FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

For the safety of animals and other Zoo guests, bicycles, skateboards, roller-blades, and skates are not allowed inside the Zoo. Glass, balloons and confetti are also restricted. Strollers, electric carts and wagons are prohibited in certain areas of the Zoo.

John Ball Zoo is a tobacco-free Zoo.  The Zoo does not permit smoking, chewing or any other use of tobacco products including e-cigarettes on Zoo property.

For the safety of your animal as well as the Zoo residents, pets are not permitted in the Zoo. We welcome trained service animals (such as dogs and miniature horses) needed for a physical disability.

For additional details, please inquire at the admissions booth. Visit the Hours/Admission tab on the website for more information.

 

John Ball Zoo strives to keep our admission costs low in order for families to visit multiple times. At this time there are no discounts for our admission. However, we do offer discounts for:
– College students with a valid student identification
– Seniors
– United States Military Personnel and their spouse with a valid military identification present

Group discounts are offered to groups of 25 or more with advanced reservations. Please refer to the Hours/ Admission tab of our website and view the information under rates.

For health and safety reasons, and to maintain a family-friendly atmosphere, the John Ball Zoo maintains the following dress code:

– Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times.
– Provocative or revealing clothing and clothing that is generally considered offensive are prohibited.
– Disguises, costumes, or articles of clothing that conceals a person’s identity are prohibited.
– The John Ball Zoo reserves the right to deny or revoke admission to anyone who fails to comply with this dress code at the sole discretion of zoo management. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact a staff member or visit the Guest Services Building. This policy will not be implemented in such a way as to discriminate against a guest based upon any known protected characteristic.

Yes, visitors may bring food into the Zoo.

Glass containers and alcohol are NOT allowed. There are no grills inside the Zoo. Remember that all of the Zoo’s animals are wild and are on special diets. Help keep the animals healthy by keeping snacks for yourself. There are many naturally
roaming animals such as geese, ducks, and squirrels. Chasing and feeding these animals encourages unwanted behavior, so please allow them to pass uninterrupted.

There are supervised paid opportunities to feed the budgies.

Additional paid opportunities include zip line, ropes course, camel rides, budgie feed stick (budgie exhibit entry is free), concession items, and gift shop purchases. Please visit the experiences tab on our website for more experience requirement information. Ride tickets are non-refundable and must be used on the date of purchase.

Animals tend to be most active and visitor attendance tends to be lowest early in the morning and just prior to closing.  School group visits are popular each weekday morning March through May as well as during September. This is a great time to visit if you enjoy the excitement and energy of youngsters exploring their Zoo.

We suggest you allow yourself two to three hours to see most of the Zoo. Even better, visit often and explore one part of the Zoo in depth during each visit.

There may be times when certain animals will be off display or an exhibit may be closed. Please inquire with the admission staff if you have a question about the availability of a specific animal at the beginning of your visit.

Wheelchairs are available free of charge, on a first-come, first-served basis. A limited number of electric scooters are available for rent. Strollers and wagons are available to rent. Please be aware that John Ball Zoo is designed to take advantage of our
naturally hilly terrain. There are inclines in the Zoo. Strollers, electric carts, and wagons are prohibited in certain areas of the Zoo. For additional details, please inquire at the admissions booth. Visit the Hours/Admission tab on the website for more information.

No, we currently do not have lockers or any storage for public use. Guests are responsible for the safety of personal belongings brought into the Zoo.

Keep an eye out for volunteers, who are dressed in khaki pants and red shirts. They often have “touch stations” and other things to look at and are always happy to share interesting information about the animals. Consider becoming a volunteer, and share your own interest with others!

Yes, programs are provided for groups with advanced reservations. Visit the Education page for more information.

Please feel free to e-mail or call us. We care about your visit being as comfortable, educational, and enjoyable as possible. You can find a list of email addresses and phone numbers on our directory page.