ZOO CLOSED AUGUST 24TH DUE TO AIR QUALITY AND WEATHER CONCERNS

Unfortunately, due to air quality concerns and potential weather conditions, Oakland Zoo is closed on August 24.

If you are not a member and have unused tickets for August 24th, please email tickets@oaklandzoo.org to have your tickets re-issued for a new date to visit us. Reservation dates are available up to 30 days from today.

Members, simply scroll down to rebook your reservation for a new date.

Please accept our sincere apologies, and thank you for supporting Oakland Zoo.

Oakland Zoo is excited and eager to offer Bay Area families a safe place for outdoor recreation and education. In compliance with the Alameda County Public Health Department—to protect the health and safety of our guests, staff, and animals—we have implemented new safety protocols. Please remember, in order to remain open, the Zoo and our guests must comply with the protocols set by Alameda County Public Health Department. Thank you in advance for following the protocols outlined below.

Advanced Reservations Required to Visit

We are excited to offer Bay Area families a safe place for recreation and education. General admission guests must reserve a ticket for a specific date and entry time in advance of your visit. Members wishing to enter between 10:00 am–2:00 pm must make a reservation. We look forward to your visit!

Did You Have a Reservation During our December-January Closure?

Due to Safety Guidelines, Capacity is Limited

Have Questions?

What to Expect When You Visit

Closures

The Zoo is occasionally closed for holidays, private events, or maintenance or refurbishment. Certain animal habitats, pathways, or attractions may be closed on a given day for maintenance or refurbishment.

Closure Schedule

What to Know

We continue to operate with a daily limited capacity, so reservations may not always be available for your preferred day or time. Find answers to common questions about visiting the Zoo.

FAQ

Health and Safety

Before you make a reservation, please read about our health and safety protocols. It’s our priority to protect the health and safety of our guests, staff, and animals.

Protocols

Oakland Resident Discount

Our Measure Y commitment to Oaklanders includes a 25% admission discount to Oakland city residents, beginning February 8, 2023.

Details & Info

Make Your Reservation Selection Below

Members

Reserve a date and daytime entry time to visit between 10am and 2pm. Capacity is limited. Members can visit after 2pm without a reservation.
Friends of the Wild can visit without reservations.

General Admission for Nonmembers

Reserve a date and daytime entry time, buy regular and discount tickets, and pay for parking online. Capacity is limited.

Are you organizing a field trip to the zoo? Learn more about School and Community Group Reservations.

FAQ

I live in Oakland, do I get a discount?

Yes! Oakland residents, please enjoy a 25% discount on admission, made possible by Measure Y. Thank you for your support!

To receive this discount, use the “Reserve and Buy Tickets” button under General Admission for Nonmembers on our Tickets page and select Oakland Resident Discount Tickets.

At entry, you will need to present both your tickets and verification of your home address. Verification documents need to show your name and an Oakland address; examples include driver’s license, utility bill, other bill, shipping label/packing slip, etc. Additional details and restrictions are listed on the webstore.

There is no Oakland Resident Discount on memberships or special events.

Do you offer teacher discounts?

Yes! Teachers* receive $4 off regular-priced daytime admission tickets to the Zoo, year-round. Teachers from any U.S. region are eligible, and tickets must be reserved online through our website. Just select the “Teacher Discount” button when purchasing your ticket online, and this discount can also be applied to one personal guest per teacher, per visit, during your purchase transaction.

*Teachers of TK-12 students, only. Teachers can be from any U.S. state or region, and must present proof of current employment (e.g., teacher staff ID card, verification from school administrator on official letterhead, recent paystub)

What are "Discount AfterZOOns"?

Splash into summer with Discount AfterZOOns! Take 50% off general admission for 3pm entry, Monday through Thursday this summer season (May 30 – August 31, 2023).

Not valid on 6/19, 7/3, & 7/4. Not valid with any other discount.

Advanced ticket reservations required here.

Do I have to wear a mask at the Zoo?

Masks are strongly recommended in all indoor spaces (including indoor exhibits, the gift shop, restaurants, and restrooms) by all individuals ages 2 and up, regardless of vaccination status. We also recommend wearing a mask outdoors when adequate distancing may not be possible.  Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring a healthy and safe visit for all.

Do I need to bring proof of vaccination to the Zoo?

We do not request physical proof of vaccination status from each guest. Like many other large, outdoor facilities such as public parks and playgrounds, we rely on our guests to follow our posted guidelines and make appropriate choices based on their personal health needs. As we continue capacity restrictions, it is our objective to give all guests the ability to social distance regardless of vaccination status, again offering our guests choice and control of what is best for their individual needs.

My child is not vaccinated, but the rest of our group is. Does he/she still have to wear a mask?

Masks are strongly recommended in all indoor spaces (including indoor exhibits, the gift shop, restaurants, and restrooms) by all individuals ages 2 and up, regardless of vaccination status. We also recommend wearing a mask outdoors when adequate distancing may not be possible.  Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring a healthy and safe visit for all.

I am unvaccinated. Am I still able to visit the Zoo?

