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Frequently Asked Questions for Toledo Zoo Memberships

Q:  How can I join the Zoo?
A:  You can join the Zoo through any of the following methods:

  • Call 419-385-5721, ext. 3081;
  • Sign up or renew online by clicking here.
  • Visit the Membership Sales window located in the Anthony Wayne Trail Entry Complex.

Q:  How long is my membership valid?
A:  Memberships are valid for one year. They begin on the day of purchase and end the following year at the end of the month of purchase.  For example, if you purchase a membership on 11/15/09 it would be valid until 12/01/10. It would still be honored on 12/01/10.

Q:  Can my babysitter/nanny/caregiver bring my children to the Zoo?
A:  Yes. Simply send your caregiver with your membership card and a note granting permission to use your card to bring your children to the Zoo.
Please not that only one caregiver is granted free admission and only your children.

Q:  Can I give my membership to someone else to use?
A:  No. Zoo Memberships are non-transferable and non-refundable. A second form of identification is requested at the admission gate when presenting your membership card.

Q:  If a mother and adult daughter with children living in the same household want to purchase a membership, what category should they purchase?
A:  A Family Membership would need to be purchased. A Senior Grandparent membership could not be purchased because this category requires the grandparent always to be present to use the membership.

Q:  Can my children under the age of 21 use my membership card without me being present?
A:  Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Children age 13 to 21 years old living at your home may use the membership card but must have a note from a parent giving them permission. Children cannot bring other guests outside of the family for free admission unless you have a Supporting Family, Contributor or President's Circle membership.

Q:  Does my Family Membership allow guests?
A:  No.  A Family Membership admits two adults, children under the age of 21 living at home, and your grandchildren under the age of 21. One of the cardholders must be present for the card to be used. If one spouse does not visit, another person may be admitted in their place.

Q:  Can I use my membership at other zoos and aquariums?
A:  Yes, you may use your Toledo Zoo membership at over 125 other zoos and aquariums for free or discounted admission.  Click here for the list of reciprocal zoos.  We strongly recommend calling the other institution in advance as each zoo or aquarium has its own admission policy.

Q:  What if I want to visit another zoo and I do not have my membership card?
A:  If you would like to visit another zoo and you do not have your membership card, you will need to contact The Toledo Zoo's Membership Department at (419) 385-5721 and we can call ahead and clear you at the reciprocal zoo's admission gate. Other institutions do not have access to our membership informations and will not call to verfiy if you are a member!

Q:  Does my membership allow free admission to The Lights Before Christmas?
A:  Yes, Single, Individual Plus, Senior Grandparent, Family, Supporting Family and Contributor members receive one free membership visit the Lights Before Christmas and your card will be stamped to mark your visit. Please note that your family members must attend together. President's Circle members receive unlimited Lights admission.

Q:  What if I have lost my membership card?
A:  Replacement membership cards may be purchased for a nominal fee of $5.00 by contacting the Zoo at 419-385-5721, ext. 3081 with your credit card number; by mailing a check to the Zoo with your name, address, and daytime phone number; or at the Membership Sales window located in the Anthony Wayne Trail entry plaza.

Q:  Why do I need to show a second form of identification when I use my Zoo membership card?
A:  As a nonprofit, we depend upon membership and attendance revenue for support.  In order to prevent misuse of Zoo membership benefits, and to protect our members in case their card has been lost or stolen, we ask for a second form of identification.

Q:  Where is free parking available with my Zoo membership?
A:  The Toledo Zoo grants free parking to our members at the Anthony Wayne Trail parking lot. Parking is subject to availability. The parking lot located on Broadway Street across from the Aquarium is owned and operated by the City of Toledo and is not affiliated with The Toledo Zoo.

Q:  Can I bring a guest if I have a Single membership?
A:  You cannot bring a guest if you have a Single membership. If you would like to bring a guest with you each time you visit the Zoo you would need an Individual Plus membership.

Q:  If I renew my membership prior to the expiration date, will I lose time on my membership?
A:  No, you will not lose any time if you renew your membership prior to your expiration date; your membership expiration date will simply be extended for one additional year. As a conservation organization the Zoo encourages members to renew early and to renew online if possible to decrease the need for paper renewal notices to be printed and mailed.

Q:  If I have an Individual Plus membership can I bring a guest with me each time I visit, or just once.
A:  You may bring one guest with you each time you visit.

Q:  If I have a Supporting Family, Contributor or President's Circle membership, can I use my guest privileges for The Lights Before Christmas?
A:  Yes, if you have guest privileges available, they may be used for The Lights Before Christmas.

Q:  Are the guest privileges you receive with the Supporting Family, Contributor and President's Circle memberships to be used throughout the year, or each time you visit?
A:  Supporting Family memberships receive a total of 5 guest privileges to use throughout the year, Contributor members receive a total of 10 and Circle members receive a total of 20. Once these privileges have been used, you cannot continue to bring guests. For example, if you are a Supporting Family member and you bring three guests on your first visit, you would only have two guest privileges remaining. Guest privileges are located on the back of your membership card and are marked off as they are used. The membership card holder must be present in order for a guest privileges to be used.

Q:  If I have a membership at a different zoo, can it be transferred to The Toledo Zoo?
A:  No, the purchase of a zoo membership remains at the host zoo and funds cannot be transferred from one zoo to another.

Q:  If I have a Toledo Zoo membership and I am moving out of town can I get a refund or transfer my membership to another family?
A:  No. Toledo Zoo memberships are not transferable and non-refundable. Due to our extensive reciprocal zoo list you will be able to use your membership at other zoos in your new location for free or reduced admission.