MAKe THE most of your membership
Thank you for being a Sacramento Zoo member! Access more resources below to make the most of your membership.
NOTE: Due to the zoo’s temporary closure in the spring of 2020, we have extended expiration dates all memberships that were active during the time to cover the closure period.
The Member & Visitor Services staff are here and happy to assist you; contact us at 916-808-5888 or info@saczoo.org.
how to visit
Due to COVID-19 precautions, we have instituted enhanced protocols and procedures that strictly limit capacity. This requires everyone to reserve the day and time of their visit online prior to visiting the zoo.
Before you can reserve your timed entry admission tickets you must have a login and password for the zoo’s website. Completing the process below in advance of reserving tickets will ensure a smooth process.
Step 1: Register for our website (if you have already registered for our website you can skip to step two).
Step 2: Check to make sure that your website registration is linked to your zoo membership.
Step 1: Register for our website: www.saczoo.org/register
- To make sure your website registration links to your zoo membership, you need the following information as it appears on your membership card: your name, address, phone number, and email. (Note that each named member may create their own login with their own email address so that they may log in independently of one another.)
- You will know that you have registered successfully when you receive a confirmation email
Step 2: Test your website registration: www.saczoo.org/membertest
- You need to test your website registration to make sure that it links to your zoo membership and that your membership is active.
- Make sure you are logged in to the website
If you can add an attendee to your shopping cart for this test event, great, you are all set! Please do not click “add to cart”. It is not necessary to go through with this registration. It seems simple but if you are logged in and have the ability to add an attendee to this membership test then this really is the final step in the process.
Need assistance with this process? Call 916-808-5888 during regular business hours.
Once this process is complete, go the the Plan Your Visit page and scroll down to the orange “Buy Tickets” button to reserve your tickets for any open time slot.
Reciprocal Zoos
Your membership includes discounted admission to over 150 AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums across the United States and Canada. Be sure to contact them before your visit for details and restrictions.
View the list of reciprocal Zoos
Current Newsletter
The Maagizo is a quarterly newsletter for Sacramento Zoo members and supporters. Check out unique cover stories and recurring columns such as the Director’s Den, Animal Chatter or Ask the Vet!
Fall 2019 Summer 2019 Spring 2018 Summer 2017
Membership FAQ’s
Are you a current member and have more questions? Below are answers to some of the most popular zoo member questions.
Have a question that’s not answered here? Email the Member & Visitor Services Office or call 916-808-5888.
How long does it take to receive my card?
If you purchase or renew your membership at the Member & Visitor Services Office, you will receive your membership cards that day! If you purchase your membership at the Member Entrance, over the phone, or online, your cards will be available for pick up at the Member & Visitor Services Office on your next visit. Your membership begins at time of purchase, not when the cards are picked up.
You may also download a digital version of your card to your smartphone; please see the FAQs for Digital Cards section below for more information.
Will I need to show my photo ID to get into the zoo?
Yes, you will be asked to show a photo ID that matches the name on your card every time you visit the zoo.
Why am I asked to show my ID along with my membership card?
The safety of our members is very important to us, and we want to ensure that no one else is using your membership card.
What do I do if I lose my membership card?
A replacement membership card may be purchased for $5 at the Member & Visitor Services Office or over the phone at 916-808-5888. You may also download a digital version of your card to your smartphone; please see the FAQs for Digital Cards section below for more information.
If my card is lost/stolen, can I still come to the zoo?
Yes! We can look up your membership status using only your photo ID however you will not receive your Zoofari Market and Kampala Cafe discounts without your card.
I have a membership that allows for guests. Can a guest use my membership without me?
No. One of the members whose name is on the membership card must be present with their photo ID in order to use the membership.
If I don’t list a second adult, does that count as a guest?
If your level of membership allows guests, you can bring a guest regardless of whether a second name is listed on your card or not. If there is a second name on your card, that person can use the card in your absence.
Can my childcare provider/parent use my membership to bring my children to the zoo?
