Help & Rules

Wheelchair

• $12 per wheelchair
• $32 per electric wheelchair

Enjoy your visit with a comfortable wheelchair or easily-operated electric cart- both with storage compartments. A form of I.D. is required.
Wheelchairs and electric carts are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

Stroller

• Single $12
• Double $14

Children will enjoy our colorful strollers, each with storage capacity, a canopy to block the sun, wheel locks, and easy maneuverability.

Strollers are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Scooter Pals

Your visit the to Zoo just got a little WILDER! ScooterPals are fuzzy and fun electric scooter that will make you Zoo adventure even more memorable. Stop by the stroller rental near the entrance of the Zoo and find your adorable animal ride!

• Pay as you go
• $5 to begin the ride + $0.35 per minute

For Example:

Memphis Zoo

2000 Prentiss PL

Memphis, TN 38112

Phone Number: 901.333.6500

Should you have trouble in the parking lot, please notify guest services by visiting the front reception desk or calling 901.333.6500. Parking lot attendants will contact local service providers who can offer locksmith services, jumps, and other services.

An ATM machine is located on the right side of the plaza, after you enter the gates. It is located next to the stroller and wheelchair rental.

The Memphis Zoo permits all DSLR cameras but prohibits the use of professional audio equipment including tripods and bipods. At certain events, cameras with a 3-inch camera lens or smaller are permitted. Guests are not permitted to reproduce any recording of events for commercial purposes without express written consent from the Memphis Zoo.

Have an appetite as big as a tiger? The Memphis Zoo offers a wide variety of food and beverage options at 7 different locations throughout the Zoo.  Concession stands are open during Zoo hours, weather permitting. You can view those food and drink options here.

Any guests using profane language, fighting or any acts of violence are strictly prohibited and will be removed from the Zoo.  Appropriate dress for a family-friendly institution is required. Attire not permitted includes, but is not limited to, visible underwear and clothing that promotes or displays profanity, violence, drugs, alcohol or criminal activity. You can read more about rules at the Zoo here.

Click here to see the full list of contact information. 

The Memphis Zoo is open every day rain or shine for regular visiting hours between 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with last admission at 4 pm) For all other events, doors will typically open one hour before the start of the event. Please note door times may vary depending on the event. Please check in advance by calling 901.333.6500.

Guest bus, limo and motor coach drop off is available in the parking lot on the avenue facing the front gate of the Zoo. Vehicles dropping off or picking up guests are not allowed to park. Waiting time is limited to 5 minutes. Unattended vehicles will be ticketed and towed. 

In the event of an emergency, all Memphis Zoo personnel have been trained and instructed to assist you in evacuating the premises. Always remain calm and follow the instructions from staff members and emergency personnel. 

The Memphis Zoo prohibits firearms and weapons of any kind from being on-premises.

AS AUTHORIZED BY T.C.A. § 39-17-1359, POSSESSION OF A WEAPON ON POSTED PROPERTY OR IN A POSTED BUILDING IS PROHIBITED AND IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

Guests may obtain first aid items from the reception desk at the front of the Zoo. A portable first aid kit is available in case of an emergency. If first aid is needed, please call guest services at: 901.333.6500.

Our guest relations staff are here to ensure that all guests have a safe, quality experience at the Memphis Zoo. We appreciate constructive feedback to improve our service and guest experience. Our reception desk at the front entrance can provide you with any information necessary. If you believe guest services is required, please call 901.333.6500.

(Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day)

Spring Hours: March 11 - October 8, 2023

9AM - 6PM (Last admission at 5 pm)

Winter Hours: October 9, 2023 - March 10, 2024

9AM - 5PM (Last admission at 4 pm)

Who is KultureCity?

KultureCity is a non-profit near Birmingham, AL that provides sensory inclusion training and support to organizations across the nation. Their sensory inclusion initiative is designed to help arenas, zoos, aquariums, museums, restaurants, and other places of public attraction better entertain their guests that might have sensory needs.

What is Sensory Inclusion?

A sensory need is a sensory processing issue where the person is affected by noises, smells, lights, and even crowds not only overwhelming from the sensory perspective but also sometimes physically painful. Because of this, these guests often find themselves isolated from the community. Organizations that participate in the Sensory Inclusion Initiative provide sensory bags, trained staff, and sensory-aware locations to guests. KultureCity provides a social story on their mobile app so guests with sensory processing needs can get a preview of our venue before they arrive.

Why are we partnering with them?

