CONTACT:
Kyle Shepherd, 502-744-5639 Kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov
The Louisville Zoo is thrilled to welcome guests back for Wild Winter Days, presented by Kroger, running now through February 28, 2026. And Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg is proud to announce that this seasonal promotion offers discounted Zoo admission while supporting a vital cause: a food drive benefitting Dare to Care.
“No family, child, or senior should ever have to go hungry, and our local food pantries are needed now more than ever before,” said Mayor Greenberg. “Our community needs us, and I hope that people will take advantage of this chance to help feed our neighbors who need us while supporting our fantastic Louisville Zoo.”
Guests who bring at least one non-perishable food item per person can purchase discounted tickets at the Zoo ticket windows for just $11 per adult and $8 per child or senior. In addition, 25 cents of every admission ticket will also support the Zoo’s conservation efforts in Kentuckiana and around the world.
Over the past 17 years of this partnership, generous Zoo guests have donated more than 30,000 pounds of food. That is roughly the weight of nearly five male rhinoceroses!
Dare to Care Food Bank’s most needed items include canned meats like tuna and chicken, as well as canned fruit and vegetables, beans, peanut butter, soup, rice, cereal, fruit juice and pasta. Please note that no glass containers are accepted. For a full list of needed and excluded items, visit daretocare.org.
The discount is available only at the Zoo’s admission windows and cannot be applied to online purchases, special fee-based programs, prepaid groups, field trips or other discounts. No refunds will be provided for tickets purchased online or in advance. While multiple canned good items per person are appreciated, only one discount applies per ticket.
Zoo Hours
The Zoo is open daily year-round. Now through March 20, 2026, hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with guests exiting by 5 p.m. The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Visit louisvillezoo.org for more information.
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About the Louisville Zoo:
The Louisville Zoo, the State Zoo of Kentucky, is the top, non-profit, paid attraction in the state. The Zoo is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), a global alliance of zoos and aquariums. For more information visit www.louisvillezoo.org.
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