No, they cannot. However, we do have an optional add-on category that allows one named adult to be added to your membership in order to escort your children to the zoo. Call the Member & Visitor Services Office at 916-808-5888 or visit the Membership page for more information.
Can I upgrade my membership?
Yes!* You can upgrade your membership to a higher level any time during the course of your membership. Best of all, you only have to pay the difference!
*Membership upgrades will not change your expiration date.
Can I change the names on my cards or transfer my membership to someone else?
Yes, for a nominal fee. Call the Member & Visitor Services Office at 916-808-5888 for details.
Who can use my membership card?
Only the individuals named on the membership card may use the benefits and a corresponding photo ID must be presented at the time of admission.
How many people can I get into the zoo with my membership card?
The number of individuals admitted per visit is determined by the membership category. You may have received two identical cards at the time of purchase; this extra card is for your convenience and does not admit additional guests. If you would like to bring more people than your membership category covers, you may pay the regular daily admission rate OR purchase an Add-a-Guest or Add-a-Kid card.
Does my membership allow me to get into ticketed zoo events for free?
No, but members receive a discount on many of our events if the ticket is purchased during the “early bird” discount window. Call 916-808-5888 or email the Member & Visitor Services Office if you have questions about a specific event.
Is my membership tax deductible?
Membership is tax deductible less the fair market value of items received, whether used or not. The fair market value of benefits received is not substantial for the Member PLUS Pack level and below. Please email the Member & Visitor Services Office or call 916-808-5888 if you have questions regarding the fair market value of benefits received at the Zoo Builder level and above.
Is my membership refundable?
The Sacramento Zoo is a non-profit organization that relies heavily on membership dues to feed and care for the amazing animals at the zoo. Memberships are considered non-refundable tax-deductible donation. Thank you for your support!
What are digital membership cards?
Beginning in 2018, the Sacramento Zoo began offering digital membership cards which can be saved to your smartphone. Digital cards mean you never have to worry about forgetting your membership card, in addition to being more environmentally friendly and helping to reduce administrative costs. When you buy a new membership or renew, you will receive an email through our partners at Cuseum to download your cards directly to your smartphone.
How do I add the membership card to my iPhone?
When you click “download,” the card will automatically go to your iPhone’s Apple Wallet. It can be accessed in Wallet at any time.
How do I add the membership card to my Android phone?
Android users need to download Wallet Passes from Google Play. After you have the app, click “download” in the membership email, and the card will automatically go to Wallet Passes, where it can be accessed at any time.
I’d prefer not to use this digital membership card, what should I do?
Simply stop by the Member & Visitor Services Office on your next zoo visit to request a physical card.
I don’t have a mobile phone, what can I do?
Simply stop by the Member & Visitor Services Office on your next zoo visit to request a free copy of your physical card.
I have a question about my membership benefits.
Visit the Member Benefits page or Email or call the Member & Visitor Services Office at 916-808-5888.
My name is spelled wrong/membership level is incorrect.
Email or call the Member & Visitor Services Office at 916-808-5888 and we would be happy to make the correction.
There are two adult names on my membership, how can the second person receive the card?
Navigate to the back of the card and use the “Share Pass” button to send the card to your secondary member. As always, we will request a corresponding photo ID upon entry to ensure that only named members are using your digital card.
I have a KidKeeper add-on to my membership. Can they get a digital card too?
Unfortunately, we cannot generate digital cards for add-on categories at this time. Simply have your KidKeeper stop by the Member & Visitor Services Office on their next zoo visit to request a physical card
I downloaded my card but I can’t find it
If you have an iPhone, the card will automatically download to Apple Wallet. Check the app for your new card (scroll through any cards that are already there–it may be hiding!). If you have an Android, you’ll need to download Wallet Passes from the Play Store prior to downloading the card.
Will I still need to show my Photo ID with my digital card?
Yes. The safety of our members is very important to us, and we want to ensure that no one else is using your membership benefits.
I bought a gift of membership for someone; will they receive an email to download their card?
No, gift recipients will not receive an email to download their card automatically. We wouldn’t want to ruin any surprises!