The Zoo cares about its guests and we recognize that any effort to support current and new guests is beneficial for everyone. Along with the new commitment to the inclusion of our team members, one of many ways to extend this to our guests is through accessibility and inclusion of both visible and invisible disabilities. It also helps us reach a huge portion of our community that has long been isolated.

What are Sensory Bags?

Sensory bags are bags that include items commonly helpful to those with sensory needs. KultureCity will provide 5 drawstring bags that include noise-canceling headphones, fidget and tactile toys, communication cards, and an access lanyard. Also provided is a weighted lap pad available for checkout. They can be checked out for free (first come, first serve) with Guest Services by turning in an ID. The bags will be kept at the reception area in the Roger T. Knox West Administration Building. Each guest should wipe down their items after use with the wipes provided.

Where are the headphone zones and quiet areas?

Headphone zones are located at Primate Canyon, the Zambezi River Hippo Camp, the Sea Lion Show Amphitheatre, the Cat House Cafe, and Once Upon a Farm.

Quiet areas are located at the Aquarium and Animals of the Night exhibits.

What is a Social Story?

A Social Story is a series of pictures and captions that provides important preview information to sensory-sensitive individuals. Social Stories for all of KultureCity’s certified locations are on their app. You can download them on either the App Store or Google play Store.

If you find or lose an item at the Zoo, please go to the reception desk at the front entrance for assistance. Lost or found items may be turned in or claimed at the reception desk. For assistance during events please call the Zoo at: 901.333.6500.

Two bus lines run by the Memphis Zoo, making it even more convenient for guests to visit the Zoo. Bus 50 runs along Poplar, while Bus 53 runs along Summer.

The Memphis Zoo requires all media requests be screened by our public relations office. Please click here to submit a media request for assistance.

The membership program is our way of recognizing your extra support and commitment to the Zoo. If you would like to become a member now please click here and learn about all the benefits members receive. Due to system upgrades, renewals are unavailable at this time. If you would like to continue your membership, click here to purchase one in our new system. *Membership policy and procedures are subject to change

Parking at the Zoo is a $10 fee to park in the main lot outside of the Zoo entrance off of Poplar Ave.  Parking for guests with disabilities is available in the main parking lot.  All vehicles must have a current state-issued hangtag or license plate. Disabled parking is available on a first-come first-served basis.

Cocktail parties surrounded by your favorite party animals, silver anniversary soirees, jungle-themed bar mitzvahs, birthdays, rehearsal dinners to a variety of corporate events, including your brightest holiday celebration . . . you name it and, chances are, it's probably been done at the Zoo. We can meet all of your needs from catering, entertainment to rental equipment and more. See the Zoo come alive at night and find out why the Zoo is called "the best place to be spotted in Memphis!" Call 901.333.6571 for details. 

Pets are not allowed inside the Zoo. Please make arrangements to board your animal before visiting.

Emotional support animals are not allowed inside the Memphis Zoo at this time as per ADA

NOTE: Special accommodations will be made for certified service animals. The only certified service animals that we can accommodate are dogs and miniature horses.

Please call 901.333.6500 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

Main - 901.333.6500

Gift Shop - 901.333.6820

Reservation Hotline - 901.333.6576

Membership - 901.333.6767

Donations - 901.333.6553

Guests at the Memphis Zoo are prohibited from entering the property with the following:

• Tripods or bipods
• Outside food and beverages
• Coolers
• Vaporizers
• Balloons
• Fireworks
• Drones
• Glass containers
• Weapons including guns and knives
• Pepper spray
• Cigarettes and cigars
• Illegal substances
• Pets
• Professional audio/video equipment
• Poles or selfie sticks
• Frisbees or any throwable toy
• Beach Balls or pool toys
• Laser pens or any laser toy
• Alcohol
• Bicycles
• Rollerblades
• Skateboards
• Skates or the popular roller shoes, Heelys
• Hoverboards or balancing scooters

All guests will be allowed re-entry to the Zoo with a handstamp available at each exit.

Restrooms are located in 10 locations throughout the Zoo.  All restrooms are equipped to meet the needs of all guests, including guests with disabilities.

Farm Train and Children's Rides

• $2 per ride for farm train
• $2 per ride on CHINA carousel.
• $1 for children's rides in rides area

Open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting, beginning March 5.

Rides, train and carousel are closed November 1 through February 28.

