two ring tailed lemurs

Frequently Asked Questions

For special notices and schedule changes, please visit Today at the Zoo.

ANIMALS

Do you take in wildlife and injured pets?
No. The Zoo does not have the space or resources to house ex-pets or animals other than those in our planned collection.

What should I do if I find an injured or what appears to be an abandoned animal?
The Louisville Zoo cannot accept injured or orphaned animals.  You can call Second Chances Wildlife Rehabilitators at 502-888-5470 or visit their website for valuable information at Secondchanceswildlife.org.  Please remember, native wildlife including mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians are protected by state and federal wildlife laws. The Wildlife Biologists with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife resources recommend that people leave wildlife alone that appear to be abandoned or injured.

How many animals do you have?
The Louisville Zoo has over 1,200 animals in our collection. Favorites include gorillas, lions, tigers, penguins, grizzly and polar bears, seals and sea lions, giraffes, pygmy hippos, orangutans, reptiles, hundreds of colorful birds and many more. Visit the Animals section of the website for more details.

Will all the animals be out when I visit? Why are some not out when I visit?
There are a number of reasons why some animals may not be on public exhibit when you visit: regular maintenance on exhibits; new exhibit construction; health issues and exams or training; bedrooms are often left open so animals have the important choices they need to go in and out of their bedroom/off-exhibit spaces, especially when weather conditions are an issue; if there are babies or breeding protocols; and if darkness is involved, to name just a few. A few of exhibits including Glacier Run, the Islands and Gorilla Forest have animal management programs that call for the rotation of animals on and off exhibit as well as throughout the exhibit spaces to provide for additional enrichment, diversity of daily experiences and rest and time with zookeepers/trainers. Priority is given to the safety and well-being of the animals at all times. Thank you for helping us be expert caretakers.

Can I bring my service dog to the Zoo?
Service dogs are permitted. Emotional-support, comfort and companion animals are not permitted for the safety of our collection.  Please notify the Zoo’s Reception area or ticket taker about your service dog.
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ADMISSION, PARKING, GUEST SERVICES AND AMENITIES

Can I purchase tickets and memberships online?
Yes.  See our Buy Online page for more details about our online options.

Do you charge for parking?
$7 per vehicle charge will apply for guests parking in the Zoo’s lot, payable at admission windows (tax is included in this price).  For convenience, a one-day parking pass can be purchased online through our Online Store. Here are some Parking specifics:

Louisville Zoo memberships include parking during regular Zoo hours (not select special events). Members: If you are planning to purchase a guest ticket for someone who is NOT covered on your membership card, you may want to ride together so your guest can take advantage of your parking benefit. If the guest drives separately, they will be assessed a parking fee at the admission windows with the ticket purchase.

All non-Louisville Zoo members visiting the Zoo will be assessed a $7 fee for parking in the Zoo’s lot. Exceptions include:

  • School buses will not be assessed a parking fee. All teachers and chaperones accompanying the students arriving in the school bus receive free admission and parking ONLY if they are included on the school’s official “Admission Ticket” and pay Zoo admission in a single transaction as one group (and enter the Zoo together). Those arriving and paying separately in other vehicles will be charged full admission cost and a $7 parking fee.
  • Night Safari participants will not pay parking.
  • Non-admission activities will not be charged a parking fee (e.g., deliveries, drop offs, business appointments, special exhibitors, volunteers/docents on duty, etc.)
  • GROUPS:
  • Organizations booking picnics and other events through Group Sales will have parking options addressed in their contract
  • Camps, YMCA, Scouts and other groups entering and paying as a group will be assessed a $7 parking fee per vehicle. (Reminder that Zoo memberships are not valid for field trip and group admission or parking).
  • Special Public Zoo Events (such as Halloween, Throo the Zoo 5K Run/Walk, etc.):  Parking fees will vary for Zoo Special Events. Check online for information prior to arrival at the Zoo.

Will the Zoo provide refunds or rain checks if it starts to rain after arrival?
The Zoo is open year-round, rain or shine. We do not offer refunds, rebates, exchanges or rain dates. If the Zoo closes due to inclement weather or other unforeseen issues, other conditions may apply. Our gift shops have rain gear for purchase.  Be sure to prepare for your visit by checking the weather in advance.

Where can I stay while I’m visiting Louisville?
Visit Louisville Tourism to see lodging options and availability as well as combination hotel/ticket packages.

Is there an age requirement for entering the Zoo?
All ages are welcome at the Zoo. We require anyone under the age of 11 to be supervised.

Do you sell Gift Cards?
Yes, click here for more details.

Can I bring food or coolers into the Zoo?
Food and coolers are welcome at the Louisville Zoo. Picnic areas are available first come, first serve. Alcoholic beverages, glass containers and straws are prohibited. For a full list of Safety Guidelines, click here.

