Frequently asked questions
Important information!
We're building the Zoo of the Future. Please note our construction site information and our notes on temporary restrictions.
Answers and links to further information on frequently asked questions related to Zoo Zurich.
Do you have any other questions or comments? Please get in touch.
Is Zoo Zurich open on public holidays?
Yes. Zoo Zurich is open 365 days a year.
Are parking lots available at Zoo Zurich? What do they cost? How long can I park?
Zoo Zurich hihgly recommends using public transport to get to the zoo. A limited number of metered parking lots belonging to the City of Zurich are available for cars. If all parking lots are occupied, visitors need to use external parking lots.
Parking rates: Monday to Saturday, CHF 0.50/hour, Sundays and public holidays, CHF 2.00/hour. Maximum parking duration: Monday to Saturday 6 hours, Sundays and public holidays 8 hours.
How do I best get to Zoo Zurich using public transport?
There are many bus and tram connections from Zurich city and Stettbach:
Do non-guided groups need to register?
Yes, from a group size of ten people. Groups and schools of ten or more are kindly asked to register here:
Is there a discount for recipients of OASI (pensioners)?
Yes. Every Monday (except public holidays) there is a special price of CHF 22 for persons over 64 years.
Is there a discount for students?
Yes. Every Monday (except public holidays) there is a special price of CFH 22 for students (21–29 years).
Who can be included in an annual family ticket? How many people can be included?
An annual family ticket to Zoo Zurich covers ...
- parents with their own children (6–15);
- grandparents with their own grandchildren (6–15) from one family;
- life partners living in the same household.
Can I buy gift vouchers for Zoo Zurich?
Yes. You can buy gift vouchers online (credit card), by telephone 044 254 25 43 or email (invoice with a deposit slip). Shipping costs CHF 5.
Are dogs allowed at Zoo Zurich?
No. Dogs and other pets are not allowed in Zoo Zurich.
Exception: guide dogs for blind people and assistance dogs for people with motor disabilities are allowed in Zoo Zurich. The Saimiri Island in the Pantanal area and the walk-in outdoor Australia facilities, however, are excluded from admission. No dogs whatsoever may enter there.
Are riding devices such as kickboards & co. allowed in the zoo?
No. Bicycles, running bikes, kickboards, roller boards, roller skates, inline skates, scooters etc. are not allowed in Zoo Zurich. There is an unguarded parking area in front of the main entrance for the equipment. If you nevertheless wish to park them in a locked room, we charge a parking fee of CHF 5 per piece of equipment.
Are you allowed to eat in the animal houses?
Yes, with the exception of the Masoala Rainforest. We also ask you to refrain from bringing your own food into the restaurants.
Are there barbecue places at Zoo Zurich?
No. For safety reasons, there are no fireplaces on the premises of the zoo. Several fireplaces are freely available, however, in the adjacent forest on Zürichberg.
All picnic spots and playgrounds at Zoo Zurich are marked on the zoo map.
What do I do if I have lost something at Zoo Zurich?
Contact the visitors’ center near the main entrance (044 254 25 43) or register the lost item in our online Lost & Found.
Are lockers available at Zoo Zurich?
Yes. They are located near the main entrance and at Masoala Rainforest.
Are there ATMs at Zoo Zurich?
Not on the zoo premises themselves. However, an ATM operated by ZKB can be found immediately below the main entrance.
Does Zoo Zurich have Wi-Fi?
Yes. Wie offer free Wi-Fi to our visitors at the main entrance and in Kaeng Krachan Elephant Park.
Is there a mobile phone charging station at Zoo Zurich?
Yes. It is located at Restaurant Pantanal. Use at your own risk; Zoo Zurich does not assume any liability.
Is there a discount for entrance exclusively to Masoala Rainforest?
No. The Masoala Rainforest is an integral feature of Zoo Zurich.
Why are the adventure paths in the Masoala Rainforest closed off?
The adventure paths can only be entered accompanied by a tour guide. This is for safety reasons, to ensure that the animals get sufficient rest and to protect the sensitive flora.
Are there individual guided tours of the Masoala Rainforest?
The volunteers team of Zoo Zurich, FTZ, offers guided tours free of charge on the adventure paths every Saturday between 10.30 and 11.30 am. No prior registration required.
We also offer a variety of public guided tours and group tours at Masoala Rainforest.
Is Masoala Rainforest accessible to walking-impaired people?
Yes. The main paths of Masoala Rainforest are paved with tarmac and accessible to wheelchairs.
Is it possible to sponsor an animal? How will my money be used?
Yes, you may sponsor an animal. Your sponsorship will cover food and care for your sponsored animal for one year.
Are there other types of sponsorship available?
Yes. Besides the animal sponsorship program, you can also sponsor plants.
Can I become a Zoo Zurich shareholder?
Yes. The Zoo Zurich Foundation sells registered shares with a value of CHF 200 each (face value CHF 50). You can personally become a shareholder or gift shares to somebody else.
Please also refer to our visitor rules for further information.
