household, or grandchildren (do not need to be dependent or in your household), ages 3–18 years old. Children 2 and under are free at the Zoo; 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.
Children outside your household are not considered a part of your membership and require additional tickets be purchased or guest passes 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 zoomembership@louisvilleky.gov, by phone at (502) 459-2287 or stop at any member services location at the Zoo for assistance.
Children ages 3-18 are considered children on your membership plan. Anyone who is 2 or younger is free at the Zoo; they do not count toward the number of children included in your membership.
QUESTIONS ABOUT MEMBERSHIP CARDS
REMINDER: We do not mail membership cards.
The Louisville Zoo app is currently unavailable for download as we transition to a new webstore. If you already have the app saved on your phone, it is no longer valid and will need to be replaced with a physical membership card. More information can be found here.
The Louisville Zoo app is currently unavailable for download as we transition to a new webstore. If you already have the app saved on your phone, it is no longer valid and will need to be replaced with a physical membership card. More information can be found here.
To help reduce costs (and our carbon footprint), our membership cards are not mailed. You can collect your physical membership card during regular Zoo hours from the front ticket windows before being admitted into the zoo.
Your membership is for your personal use and not for use by anyone other than those named on the card(s). By requiring a photo ID, we are better able to protect the integrity of your membership and prevent abuse or misuse of memberships. Properly identifying members and those who may be misusing their membership by sharing or passing their card to others allows the Zoo to offer more benefits to our members and properly price and charge for both ticket and memberships.
We’d be happy to print you a new membership card on your next visit to the Zoo – just stop by the front ticket windows for assistance.
Of course! To help reduce costs (and our carbon footprint), membership cards are not mailed. You can collect your physical membership card during regular Zoo hours from the front ticket windows.
No, your membership and all privileges associated with it are non-transferable and are for the sole use of the named members.
Children under the age of 12 must be supervised by a person age 16 or older with a valid driver’s license. Children may bring their younger siblings provided they have their parent’s membership card and the supervising child is age 16 or older with a valid driver’s license.
ADDITIONAL MEMBERSHIP PASSES AND TICKETS
All activities are seasonal and subject to regular Zoo maintenance and the cooperation of weather and animals. Safety for staff, guests and our animals is our #1 priority. You can check louisvillezoo.org/today for daily updates on construction projects (inside and outside the Zoo), ride and attraction schedules and exhibit updates that might help you plan your visit.
One-time-use guest passes are for anyone you would like to bring who is not covered by your membership. These passes are only able to be used online through the “My Benefits” section of the webstore here or in person at any ticketing window.
One time use passes cannot be deducted from your membership at the gate.
Carousel Passes are one-time-use during regular Zoo hours (not valid for special events such as Boo at the Zoo), digitally linked to your membership, valid for any age and must be used by a named adult on the account.
To redeem your Carousel Passes please let the Conservation Carousel cashier know before getting in line to ride and they will deduct them from your account and give you tickets to ride.
Lorikeet Feedings are one-time-use during regular Zoo hours (not valid for special events such as Boo at the Zoo), digitally linked to your membership, valid for any age and must be used by a named adult on the account.
Each feeding is 1 cup of nectar and may be passed around or held by multiple people as you experience free-flying, brilliantly colored Lorikeets. To redeem your Lorikeet Feedings, please let the Lorikeet Landing cashier know and they will deduct them from your account.
Giraffe Feedings are one-time-use during regular Zoo hours (not valid for special events such as Boo at the Zoo), digitally linked to your membership, valid for any age and must be used by a named adult on the account.
Each feeding is 1 cup/piece (food may vary) and may be passed around or held by multiple people. To redeem your Giraffe Feedings please let the Giraffe Feed/Camel Rides cashier know and they will deduct them from your account and give you tickets to enter.
QUESTIONS ABOUT UNLIMITED RIDES AND ATTRACTIONS (TRAM & CAROUSEL)
All activities are seasonal and subject to regular Zoo maintenance and the cooperation of weather and animals. Safety for staff, guests and our animals is our #1 priority. You can check louisvillezoo.org/today for daily updates on construction projects (inside and outside the Zoo), ride and attraction schedules and exhibit updates that might help you plan your visit.
Safety of guests, animals and staff is the number one priority of the Zoo. Due to the proximity of the train tracks to the location of the mine roof collapse that occurred in March 2019, the Zoo ceased operation of the train. The train and tracks were removed from grounds in 2022.