Do you have strollers, wagons or wheelchairs available for rent?
Strollers (single and double) as well as wheelchairs are available to rent on a first come, first served basis.  Prices and more information area available here. They are available for rent at the train station to the left of the main plaza as you enter the Zoo. Guests are also welcome to bring their own stroller, wagon, manual or electric wheelchairs and/or take advantage of our free tram shuttle service (donations welcome).

If you don’t want to bring (or forget) these items, you can rent them at the Zoo. 

Rentals

Single Stroller$8 + tax
Double Stroller$10 + tax
Universal Carrier$10 + tax
Wagon$10 + tax
Wheelchair$10 + tax
Electric Wheelchair (ECV)*$30 (Day Of)
Electric Wheelchair (ECV)**$35 (Advanced Registration)

*ECVs are rented to an individual for all-day (including evening event if applicable) use on a first-come, first-served basis after all reservations are accounted for.  A valid ID must be present and left with our cashier until the return of our ECV.  

**To guarantee an ECV is available for your visit reservations must be made online at least one day in advance. (24-hour cancellation notice required for full refund.)

RESERVE ELECTRONIC WHEELCHAIR ONLINE

Are motorized wheelchairs available for rent?
Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) are available for $30 each per day.  Manual wheelchairs are also available for $10 each per day.  Both are available to rent on a first come, first served basis and they are available for rent at the train station to the left of the main plaza as you enter the Zoo.

ECVS can be reserved online here at least one day in advance for $35 each per day. 24–hour cancellation notice required for full refund. For a full list of rules and restrictions, click here. Guests are welcome to bring their own motorized or manual wheelchairs and/or take advantage of our free tram shuttle service (donations welcome).

If you don’t want to bring (or forget) these items, you can rent them at the Zoo. 

Rentals

Single Stroller$8 + tax
Double Stroller$10 + tax
Universal Carrier$10 + tax
Wagon$10 + tax
Wheelchair$10 + tax
Electric Wheelchair (ECV)*$30 (Day Of)
Electric Wheelchair (ECV)**$35 (Advanced Registration)

*ECVs are rented to an individual for all-day (including evening event if applicable) use on a first-come, first-served basis after all reservations are accounted for.  A valid ID must be present and left with our cashier until the return of our ECV.  

**To guarantee an ECV is available for your visit reservations must be made online at least one day in advance. (24-hour cancellation notice required for full refund.)

RESERVE ELECTRONIC WHEELCHAIR ONLINE

If you find you need special assistance during your Zoo visit, please contact the nearest Zoo employee (recognizable by Louisville Zoo polo shirt and radio) or dial (502) 459-2181 for the Zoo receptionist.

Is there a separate fee for the Splash Park?
No, admission is currently included with your Zoo Membership or regular Zoo admission. For details, click here.

Do you have a Zip Line?
No, we do not feature this attraction.  Visit Rides and Attractions for a complete list of rides and attractions.

Do you have discounts for the military?
We do have several levels of military discounts. A valid military ID is required.

Active duty military personnel receive free general admission (not valid for ticket packages with rides/ attractions and special ticketed events). Tickets must be purchased at the Zoo windows with a valid ID.

Dependents of active military personnel receive 10% off general admission at the Zoo’s ticket windows. Must be accompanied by active military personnel with a valid ID.

Present a valid military ID at the Zoo membership office to discuss membership discount options.

We generally offer free admission for active and retired military and their dependents on Veteran’s Day (with valid ID). Verify on our pricing page before attending.

Ft. Knox ITR offers discount general admission tickets. For more information, contact ITR at 502-624-5030.

Is smoking allowed at the Zoo?
Smoking (tobacco and e-cigarettes) is prohibited throughout the Zoo except in several designated areas. See the Zoo map for current Smoking Zones which are marked by yellow triangles. We appreciate your cooperation.

Do you have an area where I can nurse my child?

Moms may nurse in any public location at the Zoo. Kentucky law KRS 211.755 permits a mother to breastfeed her baby or express breastmilk in any public or private location. Municipalities are not permitted to enact an ordinance that prohibits or restricts breastfeeding in any public or private place. Individuals are prohibited from interfering with a mother breastfeeding in any location. A lactation station is available in the first aid office on the front plaza and in the Cub House at Snow Leopard Pass (when classes are not in session) if nursing mothers would prefer privacy.

Do you host birthday parties?
Click here for birthday party information.
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OTHER

How do I get a job with the Louisville Zoo or volunteer to help out?
Please visit our Human Resources or Volunteer sections of the website.

Does the Zoo have a recycling program?
We do — and thanks to our partner Westrock, recycling at the Zoo is easier than ever! Read about our great new recycling program.

What else is there to do in Louisville after we finish up at the Zoo?
Louisville has lots of interesting and exciting attractions and tons of things to do and see. Visit gotolouisville.com for more information.

Are Job Shadowing Opportunities Available?
At this time, we are not scheduling individual job shadowing opportunities. We will introduce a new program for high school students interested in learning more about careers in zoological, veterinary,  environmental sciences, and other related fields soon.  Check back here for more details when we have them.

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