YES, the Zoo is open all year long! And you can have a wonderful time exploring our "wild" winter wonderland with half-priced admission throughout January and February.

Make the most of your visit with these tips and answers to frequently asked questions...

Is the Zoo open during the winter, and what are the hours?
Yes, the Zoo is open year 'round. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, with last admission at 3:30 p.m.
Find out more about hours, admission rates & directions >

Are there special winter admission rates?
Yes. Admission is half-price throughout January and February - $7.50/adults, $4.95/children (ages 3 - 12), $6.50/seniors (ages 62+). Zoo members and children under 3 are always free.

Which animals am I likely to see in cold weather?
While you'll always see some animals on each trip to the Zoo, which ones may change depending on weather conditions. Our animal care team follows guidelines for each species pertaining to temperature, icing conditions and wind chill, and adjusts their environment accordingly.

This means that certain cold-hardy animals will almost always be on exhibit, while other animals will be allowed to choose whether they'd like to be outdoors or stay in their indoor space (which may or may not be viewable by the public, depending on the exhibit). Animals that are particularly sensitive to the cold may be kept off-exhibit in their indoor space whenever the temperature or other conditions require it.

Many other animals may be outdoors and on exhibit depending on the weather conditions, particularly on milder winter days when the temperature is above freezing.  Refer to the list at the left for animals that are often visible during the winter.

Where can I go to warm up while visiting the Zoo, and are there any hot food concessions?
There are a number of heated exhibit buildings to visit throughout the Zoo, including the Textron Elephant & Giraffe Pavilion, the Tropical America building (a great rainforest retreat on a gray winter day!), and the Australasia building.

And you can also enjoy the hearty winter menu in the Wilderness Cafe or pick up a warm sweatshirt from our Discover the Wild Giftshop, both located in the Plaza in the upper Zoo.

Are there any special events or programs planned for the winter months?
Yes. In addition to our half-price admission through February, see our calendar of events starting in late 2012 for details about upcoming events and fun education programs that run throughout the winter (pre-registration is required).