Zoo hours

Summer hours — May 1 through September 14, the zoo opens at 9:30 a.m. and closes at 6:00 p.m. daily.

Summer Programs
Programs are effective May 24 through June 21, 2003 except as noted. Locations of programs are posted at zoo entries.

African Village Exploration — 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
Explore the seen and often unseen elements of the African Village with zoo staff. See how this exciting exhibit illustrates life in an East African village.

African Village Theater — noon and 1:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday
Share an unforgettable experience of African culture through storytelling.

Animal Contact Experience — 11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (closed Wednesdays).
Touch domestic farm animals and learn more about them in supervised areas at the Family Farm. Subject to cancellation due to weather.

Animal Encounters æ 1:00 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays
Join zoo staff for close-up encounters with a variety of animals.

Attracting Butterflies To Your Garden æ 1:00 p.m. Fridays
Zoo horticulture staff discuss how to attract a variety of beautiful butterflies to your garden.

Bug Moments — 11:00 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays
See and touch an insect, spider or other arthropod up close. Will it be a tarantula, cockroach, or maybe a surprise guest?

Discovery Barn - noon - 3:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Find out how birds use their amazing adaptations for survival through self-directed activities, crafts and a variety of hands-on opportunities for kids. Wing your way into the Discovery Barn and join in on the fun!

Elephant Conservation - 2:00 p.m. daily
Meet an elephant keeper and learn about the challenges facing elephants in Asia and Africa. Discover how Woodland Park Zoo supports elephant conservation in the wild and what you can do to help create a sustainable future for wildlife.

Elephant Updates - 11:45 a.m. daily
Meet an elephant keeper and get an update on our youngest elephant, Hansa. Learn about the new elephant exhibit changes for managing our elephants.

Gorillas — 11:30 a.m. Thursdays starting June 12
Did you know that gorillas are more closely related to humans than they are to orangutans? Meet zoo staff and discover more about the amazing gorillas.

Hippos — 10:30 a.m. Saturdays
Talk with zoo staff and watch as they feed fish to the endangered Humboldt penguins.

Humboldt Penguin Feeding - 11:00 a.m. Fridays
Did you know that gorillas are more closely related to humans than they are to orangutans? Meet zoo staff and discover more about the amazing gorillas.

Lions/African Wild Dogs - 1:30 p.m. Mondays starting June 22
Meet a keeper and learn about these fascinating and highly social African carnivores.

Malayan Tapirs — 11:00 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Is a tapir related to a pig? How do Malayan tapirs dive deep under water to evade predators? Talk to zoo staff and discover more about these highly endangered species.

Ocelot Feeding - 11:30 a.m. Fridays
Watch zoo staff feed live fish to an ocelot and learn how keepers use a variety of feeding techniques to enrich the lives of the zoo’s animals.

Orangutans — 11:00 a.m. Thursdays
In the Malay language, orang means “people” and utan means “forest,” thus orangutan means, “people of the forest.” Meet zoo staff and discover more about these magnificent animals.

Pony Rides - In January 2006, pony rides have been discontinued for an indefinite period until a new pony trail is constructed.

Raptors - 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays
2:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
Keepers will introduce you to our resident raptors. Learn more about these hunters of other birds, mammals and fish. Subject to cancellation due to weather.

Snow Leopards — 10:30 a.m. Fridays beginning June 13
1:30 p.m. Sundays and Tuesdays beginning June 8
Did you know that snow leopards can spring on prey up to 50 feet away? Meet zoo staff and learn other interesting facts about these shy, nocturnal and virtually unknown animals.

Spin on Spiders æ 1:00 p.m. Fridays and Sundays
Here’s a chance for kids to pretend to be spiders and their prey, while learning the valuable role these amazing creatures play in the “web” of life. Meet several live spiders and touch one if you’d like!

Tigers - 1:00 p.m. Wednesdays 1:30 p.m. Sundays
Did you know that tigers are only successful 10% of the time while hunting? Meet zoo staff and learn more about these fantastic felines.

Wolves - 2:00 p.m. Sundays
Talk with the wolf keeper and discover what it’s like to work with and take care of the zoo’s wolves.

More Fun

Habitat Ramblers: Look for the "Ask Me" button
Be on the lookout for a Habitat Rambler wearing an “Ask Me” button. With a variety of animal props and enrichment items used by keepers, volunteer Habitat Ramblers provide information about bioclimatic zones, animal enrichment activities and conservation efforts.

Reptiles on Wheels/Bugs on Wheels
While visiting the zoo, look for special carts with banners titled Reptiles on Wheels or Bugs on Wheels. Stop by and see strange and beautiful reptiles or bugs up close.