• Persons ages 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult age 18 or older.
• The Zoo does not allow balloons, glass containers, alcohol, coolers and outside food and beverages, bicycles, rollerblades, skates or the popular roller shoes, Heelys, on its property.  Children's wagons are welcome.
• Appropriate dress for a family-friendly institution is required. Attire not permitted includes, but is not limited to, visible undergarments, swimsuits without appropriate cover-ups, unbuttoned/unzipped clothing, and clothing that promotes or displays profanity, violence, drugs, alcohol, or criminal activity. Shoes are also required on zoo grounds at all times. If you are not dressed appropriately, the zoo can deny your entry.
• Profane language, fighting, or any acts of violence are strictly prohibited.
• To protect the health and safety of our animals and visitors, the Memphis Zoo is a smoke-free facility.
• Pets are not allowed inside the Zoo. Please make arrangements to board your animal before visiting. NOTE: Special accommodations will be made for certified service animals. Please call 901.333.6500 or e-mail [email protected]
• No soliciting.

To protect the health and safety of our animals and visitors, the Memphis Zoo is a smoke-free facility.

Memphis Zoo:

Short Code Terms of Service

Once confirmed, you may receive promotional messages and special offers, as well as account notifications. Messaging frequency is up to ten messages per month. You may choose which type(s) of messages you wish to recieve:

•  

  Promotional messages (this can include monthly membership promo graphics to members, and then to both member and nonmember contacts - links to the Memphis Zoo app, links to Memphis Zoo events, seasonal experiences, or any Memphis Zoo ticket website pages along with fun facts, new attractions, etc.. These are also marketing messages.)

•  

  Account or membership reminders 

•  

  Memphis Zoo Donation Opportunities

•  

  Volunteer and Career Opportunities

More information and boilerplate terms available here: https://support.twilio.com/hc/en-us/articles/223134847-Industry-standards-for-US-Short-Code-Terms-of-Service-and-Privacy-policies

1. When you opt-in to the service, we will send you an SMS message to confirm your signup.
 

2. You can cancel this service at any time. Just text "STOP" to #####. After you send the  message "STOP" to us, we will send you a reply message to confirm that you have been unsubscribed. After this, you will no longer receive messages from us. If you want to join again, just sign up as you did the first time and we will start sending messages to you again.
 

3. If at any time you forget what keywords are supported, just text "HELP" to #####. After you send the message "HELP" to us, we will respond with instructions on how to use our service as well as how to unsubscribe.

4. We are able to deliver messages to the following mobile phone carriers: 

Major Carriers: AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Sprint, T-Mobile

Minor Carriers: U.S. Cellular, Boost Mobile, MetroPCS, Virgin Mobile, Alaska Communications Systems (ACS), Appalachian Wireless (EKN), Bluegrass Cellular, Cellular One of East Central, IL (ECIT), Cellular One of Northeast Pennsylvania, Cricket, Coral Wireless (Mobi PCS), COX, Cross, Element Mobile (Flat Wireless), Epic Touch (Elkhart Telephone), GCI, Golden State, Hawkeye (Chat Mobility), Hawkeye (NW Missouri), Illinois Valley Cellular, Inland Cellular, iWireless (Iowa Wireless), Keystone Wireless (Immix Wireless/PC Man), Mosaic (Consolidated or CTC Telecom), Nex-Tech Wireless, NTelos, Panhandle Communications, Pioneer, Plateau (Texas RSA 3 Ltd), Revol, RINA, Simmetry (TMP Corporation), Thumb Cellular, Union Wireless, United Wireless, Viaero Wireless, and West Central (WCC or 5 Star Wireless).

5. As always, Message and Data Rates May Apply for any messages sent to you from us and to us from you. If you have any questions about your text plan or data plan, it is best to contact your wireless provider.

Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages

For all questions about the services provided by this short code, you can send an email to [[email protected]].

6. If you have any questions regarding privacy, please read our privacy policy: {https://www.memphiszoo.org/privacy-policy} 

Splash Park FAQs

Our team would like to covey this strongly to our visitors that the Splash Park is potentially hazardous, and use of the Splash Park is at the Customers own risk.
All visitors who enter the Splash Park, attend, participate in entertainment functions, rides, and events entirely at their own risk. All children should be under responsible supervision by an adult.
The ticket holder assumes all risk of personal injury, death or property loss resulting from any cause whatsoever including but not limited to the risks and dangers of water sliding and other recreational activities and not adhering to the rules and regulations of the park.
Visitors are gently reminded that they will be around people of different age, community, and other attributes. So, a healthy environment of fun and amusement is what we seek to achieve.

