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.

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. This way, if you lose your membership card, you know that no one else can use your membership.

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.

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.