Zoo Overnight and Evening Adventures (fee based)
The roar of a lion, the thump of a…Hey! What was that? Come find out during a Zoo Overnight or Evening Adventure! Meet a zookeeper, enjoy hands-on encounters with amazing creatures and prowl the zoo grounds. Pick up a flyer at the Education Center or call 206.684.4841 for reservations. Information and registrations are also available on our Web site in the Classes and Camps section.

Bug Club (fee based)
Do you think crickets are cool and ants are outrageous? Then join bug club! Bug Club is for children 5 years and older who love bugs! Bug Club meets one Sunday per month. For information or an application call 206.684.4841 or see the Bug Club section of the zoo's Web site.

Classes and Camps (fee based)
A wide variety of classes for children, families and adults are offered on weekends throughout the year. From Early Bird Zoo Tours that take you behind the scenes with a keeper to Evening Story Safaris for preschoolers to Photography at the zoo for adults and teens…there are many exciting opportunities for individuals or the whole family! Zooper Day Camps, for children ages 4-13 are offered during vacations throughout the year. For information or an application call 206.684.4841 or see the Classes and Camps section of the zoo's Web site.

Spring and Summer Events

Mom & Me at the Zoo — 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., May 10
Back for its 13th year, moms and families enjoy live music, face painting, games, discovery boxes, live music, inflatables and more in the zoo’s North Meadow. Beginning in April, admission packages can be purchased at any Western Washington Bon Marche¢ Kidsworld Department. Each package includes zoo admission, event T-shirt and activities. Proceeds benefit the zoo. For information, call 206.684.4800.

Mother's Day Champagne Brunch — 9:30 - 11:00 a.m., May 11
Surprise mom with a lovely brunch and wild zoo visit. Begin her day at the zoo’s Rain Forest Food Pavilion sipping champagne and nibbling on a delightful brunch. The spread will feature fruits, pastries, an omelet station, cheese and berry blintzes, potatoes, breakfast meats, a dessert buffet, a special flower for every mom, and an up-close encounter with one of the zoo’s magnificent raptors. Advance reservations and pre-payment required. Cost: In addition to tax and gratuity, $19.95 per adult, $10.95 per child 3-10. Kids under 3 are free. Cost does not include zoo admission or parking. Call 206-684-4825 for prices and reservations..

Butterflies & Blooms Reopening - May 16 through September 30, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. daily
Back for its sixth year, this serene experience treats visitors to a vibrant display of nearly 1,000 free-flying butterflies representing at least 35 North American species, a colorful explosion of flowering plants in bloom and an outdoor conservation garden. Cost: $1.00 in addition to zoo admission; free for kids 2 and under.

Festival for the Birds — May 17
In celebration of International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD), Woodland Park Zoo presents Festival for the Birds, a tribute to the world’s migratory bird species. Sit back and enjoy music while sipping a cup of shade-grown coffee. Flock to the variety of activities and bird demonstrations designed to help you to rediscover some of the wildlife in your own back yard. Activities are free with zoo admission. For more informationcall 206-684-4800.

Celebrating Wildflowers - June 7
Woodland Park Zoo and The Washington Rare Plant Care and Conservation Program are teaming up to bring you “Celebrating Wildflowers,” an event that promotes conservation and enjoyment of native plants in their native habitats and in national forests. The event includes information about rare wildflowers, and games and activities for all ages. For more information about Celebrating Wildflowers call Laura Zybas at 206-616-0780 or email rarecare@u.washington.edu.

General Information

Hours: Zoo opens at 9:30 a.m. daily, 365 days of the year. Closing times vary: 5:00 p.m. March 15 through April 30; 6:00 p.m. May 1 through September 14; 5:00 p.m. September 15 through October 14; 4:00 p.m. October 15 through March 14.

Zoo admission: Adult (18-64) $10.00; Senior (65+) and Student with ID $9.25; Youth (6-17) and Disabled $7.50; Preschool (3-5) $5.25; Toddler (0-2) Free. King County residents: Adult (18-64) $9.00; Senior (65+) and Student with ID $8.25; Youth (6-17) and Disabled $6.75; Preschool (3-5) $4.75; Toddler (0-2) Free. Zoo members receive free zoo admission year-round.

Parking: $3.50. Parking is limited. Please call Metro at 206-553-3000 for bus service to the zoo.

Info: For more information and how to become a zoo member, call 206-684-4800 or 684-4026 (TTY), or visit the zoo’s Web site at www.zoo.org.