Tips For Your Visit
Planning your visit to the Amarillo Zoo ahead of time can make it easier to create wonderful memories! View the FAQs below to help you plan your visit and answer any questions you may have. Don't see the answer you're looking for? Contact us!
Take Your Family on a Safari
- Bring binoculars so your child can "go on safari." Binoculars can make it easier to spot animals in some of the Zoo's larger exhibits, such as the bison or black bear.
- On your drive to the Zoo, discuss trips to the Zoo when you were a child or what your favorite animal was when you were growing up.
- Use one of the Scavenger Hunts on our website to stimulate your child's interest in the Zoo.
- Stop by one of the Zoofari Carts to see and touch cool things like feathers, fur, skulls and other biofacts. Zoofari carts are staffed by volunteers and are usually set up on weekends or school vacations.
- Make a game of stopping at every exhibit to spot the animals; they can often be secretive or will lay in the shade. Let your little explorer find each animal, with hints from you. Read the signs to your child so they'll know more about each fascinating species.
- After your trip, visit your local library to borrow books on animals that piqued your child's interest.
Laws of the Jungle
- Zoo animals are wild. Please stay on the paths, observe posted signs, and do no reach into or climb on exhibits.
- Please do not throw things at the animals. Even simple objects can be hazardous if swallowed.
- Please do not feed the animals. They are on specially enriched diets prescribed by our professional zoo staff.
- Making loud noises may startle the animals. Observing quietly will allow you to see more natural behaviors.
- Please do not pick flowers or plants, climb trees, or walk through the flowerbeds.
- For health and safety reasons, footwear must be worn at all times.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there an admission fee?
- Can I get there by bus?
- What kinds of animals do you have at the Zoo?
- When is the best time to see my favorite animals?
- Do you have a lost and found?
- Do you have a gift shop?
- Can I bring food into the zoo?
- Do you allow pets into the zoo?
- How can I make a donation?
- Can I volunteer at the zoo?
- Can I hold an event at the zoo?
- Who owns the zoo?
- How big is the zoo? How long does it take to explore the zoo?
- Can I host a birthday party at the zoo?
- Are there any job openings at the zoo?
- Do groups need to make reservations?
- When is the zoo's busiest time?
- Is there a charge for parking a bus?
- How do we schedule an education program?
- Are lockers available?
- Can I get a refund for rain or bad weather?
Answers
- Is there an admission fee?
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Yes, a modest fee is charged to help the Zoo grow and expand.
$4 Adult (13-61)
$3 Senior (62 & up)
$2 Child (3-12)
Under 2 is free
Mondays are free admission
- Can I get there by bus?
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Amarillo RTA has a route that drops pff at Thompson Park within walking distance of the Zoo entrance. As bus schedules are subject to vary and change based on your day of travel, please contact Amarillo RTA at 806-378-3095 to get the most up-to-date routes and bus schedules to the Amarillo Zoo. You may also visit the Amarillo Transit website
- What kinds of animals do you have at the Zoo?
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Check out our Animal Attractions page for more information on the fascinating animals that can be found at the Amarillo Zoo.
- When is the best time to see my favorite animals?
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Visitors who come to the Amarillo Zoo in the early morning are in for some delightful surprises! In the cool of the morning, most of the animals on exhibit are at their peak activity level: playing, catching the wind for the scent of other nearby animals, stretching and prowling.
As the day warms up, some of the animals like the lions will find a cozy spot to stretch out for an afternoon nap.
It is recommended that you allow 1-2 hours to see the Zoo and participate in some of the daily activities.
- Do you have a lost and found?
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yes. The zoo receives many lost items every week. If you lost an item at the zoo, call to report the item, the date you lost it, and your telephone number. A zoo staff member will call you back if the item is found. After one month, unclaimed items are donated to Goodwill.
- Do you have a gift shop?
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We don't have a gift shop but we do have a gift cart that is set up on weekends March-October and during special events like Boo at the Zoo and Zoo Lights.
When open, the gift cart is located near the exit gate.
- Can I bring food into the zoo?
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No, you cannot bring outside food and drinks into the zoo. It is preferred that you support zoo concessions whenever possible. Public grilling is not allowed on zoo grounds. Always clean up after yourself or your group.
Many grassy areas can be found outside the zoo's main entrance. This is a good option for families or school groups wishing to picnic before or after a zoo visit.
- Do you allow pets into the zoo?
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No. For the health and safety of all the zoo's animals, the zoo does not allow any outside animals into the zoo, with the exception of certified service animals.
- How can I make a donation?
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You can make contributions at any time. You may also leave a gift in the donation box located near the front entrance of the zoo whenever you visit. You may call the zoo at 806-381-7911 to make a donation or if you have questions about giving a gift to the zoo. Learn more ways to support the zoo.
- Can I volunteer at the zoo?
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Yes! Give the gift of your time for special events, grounds assistance, and visitor services. More Information
- Can I hold an event at the zoo?
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Some events are possible such as company picnics. Please call us for details 806-381-5605.
- Who owns the zoo?
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The zoo is owned and operated by the City of Amarillo.
- How big is the zoo? How long does it take to explore the zoo?
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The Amarillo Zoo is approximately 15 acres. On average, you can expect to spend about an hour and a half enjoying the zoo.
- Can I host a birthday party at the zoo?
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Yes. The zoo has a variety of birthday party packages available. Birthdays can be booked from April-October. For more information call 806-381-5605 or visit our Birthday Party page.
- Are there any job openings at the zoo?
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You can visit our Employment page to check for current openings. The Amarillo Zoo is an agency of the City of Amarillo, so please visit the City of Amarillo's employment website to view job descriptions and apply for postings.
- Do groups need to make reservations?
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School groups are required to fill out a Field Trip Reservation Form. If your group would like an classroom program to accompany your zoo visit you must call the Education Department at 806-381-5605. Visit our Education Page for more information on field trips, ZooSchool, and ZooMobile.
- When is the zoo's busiest time?
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During May, the Zoo frequently has more than 10 school buses arriving at the zoo daily. Groups are also welcome to visit the zoo in the month of May, but be advised that zoo facilities, such as restrooms and picnic areas, will be very crowded.
- Is there a charge for parking a bus?
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There is no charge for bus parking, but parking is very limited. We ask that buses do not block entrances or gates. There is bus parking east of the Zoo’s main entrance.
- How do we schedule an education program?
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Contact the zoo at 806-381-5605. There is a fee for educational programs. Click here to learn more about our education programs.
- Are lockers available?
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Sorry, not at this time.
- Can I get a refund for rain or bad weather?
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We are a rain or shine facility. Rain checks and refunds will not be granted
