The Zoo's Open! Following guidelines set by the State and County, we have made significant changes to our daily operations to protect the health and safety of our guests, employees, and animals. Please read info below before you buy tickets.
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The Zoo is Open! Advance tickets required.

HOURS: The Zoo is open daily (rain or shine) 9:30 AM – 5 PM, and 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas.
Limited capacity: reserve your tickets today!

Online tickets purchased in advance are currently required for ALL guests, including Santa Barbara Zoo Members (member tickets are free of charge). To ensure adequate social distancing between guests, attendance is capped each day to limit the total number of guests in the Zoo at one time. No tickets required for children under 2.
Please read below for more information on our operational changes due to COVID-19.

Buy/Reserve Tickets

General Admission TicketSBZ Member ticket

Not a Santa Barbara Zoo member? Join today!

Safety
Measures
Detailed
Information
Frequently Asked Questions

Safety Measures

  • Limiting daily attendance 
  • Closing some high-touch areas including Eeeww!
  • Requiring face masks for all Zoo staff and guests (ages 3+)
  • Increasing sanitation procedures
  • Adding more hand sanitizer stations throughout the Zoo
  • Adding social distancing reminders around the Zoo
  • Limiting contact during transactions by only accepting credit/debit cards

Advance Ticketing

Online tickets are required for all guests and Zoo members during this time. During the initial reopening phase, the Zoo will operate with limited capacity in order to ensure adequate social distancing between guests.

Pick a day and time to visit, and you will receive an electronic ticket that can be scanned by one of our team members when you arrive.

Some Areas are Closed

Guests will not have access to indoor animal and high-touch areas of the Zoo. The Wings of Asia, Tropical Aviary, Eeeww!, Rattlesnake Canyon, Discovery Pavilion, barnyard, and Kallman Children’s Play area will remain temporarily closed. All keeper talks and stage shows are also unavailable until further notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are advance tickets required?

  • Advance tickets are required for both Santa Barbara Zoo Members and non-members. Member tickets are free of charge.
  • General admission and membership reservations are limited each day. First come, first served.
  • Purchases are limited to 6 tickets.
  • Members will need their photo ID and reservation confirmation.
  • Bring your reservation confirmation (printed or on phone) to check in.
  • Guests must arrive at their reserved time slot to ensure capacity is not exceeded. The final time slot is 4 PM.

Is a face mask required to visit the Zoo?

updated 7/14/20: All guests (ages 3+) are required to wear a mask while on Zoo grounds, at all times. Exceptions apply only as mandated by the State of California Department of Public Health.

Is the Zoo Train running?

The Zoo Train will be running on a modified basis. Reserved tickets are required and can be purchased here. 

I have a membership at a different zoo/aquarium. Can I use the reciprocal discount?

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are currently unable to honor any admission discounts at this time, including free or discounted reciprocal membership from other zoos and aquariums.

Can I use a coupon/other discount on my ticket purchase?

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are currently unable to honor any admission discounts at this time.

Can I buy food and/or souvenirs at the Zoo?

Multiple food and beverage locations will be available along the path (try our new online ordering!) with limited food options. All food and beverage locations are credit card only.

Can I rent strollers/wheelchairs?

Yes. Stroller rentals are $7-9 and wheelchair rentals are $7 (SBZ members get $1 off). Available at the Zoo Gift Shop in the courtyard.

Can I still see all of the animals?

While some exhibits and attractions may be closed, guests will still see many of their favorite animals, including leopards, penguins, and giraffes!

Can I book a birthday party or private event?

Group gatherings have not yet been permitted as per County and State regulations. We are tentatively booking events on a case-by-case basis. Please email the Events department for more information.

Can I book a wedding for 2021?

Yes, please contact Events by Rincon, the Zoo’s exclusive catering partner, for more information.

Member Questions

I'm a member, do I still need a reservation?

Yes, all Santa Barbara Zoo Members require a timed ticket and will need to show their photo ID and reservation confirmation. If you have questions, please contact our membership team.

Can reservations be canceled/changed?

Please contact member services so we can update your reservation. 

Do I need to make a reservation for kids under 2 years old?

No, guests under 2 years old do not need a reservation.

Help! I am having trouble logging in/making my online reservations, what do I do?

Oh no! We are so sorry you are having trouble, our reservation system can be tricky to navigate. Please contact member services for support.

How can I redeem a membership gift certificate?

If you’d like to redeem a gift certificate for SB Zoo membership, please contact the membership team by phone (805) 679-8479 or email.