Zoo Visit Guidelines
Creating positive experiences for both visitors and animals in managed care
Core Zoo Etiquette Rules
🚶 Stay on Paths
Always remain on designated pathways. Never climb or cross barriers, fences, moats, or walls. Entering animal habitats is criminal trespassing.
🤫 Keep Quiet
Use quiet voices and avoid shouting. Loud noises stress animals and disturb other guests. Be respectfully quiet throughout your visit.
🚫 No Feeding
Never feed zoo animals. They have specific diets for their health. Unauthorized food can make them seriously ill.
👀 Observe Only
Don't tap on glass, throw objects, or try to get animals' attention. Let them behave naturally without disturbance.
Visitor Conduct Guidelines
Appropriate Behavior
- Walk, don't run, throughout the zoo
- Supervise children at all times
- Show courtesy to staff, volunteers, and other guests
- Follow all posted signs and instructions
- Report concerning behavior to zoo staff
Prohibited Actions
- Using profanity or offensive language
- Engaging in disruptive behavior
- Sitting on or leaning over barriers
- Holding children over barriers
- Teasing or mimicking animals
Dress Code
- Wear appropriate clothing (shirt, pants/shorts/skirt, shoes)
- No offensive or vulgar text/images
- Exception: shirts/shoes optional in designated splash areas
- Dress for weather and walking
Items Not Allowed
🎈 Safety Hazards
- Balloons (choking hazard for animals)
- Straws
- Glass containers
- Whistles
🛴 Recreation Items
- Bicycles, skateboards, skates
- Hoverboards
- Heely skate shoes
- Balls, frisbees
📸 Photography
- Selfie sticks
- Professional equipment (without permit)
- Drones
- Flash photography near sensitive animals
Understanding Animal Welfare
Why These Rules Matter
Zoo animals may seem accustomed to people, but they remain sensitive to disturbances:
- Stress indicators: Animals may hide, pace, or show aggressive behaviors when stressed
- Health impacts: Chronic stress can lead to illness and shortened lifespans
- Natural behaviors: Quiet, respectful visitors allow animals to exhibit natural behaviors
- Conservation role: Many zoo animals are part of critical conservation programs
Special Considerations
🐕🦺 Service Animals
Only service animals are permitted. Emotional support and comfort animals are not allowed for safety reasons. Never leave any animal in vehicles.
👶 With Children
Supervise children closely. Teach them quiet observation. Never lift children over barriers. Model respectful behavior.
♻️ Environmental Care
Use proper trash and recycling bins. Help keep habitats clean. Report any litter in animal areas immediately.
General Animal Categories
While every zoo is different, here are general guidelines for common animal groups you might encounter:
🐅 Large Cats
- Maintain respectful distance from viewing barriers
- Avoid direct eye contact - it can be perceived as threatening
- Speak in quiet tones to avoid startling them
- Watch for natural behaviors like stretching and grooming
- Most active during cooler parts of the day
🐻 Bears
- Never attempt to get their attention
- Observe their foraging and play behaviors
- Respect their need for personal space
- Watch for seasonal behavior changes
- Most active during feeding times
🐵 Primates
- Avoid eye contact - can be seen as aggressive
- No gesturing or waving at them
- Watch their complex social interactions
- Observe tool use and problem-solving
- Be patient - they often take time to warm up to visitors
🐘 Large Herbivores
- Appreciate their gentle, deliberate movements
- Watch for social bonding behaviors
- Observe feeding and bathing routines
- Respect their size and need for space
- Look for enrichment activities
🦅 Birds
- No sudden movements - they startle easily
- Never use flash photography
- Listen for their calls and songs
- Watch for flight demonstrations
- Observe nesting and parenting behaviors
🐢 Reptiles & Amphibians
- Many are most active when basking
- Move slowly - quick movements cause stress
- Never tap on glass or terrariums
- Watch for feeding behaviors
- Observe temperature-seeking behaviors
Making the Most of Your Visit
Tips for a Great Zoo Experience:
- Visit during cooler parts of the day when animals are more active
- Bring binoculars for better views without disturbing animals
- Read exhibit signs to learn about each species
- Attend keeper talks and educational programs
- Take time to observe - patience often rewards with interesting behaviors
- Support conservation efforts through donations or adoption programs