HOURS OF OPERATION AND FEES

• Open Daily
  • Two sessions daily
    • 9:30-1:00
    • 2:00 – 5:30
• Entry Fee
  • $8 Members
  • $10 Nonmembers
• Cabanas
  • $80 per session
  • Max occupancy 6
  •  

SPLASH PARK RULES

· Per Memphis Zoo admission policy, all children 17 and under must always be accompanied and supervised by an adult 21 and over

· Every guest entering the splash park must have a splash park ticket. Under 2 are free

· “Family Appropriate” swimwear and attire are required and subject to splash park approval. Not allowed: visible undergarments, jeans, long pants, belts, cut-off shorts, speedos, etc.

· Swim diapers required for children who are not potty trained.

· Walk, do not run.

· No climbing up slides.

· No toys allowed in splash pad

· No coolers allowed

· No chairs allowed in splash zone

· Food and drink must be kept outside of splash zones.

CABANA RULES

• Personal Events may not be hosted at a cabana.
• Cabanas have a capacity of 6 individuals, additional furniture may not be set up or moved into the cabana
• There are no refunds or rescheduling for cabanas due to inclement weather. All cabana purchases are final
• Guest is responsible for confirming that the cabana was purchased on the same date as their purchased splash park tickets
• Cabanas may not be decorated, and personal parties may not be hosted in a cabana. 

RAINCHECK POLICY

Safety is our top concern at Memphis Zoo. We know the value of your experience is important. If severe weather occurs, the Splash Park may close temporarily until the weather conditions improve. There are no refunds due to inclement weather this includes Cabana Rentals. If the Splash Park closes for one (1) hour due to weather delay, rainchecks will be available. Guests must turn in their wristbands for that day, at the Splash Park ticket booth, to obtain a raincheck.

Rainchecks are valid for Splash Park admission only.
Not valid for Zoo admission or Cabana rental

The Memphis Zoo allows free general admission to Tennessee residents with ID on Tuesday afternoons from 2 p.m. to close. 

Guidelines

• Photo ID with proof of age (17+) and TN residency are required for free admittance. TN Drivers license, current TN college or TN military photo ID will be accepted.
• The Memphis Zoo allows free general admission to Tennessee residents with ID on Tuesday afternoons from 2 p.m. to close. NOTE: There is a $3 Conservation Fee to enter the CHINA exhibit where the Giant Pandas are located.
• Persons ages 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult age 18 or older.
• Adults age 18 and older may accompany up to five children ages 16 and under.
• Free Tuesdays will not be held during the month of March.
• Please note that parking fee ($10 per vehicle) still applies.

• Adults (Ages 22-59): $21 on weekdays, $23 on weekends
• Youth (Ages 12-21):  $21 on weekdays, $23 on weekends
• Children (Ages 2-11): $16 on weekdays, $18 on weekends. Children under 23 months get in free.
• Seniors (Age 60+): $20 on weekdays, $22 on weekends
• Parking: $10
• Persons ages 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult age 18 or older.

Price includes admission to all permanent exhibits (including giant pandas). Additional fees may apply for special exhibits. *Policies and procedures are subject to change*

Tired of walking? Take a guided tram tour around the Zoo for just $4 per person for an all-day pass!

The tram runs during SunTrust Zoo Lights and every day from March through October.

Closed November through February.

Guests may bring small personal umbrellas (22 inches long and under) but due to safety concerns, no large golf umbrellas with pointed tips will be allowed.

Please click here for volunteer opportunities at the Memphis Zoo.

The Zoo has three gift shops - the Elephant's Trunk, Bamboo Shop and Trading Post. We offer unique gifts for all ages including toys, plush apparel, jewelry, art and decorative items. The Elephant's Trunk Zoo Shop is conveniently located just inside the main entrance of the Zoo where paid admission is not required.

The Bamboo Shop is located at the end of CHINA, our giant panda exhibit. Here you will find pandas galore, in addition to gifts from China with a special Asian Flare.

At the entrance to our Northwest Passage exhibit lies the Trading Post, which features Alaskan animal-related gifts for all ages, including bears, wolves and sea lions. You will also find that the art and iconic symbols of the Northwest tribes add to the character of this shop.

The gift shops are owned and operated by the Memphis Zoological Society. All proceeds from sales support the operating budget of the Zoo.

Gift shops are open during Zoo operating hours. You can call the Elephant's Trunk Zoo Shop directly at 901.333.6820.