Yes, our Family Experience and Family Experience Dual memberships include free unlimited rides on the Conservation Carousel for all those covered by your plan. Unlimited Carousel rides are only valid during regular Zoo hours (not including special events such as Boo at the Zoo), digitally linked to your membership, valid for any age and must be used by a named adult on the account.
To redeem your Unlimited Carousel rides, please let the Conservation Carousel cashier know before getting in line to ride and they will verify your account and give each of you a wristband to ride unlimited.
We are not charging for the use of the Zoo tram shuttle but do encourage donations to help support the Louisville Zoo Fund — accepted on the tram shuttle via donation box. We run two Zoo tram shuttles, one of which is wheelchair accessible. The Zoo tram shuttle operates seasonally and is subject to regular Zoo maintenance and the cooperation of weather and crowds.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Boo at the Zoo is held on select nights during the month of October, and members receive special pricing on admission tickets for the event. More Halloween details will be available on our website prior to the event at louisvillezoo.org/boo.
There are a number of special events that are free with admission or membership, including movie nights, special character appearances and more. You can find more details at louisvillezoo.org/events or in our webstore.
These exclusive experience events require an active membership in our Family Experience, Family Experience Dual or higher levels. Those included on your membership must RSVP as a group to ensure we maintain capacity. Please RSVP here.
QUESTIONS ABOUT DUAL MEMBERSHIPS WITH THE KENTUCKY SCIENCE CENTER (KSC)
Yes! You can now purchase a dual membership for the Kentucky Science Center and Louisville Zoo while getting Family Experience Package benefits. Visit kysciencecenter.org/membership for more details on KSC membership benefits and programs.
Yes — since we do not share a database with the Kentucky Science Center, Dual members may have a unique membership number at each location. To receive your Louisville Zoo membership card, please stop at any ticketing window on your next visit to collect your Zoo membership card.
The Louisville Zoo and KSC do not have shared databases and so information is transmitted manually from one organization to another. This means the membership numbers and cards are different. This is done to properly track attendance, member discount use and to protect the integrity of your membership, we now scan cards at the gate and throughout the park to verify your identity and membership status. We also store any guest or ride passes on the cards digitally for redemption.
I purchased my Dual membership at KSC. Is my membership ready at the Louisville Zoo on the same day?
At this time the Louisville Zoo and Kentucky Science Center do not share the same database, so please allow 1 to 2 weeks for your membership information to be transmitted to us. You may still visit the Zoo, though! We will work with KSC to ensure you can enjoy your Zoo the same day — just bring your temporary card or receipt from KSC to the Zoo for your first visit to get started.
QUESTIONS ABOUT CHANGING MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNT INFORMATION
You can update most of your contact information by logging in to your profile online here. Please note that some information, such as your email address, must be updated by our friendly staff to ensure the integrity of your membership. For assistance, please contact us via email at zoomembership@louisvilleky.gov, over the phone at (502) 459-2287 or stop at any member services location at the Zoo.
- Click here to visit our webstore.
- If you have logged into the new webstore (January 2024) you should be able to login using your email address and password.
- If this is your first time using the new webstore (January 2024) you will need to use the “forgot Password” link to setup a new password.
- Once the password is set you will be able to login using your email address and password.
- Click here to visit our webstore.
- If you have logged into the new webstore (January 2024) you should be able to login using your email address and password.
- If this is your first time using the new webstore (January 2024) you will need to use the “forgot Password” link to setup a new password.
- Once the password is set you will be able to login using your email address and password.
- Once logged in, you should be able to use the menu or icon of a person to view and modify your profile.
Please note that some information, such as your email address, must be updated by our friendly staff to ensure the integrity of your membership. For assistance, please contact us via email at zoomembership@louisvilleky.gov, over the phone at (502) 459-2287 or stop at any member services location at the Zoo.
OTHER
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Sometimes our Trunkline magazine or e-mail updates may not reach you if we have missing information on your profile. For assistance with updating your membership profile information, please contact us via email at zoomembership@louisvilleky.gov, over the phone at (502) 459-2287 or stop at any member services location at the Zoo.
We would be happy to help you — please contact us via email at zoomembership@louisvilleky.gov, over the phone at (502) 459-2287 or stop at any member services location at the Zoo.