We do not request physical proof of vaccination status from each guest. Like many other large, outdoor facilities such as public parks and playgrounds, we rely on our guests to follow our posted guidelines and make appropriate choices based on their personal health needs. As we continue capacity restrictions, it is our objective to give all guests the ability to social distance regardless of vaccination status, again offering our guests choice and control of what is best for their individual needs.

What are the Zoo hours?

Zoo hours change seasonally. For current hours, please visit our Hours and Pricing page.

How do I reserve a ticket online?

You can reserve a ticket on this page. Zoo members still receive free admission but must reserve an online ticket in advance to enter between 10am and 2pm (please have your member number and the last name of the Primary Member ready). From Memorial Day Weekend-Labor Day Weekend, members can enter 9am-10am (Member Early Entry) or after 2pm without a reservation. Please note the last day of Member Early Entry is Monday, September 4th. Friends of the Wild are not required to make advance reservations to visit Oakland Zoo for daytime admission.

  • If you have any questions about your general admission ticket please email info@oaklandzoo.org or call (510) 632-9525. Current office hours are 10am to 4pm daily.
  • Members can email membership@oaklandzoo.org or call (510) 632-9525 x160. Current office hours are Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm.

What is the ticket refund policy? Can I change the date or time of my ticket?

Admission tickets are nonrefundable.

  • If you have reserved member tickets and are unable to use them, please email membership@oaklandzoo.org with your Order Number and a request to cancel. This will allow another member family to make a reservation. You are welcome to make a new reservation to visit the zoo on another date through the member ticket webstore.
  • If you have purchased General Admission tickets, the Zoo may be able to accommodate a one-time ticket transfer to change the date or time of your visit, pending ticket availability. To request a ticket transfer, please email tickets@oaklandzoo.org at least 48 hours (2 days) in advance of your scheduled ticket. Be sure to include your Order Number and three (3) alternate dates & times for your visit.
  • Discounted admission tickets may not be eligible for transfer to another date. Please contact tickets@oaklandzoo.org for more information.

Are Friends of the Wild required to make reservations?

Friends of the Wild or their guests are not required to make reservations to visit the Zoo during regular daytime hours. This exclusive access does not apply to our annual fundraiser, Walk in the Wild, or other ticketed events such as Glowfari or Brunch for the Wild Bunch. Please note, the maximum number of guests that can visit the Zoo per day using your Friends of the Wild membership is four adults and four children.

How do I join Friends of the Wild?

Visit www.oaklandzoo.org/fow to learn more and to join. Annual donations totaling $1,000 or more will allow you to enjoy exclusive Friends of the Wild benefits, such as free transferable daytime admission for any four adults and four children with no reservations required and free parking. Other ways to give can be found at www.oaklandzoo.org/donate.

When will I receive my Friend of the Wild membership card? How do I prove my donor status without my membership card?

Friends of the Wild membership cards are sent digitally and should be received by email from “Oakland Zoo” within 2-3 weeks of making a qualifying donation, depending on how the gift was made. For online donations, you will receive a confirmation email at the time of your gift. This will show that you have donated at the Friends of the Wild level and are therefore entitled to use the benefits immediately. When a donation confirmation or digital card email has not been received, we recommend checking the spam, junk, or promotions folders, as they sometimes get sent there.

My Friends of the Wild donor membership is transferable, do I need to accompany my guests to the Zoo?

As a Friends of the Wild member, with your permission, your guests may visit the Zoo in your absence without showing ID or needing reservations. However, please make sure your guests always bring proof of current Friends of the Wild membership, such as your membership card, a donation confirmation or Friends of the Wild welcome email as proof of current membership. This will allow the entrance staff to verify your membership status and record your guest(s) admission accurately. For all other questions about Friends of the Wild level memberships, please email impact@oaklandzoo.org, or call (510) 746-7158.

How do I share my Friends of the Wild digital membership card?

If you want to share your digital membership card with a guest, you can do so through the virtual wallet app. You may also send a screenshot of your digital card to your guest via text message. They can then present the picture with QR code to the cashier for entry. We kindly request that Friends of the Wild keep track of who is using their membership and when, since free daytime admission is limited to any four adults and four children per day. More helpful tips on digital cards, including how to share, can be found here.

I have tickets and am running late, will we be able to get in?

Tickets have a 30 minute window for entry. For example, if you have a 2pm ticket, you are welcome to enter the Zoo anytime between 2:00pm and 2:30pm.

I lost something during my visit to the Zoo, how do I report a lost item?

Please fill out this form to submit details and a description of your lost item to Lost and Found Services.

How many tickets can I purchase or reserve at one time?

Members may reserve the number of adult/child tickets that corresponds to their membership level. For General Admission tickets, you can reserve up to 30 tickets in a single webstore order. If you are planning a trip to the zoo for a school or non-profit organization with 12 or more participants, consider making a group reservation to receive a discount.

How far in advance can I purchase or reserve a ticket?

Attendance is currently limited, so please be aware that you may not be able to secure your first choice of date and time. Daytime admission tickets go on sale 28 days (four weeks) in advance on a rolling basis.

