Frequently Asked Questions

Admission & Tickets:

 

• Do I have to buy tickets online?

  •   Tickets can be purchased at the door. Online purchase is not mandatory.

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• I got an email about mailed tickets after purchasing online. Do I wait for them? 

  •   No. This email is a technical glitch. Tickets are instantly available at the front desk once your online purchase is finalized. We don’t actually mail tickets.

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• Do you offer a first responder discount?

  •   Yes. It extends to military, police, fire, ambulance, medical, and security staff.

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Visiting Tips:

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• What's the best time to visit?

  •   Within the first 30 minutes of opening, you can see staff attending to animals. Some find it intriguing, but it might reduce tour availability. Visit later if you prioritize learning from every ambassador.

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• When are animal feedings? 

  •   Our Argentine tegu, Max, feeds around noon every Friday and Sunday. Snaky, our ball python, feeds on the first Saturday of each month around noon.

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Facilities & Services:

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• Is the zoo closed on public holidays?  

  •   Yes.

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• Can visitors feed or pet the animals?

  •   No feeding is allowed. However, you can pet and hold several animal ambassadors. Check our exhibits page for specifics.

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• Are service animals allowed?

  •   No service animals are permitted inside the zoo. Some of our animals are unfamiliar with and afraid of them.

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• Do you offer behind-the-scenes tours or private animal encounters? 

  •   Not currently.

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• Do you host birthday parties or private events? 

  •   Not at the moment.

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• When are the live animal shows?

  •   Animal interactions and handlings happen throughout the day.

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• Do you serve food and drinks?  

  •   No, not at this time.

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• Do you provide lockers or storage?  

  •   No, but we offer counter space at the entrance for personal belongings. Remember to collect them when leaving!

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• Are wheelchairs or strollers available for rent?  

  •   Not currently.

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• Are there benches throughout the zoo?  

  •   Not at this moment.

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Policies:

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• Can I take pictures?  

  •   Absolutely!

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• Can I bring outside food or drinks?  

  •   Yes, but it's not recommended.

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• What's the smoking/vaping policy?

  •   Vaping and smoking are strictly prohibited.

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Conservation & Education:

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• How does the zoo contribute to conservation?

  •   Our mission emphasizes conservation through education. We aim to overcome fear towards local species and shed light on habitat destruction. We're also breeding several species and plan to reintroduce them to their native habitats.

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• Do you offer educational programs for groups or schools?  

  •   Not currently, but groups and schools are welcome to visit.

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• Can I adopt or sponsor an animal?

  •   Yes. For sponsorships, email mdaily@zoologyzoos.com.

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• Are you AZA-accredited or seeking such accreditation?

  •   No. Our focus is on collaborations with the DNR and local wildlife rehab. AZA accreditation would limit our operations in this regard.

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Events & Special Programs:

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• Do you have any special events or night-time programs?

  •   Check our events page for current and upcoming events and programs.

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• Can birthdays be celebrated at the zoo?  

  •   Birthday visits are welcome, but we currently lack dedicated birthday spaces. We plan to offer this in the future.

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Accessibility:

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• Is the zoo disability-friendly?

  •   We're wheelchair accessible and provide tactile experiences for those with visual impairments. However, our current setting might not be ideal for those with hearing impairments or sensory sensitivities. Our staff strives to cater to all needs to the best of our capabilities.

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• Do you have accessible parking and restrooms?

  •   Yes, ample parking and accessible restrooms are available.

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General:

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• Can I volunteer at the zoo? 

  •   Not currently.

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• How do you ensure animal well-being? 

  •   We partner with the Animal Clinic in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Animals undergo twice daily health checks, and we have a quarantine room for any sick animals.

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• What if I lost an item during my visit?

  •   We clean public areas daily. Any found items are kept on site for 30 days. Contact our front counter for inquiries. You can call during business hours to inquiry about lost property.