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Zoo Policies

The Toledo Zoo is a family-friendly oriented facility. Proper attire is required. Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times, except in areas such as the Splash Pad and the Nature’s Neighborhood stream.


Items prohibited on Zoo grounds

  • Weapons*
  • Coolers
  • Profanity
  • Obscene gestures
  • Clothing with obscene statements on it
  • Inflatable adult costumes & furry costumes - see below for more details
  • Costumes that conceal identity - see below for more details
  • Soliciting
  • Grills
  • Laser pointers
  • Outside food and drinks**
  • Balloons
  • Roller skates/heelys/skateboards
  • Hoverboards
  • Drones
  • Scooters/bikes
  • Pets***

The Toledo Zoo reserves the right to refuse admission to anyone who refuses to comply with this dress code.

Toledo Zoo is a smoke-free facility.


* Guests undergo a non-contact security screening and visual bag inspection upon entering the Zoo.
** Medically necessary food items and baby formula are allowed on Zoo grounds.

*** The Toledo Zoo welcomes service animals and complies with ADA Title III Regulations.

 

Costume protocol

The Toledo Zoo and Aquarium is a family destination; creative costumes are encouraged and should be in good taste. While we encourage creativity, we also value safety and good judgment.

The following guidelines are to ensure the safety of guests and our animal collection.

  • Adults are prohibited from wearing costumes unless accompanied by guests under 14 years of age.

  • Inflatable adult costumes and Furry costumes are prohibited as they can frighten animals and obstruct pathways

  • Adults are prohibited from wearing facial covers and masks.

  • Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable, or violent, which includes obscene language or graphics.

  • Costumes may not contain any weapons that resemble or could be mistaken for an actual weapon, including toy swords, knives, guns, etc.

  • Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects, or material that could strike another guest.

  • Guests who dress like characters may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other guests.

The Toledo Zoo reserves the right to deny admission to or remove any person wearing attire deemed inappropriate, or that could detract from the experience of other guests.

Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into the Zoo unless their costume can be modified to meet the above standards.