Membership Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

GerenuksQ: How many cards are included with my membership?
A: Members at the Individual, Couple and Family levels receive one card per membership. Family Deluxe, Contributing Associate, Wildlife Associate, and Conservation Associate levels receive three membership cards. Additional cards can be ordered at a fee of $5 each. 

Q: Why do I have to show a photo I.D. when I use my membership card to enter the Zoo?
A: To prevent misuse of membership cards, we require that one adult cardholder present photo I.D. upon entering the Zoo. As a non-profit organization, we rely on membership dues for much of our support.  If memberships were shared by families and neighbors our revenue would be severely reduced.  We also want to protect our members should their cards be lost or stolen.

Q: If I forget to bring my membership card, can I still visit the Zoo for free?
A: Yes!  Just bring your photo I.D. and stop by the membership window to verify your status.  You will be issued a day pass valid for free admission for all those eligible under your membership category. This day pass will also entitle you to a 10% discount in the Zoo gift shops and restaurants.

Q: How can I replace a lost/stolen membership card?
A: A replacement card costs $5.  You may order with credit card by phone at (323) 644-4759 or mail your request with a personal check to GLAZA, Member Services, 5333 Zoo Dr., Los Angeles, CA  90027. You will receive your replacement card within three to four weeks.  You may visit the Zoo in the meantime by presenting your photo I.D. at the membership booth, where you will be issued a day pass.

Q: Are guest passes transferable?
A: Yes.  You do not have to accompany your guests to the Zoo and each guest pass is valid for either one adult or child admission.

Q: Will lost/stolen guest passes be replaced?
A: We are unable to replace guest passes, as they are valued at up to $16.00 each. Guest passes are printed automatically on the carrier of your membership card.  Please keep your guest passes in a safe place.

California Lilacs Q: How can I add a nanny to my membership?
A: Family level members who wish to add a nanny to their membership have three options:
-- Upgrade your membership to the Family Deluxe level (which allows three adult cardholders) and add your nanny’s name to your record.
-- Substitute the nanny’s name for one of the adult cardholders on the Family level membership
-- Give your guest passes to your nanny to use for one-time entrance.

Q: How can I keep up on Zoo events and news?
A:
As a Zoo member, you will receive ZooMail, our email newsletter, Zooscape, our member newsletter, and Zoo View, our quarterly magazine. Zoo updates and a calendar of events are also available online.

Q: How does the Los Angeles Zoo reciprocal program work?
A: As an L.A. Zoo member, you receive free or discounted admission to more than 170 zoos and aquariums throughout the country. A list of participating institutions is available here. Neither the San Diego Zoo/Safari Park nor the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach participates in our reciprocal admission program. Please be aware that the list is subject to change as zoos sometimes change their participation during the year. Please remember to carry your Los Angeles Zoo membership card with you when you travel to reciprocating zoos.

Q: How do I make reservations for a member tour?
A: Docent-led tours of the Zoo are free for all those covered under your membership category.  Tours are offered three to four times each month and a schedule is listed in Zooscape and on the web calendar.  To reserve your space, please call (323) 644-4244.

Q: When is the best time to visit the Zoo?
A: The Los Angeles Zoo is open every day except Christmas, from 10am to 5pm.  Attendance increases on the weekends and during special events.  During the spring, our school group visits are heaviest during morning hours. The animals tend to be most active during cooler weather.

Q: Is my membership tax deductible?
A: Your contribution, less the fair market value of goods and services received, equals the tax-deductible amount. However, you should consult with tax regulations or your tax advisor to confirm the tax-deductibility of your contribution.

Leopard GeckoQ: What if I want to bring a guest before I receive my guest passes in the mail?
A: Just stop by the Membership Booth to verify your purchase. Our membership windows are open 10am to 5pm.

Q: Can I send my children to the Zoo with their grandparents?
A: Membership cards are non-transferable, so you would need to buy a membership that allows you to add an extra cardholder (Family Deluxe or higher) or give the grandparents your one-time use guest passes. Your children are always covered under your Family membership, so your membership card will cover free admission for them (excluding school group visits). 

Q: If another cardholder on my membership doesn’t come with me, can I take someone else in their place?
A: Yes.  We require that at least one person named on the card be present with a photo I.D. For example, if you and your husband are listed on your Family membership card, you may bring your sister in your husband’s place (but you cannot give your card to your sister to come on her own).  To verify how many people are covered under your membership category, please call (323) 644-4759.

We appreciate your support! Please call (323) 644-4759 (en Español: (323) 644-4244) with any questions regarding your Los Angeles Zoo membership.