Do you offer military or veteran discounts?

Yes! In honor of their service, Oakland Zoo is pleased to offer active-duty military personnel, spouses of active-duty military personnel, and veterans a discount on daytime admission.  

To receive this discount, use the “Reserve and Buy Tickets” button under General Admission for Nonmembers on our Tickets page and select Military & Veteran Discount Tickets. Proof of active duty or veteran status required at entry, see the webstore for additional details and restrictions.

There is no Military/Veteran discount on memberships or special events.

I'm organizing a field trip to the zoo - can we get a discount?

Discount admission is available for qualifying groups of 12 or more individuals when a reservation is made at least 2 weeks in advance. Restrictions apply. Visit our School and Community Group Reservations page from more details.

Can I upgrade from single day admission tickets to a membership?

Yes. If you are planning to visit the Zoo on a specific date, we recommend purchasing General Admission tickets, then upgrading to a membership during your visit. Be sure to visit the Main Entrance Membership windows before closing (see Zoo hours) to request your upgrade. If you visited the zoo within the last 7 days and did not upgrade during your visit, please use this form to submit your upgrade request. Terms & conditions apply.

If you are a current member and would like to upgrade to a higher membership level, please email membership@oaklandzoo.org  with the details of your request.

I made a reservation for timed tickets, but didn’t receive a confirmation email. How do I get my tickets?

A confirmation email with tickets attached is sent automatically when a reservation is completed online. Some email providers will filter the confirmation into a spam or junk folder. Please search for an email from oaklandzoo@oaklandzoo.org.

If your search does not work, please send a request to resend your tickets to tickets@oaklandzoo.org. Be sure to provide your name, Order Number, and the date and time of your purchase. These details will help us find your reservation.

What is my membership number? I’m getting a Pass Validation error – what do I do?

Your membership number is 12 digits long and starts with 501. You can find this number on the following:

  • Your membership card above your name
  • Underneath the bar code on the Temporary Pass PDF that is attached to online confirmation emails
  • On the reply form of renewals sent by mail, or on any renewal email

A Pass Validation error means the number entered is not found in our database. If you’ve been using copy/paste to enter your membership number, try typing the 12 digit number instead.

Some members have found that copy/paste is adding a space at the end of the 12 digits, which causes the error. If manually typing the number doesn’t work or you do not have a 12 digit number starting with 501, please contact the Membership Department to confirm your membership number (membership@oaklandzoo.org or 510-632-9525 x160.)

When will I receive my membership cards? How do I prove my membership without my card?

For Individual – Family Deluxe level memberships, digital cards are typically distributed 2-4 weeks after purchase. This digital card will be sent via email for your smartphone wallet.

In the meantime, you can use a Temporary Pass PDF from an online confirmation email or a copy of any email from membership@oaklandzoo.org that includes your membership details to verify your membership status at entry.

Can I extend or get a refund on my membership?

Our commitment is to provide members with twelve months of benefits, which includes year-round access to the Zoo.

For Individual – Family Deluxe level members, we are providing generous membership extensions as a reflection of our gratitude for our members’ loyalty. These extensions were processed automatically for all memberships expiring December 31, 2020 or later. Our standing policy is that memberships are non-transferable and non-refundable.

The Zoo closed due to weather on the day I had reserved tickets. What do I do?

In the event the Zoo closes due to weather, you will receive an email advising you of the closure. You do not need to contact us to cancel or refund your reservation(s). We will automatically process a refund to your original form of payment. If you would like reschedule, please visit our website to make a new reservation (subject to availability).

I have a guest pass. Can I redeem it?

If you received a guest pass after August 1, 2021 please follow the instructions printed on the pass to redeem. If you received a pass before July 30, 2021, please contact tickets@oaklandzoo.org to see if you guest pass is eligible for redemption.

I purchased a ticket with Groupon. Can I redeem it?

Please contact tickets@oaklandzoo.org for more information on how to utilize your Groupon.

I have a Zoo to Community family voucher that expired. Can I redeem it?

Please contact tickets@oaklandzoo.org for more information on how to utilize your Zoo to Community family voucher.

I am a member at another zoo/aquarium, can I get 50% off admission tickets?

Yes! Oakland Zoo participates in the AZA reciprocal membership program, giving 50% off daytime admission to members of partner organizations including San Francisco Zoo, Happy Hollow Zoo, CuriOdessey, and Lindsay Wildlife Experience. For a full list of partners, please see our Reciprocity List.

To receive the discount, use the “Reserve and Buy Tickets” button under General Admission for Nonmembers on our Tickets page and select Reciprocal Member Tickets. Proof of active membership at your home zoo/aquarium required at entry, see the webstore for additional details and restrictions.

There are no reciprocal benefits for Oakland Zoo memberships or special events.

What is happening with educational programming (Zoo Camp, school trips, etc.)?

Some of our in-person Educational programs have returned, while others are currently virtual. Explore our Education webpages to learn more about specific programs.

For school field trip reservations please click here.

What is happening with overnight experiences?

We are not offering overnight experiences right now; please check this webpage for updates.