Potter Park Zoo is open!
We’ve missed you! When guests arrive, the zoo experience will look a little different than before. Our commitment to the safety of our guests, staff, and animals has never been stronger. Zoo staff have invested time to create and implement a plan that sets a new standard for safety and sanitation protocols that follow the Center for Disease Control and State guidelines, as well as the recommendations of the Ingham County Health Department.
We will be limiting how many guests can visit the zoo at one time. Timed entry tickets (reserved online before your visit) will be used to space our guest’s arrival times. This will allow ample room for household groups to social distance while exploring the zoo at their own pace.
Click button to purchase tickets online!
*Members & Ingham County Residents must login prior to making selections to receive discounted rates.
Tickets are available 14 days in advance.
Masks are Required for Entry
Michigan Executive Order 2020-147 states that masks are required in indoor public spaces and when outdoors and unable to consistently maintain a distance of six feet or more from individuals who are not members of their household.
Masks are required to enter the zoo, when indoors, and when within six feet of anyone outside of your household. Mobility devices and stroller rentals, as well as membership sales are located in an indoor area where masks are required. If you do not bring your mask with you, you will be asked to purchase one at admissions. Thank you for helping to keep the zoo a safe place for everyone!
Should I visit the zoo?.
Please stay home if you have any of these symptoms or feel sick:
If you feel sick before your scheduled reservation, we ask that you not visit the zoo. If you begin feeling sick while at the zoo, reach out to our staff so that someone from the on-site team may assist you
The changes we have put in place are meant to create the safest possible environment for everyone at the zoo including our visitors, staff, volunteers and the animals in our care. We ask that everyone follow social distancing protocols and other posted guidelines throughout the zoo, as well as respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene.
What to Know Before Your Zoo Adventure
Purchase Timed-Entry Tickets Online
All visitors (even those under two) are encouraged to purchase a timed-entry ticket online before arriving at the zoo. This is to help limit the number of people in the zoo and to promote social distancing. Members will still be free, but need to reserve an arrival time online before your arrival.*
Guests can purchase their tickets at the gate without reserving an arrival time, but we cannot guarantee admittance at the time of your arrival due to capacity limits. You may have to wait for the next available time window if the zoo is at maximum capacity when you arrive. Entry times will be 30-minute windows. For example, if you reserve a ticket for noon you will be able to enter the zoo from 12-12:30 p.m. Once you’re here, you are welcome to stay as long as you would like.
*Members will still need to show their membership card at the admissions gate along with their reserved arrival time.
*We will accept reciprocal zoo members at the gate only, where we ask you to bring your membership card to get your discount. Online ticket sales are not available for reciprocal zoo members. If the zoo is at full capacity, you may have to wait for the next available time slot.
Click button to purchase tickets online!
*Members & Ingham County Residents must login prior to making selections to receive discounted rates.
Tickets are available 14 days in advance.
Masks Required to be Worn When Within Six Feet of Others
Every guest who enters the zoo is expected to support the shared responsibility of keeping themselves, other guests, zoo staff, and animals safe by social distancing and wearing a mask when closer than six feet to individuals outside of their household and in all indoor spaces if over five years of age and medically able (all children older than two are strongly encouraged to wear a mask). Disposable masks will be available for purchase at the admission gates for 50 cents each.
- We have installed social distancing guidelines throughout the zoo. In the event you find yourself closer than six feet to an animal or an individual outside of your household, we are requiring guests to wear masks. Thank you for helping us protect our guests, staff, and animals by wearing a mask!
- You do not have to wear a mask if you have a medical condition that prevents you from doing so or are under the age of five (all children older than two are strongly encouraged to wear a mask).
- We are following the Center for Disease Control and state guidelines as well as the recommendations of the Ingham County Health Department.
- Masks are required to enter the zoo, when indoors, and when within six feet of anyone outside of your household. Mobility devices and stroller rentals, as well as membership sales are located in an indoor area where masks are required. If you do not bring your mask with you, you will be asked to purchase one at admissions. Thank you for helping to keep the zoo a safe place for everyone!
Wash Hands and Use Hand Sanitizer Frequently
We have placed many new hand sanitizer stations throughout the zoo.
Social Distance
Signs and paw prints have been placed throughout the zoo to guide guests in proper social distance. Please be patient at viewing areas and if all marked spaces are occupied, wait until a household exits the viewing area to take their place.
Avoid Touching Surfaces Throughout the Zoo
Zoo staff will be regularly sanitizing touch points throughout the zoo, but we recommend limiting or avoiding contact with any surface.
Indoor Areas Closed
Indoor viewing areas such as the Bird and Reptile House and Feline Primate House will be closed. The snow leopard, tiger, lion, and spider monkeys will be visible in their outdoor habitats. The quiet room and nursing room located in the Discovery Center will be available by request. Please call 517-230-3790 to request use. The room will be disinfected between each use.
Restrooms will be open and sanitized regularly with doors propped open for increased air flow. Restrooms are an indoor space where masks are expected to be worn.
No Outside Food and Drink
Please do not bring outside food and drink into the zoo (refillable water bottles are highly encouraged). We’re reducing gathering and touch points throughout the zoo, which includes picnic areas. Thank you for helping us keep our guests and staff safe!
The AniMall gift shop and Dippin’ Dots Kiosk is now open! The AniMall has prepackaged snacks available, and the Dippin’ Dots kiosk has a variety of beverages for purchase.
Refillable Water Bottles Encouraged!
The zoo team has installed 3 water bottle refilling stations throughout the zoo. Please bring a water bottle and stay hydrated!
Have more questions? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information!
