MEMBERSHIP FAQ
Questions about membership? We have answers!
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
We are transitioning to digital membership cards!
Sustainability is a critical part of the zoo's mission and part of that effort is to reduce plastic waste and our carbon footprint. Upon purchase or renewal, you will receive a confirmation email to the primary email address on your record with your digital membership cards. Named adult(s) on the membership can save these digital cards to their Apple Wallet and Google Wallet.
If you already have a physical membership card, you can still use it to enter the zoo as long as your membership is active and at the same level! Upon renewal, visit either entrance to get new expiration date sticker(s)—thank you for extending the life of your plastic cards as we transition to digital membership cards!
Online Accounts are automatically created for current members, and for new members when you join. To access your account, you will need to use the primary email address associated with the membership and the membership ID number (located in your confirmation email and on the back of physical membership cards). Once you're logged in, you can renew your membership; current members can also purchase discounted WildLanterns tickets (discount applied at checkout).
As of October 3, 2022, we only print physical cards upon request. If you require a physical membership card, please contact the membership office at membership@zoo.org or 206.548.2425.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
General Membership Questions
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When is my membership active and when does it expire?
Memberships are active at the time of purchase and expires at the end of the month one year from the date of purchase. You can find the expiration date located in your online account by clicking Member Details or by viewing your digital membership card in you Apple Pay or Google wallet.
Is my membership transferable?
Named adult membership cards are non-transferable and can only be used by the named individual. If you're in need of some flexibility, we recommend adding on a Flexible Guest for $90.
How do I make changes (address change, name changes, adding on people, etc.) on my membership?
Please contact the membership office which is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 206.548.2425 or membership@zoo.org to inquire.
Is a membership tax deductible?
Woodland Park Zoo is a qualified 501(c)(3) Washington state non-profit (tax ID #91-6070005). The tax deductible amount is the amount given, less the fair market value of membership benefits. Woodland Park Zoo determines the benefit of unlimited entry to the zoo to be the full cost of the membership. However, IRS rules allow taxpayers to claim a charitable deduction if the total membership cost is $75.00 or less. Please consult your advisor to determine the potential deductibility of your membership. Corporate membership is eligible for charitable deduction & the deductible amount is the amount given less the fair market value of benefits received.
For more information on tax deductibility, please visit our Giving FAQ page
I’m not receiving emails from the zoo, what do I do?
If you have previously unsubscribed or opted out from receiving emails at the time of your purchase, please email the membership office at membership@zoo.org or contact us at 206.548.2425. In order to receive information on discounted WildLanterns member tickets or the presale for ZooTunes tickets, you must be subscribed to the zoo's emails.
Buying a Membership
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What are my membership options?
Woodland Park Zoo has 4 membership options – Family Passport, Conservation Partner, Annual Pass and Explorer Pass. Please note, that every membership MUST include at least one named adult.
*Memberships are intended for individual and family use and may not be used by schools, daycares, preschools or any other organizations.
What is a Flexible Guest?
The Flexible Guest is an unnamed adult add-on; not a standalone membership. This add-on can be used with or without the named adult present by a different individual each day. Please note, this card DOES NOT allow half-priced guests entry.
What are the benefits that a membership includes?
Can I apply my day admission ticket towards a membership purchase?
Yes! Just have your ticket purchase information handy and call the membership office at (206) 548-2425. You may apply a 1:1 ratio toward the cost of the membership. I.e: One adult daily ticket towards one adult membership. Please note, apply toward is only honored within 30 days of the visit date and receipts are required.
I have a nanny. What’s the best membership for me?
For families/households with nannies, we recommend our popular membership level - the Family Passport. Both, the Family Passport and Conservation Partner memberships come with a Flexible Guest pass. We highly recommend the Flexible Guest pass for covering nannies/sitters, since named adult memberships are not transferable.
I have a promo code, where do I enter it?
When you have reached the “Payment Information” stage of the check-out process, you can enter your promo code under the “Order Summary” box to the right above where your total is. Remember to click “Apply” before you click “Checkout”or the discount will not be applied.
Renewing a Membership
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Can I renew before my current membership expires?
Yes! This will just add a year onto your existing expiration date. You will never be penalized for renewing early.
If I renew after my membership has already expired, what will my new expiration date be?
Memberships are active at the time of purchase and they expire the last day of the month one year from the date of purchase.
Do I need to cover my child who will turn 3 this year on my membership?
Yes. You can either renew your membership early and add the child on or add a child membership for $35 to your account for the remaining period of your membership. We do not prorate memberships.
Gift Membership
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Should I buy a gift membership or a gift card?
