FAQs: day visits

Q: Are we allowed to bring in food to have a picnic?

A: The Zoo has a number of excellent catering outlets that offer delicious hot and cold meals and snacks. If you wish to bring a picnic we have public lawns that you can use, but we are unable to provide storage facilities. No barbecues are permitted inside the Zoo.

Q: Are dogs allowed in?

A: Unfortunately we do not allow dogs into the Zoo, but we do have two kennels located in the College road car park, to provide temporary accommodation for Assistance Dogs while their owners visit the Zoo. See our accessibility web pages for more information.

Q: Can we leave the Zoo and come back in later in the day?

A: Yes, we can stamp your hand for same day return if you ask our staff at the main entrance.

Q: Does the Zoo have animals like elephants, tigers, and giraffes, etc?

A: You will find a full list of our animals and exhibits on the animals, gardens and attractions web pages.

Q: Can visitors park in the streets around the Zoo?

A: The Zoo has two car parks and permission to use overflow parking on Ladies Mile on the Downs. On the day of your visit please follow signs indicating where parking is available. There is limited parking available on the streets around the Zoo, but restrictions apply and these are closely monitored by parking wardens.

Q: Is there a cash point at the Zoo?

A: We do not have a cash point on site, but we can provide cash-back at the Zoo shop.

Q: What is available in Activity Centre?

A: Run by our Zoo volunteers, you can find out about conservation at the touch tables or enjoy some hands-on activities: face-painting, temporary tattoos, brass-rubbing, drawing and colouring-in, badge-making (additional costs may apply).

Q: Are there any additional costs for Zoo experiences that are not included in the admission ticket price?

A: Your Zoo entry ticket will give you access to all exhibits, displays and talks within the Zoo. We offer additional experiences at the Zoo which may incur a small charge: children’s carousel, bouncy slide, activities within the Activity Centre and feeding the lorikeets. ZooRopia, our aerial rope adventure, has a separate admission price which you can find on the prices web page.

Q: Why do the road signs for the Zoo show an elephant when you don’t have elephants?

A: The sign with a white elephant on a brown board is the nationally recognised road signage for a zoo and it is listed in the Highway Code.

Q: Is the Zoo suitable for disabled people?

A: The Zoo is more than 170 years old, however, most of the Zoo is accessible for wheelchair users and those with walking difficulties. For further information on access please visit the accessibility pages on our website.

Q: Can visitors smoke in the Zoo?

A: Visitors can smoke in outdoor and open areas of the Zoo. No smoking is permitted inside buildings, in covered areas – such as the Coral Cafe canopy, or in the children’s play areas.

Q: Can we use the shop without paying to get into the Zoo?

A: The Zoo shop and admission gates are set up in a shared space therefore it is not possible to use the Zoo shop without paying for admission.

Q: Can we bring scooters or bicycles into the Zoo with us?

A: We do not allow scooters, bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, or ball games into the Zoo. We do however have plenty of bike racks available outside the Zoo.