San Francisco Zoo & Gardens Reopening FAQs

When will Members get to visit the SF Zoo? Members with valid membership are invited to visit the Zoo starting Monday and Tuesday, July 13 & 14 for “Member Appreciation Days.” Any members deciding to visit must reserve a time online and come at their designated time as part of a new online ticketing process. The general public will not be allowed to visit until July 15 and will also need to observe the online ticketing/timed reservation process.

Am I required to wear a facial covering? Guests must wear a face covering except children under 2 at all times. Covering your face is now mandatory. The San Francisco Zoo is required by the City and County of San Francisco to refuse service to anyone who does not comply.

Is it safe to visit the Zoo? The changes we have put into place ensure the health and safety of our visitors, staff, volunteers, and animals. We have increased our cleaning and disinfecting protocols per CDC Guidelines and put hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the park. New signs highlighting the “rules of the road” on pathways will help maintain social distancing.

How does the online ticketing process work? Everyone, including SF Zoo Members, must now reserve tickets, parking, and an entry time online BEFORE visiting the Zoo. This is meant to limit person-to-person transactions as much as possible.

I’m a member. Do I now have to pay for tickets? No. Members still receive FREE admission, but you will have to reserve them online. (Note: maximum number of tickets is equal to the maximum number allowed by Membership level). Please be prepared to show your Membership card and ID. Limit 1 reservation per day.

Can I purchase tickets on-site? All tickets and Member reservations must be purchased online for specified entrance time, and must be redeemed during that time.

I’m a Member, can I bring additional people with me? For the Member Appreciation Days, please only bring the people who are normally included under your membership level. Additional guests will not be allowed.

For General admission days, feel free to purchase additional tickets for your guests.

I’m a Member, can I still use my single-use admission and parking coupons? Yes! Please make a member reservation for each single-use admission coupon that you will be using. Expiration dates on these coupons will be extended.

Will the Membership Office be open? No. Please renew your membership online before you visit. You will not be able to pick up your will call membership cards.

I don’t have my membership cards, what do I do? Please bring your membership confirmation letter when you come or log into your account and show us your membership details. This can be found here in the upper right hand corner of the screen in the “membership” drop down tab below your name. Feel free to email [email protected] or call (415) 753-7097 for assistance..

What are my dining and shopping options? Take out food service is available but indoor seating is currently closed. The main gift shop will be open but there will be limited capacity. The zoo will currently not be accepting cash – Apple Pay, Google Pay and credit card transactions only.

Can I bring in a cooler with food? Yes, coolers and outdoor food will be allowed in the Zoo. No glass containers or alcohol.

Can I park in the Zoo parking lot? Guests planning to park in the Zoo’s main parking lot are required to purchase a pre-paid parking online ticket prior to their visit. Parking valid day of only. No in and out privileges.

Can I leave the Zoo and come back in? No in and out privileges at this time.

Will it be possible to follow social distancing protocols inside the Zoo? Yes! We have made some changes inside the park to allow all Zoo staff, volunteers, and guests to appropriately social distance. You will see new signs with the “rules of the road” on pathways. Please walk on the right side and pass on the left in a single-file line.

What if I make a reservation and then I’m unable to attend at the date / time I selected? Guests can contact Guest Services at [email protected]. Members please contact [email protected]

I’m a reciprocal member. Do I still get a discount? Yes. We are still offering a 50% off discount on admission to current members of our reciprocal institutions. Please purchase these tickets in advance by calling 415-753-7080. We are not offering this discount online. When you arrive, please be sure to have your valid zoo membership card and another form of identification. Please note, this discount only applies to the named adults and two children under 18 on the membership.

What can I see on my visit? All outdoor animal areas are open. All indoor animal habitats and interactive spaces are closed.

Closed areas include: ● South American Tropical Rainforest ● African Aviary and Aviary ● Dentzel Carousel ● Great Ape Passage Indoor Dayroom ● Little Puffer Steam Train ● California Conservation Corridor ● Elinor Friend Playground ● Insect Zoo ● Sculpture Learning Plaza ● Family Farm

What is the Zoo doing to keep areas clean for guests? In an effort to provide you with a safe and enjoyable zoo experience, our Environmental Services Department have increased their cleaning regimen including disinfecting touch points frequently in areas such as restrooms, viewing windows, park benches, door handles and handrails every hour to two hours.