Memberships are active at the time of purchase. If you'd like the membership to start at a later date, please purchase a gift card in the amount of a membership. The gift recipient then can purchase their membership at the gate, online or over the phone. It will then be active at the time of that purchase.
Visit our gift card site
Can I renew a gift membership online?
Yes! Always select "Gift " on the membership level you’d like on the main Membership page (link to zoo.org/membership when purchasing a membership online for someone else, even if your purchase is a renewal. We make sure that your gift is attached to your recipient's existing record. If their membership is still active, a full year of membership will be added beyond their current expiration date. If their membership has expired, their new membership will expire on the last of the month one year from the date of purchase.
What information do I need to purchase/renew a gift membership?
You must have the gift recipient's name, address, phone number, and email to purchase a gift membership. Always select "Gift Membership" when purchasing a membership for someone else.
Do I have to create an online account to purchase a gift membership?
No, online accounts are not required to purchase a membership. However, please make sure you have all your gift recipients contact information such as preferred email address and mailing address. If you are unsure of their contact information, we suggest you purchase a gift card that can be redeemed later by the recipient.
How will the gift recipient be notified?
Gift recipients are NOT notified when a gift membership is purchased. It is up to the gift purchaser to notify the recipient. However, if you do purchase a gift membership online, you can share the membership and associated digital membership cards with the recipient using a link in the confirmation email you receive upon purchase.
I have a promo code, where do I enter it?
When you have reached the “Payment Information” stage of the check-out process, you can enter your promo code under the “Order Summary” box to the right above where your total is. Remember to click “Apply” before you click “Checkout” or the discount will not be applied.
Coming to the Zoo
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I purchased a Family Passport/Conservation Partner membership online or over the phone, where do I get my extra benefits?
The extra benefits included in a Family Passport and Conservation Partner membership are located in a benefits package that the member will receive on their first visit at the Membership Desk at either entrance. Only the Conservation Partner benefit package will also include the one-time-use guest passes.
Can a nanny or guest bring my children to the zoo without me?
Yes—only if your membership includes a Flexible Guest and children. If so, then your nanny/guest can show a digital version of your membership card to be scanned at either entrance. If you’re not able to find your digital membership card, the nanny/guest will need to check in at a membership desk to enter the zoo. Or, you are able to book free ticket(s) on our website. These member tickets may only be used in accordance with the benefits of your member level and selected add-ons. Once the ticket is received via email, you may simply forward it to the recipient to present for entry. If your nanny/guest are not covered under the membership, then they will need to purchase a ticket the day of their visit.
Where is the membership desk located?
The membership desk is located at either zoo entrance and is open every day during zoo hours.
What does the animal feeding/experience passes in Family Passport and Conservation Partner cover?
Animal Feeding/Experience passes are seasonally based and can be used for Rhino Encounter, Giraffe Experience or Penguin Feedings. Please visit zoo.org/today to see the updated schedule. Due to capacity restrictions, you will need to redeem your animal experience passes included with your membership at the ticket or membership windows at the zoo entrance. Entry to experience is not guaranteed if passes are not redeemed properly.
Events for Members
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Do members get discounts on zoo events?
The only event in which members receive a discount is Woodland Park Zoo's popular holiday lantern festival, WildLanterns.
Are there any "Member Only" events?
Yes! Zoofari, our annual member appreciation night, is back—and we’re also making it a week-long virtual celebration and one day that week will be member appreciation night at the zoo! For a link to enjoy 2022’s exclusive virtual Zoofari content, please email membership@zoo.org. Additionally, Conservation Partner members are invited to attend two early morning zoo events this summer, these events are announced several weeks in advance.
How do I receive member discounts or ZooTunes pre-sale tickets?
To receive information on the discounted WildLanterns member tickets or the ZooTunes pre-sale tickets when they become available, you must be a current member and have a valid email address on file. You can update your email address on file by emailing membership@zoo.org.
Additionally, you must be subscribed to Woodland Park Zoo's emails. If you unsubscribe at any point, you will not receive emails from the zoo until you re-subscribe by contacting the membership office at membership@zoo.org or 206.548.2425.
All membership purchases are final, and membership cards and associated privileges are non-transferable. Refunds will not be issued for any reason. Memberships start at time of purchase. Your expiration date will be a year from the purchase date, or if you are renewing early, a year will be added to your current expiration date. For the enjoyment of all guests, Woodland Park Zoo may refuse admission, control occupancy, or expel any person whose conduct endangers or disrupts patrons, animals or others.
Contact
Email membership@zoo.org or call us at 206.548.2425.